Chiiori

I haven't had much time to write, but as I was asked to write something for the school website, I will post the same thing here in reference to part of the amazing field trip we took. Chiiori is a 300 year old farm house that has been turned into a place where people can come visit and stay there and experience the life there by joining in with the work and life at Chiiori and in Iya Village on Shikoku Island.

---------
The Chiiori experience touched my heart and mind in a way that I will remember all my life. I love nature and beauty, anyway, so I expected to like it there, but the whole place feels as if many of the people who have lived or visited there through the years have had a deep and abounding connection with the universe via that amazing vista. The building, itself, with its construction in such a fabulous spot and with such natural materials, speaks of those who love the land, love the mountains, love the mist and sky and do not mind making sacrifices to be in that place to experience it. Certain places draw me to them with the feeling I get from the energy of the universe that exists such as ocean beaches with waves crashing against the rocks and waterfalls raining down in playful joy, whether natural or man-made. Chiiori, to me, had this kind of vibrant energy of the universe that pulls at my heart and makes me want to visit again, bringing family and friends to share in the delight and joy with me.

Taiko Drum Concert: Kodo...Wow!!!

So this last weekend, as a school, we attended a Taiko concert.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiko

Not just any concert...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kodo_(taiko_group)

http://www.kodo.or.jp/news/index_en.html


Kodo gives an amazing show! The drums, themselves, stand out with their beauty and craftsmanship. The performers' costumes look great, from the fully clothed to the barely covered. The players exude power as they play drums and instruments ranging from finger-sized symbols to an enormous drum brought onto stage on a parade float-size cart. The aural-visual feast manifests in everything they do from lighting affects, to an extreme range of dynamics, to a variety of sounds and pitches on various drums with various sticks, to the amazing fitness and strength of the players, themselves. The stage not only vibrates from the sound, but from the brilliance of the performers and the enthusiasm and vitality and love they show for what they do. I could feel the joy and excitement they have for their work and play.

I really wanted to take photos, but of course not during the concert (I mean...I still WANTED to do it!) I was hoping to get some afterwards, but it didn't end up being possible. I do plan to buy their DVD when I get back to the US, though nothing can beat actually being there watching them perform. I highly recommend it!