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!

Kiyumi

I forgot to tell you who Kiyumi is. Kiyumi went through the homestay program some time back. For those with CCLCS history, she stayed with Jamie Fyfe. She has fond memories of Cape Cod. She came back to the USA for university (I think Western Illinois University). She spent Thu and Friday with us.

We have practiced....but can we dance?

Just a quick note. We are in Sakata City right now. We practiced our dance this afternoon. Aftere a quick supper we will hit the streets to show our stuff. Wish us luck. It helps that Miss Allie is a dancer!! Sorry for the lack of pictures. Hopefully I can add them tomorrow. Will fill you all in on our day later tonight.

We are in Matsuyama!

We are nおw　Matsuyama. Some of this is coming out in Japanese. I am using the computer in our hotel. I cannot get pictures up on it so you will have to wait for those. We met Kenji and Kyomi (I know I spelled it wrong)　this morning. Kenji brough us to the train and then will meet up with us on Friday. Everyone was excited to meet their new family. All went with big smiles on their face. Mr. Niles, I gave the speech in Japanese (yes, the whole thing) and I ｄｏ not think I have caused any international crisis. I HOPE! We rode the bullet train to Niigata and the a more local train to the Matsuyama area (4 hrs in all). We managed to get on the wrong car each time and caused quite a ruckus. Everywhere we go it is quiet except for us. Zukhra, if you are reading this Mommy loves you. Will post pictures as soon as I am able. Off to bed. soon as I am able. Off to bed. Tomorrow we are learning our dance for the parade in the evening. It won`t be as pretty as Mr Niles but we will try to make you all proud.

Sendoff from CCLCS and Sagamore

Noodle Supper

TShirts designed by Diane Titcomb

Diane designed these great shirts with all of us on them. We wore them proudly to Japan! Thank you!!

Hello from Tokyo

We arrived in Tokyo on time and in one piece. All connections and trains moved without a hitch. We are all tired. We have checked into the Art Ohmori Hotel. Paul, it is just how I remembered it. Kids are fascinated with the toilets and the televisions. It is very hot and humid here, even at 9 at night. Now it is out to find a quick bite to eat and on to bed, seeing that we have lost a day. It is 9pm on Wed here. You are all just waking up. We all send our love and a big thank you for sponsoring the trip! More tomorrow!

The count down has begun...

I will see you all at 7AM sharp tomorrow morning. REMEMBER YOUR PASSPORT!!!

We leave in 2 days!!

I know I am not packed yet. How about the rest of you?

Oops...one other thing!

I'm not going alone. Miss Allie is going too! Sorry Allie!

Less than a week to go.

I have started this blog to chronicle our adventure in Japan. I am traveling with a group of 8 middle school students from the Cape Cod Lighthouse Charter School. We will be traveling to Japan on July 28, 2009. We will be visiting and enjoying a homestay exchange with our sister school, Matsuyama Junior High. Please visit this blog often and enjoy!