Join Matthew, the founder of The PlaidPath, as he takes you on a transformative journey along the Shikoku 88 trail in Japan. In this episode, he reflects on his cultural encounters, revealing how the tradition of osetai reshaped his understanding of kindness and cultural exchange. Experience the spiritual depth of the Shikoku pilgrimage, where accepting gifts from strangers becomes a profound act of connection. Matthew's tales of vulnerability and openness lead to unexpected moments of compassion and friendship, illustrating the power of human connection beyond cultural boundaries. Discover how these life-changing experiences inspired Matthew to bring the concept of pilgrimage to the Canadian landscape, creating opportunities for meaningful cultural exchanges along the Trans-Canada Trail. Embark on this journey of discovery and learn to approach life's path with an open heart and a spirit of adventure. For more details on our exciting trekking holidays and other unique offerings, be sure to visit www.plaidpath.ca to explore all that we have to offer. Don’t forget to subscribe to Tales and Treks so you never miss an episode!  Have questions or inquiries? Feel free to reach out to us directly at info@plaidpath.ca – we'd love to hear from you!  Stay connected with us on social media:  Instagram: @theplaidpath  Facebook: The PlaidPath: Trails and Treks Corp  LinkedIn: The PlaidPath: Trails and Treks Corp