In a tranquil land, where the sky, rain, and flocks of ducks are our companions, yet surprisingly close to the city with a free train running through it, our decision was swift. We contacted NooJo Art and Farm through Airbnb.
A place where relationships serve as fences, and self-sufficiency guides their way of life.
Tomorrow morning, we'll pack our bags and rush to catch the free train to pursue our dream life. Follow me on 6 August Journey as we raise ducks amidst nature near the capital.
This is our first time taking the train at Hua Lamphong Station. We were a little nervous not knowing where to get the free tickets. We figured that the less crowded carriages were likely to be the ones selling free tickets, as they wouldn't need to waste time making change. And to our delight, we managed to snag some free tickets.
In reality, it wasn't difficult at all. 55+ Then we went to catch a train to Hua Hin, but we got off at Pak Tho.
The charm of riding a train is unlike riding a car. We get to sit and look at strangers all the way. It's also a good opportunity to talk to other people.
What we like the most is the 10-baht noodle wrap.
The journey was filled with sights and sounds, with vendors lining the streets and the scenery flashing by our windows. Time seemed to fly by, and before we knew it, three hours had passed.
We arrived at Pak Tho Station, a quiet station with minimal commercial activity. It was a far cry from the bustling stations we were accustomed to. The only establishment in sight was a humble noodle shop. We sent a message to NooJo Art and Farm informing them of our arrival.
Shortly after, a stranger approached us and offered us a ride.
His name is Brother Joe, the origin of the name of this art and farm. We arrived at this land in 5 minutes.
Upon parking the car, we were greeted by a pack of peculiar-looking dogs. While we felt a tinge of fear, we heard Ms. Nu's reassuring voice saying, "Don't worry, they're not aggressive. They're just welcoming you."
The first dog we remember by name, due to its warm welcome, was Tamago.
Being alone, I have no companions except for dogs, ducks, and chickens.
We may feel a little lost at times, but this place is a natural sanctuary, a haven of tranquility. It's the perfect escape from the social media world, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature that unfolds before us.
Tonight, our bed is a birdhouse, nestled amidst the trees, offering a unique and unforgettable experience.
Along the way, there were villagers who came to see us off and stayed to watch over us. The beds were simple mats and pillows, but the floor beneath the mats was soft.
After we had packed our belongings, we went down to explore the area. The wind blew continuously, accompanied by the natural beauty of the riverside. Most importantly, there was a hammock tied up, which looked very inviting.
I accidentally fell asleep in the hammock, the gentle breeze lulling me into a light slumber.
I woke up with a start from my nap because of the sound of the ducks. They were quacking in unison and walking in a line, which was quite amusing.
Following the sound of chopping, I found Brother Mouse diligently chopping vegetables with both hands, accompanied by his playful dogs.
Brother Mouse was preparing duck feed.
A variety of vegetables are combined to create a nutritious diet for the ducks and chickens, ensuring their optimal health. This natural, 100% organic feed contributes to the daily egg production of these birds.
In reality, we also want to find something to do, to help our seniors. But the truth is, we don't know how to do anything. We can only walk around. We can't wait to collect duck eggs because it's not the right time. We have to wait until later in the morning.
So, P'Jo suggested that we try rowing a boat.
Can you swim? If not, there are life jackets available. Do you know how to row? I'm not sure, but I think it wouldn't be too difficult. Can you swim? Well, I haven't swum in a long time. Oh well, life!
As we rowed, two groups of ducks appeared. One group swam alongside us, while the other followed their own path. They were very vocal, rarely falling silent, but their calls were a natural part of the soundscape.
Do you see the earthen pavilion jutting out over the water?
The inviting atmosphere made us want to sit down and relax. We took the opportunity to get to know the dogs better. We learned that their names were Kumamon and Muji, both of which are Japanese names. This made us wonder...
The question arose as to why all five dogs had Japanese names. It turned out that it was because the owner, P'Noo, had previously lived in Japan as a WWOOFer.
We were familiar with Work and Travel, but this was another interesting option.
Meanwhile, my colleagues were busy working on their projects, both household chores and crafts. I was exhausted, having stayed late at the office almost every day for the past week. I couldn't take the city life anymore, haha. Then, I noticed a cute little coffee stand.
Coffee lovers will appreciate the freshly brewed coffee available here. During our midday break, we decided to relax in the earthen house (a pavilion extending into the water). Inside, we were greeted by a distinctly Japanese atmosphere, evident in the seating, floor, and tables.
This includes wooden toys that allow us to sit and play, while we also review other poses amidst nature.
The review was written in a calm and comfortable manner, and my mind felt very clear. After a while, we saw P'Nu start to cook in the kitchen, so we wanted to go and watch. Normally, we only have to eat because our mother cooks for us, but when we came here, we wanted to try helping out.
This place still cooks with firewood.
Firewood is not charcoal. If we were to build a fire with firewood, we don't know when we would be able to eat. So I wonder how you were able to do it, and you are even so skilled that you can control the fire. That's amazing.
Today's menu is something we're really excited about. To be honest, we've been craving fresh vegetables, chili paste, and fried eggs from the mountaintop we visited last month. Since returning to Bangkok, we haven't been able to find fresh vegetables. But tonight's menu has lifted our spirits.
Boiled mixed vegetables, chili paste with fish sauce, fresh vegetables, and fried duck eggs.
We can only help by picking chili peppers from the plant and cracking eggs. The rest will be handled by Ms. Nu.
The joy of living this way is clearly evident in the faces and eyes of the two siblings. As they open their home as Airbnb hosts, they meet many fascinating people.
One of them is a hotel chef who cooks national dishes for them.
To experience this level of skill, one must spend thousands of dollars. However, my brother and I get to enjoy it almost every day when we open the house to welcome guests. As we chat, the day turns to night.
Tonight, I had the pleasure of savoring the meticulously prepared dishes of my neighbors. The meal was exceptional, and I am confident that if we continue to eat this way, our health will undoubtedly improve. During our evening conversation, I learned about the extraordinary experiences of my neighbors, and one particular phrase resonated with me: "We use the relationships of our neighbors as a fence for our homes."
What good is a fence if the hearts of those around us are filled with malice? This highlights the stark contrast between urban and rural communities.
As we approached NooJo Art and Farm, Joe rolled down the window to chat with a neighbor who inquired about his well-being. This is a sight rarely seen in urban environments, where city dwellers often live next door to each other without even knowing each other's names.
In the vastness of the city, why do our hearts feel so empty? Why not look up and talk to one another?
The enchanting atmosphere of this evening spent amidst nature has completely captivated us.
We woke up to a drizzly day. In truth, we wanted to wake up to see the sun, but it was raining and the weather was cold, making us not want to get out of bed.
However, the view from our window made us cry.
Delighted to see you rested, I took a walk downstairs as a light drizzle began, hoping to assist the two of you in preparing breakfast.
We arrived at the kitchen and found Big Nu kneading dough, along with another dog that was tied up. Big Nu said that if they were all let loose, they would be too naughty, so one had to be restrained to prevent mischief. We then wondered why we had to make our own bread. Big Nu said that it was difficult to find good bread to eat because we were far from shops, so it was better to make it ourselves.
The preparation of these doughs requires a significant amount of time, starting early in the morning. Notably, the resulting product is highly palatable.
On Joe's side, he was picking vegetables in the plot. This morning's menu is spinach salad, which we've never really seen what it looks like. Because Popeye eats it in a ready-made can.
Well, at least I know one more spinach. 55+
I would like to help my brother with his work, but it seems like I would be adding more work to his plate. I saw that Joe was aiming for a high target.
This morning's breakfast was delicious and very filling, even though I didn't think it would be. But Joe and Nu told me that no one has ever left hungry after eating breakfast here.
Caesar salad with spinach, fried egg, bread by Nu, and a glass of fresh milk.
Unbelievable but true, I'm so full!
We sat down to eat amidst the drizzle. The dogs ran to take shelter from the rain in the farm's warehouse. The atmosphere made us not want to wake up, and we had to postpone the activities we wanted to do.
The activity of collecting duck eggs in the morning.
The duck's eggs haven't been released yet because of the rain. We peeked inside and saw that it was full of eggs.
The rain continued to drizzle throughout the day. The next train back wasn't until 3 pm, and we didn't want to wait that long. My friend suggested taking a van nearby, which was only a 5-minute drive away. She kindly drove us there.
This place teaches us to appreciate the meaning and value of what is right in front of us.
One thing that resonated with me during our last conversation before you left was the realization that we should immerse ourselves in the beauty and value of what is right in front of us, rather than simply taking photos and posting them on social media to prove we were there.
6 August Journey
Friday, October 4, 2024 3:12 PM