A Love Spoon　　　      Fumako Fujii   01/02/2005

 

The Christmas card which I received from a couple in Wales last December reminded me of pleasant memories. Early autumn in 2003, my sister and I took a trip to Eastern Europe. It was an eight-day tour organized by an English tour company. The coach left Munich and came back to the starting point after having visited Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Salzburg and so on.

There were about 40 passengers from different countries in the world. Only my sister and I were Japanese. Our tour conductor spoke in English too fast to follow. I felt as if both of us were the deaf and dumb among them. In such an awkward situation we soon got acquainted with a couple from Wales. They were John and Joanne. John always spoke sweetly to his wife and escorted her tenderly. It was really a heart-warming scene.

John and Joanne were very kind and helpful to us during the trip. Joanne was so excited, saying it was her first time to see and speak with Japanese. Moreover, she was so pleased that we, the three of us, were the same size. She was very curious about everything about Japan. She was very cheerful and kindhearted. Her clothes were always very colorful and fashionable. So we could find easily find her. Whenever we met at breakfast, we exchanged greetings in friendly ways and I didn’t forget to admire her beautiful dresses. John and Joanne were also getting along with a couple from London. So I think they were very busy associating with both. During the trip we had a pleasant time thanks to John and Joanne. On the last day, John came to me in the coach and gave me a note. It said:

     Dear Soo,

This is my address. Write and let me know how you both are getting along and

I will write back to you. 　　　 Cheerio, My friends. Love Jo

Two months later, during Christmas season I sent a typical Japanese card together with their pictures. Soon they sent me a beautiful card with the picture of Wales Castle. They added they would send something to me next spring. But I didn’t expect it nor remember it at all.

One day in April around Easter I received a package from Wales in which I found a lovely spoon made of wood and a beautiful cloth decorated with many kinds of spoons. It was a present from John and Joanne. What a happy surprise!

According to my Internet search, I knew that the Love Spoon is one of the traditional cultural specialties of Wales. In the old days, people in Wales used to present handmade love spoons, each of which was unique(one and only) in the world, to beloved ones and friends to show their love, friendship, good fortune and gratitude. I was very impressed with them for not forgetting the promise. I was moved profoundly to know that the good tradition which people in Wales have treasured for hundreds of years comes down to the 21st century. Isn’t that wonderful? Their friendship and thoughtfulness still come to my mind now and then.