It has been more than a week since I left Daimon-san and the rest of the brewers at Mukune. After japan I went straight to Beijing to discover another amazing country. Now I am back in Vegas, back in the grind. Everyone asks me about my trip… ‘How was it?”, “Did you drink a lot of sake?” and at that moment I always stop and think… how can I describe the magical time that we all shared at Mukune? How can I explain how much I learned about sake… working hard, hands on in the brewery every day? How can I explain how much I learned about the culture… living amongst all the locals, sharing their walks on the streets and the local supermarkets? When thinking of the generosity of Daimon-san and all his staff, the way he welcomed strangers to his kura with open arms and, above all, an open heart…. I realize that there are no words. I am still amazed of the whole week and although it is nice to be back in the comforts of home, I really do miss it! And I think that is what brought all six of us there from all over the country, we all agreed that with something as technical and precise as sake, there really is no other way to grasp it besides to make the trek that we did and actually make it yourself. I know that I am blessed to have been able to experience it. I know for certainty that it has changed me and that my life will take a different path because of this internship. I am sad to be away from the great company of everyone…some of the most inspiring, charismatic, and adventurous people I have ever met. I truly hope that all of our paths will cross again in the future. 1 year until Italy!??
To Daimon-san… Thank you for letting us all into your world. Thank you for staying up late every night to entertain us, for taking us to that ONE last bar, karaoke, or late night noodles, and still being the first one up the next morning (How do you do it??!) But above all, thank you for teaching me more about a true passion of mine, you have truly inspired and motivated me to take it to the next level…and to follow my dreams.
