Author: Dale

 

Culture Change in Wazuka, Japan

May 03, 2021
 

 

About the Project

 

Editor’s note: This undergraduate research project is in development in fall of 2016 at Antioch College through a course entitled ‘Humanities Fieldwork: Oral History & Digital Scholarship’ taught by Brooke Bryan. Please contact the lead researcher, Dale Kondraki ’17, with questions or intent to participate. 

Wazuka is a small town in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, that has 800 years of tea farming history. However, most of these farms are family owned, and reliant on passing down through the generations. Recently younger generations of Wazuka have been moving to other, more “open” places, like larger cities with more attractions and easier transportation. This leaves the town in a bit of a crisis though, as farmers begin to age there is no one to inherit the farms.a

Revitalization efforts are underway, looking to pull traffic back into Wazuka through migration and tourism. Many of these tourists come to volunteer, working on tea farms, and many come from outside of Japan.

My focus will be on changes in traditions, brought on by technological advances, foreign and domestic tourism, and volunteer programs used to bring help into the town.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column]

[/vc_row]

 

A Brief Look Back: Kondracki ’17 at Nature’s Kennel in McMillan, Michigan

May 08, 2017
 

I find it hard to talk about my experiences at Nature’s Kennel in depth because this co-op took place four years ago. It’s much easier for me to speak about the animals that I met there, especially the one I desperately want to go back for. I guess that is the point of looking back on your four years, to remember, but honestly, the most prominent thing for me is the dogs.

Pigpen

This is Pigpen. I have the most photos of him as he was by far the most photogenic dog at the kennel—probably the most photogenic dog I have ever met. This photo in particular, though, has stayed with me throughout college and probably will after too. I use this photo for any and all profile pictures now. If I ever start a freelance photography business and need a photo for advertising, I’ve already decided it will be this one. Mostly for how hilarious I find this photo, but also because I have very fond memories of Pigpen, and seeing his silly face brings me comfort in the most stressful times.

Mussel 

This is Mussel, one of the least photogenic dogs I’ve ever met, but also my absolute favorite dog at the kennel. Well, one of them. But he is the one that was not adopted by the time I left, and the one I have been able to visit again and again when I go back up to Michigan. My hope is that after this summer I will be able to go back to Michigan at least one last time and adopt this dog. He was always so apathetic to running, other dogs, and people in comparison to how the other dogs reacted. But he is also super calm and chill, and one of the friendliest gentle giants I have ever met (except around little dogs, but that will be all about training).

I have 150 dogs I could go through and tell you why each one is special, but I am going to stop at these two. They have influenced my life the most out of the pack by far, to the point where my plans after school are being made around the fact that I will be going back to the kennel and adopting at least one of these guys, if not both. However, I will leave just some photos that I found in my stash of 500+ photos, because who doesn’t love cute dogs?

 

 

Sled Dog Adventures – Just Like a Dorm: Kondracki ’17 at Nature’s Kennel in McMillan, Michigan

Feb 09, 2016
 

Dale Kondracki ’17 and Wren Holden ’17 spent this past spring in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, training sled dogs for the Iditerod. Here is what Dale has to say: This Co-op I am working at Nature’s Kennel, a dog race and touring Kennel in MacMillan, Michigan. My position is a caretaker, mostly, but it varies from what needs to get done. I enjoy it. The kennel is set up in three rows, each row with 48 homes. The rows are split in half and then numbered 1-6. Looking at the set-up, it is pretty easy to compare the kennel to a college dorm.

Dorm 1: a fraternity. This kennel is filled with big, loud males. They are the loudest, and range in all ages from seniors to new recruits.

Dorm 2: the co-ed dorm with those who are spayed or neutered. These are the race stars. Though the majority are male, the females hold their own. Here you are greeted by Cyborg, a white female who is the queen of the co-ed dorm, and Cupid, the long time resident who knows all there is to know about the kennel.

Dorm 3: The sorority. Here are all the breeding females. This is the kennel that I take care of. My favorite dog here is long time resident Wink, who, despite her age, could outrun any of her minors.

Dorm 4: the freshmen. Here we find the female puppies. They are young, energetic, and eager to run with their more experienced seniors. They have to realize how tough the job is actually going to be. But before they can tested for the race kennel, they need to be trained. This is why race and tour veterans Gail, Lickety, Caulie, Erie, Mussle, Sheldon, and Fedor have taken residence in the Freshmen Hall. They supply guidance by example, and the puppies frequently are walked and run with these older dogs for training. All puppies have great potential, and through the next few winters they will work on becoming the best of the sled dogs. A personal favorite of mine is Flip-Flop, the water shoe, who enjoys lakes just as much as snow.

Dorm 5 is empty, and Dorm 6 hosts the honor students. These are the dogs that show the most potential in all the dorms. All the dogs in this kennel are going to be tested for the official Iditarod Race Team. They are the strongest, brightest, and friendliest of the kennel.

We workers take up the position of RAs, chefs, teachers, and janitors. We feed every morning and night, scoop up their poop, and water them at least once before our own lunch, but as summer continues we will also water later on in the day. We fix what needs to be fixed and walk puppies, who are in the pre-school area. We walk older dogs and stop fights, and mostly just give them love.

If you would like to find out more about Nature’s Kennel, visit: https://www.natureskennel.com/