Homestay in Rifu -- part one

A couple of weekends ago Gareth and I headed north to the delightfully named Rifu Town to take part in a homestay. We chose to be placed in Rifu for two reasons -- firstly it reminded us of sweet sweet summer times in Reefton; secondly it is the home of nashi pears and we were promised picking time.

It takes about an hour to get to Rifu and on the way we were treated to a tour of Miyagi Stadium, famous for its employment in the 2002 Football World Cup.

It smelled like a new sportswear shop. It was immaculate and beautiful, decisive and primary bright colour exciting.



We were not allowed to touch the grass,


but we could run on the track,


and be part of the team! rah!

To be continued...