Sharing My Passion Project with Family in Alsace

As a musician’s manager, I don’t always get to share my work adventures with my family. So, when the opportunity arose to bring my wife and kids to France for my latest project, I jumped. We headed to the Alsace region for a week of music, culture, history, and quality time together.

I supported my client Yogetsu Akasaka, a Zen monk turned musical phenomenon. He had been invited to perform at Les Dominicains de Guebwiller, a stunning 800-year-old monastery and church. Although we had never been to Alsace before, the region's beauty and history made it seem like the perfect destination for a working vacation.

We flew into the border between France and Switzerland, arriving in the small town of Guebwiller. Our Airbnb was just perfect. It was a charming apartment with full of eccentric details. The kids were fascinated learning that a 14th-century church once stood right on this spot! We were the only Asians in this tiny rural town, but the locals greeted us with customary French hospitality.

The next day, we headed to Les Dominicains alone for a personal tour. and we visualized how Yogetsu’s music would soon echo off these historic stones. Immersing myself in this space allowed me to support the production better.

We spent the following days exploring the area's winding alleys, balconies, and winery villages. My daughter befriended the pastry chef at our favorite patisserie—she was absolutely crazy for the pastries! The slower pace and simple pleasures charmed us all.

The morning after Yogetsu’s concert at Les Dominicains, we took a day trip to storybook Colmar. My wife was overjoyed to visit the town that inspired Beauty and the Beast finally. “This is like stepping into a fairy tale!” she exclaimed as we strolled the cobblestoned lanes lined with colorful half-timbered houses. It was the perfect outing after Yogetsu’s big event.

On our final day, we had the chance to experience Les Dominicains together as a family. Dressed in traditional Japanese yukatas, We learned about the monastery’s rich heritage spanning eight centuries. It was a unique cultural exchange moment to connect with our history in this historic place far from home.

On the flight back, my family buzzed with memories from our week, blending work and leisure. By exploring my passion project together in Alsace, we strengthened our bonds through new shared experiences. It was a dream brought to life that we’ll cherish forever.

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