Intern #179
San Diego, California
Instagram: @teawithholden
Before Obubu:
Before coming to Obubu I was studying computer engineering in San Diego, California. I loved living by the beach and learning new things all the time, but once I graduated I was ready to welcome this new chapter in my life with a real adventure.
Why Obubu:
I studied abroad at the National University of Singapore in 2023 and backpacked around Asia. I visited some tea fields nearby Alishan in Taiwan and had the opportunity to try high mountain oolong tea. Later on when I was in Japan, I wanted to visit more tea fields and found myself on Obubu’s tea tour. Sara Hagstrom (intern #152) gave an amazing tour and told me that I should come back to Obubu to be an intern. It started as a small idea in my head, but by the time I finished my degree a year later I was convinced that I needed to come back and work at Obubu.
Time at Obubu:
I’ve traveled to more than 30 countries and there is no place on earth quite like Obubu. Wazuka is one of the most beautiful and tranquil places I’ve ever been to. Every morning I wake up to the most incredible view imaginable with rolling hills covered in rows and rows of tea!
Whether I’m “fire taming” with Pau, harvesting out in the fields with Akky-san, or making tea of my own, every moment is special and precious in its own way. Everyone at Obubu is quirky and weird, but I haven’t met a single person here that I don’t thoroughly enjoy being around.
I’ve had so much fun going on trips with the other interns, watching strange movies, driving on rural Japanese roads, and so much more. It’s difficult to list the things we did because there were just so many amazing moments, and it’s even harder not to put every picture I’ve taken here since there are so so many good ones. I hope that in the future Obubu continues being a beacon of light so that those who come after us can share this special experience.
What’s Next:
All things must come to an end eventually, this internship being no exception, however, my travels in Asia will continue. My father recently moved to Hong Kong, so after my internship I’m headed there to visit him. Shortly after I plan on meeting former assistant manager Sarah Mazza in Yunnan where I want to see some Chinese tea villages and learn even more about tea! My final stop before I return home will be to meet a friend in Taiwan. Once I’m back home I don’t quite know where the road will lead me, but I have faith that it will be a fun adventure.
English (UK) 
Français