Friday was spent immersed in Japanese history and culture!

Friday was a very busy day. We began the day with a lesson in the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony. It was a very peaceful beginning to the day. The kids were great and were very gratious even though the tastes were not entirely pleasant to them. The women who instructed us in the tea ceremony were quite special. They ended there time with us singing about the Japanese cherry blossoms.
Next we toured the wonderful history and culture museum in Matsuyama. At the museum the kids were treated to wearing traditinal Samuri uniforms. It took many helpers and about 20 minutes to get fully dressed. Allie and I first wore beautiful silk vests and accompanied them ourside for pictures. I carried the gumbai (sp?) and was the leader. I told the kids I felt important being in charge of this army. Davis commented that I have been in charge for 4 days, why should this be any different. Thanks, Davis, way to bring me down a few steps!
Allie and I then got to try the armor on. What a thrill it was. It took 4 helpers to tie me into everything!
Next was lunch in a traditional tea house. We sat on the floor before a very long table filled with noodles and vegetables. Desert was delicious ice cream. We them moved back into town to practice the dance for the parade in the evening.
From Matsuyama we then traveled to Sakata City where the US students were interviewed by a local radio station about their impressions of Japan so far. We understand that we may get a copy of the interview after it airs on 8/5. By now it was time to rest a bit and have a small bento (box) supper. After that we went to dance.
There were between 2000 and 3000 participants in this traditional dance through the streets of Sakata City. We were well rehearsed. The groups were all well formed except ours. In the tradition of the CCLCS way...we did it our way and kind of clumped! But did we dance! We knew the moves and danced for 1.5 hours. The drummers along the way were fascinating. We almost lost Allie in hysterics when I tried to dance while going bizerk trying to get the LARGE june bug off of me! The kids did a great job. We did CCLCS proud! Kenji and Kiyumi took turns carrying the sign announcing our group.
There were videos taked of all of the days activities and we will get a copy of it to copy and give to everyone when we return. There were many pictures taken and I will post as soon as I am able. It is now Saturday here. The students will spend the weekend with their host families and Allie and I will spend time with the adults. Weather permitting, we will all attend the fireworks in Sakata City tonight. More to come...stay tuned!