CCLCS Japan Homestay 2009

Home on Cape Cod.

2009-08-09T07:39:00.000-07:00

We made it home last night. Arrived at Logan Airport about 9pm. All the parents were there to give us a wonderful welcome. I will continue to update this blog with pictures and videos. Logan may need your help with that! I was in bed by 12 midnight. Someone, please send me some welcome back pictures so I can post.

Last word from Japan.

2009-08-07T14:45:00.000-07:00

This is it. We are all doing our last minute cramming of all our stuff into our luggage. This is the last time the students will have to hear the Mrs. Shick-isms, especially the big one.."SHOW ME YOUR PASSPORT!" We leave with a lifetime of memories. Kenji will see us to the train to Narita. He has been invaluable. He took his vacation from work to spend with us. We can't wait to see you all at Logan Airport.

I have a few other thank yous...

2009-08-07T04:28:00.000-07:00

Thank you to those who were responsible for: rolling luggage, air conditioners, escalators and trains (including subways). I think Allie and the kids would agree that we could not have lived without all these luxuries.

Last full day in Tokyo...

2009-08-07T03:36:00.000-07:00

was a full day. We began early going to the fish market. What a place and lots of Mr. Eyeballs. The place is a busy, all business fish market. Workers zip around on these forklift like vehicles and trucks are going all over the place. Kenji gave us strict orders...the workers are serious, walk single file, do not touch anything and no shouting (that was a challenge for some). The kids traveled by subway at the height of rush hour. They quickly saw how cramped and SILENT the subway cars were. Abbie actually read and kept quiet.
Next we went to Asakusa and the Lantern Temple. It was quite a sight. We took our picture in our red shirts there. Then on to a great (and relaxing) river cruise to the area of the Tokyo Tower. Kenji took the kids to the top of the tower. They have some great pictures of tokyo from way up top.
We then went shopping and shop we did. I have now reached a new low. I am now paying the kids to carry my bags. Paul, I got a bit carried away in the Oriental Bazaar again. But I did get Liz a beautiful shower gift (seeing as I missed both of them!). I told them they just have to get the stuff to the airport for me. Ray will take over from there.
I had to continue with the Mrs. Shick-isms though. Logan started saying "hey guys...Kenji is moving". They still don't get the arrows on the stairs and take over whole sidewalks. I accomplished stilling an entire hallway in a mall when I shouted stop. Had to apologize to the rest of the public and tell them they were free to move. We ended the day in a torrential downpour and a mad dash to the subway. We got to the hotel drenched.
Kenji's view of Tokyo was great. It has been so nice to spend this time with him. I told him I am working on getting him a nice girl to meet. He has been great with the kids and the kids great with him.
Well we leave tomorrow. I think everyone is ready. They have all said that they are tired. I just need you all to get one mesage to my husband. Meet me in Logan with a luggage cart. Tell hime it is not for the luggage, its for Allie and I!
I'll post one last post tomorrow. I will add more pictures if I have time tonight. We miss you all and again, thank you for this great trip. Allie and I have had a blast!!

A BIG thank you to all our translators!

2009-08-06T06:24:00.000-07:00

A big thank you goes out to all that made sure that we understood what we were being told and we were able to get our thoughts across. Kudos to Ed, Kiyumi, Naoko, Waka and Kenji. You all made our visit so easy. You all know the doors are open to you all on Cape Cod.

Messages for our friends in Matsuyama.

2009-08-06T06:20:00.000-07:00

Allie and I just want to thank the "Merry Band of Bad Boys", their leader "The Funniest Man in Matsuyama" and "Scary Mother" for making our stay so great. We truly would find ourselves laughing every night. What fun you must all have working together. I hope you do win the lottery and you all come to see us. Cape Cod will never be the same!! Thank you!!

Back in Tokyo, herding puppies!

2009-08-06T06:09:00.000-07:00

We left Matsuyama this morning with much sadness. Everyone followed us to the train platform where there was much hugging and tears. Again, we know we have left lifelong friends and that makes our hearts full.
We arrrived in Tokyo without a hitch. Kenji called the JR ahead of time and we were escorted to our train in Niigata station (we barely had 10 minutes between trains). What efficiency. Once we got to Tokyo we started to herd the puppies again. They are getting sick of the Mrs. Shick-isms..."Kenji is moving", "Stop blocking the exits", "stay to the left", "hello, this is a street, do you see the cars?" and "would someone please just push the button". It will start all over tomorrow. These kids are oblivious to things around them and how it really should concern them that we need to pay attention!! KIDS!!! Kenji brought us to the "SCARY" restaurant tonight. The girls almost peed their pants in fright and Allie, Kenji and I were just in hysterics laughing. Just look at their faces.
As you can see, Tokyo is a bustle of activity at all hours. Tomorrow, Kenji has a full schedule planned for us. I'll keep you posted!

Wednesday Daytime

2009-08-05T15:28:00.001-07:00

Sorry, I was so overwhelmed and pumped from the Sayonara party that I forgot to report on the days activities. Allie and I began the day at the Matsuyama hospital with Chris. Dont worry, he is fine!!! He had a fever and his family was quite worried. He tested out just fine, however the Dr was quite impressed with his honkin tonsils.
We then joined the group in the art of making soba noodles. Allie was quite a pro and cant wait to make them at home. The kids made the noodles from scratch and then learned the proper way to cook them. We then made mochi. I do love mochi! It does not have eyes! We then dined on a great lunch featuring our own noodles and mochi. We were treated to the soba teachers ice cream (it was to delicious).
We could see the kids beginning to fade so we rested a bit and then went up to the San San (where Allie and I have been staying) and participated in a woodcraft activity. We made either dinosours or wreaths with materials found locally in Matsuyama. It was a fun time and even the adults joined in. The children were all very proud of their art work. We ended the day early so to rest up for the Sayonara party.
Today on to Tokyo.

Sayonara...Matsuyama style!

2009-08-05T05:02:00.000-07:00

What a party!! I think the whole town came out for our goodbye. They even brought back my favorite bus driver for a guest appearance. The food was incredible, and yes Mr. Eyeballs was back. They all made sure that I saw them!! Every person that spoke said what an incredible experience this has been. From students, to the principal and all those in between we thank CCLCS and especially Matsuyama for our life changing experiences. The tears started to flow early and it was obvious that all the students have created strong friendships. It did not stop with students, Allie and I have made life long friends. They will always have a home with us on Cape Cod (I better warn Ray about all the people I have invited for a homestay). No longer is Japan just another country on the other side of the world. It is a place where we all have family and friends.
You would all be proud of your children and the fine speeches they made tonight. The Japanese students were just as articulate in expressing their gratitude for the homestay program. It is amazing to watch how children can make this world a smaller place with absolutely no effort or master of language at all. Watching the Japanese parents treating our children as theirs was heart warming. What a lesson this has been for all of us.
This was not an effort of just a few people involved. Workers (hard workers-you know who you are!) from all departments of Matsuyama took part in this program. They truly are invested in the success.
Tomorrow we leave early for Tokyo with our able guide, Kenji (what a difference there is between Cape Cod Kenji and Matsuyama Kenji-but that is another story). There will be more tears at the train station, but this is okay because we will be saying sayonara to friends. Thank you again Matsuyama for making our lives richer.

We are now Yamabushi Monks...well sort of.

2009-08-04T01:34:00.000-07:00

Let me just begin by telling you that Allie and I are exhausted by today. Cant even pretend that we are 20 years old any more.
The day began with an introduction to meditation. We were led by the monks in about a 20 minute meditation. We were then instructed in how to tie the headwear (dont know the name) that we would wear throughout the day. Then the climb up 2446 steps up Mt. Haguro. I failed this part. Allie made it half way. The kids shined!! The scenery, temples and landscape were breathtaking. The kids then turned around (after praying at the temple at the top) and walked down the same 2446 steps.
A simple lunch, typical of the monks, of rice, miso soup and pickles was consumed. We then changed into our white (dont know the name) robes to go to the waterfall for cleansing. This was quite the experience. I think the kids were a bit shocked by the near naked men, but is was really a special experience. Allie and I, I would like to report, were thoroughly cleansed in the waterfall, as were all of our students. It was truly invigorating.
Lastly, as our training ended, we were to jump over the fire. Again we all did this well. This was to symbolize our re-birth. It was quite a day and what an experience we will never forget. How lucky we all were to be able to do this. A once in a life time experience.
Pictures will come as soon as I can use my laptop. Tomorrow is our last day in Matsuyama. Should be bittersweet.

Monday

2009-08-04T01:24:00.000-07:00

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.

Updates to come

2009-08-02T15:25:00.000-07:00

This will be it for pictures until Thu. I will continue to write updates though. I hope you are all enjoying the peace at your house. The usually peaceful Japan has been taken over by CCLCS. More to come.

Dinner Sunday

2009-08-02T15:04:00.000-07:00

I would be truly remiss in not reporting on my version of last night's dinner. Please keep in mind that I do not eat seafood at all. Mr. Niles, I know you are appreciating this! Let me preface this with telling you that it was probably one of the most beautifully and artfully presented meal that I have ever seen. That in itself was worth the visit. I am sure it was QUITE expensive also. Now you will get my version.
First course had Mr. Bivalve and all his "little" sea friends. It is not easy to scrape fish eggs and roe off of things with chop sticks. I ate all the garnishes and vegetables that I was able to move from the ocean critters. There were 9 of these little appetizers. Only 3 could I fully consume. Round 1 done.
Next came Mr. Eyeballs. Yup, this was whole and raw and staring at me. He was blanketed with raw fish. I managed to get the shredded radish out from under his bed and eat that. I called that trying it. Round 2 done!
Round 3. Out comes the tempura. Now I know that tempura in Japan is to die for. Tempura shrimp...for me...not so much! I ate there 2 vegetable friends. Round 3 done.
Now the main meal arrives. The eyeballs (on a fish this time) are back and are accompanied by Mr. Bivalve's rather large great grandfather. Let's see, I ate the seaweed under Mr. Bivalve's grandfather. I ate the potatoes (delicious) stuffed in Mr. Fish Eyeballs. I ate the flour puff things in the miso soup and ahhh, yes I ate all the rice. Now I will add here that Mr. Ko did not eat the first Mr. Eyeballs or the Bivalve family either. Allie was great and made gallant attempts at the majority of the meal. Round 4, done.
Next came desert. Now we are talking. No ocean buddies here. It was Edamame jello, ice cream and it had 4 (yes 4, sweet beans on top). Well you would have thought it was poison to Mr. Ko. His face was priceless. He ate all but the beans. He does not like the beans. I was like, come on I had to look at food that was staring back at me. Beans...they are easy. Round 5 done.
It was a great meal. I named and talked to all of it. I think I truly amuzed everyone and it made the fact that I just couldn't eat it more acceptable. Paul, I know you are jealous. Liz, probably you too. It was really a fun way to end a great day.

Sunday for Allie and I

2009-08-02T14:57:00.000-07:00

Allie and I had a great day Sunday. We visited a wonderful photo and art museum. I have a beautiful new calendar for my office to remember it by! We then went to an aquarium (I think many of the kids went there on Sat) and enjoyed seeing the fish and jelly fish. Lunch was in a great ITALIAN restaurant. Allie and I really enjoyed our pizza. We then went on a cruise down the Mogawi River. I had done it before and enjoyed it even more this time. We stopped a various shops and made some fine purchases. We then went to supper (that is a blog entry in itself). We ended the evening dropping in on a local neighborhood festival complete with the children of the area doing all the drumming. It was truly a fun and interesting day. Lots of great memories.

Your enthusiastic children!

2009-08-02T05:06:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share some observations. This bunch of kids cause a scene no matter where they are. It started on the plane in NY. It took them at least 20 minutes and at least as many seat changes to settle in. Everyone just looked at them and nodded. Then there was camera flashes during the whole 12 hrs on the plane. Did they even think people usually slept? They got off the plane and traveled like puppies..going every where and checking out everything. They took pictures of the most random things. It was a delight to watch them. The immigration officers weren't to sure though. Just ask Claire. Customs tried to be professional but just gave up and didn't bother with them. I wanted to tell them that I did not give birth to any of them.
We got on the metro to go to our hotel. The Japanese ride this silently. This bunch barges on trips over each other and their luggage, blocks exits and never stops talking or missing a beat. They never even noticed that noone else on the train was even talking.
They are waiting on the street in Sakata for their chance to be interviewed..yup they gave them a microphone and an audience...and they start cheering for the jogger going by with the Red Sox shirt on. They carried on for at least 15 minutes about the noise machine in the bathroom that people use so they can't be heard going to the bathroom. Abbie spent 10 minutes in the bathroom just pushing the button and listening to the noises! Last night at the fireworks they sang to every song that played, out of tune and at the wrong tempo. Their enthusiasm has been unbelievable. I wish I could relate the other scenes. Allie and I just shake our heads and occasionally ask them to take it down a few notches. Japan will not be the same when they leave. Thanks for letting Allie and I share it with them!

Fireworks

2009-08-01T05:41:00.000-07:00

I have to say that I just witnessed the most incredible fireworks display. It was 90 minutes long and set to music. 100,000+ people there. All came and sat and had their supper. The kids looked incredible. They seem really happy and having a great time with their Japanese Family. It rained a bit but did not dampen the festive mood.

Saturday

2009-08-01T01:19:00.000-07:00

Allie and I spent the day with our hosts-Mr Ko, Mr Nasu, Kenji and Naoko (Naoko came to the Charter School many years ago and stayed with Tyler Korn). We drove up to Mt. Chokei and by the time we got to the top we were in the clouds. Made it difficult to see any of the country side. Then on to a beautiful waterfall. We did a bit of shopping and are now resting up for the fireworks. We hope to see our kids there! Will send more pictures. I did not take any of the dancing as it was tough enough to dance without the camera. There were lots of pictures taken by the other adults so you may have to wait until we get home.

Our bountiful lunch on Friday

2009-08-01T01:16:00.000-07:00

Dressing as a Samurai

2009-08-01T01:01:00.001-07:00

Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

2009-08-01T00:41:00.001-07:00

Friday was spent immersed in Japanese history and culture!

2009-07-31T15:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-31T15:31:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-07-31T01:11:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-30T04:11:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-29T07:09:00.001-07:00

Noodle Supper

2009-07-29T06:28:00.001-07:00

TShirts designed by Diane Titcomb

2009-07-29T05:12:00.001-07:00

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

Hello from Tokyo

2009-07-29T05:04:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-07-27T15:14:00.000-07:00

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

We leave in 2 days!!

2009-07-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

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

Oops...one other thing!

2009-07-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

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

Less than a week to go.

2009-07-23T07:31:00.000-07:00

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!