Monday

Sorry it has taken a few days to post, we have been getting back late. Monday we began our day at the Matsuyama Jr. High. We were greeted by the students and were treated to the school song. We then went to various rooms and learned examples of traditional Japanese culture. First we learned the cherry blossom song on the KOTO. Aria was particularly good at and thinks her parents need to buy her one. I said, better yet, lets buy one here and bring it on the plane!
The students then learned the Japanese method of flower arranging called IKIBANA. Even the boys showed signs of artistic talent. Moms...get them to arrange your flowers for you! Then we learned calligraphy. Your children learned to write their name in Kenji. Before we left the girls were treated to trying on traditional kimonos. On a side note, I walked in on Liam posing in quite the lovely kimono. I chose not to ask!
After a quick bento lunch we moved on to Sakata City. There we met with the chairman of the board of education and the deputy mayor of Sakata City. The kids were great at answering questions and Allie gave a great speech on the importance of the continuance of the Homestay Program. Thought all was going well until the chairman thought our gift was an empty lunch box. Had to explain the gift of the box made by Orleans Carpenters.
We then went to see a performance by beautiful geisha girls. They were so graceful and artfull in their presentation of their craft. I think the kids were in awe of their beauty.
We ended the day with a tour of some of the places that the Academy Award Foreign film Departures was filmed. We all now want to go out and rent the movie. It was a busy day.