By March, 2022, I had lived in Okayama, Japan for almost four years. My days were repetitive in that I woke up, went to work teaching elementary schoolers, and came home. In the evenings I would see my friends, write, or watch Netflix.
It was an easy, comfortable life, but my traveler's heart was restless. Pre-pandemic I would spend my work holidays country hopping and exploring all the different hostels the world had to offer.
However, I have not been able to leave Japan in almost two and a half years by this point. As much as I love my friends, home, and job, I was itching for something new.
So, when I received an email from my company that I would be receiving almost two months off for spring vacation, my mind immediately went into panic mode. Two months? What could I do for two months?
The universe had a funny way of answering.
Worldpackers is a type of travel platform where hosts open positions. The types of work range from childcare, farmwork, hospitality work, campground maintenance, etc. There is a general agreement between hosts and volunteers - “Worldpackers” - that someone will volunteer for a number of hours a day or week and in turn receive free lodging or food.
It is the ideal platform to meet people, learn new cultures and languages, and experience the true heart and soul of a new country.
It was a Monday afternoon in the shokuinshitsu (staff room) when I decided to create my Workaway account. The platform was something I had heard multiple people across the world talk about. I met a girl in Italy who worked as an Au Pair, a French couple working on a small farm in the Japanese countryside, and a Van Lifer using the site to travel across North America.
Traveling the world and working in hostels was something that had been in the back of my mind for a long time. So, when I saw The Evergreen Hostel in Hiroshima City looking for a volunteer, I jumped at the chance.
Hazuki, the effervescent owner, responded to me immediately. After asking some questions and confirming volunteer schedules, I was approved to volunteer.
March, 13th, at 5pm I arrived at the hostel.
Soon after, I settled into a routine.
The volunteering was exactly as described.
I was an evening reception volunteer and took care of basic housekeeping.
Average shift: about 5-6 hours.
During the evenings I welcomed guests from around the world and chatted with them. In the communal kitchen, we shared food and stories. Sometimes, after my shift, we would go out together!
I explored the historical Hiroshima Peace Park, picnicked under the cherry blossoms, and started writing again.
Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden took my breath away.
I went to cafes, hiked up a mountain to the free Manga Library, and took in the panoramic view of the city below me. I also spent hours in arcades!
Then, every day as my adventures wound down, I came back to Hazuki’s bright “Okaeri!”s.
I work online as an ESL teacher. While a super common job for travelers, it comes with its own type of challenges. Lessons require a certain type of quiet, peaceful environment.
I needed a place where no one would walk behind my camera or be too loud and disrupt my class. I also needed a place where I wouldn’t be a bother to anyone during my classes.
The Evergreen Hostel proudly states that it is not a party hostel and has a strict quiet policy. That means that there’s a serene atmosphere that is perfect to teach lessons with. I had to get creative with a few of my lesson spaces though. Here’re some of my favorites!
I was able to work anywhere in the hostel.
On my last day in Hiroshima I took a walk to the Peace Park. I wanted to return to the first place I came and reflect on my experience.
I was sitting under a cherry tree. The petals had fallen, and striking green leaves now gave me shade.
The wind was balmy and the sun high. There were tour groups walking around me and a woman singing off in the distance. Children were playing. The city was alive.
When I first arrived in Hiroshima the trees were still largely bare, still fighting against the last of the winter chill. Now, things have come to life. The entire Peace Park was canopied in lush verdure.
Hiroshima, just like myself, had become Evergreen.
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