Konichiwa (Hello in Japanese)
As some of you may know Tree Climbing Japan has a strong and respectful treeclimbing community and for them to have an exhibit at the 2005 World Fair is not of much surprise, that was until I arrived in Seto Japan and got to experience it first hand.
I had been traveling the USA for the past 2 months (on a move from Ga. to Oregon) teaching and climbing with some wonderful folks and learning the whole way. I had an awesome climb in a virgin forest in New Jersey where Einstein use to go for deep thought. Another was a magical climb on the "Climbing Hill" located just minutes away from New Tribe in Oregon and other countless but beautiful climbs between the 2 coasts.
But, upon my arrival in Oregon, I got a message from John Gathright (Founder of TCJ) that Tree Climbing at the World Expo is becoming a hugh success and it would be worth my time to come experience it first hand along with the opportunity to help facilitate tree climbing at the "Growing Village".
36 hours later I was on a flight to Nagoya Japan. After a 12hr flight, 1hour train ride, and a 1 hour subway experience I arrived at the Kozoji station to big hugs and warm welcomes from John and his family. After many bows and smiles we headed off to the Miso Barrell Tree House (Johns home in the mtns. of Seto Japan) to swap stories about the past years climbing experiences and where we saw tree climbing in the future.
We talked business and how to improve our tree climbing programs and the international climbing scene but during our long talk and longer laughters I found myself drifting into a somber cloud of jetlag. It was time to hit the tatami mats and go to sleep. I was awoken thru out the night to the sounds of flying foxes and wild boars running around just ouside the walls of my Miso Barrell or perhaps it was the sound of Tengus sword fighting on the roof. Either way I was in Japan and was excitied to see what tomorrow would bring.
The next morning I awoke to a bowl of miso soup, rice and some eggs which sure does beat any waffle house food (for you tcc readers) After breakfast I headed off to the EXPO with 2 of the Japanese Tree Climbing facilitators - Chicaka and Anason. When I arrived at the climbing site there was another facilitator busy placing ropes in the 2 trees for the day climb. 2 treeboats were strung up between the trees and there were about 6 ropes in each tree. For the sake and respect for the trees there would only be 24 climbers allowed to climb per day (every 3rd day the trees were allowed to rest and no climbing would be allowed). Some of the branches were covered in burlap to lessen the impact of the tabi toes jumping around. The first group of 8 climbers ranging from 7yrs old to 50 yrs old showed up at 11am. After an introduction from each other and a brief intro on climbing we did some some stretching excerises that even Richard Simmons couldn't top.
Now it was time for the new climbers to learn their safety knots. I now believe
that perhaps it is easier to teach knots by doing and showing instead of explaining how to tie one, these guys caught on fast.
Chicaka led the climb and she did a wonderful job of teaching all the rules and showing everyone the ropes.
Even though I couldn't understand the language I got a great grasp on their heart. These facilitators are world class! Now it was my turn to help, I got up into one of the trees and it was my job to help get folks into and out of the treeboats (no Japanese language necessary, just smile and point) what a thrill it was to be working with the public on the other side of the world. It just proved to me that tree climbing is truly a magical experience that knows no boundries - in the past I've worked with and taught professionals world wide but never with another countrys average "joe" I was welcomed by all and I was in awe by the welcoming.
Several photos and a few hours later the climb was done for the day. I was exhausted and this was only day 1. For the next 8 days I would be repeating this wonderful experience along with making some new great friends and sharing tremendous experiences.
Even though I am now back in Oregon I know that our tree climbing roots reach and support each other worldwide, like a healthy forest. No matter where in this world if a child is climbing a tree a smile is sure to follow.
For more information on what John and the TCJ gang are up to at the World Expo you can check out his web site
http://www-1.expo2005.or.jp/en/venue/experience04.html
I will be posting some pictures soon of my experience with the Growing Village and with my new climbing friends.
A special Arigato to Kana 1 for helping me with the Japanese langauge and taking time out to show me around. (Its Aka not Baka)
Domo Arigato
Keep-Balance
Tim 'tengu' Kovar
