Hey Everybody!
I will be away from the computer for a few days. I am going to be going to LABO camp!
just so everybody knows... :)
answer to Scott's question: The man pulling the jinrikshaw pulled us my mostly running
answer to Alexander's question: Yes, I did eat the ENTIRE thing of cotton Candy! Can you believe that?
Love,
Sarahb O.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Nara!
Tomo did not enjoy the deer as much as I did....you get the picture....
The Great Buddha. It stands at approximatly 49 feet tall! Just one ear is 8 feet tall!
I am standing in front of the largest wooden building in the world. This building houses the Great Buddha which many have come to distinguish as the symbol of Buddhism.
Tomo and Ihad the opportunity to ride on a Jinrikisha! The shafu ('sha' means car and 'fu' means man), or driver, was very chatty. :) He took us all of the way from Nara park to the Buddha Temple. Jinrikishas' are treated like cars in Japan so we had to ride on the road and wait at traffic lights. The ride was fun, except Tomo and I were both worried he was going to drop us!
I LOVED feeding the deer (sheeka) in Nara! The deer are all around Nara park, and Tomo's Dad, Toshikazu, said they are often the cause and victims of traffic accidents. The deer weren't as polite as the Miya-Jima deer (regular bloggers will get this reference :) and they really enjoyed the cookies I bought for them to eat. As soon as the deer saw the food, they came right to me. If you hold your hand high in the air, the deer will bow so you will give them a cookie... it really works!Sunday, July 27, 2008
Kyoto Photos
On top of the temple in Kyoto. It was nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but we made the climb up the mountain to see the beautiful sites.
Kinkaju-ji, the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto. I enjoyed this place very much!
The very scary 'ninja' at the Kyoto Movie Park.Kyoto
I just got back from a trip to Kyoto, the old capital of Japan located about 2 hours away from Nara (which is where I am staying).
I went with Tomo and her Dad, Toshikazu.
First we went to a place where many Japanese movies are filmed. The set is modeled after a typical Japanese village in the 13th century. We watched a show about ninjas, which was exciting, to say the least. I found a vending machine that sold over 10 kinds of ice cream. I got a didn't know which one I had chosen when it came out through the slot, but Tomo said it was Caramel Custard-delicious!
Next on our list was Kinka-ju-ji, the Golden Pavillion.
The walk through the woods was tranquil and calm, despite the immense number of people that came to see the beautiful temple. The temple is made from pure gold and rests on an island in a pond.
Our last stop was another temple, high atop a mountain. We had to make our way through Japanese style streets full of vendors and even monks begging for money!
When we finally reached the top, the view that we saw was terrific!
I went with Tomo and her Dad, Toshikazu.
First we went to a place where many Japanese movies are filmed. The set is modeled after a typical Japanese village in the 13th century. We watched a show about ninjas, which was exciting, to say the least. I found a vending machine that sold over 10 kinds of ice cream. I got a didn't know which one I had chosen when it came out through the slot, but Tomo said it was Caramel Custard-delicious!
Next on our list was Kinka-ju-ji, the Golden Pavillion.
The walk through the woods was tranquil and calm, despite the immense number of people that came to see the beautiful temple. The temple is made from pure gold and rests on an island in a pond.
Our last stop was another temple, high atop a mountain. We had to make our way through Japanese style streets full of vendors and even monks begging for money!
When we finally reached the top, the view that we saw was terrific!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Today, I had to go to Osaka with Tomo to Youth Gathering, a time when the delegates from 4-H and Canada programs get together with LABO kids and play games, sing songs, and have fun.
I was responsible for teaching and leading the songs for the LABO children. There were about 50 kids! I taught them 'The Princess Pat' and 'The Green Frog Song'. I had the opportunity to hang out with my 4-H friends who I traveled with the first couple of days of my trip, so that was nice.
After the gathering, I went home with an 11 year old girl named Haruna, who is in Tomo and Yuri's LABO Party, Sakamoto. We rode the train and Haruna knew exactly when to get off. Children, even younger than Haruna are given a tremendous amount of responsibility and have the trust of their parents from a young age.
I had dinner at her house with her mother, father, and brother, Kazushi. The family spent a year in California because the Dad's works transferred him there for a short time. Haruna's father is also vegetarian (very,very,very unusual in Japan!)
We had all of my favorite Japanese foods for dinner- Maki Zushi (make-your-own roll sushi with avacoda, cucumber and raw fish), Tempura (okra, sweet potato, peppers, eggplant) and Chirashi Zushi.
It was incredibly delicious!
The family spoke near-perfect english, even Haruna!
After dinner we went outside into the small neighborhood street to do fireworks!
When we came back inside, Haruna's mom had yellow watermelon, peaches, and edamame for us to eat :)
I was responsible for teaching and leading the songs for the LABO children. There were about 50 kids! I taught them 'The Princess Pat' and 'The Green Frog Song'. I had the opportunity to hang out with my 4-H friends who I traveled with the first couple of days of my trip, so that was nice.
After the gathering, I went home with an 11 year old girl named Haruna, who is in Tomo and Yuri's LABO Party, Sakamoto. We rode the train and Haruna knew exactly when to get off. Children, even younger than Haruna are given a tremendous amount of responsibility and have the trust of their parents from a young age.
I had dinner at her house with her mother, father, and brother, Kazushi. The family spent a year in California because the Dad's works transferred him there for a short time. Haruna's father is also vegetarian (very,very,very unusual in Japan!)
We had all of my favorite Japanese foods for dinner- Maki Zushi (make-your-own roll sushi with avacoda, cucumber and raw fish), Tempura (okra, sweet potato, peppers, eggplant) and Chirashi Zushi.
It was incredibly delicious!
The family spoke near-perfect english, even Haruna!
After dinner we went outside into the small neighborhood street to do fireworks!
When we came back inside, Haruna's mom had yellow watermelon, peaches, and edamame for us to eat :)
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Left to Right: Miyuki, me, Isao (holding Ron the dog), Naoki, Fumika
The Kobayashi family, neighbors to the Kanematsu family invited us over to have dinner at their house the last night of my stay in Nagoya. We had corn and tuna on bread, rice with egg, tempura shrimp, and acorn squash spread over bread. Everything was DELICIOUS! Shinobu, the mom, invited her older sister (also named Miyuki) to dinner and she brought Baskin Robbins Ice Cream. I ate ice cream 3 times that day!
Fumika took me to the Port of Nagoya Aquarium. I was able to see Green Sea Turtles and Killer Whales for the first time!
Fumika's LABO group held a welcome party for me! It was exciting, complete with good food, fun games, and many sweet kids.Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Bon Dori Festival
On Monday night, Miyuki helped me get ready for the Bon Dori Festival. It took her 30 minutes to fit my Yukata, a kind of summer kimono made with cotton.
After Fumika and I were ready, we walked outside and down the street into the night. We had to cross fields, narrow walk ways, and areas of tall, brushy grass. It was easy to hear the music from the festival blaring from the speakers just behind the patch of houses.
As soon as we turned the corner, I saw hundreds of people, most of which were women, all wearing the same kind of Yukata, dancing around a large metal figure with many red lanterns on it.
It was such a surreal moment, to be wearing a Yukata, surrounded my many, many people and bright Japanese lanterns that glowed in such a manner that it made everything seem magical!
Fumika and I met up with her friends, ate cotton candy, snow cones, and grapefruit popcicles.
We walked up a path lit with lanterns to a shrine. Fumika showed me how to throw coins into a box and show your respect- the Japanese way. It was incredibly interesting!
After Fumika and I were ready, we walked outside and down the street into the night. We had to cross fields, narrow walk ways, and areas of tall, brushy grass. It was easy to hear the music from the festival blaring from the speakers just behind the patch of houses.
As soon as we turned the corner, I saw hundreds of people, most of which were women, all wearing the same kind of Yukata, dancing around a large metal figure with many red lanterns on it.
It was such a surreal moment, to be wearing a Yukata, surrounded my many, many people and bright Japanese lanterns that glowed in such a manner that it made everything seem magical!
Fumika and I met up with her friends, ate cotton candy, snow cones, and grapefruit popcicles.
We walked up a path lit with lanterns to a shrine. Fumika showed me how to throw coins into a box and show your respect- the Japanese way. It was incredibly interesting!
Nagoya Photos
I was able to spend time with Fumika's friends. At the Bon Dori Festival, they were giving out free grapefruit popcicles! Yum!
I got to wear a Yukata to the Bon Dori Festival.
I ate the biggest mess of cotton candy ever created...
can you say 'refined sugar'? ：）
I went to a place in Nagoya to learn about the ancient art of traditional Japanese tie dye-Shibori.
the Kanematsu Family held a party in their home to welcome me to Nagoya
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Nagoya
I've made it almost to the half-way point in my homestay... I have started to get a little homesick, but I try to keep busy with experiencing new things.
Tomo sent me on a train , bound for Nagoya around 10am yesterday (sunday) morning.
I rode by myself for about an hour and a half to Nagoya where my exchange student from 2004, Fumika met me with her mom. It was really cool to see Fumika after 4 years. We all went out to eat at an udon (noodles in fishy broth) restaurant.
After that, we went to a monstrous sky scraper and took in the big view of Nagoya city on the observation deck.
Fumika's mom, Miyuki, left us at a shopping mall where we looked for almost 3 hours.
I was very excited when I found the stationary store... it was full of my favorite things-pens, notebooks, etc.
We rode the subway and then walked a couple of miles to get to Fumika's house.
Her family planned a party for me to welcome me to Nagoya.
Cousins, aunts, grandparents, and neighbors filled the Japanese style house.
Miyuki bought C.C. Lemon, my new favorite drink, and Kake No Tane, a spicy peanut snack.
We had sushi with raw cuttle fish, cucumber and avocado to eat.
After dinner, Fumika's cousins, Saki and Yuki, as well as Aya, Fumika's neighbor went outside to do fireworks. I was a little hesitant, but enjoyed it just the same.
Today, Fumika, Miyuki, their neighbors and I went to an old town, like a suburb inside of Nagoya. The little community is famous for the ancient art of Japanese Tie-Dye.
I got to make a tie-dyed handkerchief.
It was really interesting!
We went to a traditional Japanese cafe... we had to take off our shoes and sit on the floor! :)
I tried Japanese Yams, baked tofu, and a cuttle fish pancake...
Tonight we will go to a festival with Fumika's friends.
Tomo sent me on a train , bound for Nagoya around 10am yesterday (sunday) morning.
I rode by myself for about an hour and a half to Nagoya where my exchange student from 2004, Fumika met me with her mom. It was really cool to see Fumika after 4 years. We all went out to eat at an udon (noodles in fishy broth) restaurant.
After that, we went to a monstrous sky scraper and took in the big view of Nagoya city on the observation deck.
Fumika's mom, Miyuki, left us at a shopping mall where we looked for almost 3 hours.
I was very excited when I found the stationary store... it was full of my favorite things-pens, notebooks, etc.
We rode the subway and then walked a couple of miles to get to Fumika's house.
Her family planned a party for me to welcome me to Nagoya.
Cousins, aunts, grandparents, and neighbors filled the Japanese style house.
Miyuki bought C.C. Lemon, my new favorite drink, and Kake No Tane, a spicy peanut snack.
We had sushi with raw cuttle fish, cucumber and avocado to eat.
After dinner, Fumika's cousins, Saki and Yuki, as well as Aya, Fumika's neighbor went outside to do fireworks. I was a little hesitant, but enjoyed it just the same.
Today, Fumika, Miyuki, their neighbors and I went to an old town, like a suburb inside of Nagoya. The little community is famous for the ancient art of Japanese Tie-Dye.
I got to make a tie-dyed handkerchief.
It was really interesting!
We went to a traditional Japanese cafe... we had to take off our shoes and sit on the floor! :)
I tried Japanese Yams, baked tofu, and a cuttle fish pancake...
Tonight we will go to a festival with Fumika's friends.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Miya-jima
I named this deer Juno ;) My 'interesting' lunch of rice and conger eel. It looked and tasted like a snake...ahhhhhh
Toshikazu, Tomo and I went on a ride through the sky on a ropeway in Miya-jima.
Having a conversation with one of the deer in Miya-jima. The deer are said to be messengers of the gods.
Tomo and I in front of the shrine in Miya-jima.
Toshikazu, Tomo and I went on a ride through the sky on a ropeway in Miya-jima.
Having a conversation with one of the deer in Miya-jima. The deer are said to be messengers of the gods.
Tomo and I in front of the shrine in Miya-jima.During high tide, the shrine is in the water, but duing low tide, visitors to the island are encouraged to walk out onto the sand to get a closer look.
Fishing boats in the water behind the Miya-jima shrine.
Fishing boats in the water behind the Miya-jima shrine.Miya-jima is an island just below Hiroshima. It is a sacred island where there are many shinto shrines and wild animals.
Helping out at the (very) local restaurant
Hiroshima Castle
The famous watch stopped at 8:15am
The famous watch stopped at 8:15amI am standing in the Hiroshima Peace Park near the statue dedicated to Sadako, the girl of 1000 cranes. The picture behind me is 1000 tiny paper cranes formed into the Japanese characters for Peace
A photo I took of the A-Bomb Dome
I am standing in front of the dome
A photo I took of the A-Bomb Dome
I am standing in front of the domeHiroshima
I was able to ride on a bullet train again when Otasan (host dad), Toshikazu took Tomo and I to Hiroshima and Miya-jima.
We rode through mountains, valleys, and right beside the ocean before arriving in Hiroshima city at about lunch time on Friday.
We rode on an electric train right to the site of the A-bomb Dome.
It was a somber and slightly eery place despite of the park which was in full bloom with roses.
I was surprised at the size of the dome, much larger than I had imagined.
My mind was hard at work, trying to comprehend the fact that I was standing on the very ground that was obliterated by an atomic bomb the U.S. dropped on Japan at 8:15am on August 6th, 1945.
The Peace Memorial Park was across a near by bridge so our little group walked just a little ways until we reached the statue dedicated to Sadako Sasaki, the young girl who, while dying from luekemia (caused by A-bomb radiation), tried to fold 1000 origami cranes to make her wish to live come true. Although she passed away before reaching her goal, her class mates continued folding cranes and got people all over Japan involved in the movement.
At the monument, there are large, clear plastic boxes filled with origami cranes which symbolize hope, peace, and prosperity to people all over the world.
There were many other statues around the park, mostly for people of the Buddhist religion, to pray for the people who suffered in the past due to war.
The Hiroshima Musuem was large, with several buildings filled with various artifacts and exhibits. The first exhibit was dedicated specifically to the people who died because they didn't have any water or because the water they drank after the bombing was poisoned with radiation. There were first-hand accounts which were all painful to read because they were so sad. There was a room with a panoramic view of the city post-A-bomb. A fountain was placed in the center of the circular room, bubbling over with cool, fresh spring water.
The rest of the musuem was just as full of sorrow as the first part. I was able to see the watch which was made famous because of the time it was stopped--8:15am, 8/6/45
There was a tiny tricycle completly rusted over. A wooden dresser sported signs of glass which was embedded into the frame.
It was really gross to see the health and medicine exhibit because there was actual examples of singed hair, skin, and finger nails...
The last exhibit was about nuclear weapons but it was also about peace. I learned that Japan is a country which wants to be free of things that may bring fear or harm to people. The country decided to abolish nuclear weapons and through the use of articles, artifacts, and photographs urged other countries to do the same in the final exhibit.
After Hiroshima Park, Toshikazu, Tomo and I went to Hiroshima castle... it was huge! The original castle was demolished, obviously, during the bombing, but an exact replica was built for visitors to see.
After a lot of walking in the HUMID air, Toshikazu led us to a hole-in-the-wall restaurant with only enough places for 8 customers. Tomo ordered a dish kind of like a pancake with beansprouts, eggs, and squid on top. It was interesting, but the conversation from the chef and fellow customer (who spoke english!) was even better than my dinner ;)
We rode through mountains, valleys, and right beside the ocean before arriving in Hiroshima city at about lunch time on Friday.
We rode on an electric train right to the site of the A-bomb Dome.
It was a somber and slightly eery place despite of the park which was in full bloom with roses.
I was surprised at the size of the dome, much larger than I had imagined.
My mind was hard at work, trying to comprehend the fact that I was standing on the very ground that was obliterated by an atomic bomb the U.S. dropped on Japan at 8:15am on August 6th, 1945.
The Peace Memorial Park was across a near by bridge so our little group walked just a little ways until we reached the statue dedicated to Sadako Sasaki, the young girl who, while dying from luekemia (caused by A-bomb radiation), tried to fold 1000 origami cranes to make her wish to live come true. Although she passed away before reaching her goal, her class mates continued folding cranes and got people all over Japan involved in the movement.
At the monument, there are large, clear plastic boxes filled with origami cranes which symbolize hope, peace, and prosperity to people all over the world.
There were many other statues around the park, mostly for people of the Buddhist religion, to pray for the people who suffered in the past due to war.
The Hiroshima Musuem was large, with several buildings filled with various artifacts and exhibits. The first exhibit was dedicated specifically to the people who died because they didn't have any water or because the water they drank after the bombing was poisoned with radiation. There were first-hand accounts which were all painful to read because they were so sad. There was a room with a panoramic view of the city post-A-bomb. A fountain was placed in the center of the circular room, bubbling over with cool, fresh spring water.
The rest of the musuem was just as full of sorrow as the first part. I was able to see the watch which was made famous because of the time it was stopped--8:15am, 8/6/45
There was a tiny tricycle completly rusted over. A wooden dresser sported signs of glass which was embedded into the frame.
It was really gross to see the health and medicine exhibit because there was actual examples of singed hair, skin, and finger nails...
The last exhibit was about nuclear weapons but it was also about peace. I learned that Japan is a country which wants to be free of things that may bring fear or harm to people. The country decided to abolish nuclear weapons and through the use of articles, artifacts, and photographs urged other countries to do the same in the final exhibit.
After Hiroshima Park, Toshikazu, Tomo and I went to Hiroshima castle... it was huge! The original castle was demolished, obviously, during the bombing, but an exact replica was built for visitors to see.
After a lot of walking in the HUMID air, Toshikazu led us to a hole-in-the-wall restaurant with only enough places for 8 customers. Tomo ordered a dish kind of like a pancake with beansprouts, eggs, and squid on top. It was interesting, but the conversation from the chef and fellow customer (who spoke english!) was even better than my dinner ;)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Universal Studios of Japan!
Yesterday was an extremely busy, exciting day.
Tomo and I woke up early and rushed to the train station just in time to catch one to Osaka.
I was so surpised at how crowded it was. We had to stand up and there was hardly enough room to turn around.
After changing to 3 different trains, we made it to Osaka, the second largest city in Japan.
As soon as we left the station, we walked into Universal Studios of Japan.
It was huge! Tomo said they tried to make it look like different parts of America- Hollywood, NYC, Amity Harbor,etc.
The first show we saw was a 4-D Shrek show. Our seats moved around, we were splashed with water, and sharp bursts of air were supposed to be mimicing baby spider crawling up our legs...ahhh.
Next, we went to ride the famous ET ride. We walked down a path inside of a building (although it was impossible to tell because it looked like a forest), to get on a suspended cart with bikes on it. We hoped on the bikes and set off with ET throught the forest and up, up, into the sky!
After that, Tomo convinced me to do the Spider Man ride, scarier than any ride I have ever done.
The attraction line was coiled through a mock Daily Bugle news room-it was really cool!
The ride was 3D and we were spun, tossed, turned, thrown, and dropped !
I had fun but it was time for something more my style...
That is when we wne to 'The Land of Oz'
I was so excited to see one of my favorite movies as a theme park attraction.
Tomo and I rode the Merry-Go- Round, strolled along the yellow brick road, and visited the Munchkin Market!
We were able to see the last viewing of Wicked, the musical about pre-Dorothy oz.
It was really well done and since I knew most of the songs, it was easy for me to understand even though they spoke entirely in Japanese.
Other attractions we saw...
-Monster Rock Show
-Back to the Future 3D
-JAWS
-Snoopy World
We grabbed some rice balls to eat for dinner as we set back off to Nara.
When we got back home, Nahomi had watermelon and edamame for us to eat ;)
Tomo and I woke up early and rushed to the train station just in time to catch one to Osaka.
I was so surpised at how crowded it was. We had to stand up and there was hardly enough room to turn around.
After changing to 3 different trains, we made it to Osaka, the second largest city in Japan.
As soon as we left the station, we walked into Universal Studios of Japan.
It was huge! Tomo said they tried to make it look like different parts of America- Hollywood, NYC, Amity Harbor,etc.
The first show we saw was a 4-D Shrek show. Our seats moved around, we were splashed with water, and sharp bursts of air were supposed to be mimicing baby spider crawling up our legs...ahhh.
Next, we went to ride the famous ET ride. We walked down a path inside of a building (although it was impossible to tell because it looked like a forest), to get on a suspended cart with bikes on it. We hoped on the bikes and set off with ET throught the forest and up, up, into the sky!
After that, Tomo convinced me to do the Spider Man ride, scarier than any ride I have ever done.
The attraction line was coiled through a mock Daily Bugle news room-it was really cool!
The ride was 3D and we were spun, tossed, turned, thrown, and dropped !
I had fun but it was time for something more my style...
That is when we wne to 'The Land of Oz'
I was so excited to see one of my favorite movies as a theme park attraction.
Tomo and I rode the Merry-Go- Round, strolled along the yellow brick road, and visited the Munchkin Market!
We were able to see the last viewing of Wicked, the musical about pre-Dorothy oz.
It was really well done and since I knew most of the songs, it was easy for me to understand even though they spoke entirely in Japanese.
Other attractions we saw...
-Monster Rock Show
-Back to the Future 3D
-JAWS
-Snoopy World
We grabbed some rice balls to eat for dinner as we set back off to Nara.
When we got back home, Nahomi had watermelon and edamame for us to eat ;)
Monday, July 14, 2008
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Today we have been very busy! Tomo and I left the house this morning with Nahomi, who dropped us off at the bus station on her way to work. Tomo and I went to a huge shopping mall... it was really cool!
I was surprised at how incredibly expensive things were. Shirts that would've costed $10 in America were 3000 yen ($30)!
Needless to say, I didn't have much luck in the clothes departments, but looking at all of the notebooks, pens, and folders was really fun!
For lunch I experienced a Japanese style food court, similar to ours with better food.
I didn't know exactly what I was getting when I pointed to the picture of tempura on the window.
A few minutes later I had a bowl full of rice, fried beans, fried shrimp, and friend pumpkin.
It was delicious! I also tried a rice ball with slimy, sesame seaweed, but it didn't taste as good as the tempura.
After we ate, Tomo and I went to take Purikura. Purikura means `print club` in Japanese. It's basically a photo booth except 20 times cooler!
The machine takes your picture then you you get to choose backgrounds on a touch screen. Then you move to the next booth to write and add stamps (electronically) to your photos..
it was soooooo awesome!
It is still very, very hot here... even hotter than NC!
Thank you for reading my entries.
Sorry if my entries are boring... I am going to try harder in the future to make them less mundane ;)
I was surprised at how incredibly expensive things were. Shirts that would've costed $10 in America were 3000 yen ($30)!
Needless to say, I didn't have much luck in the clothes departments, but looking at all of the notebooks, pens, and folders was really fun!
For lunch I experienced a Japanese style food court, similar to ours with better food.
I didn't know exactly what I was getting when I pointed to the picture of tempura on the window.
A few minutes later I had a bowl full of rice, fried beans, fried shrimp, and friend pumpkin.
It was delicious! I also tried a rice ball with slimy, sesame seaweed, but it didn't taste as good as the tempura.
After we ate, Tomo and I went to take Purikura. Purikura means `print club` in Japanese. It's basically a photo booth except 20 times cooler!
The machine takes your picture then you you get to choose backgrounds on a touch screen. Then you move to the next booth to write and add stamps (electronically) to your photos..
it was soooooo awesome!
It is still very, very hot here... even hotter than NC!
Thank you for reading my entries.
Sorry if my entries are boring... I am going to try harder in the future to make them less mundane ;)
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Yummy miso soup. At this kind of cafe, sushi comes around on a conveyer and you are supposed to take a plate. When you are finished, an employee comes and counts the amount of plates/bowls you have. I got an interesting mussel salad, sweet potato and sesame, cucumber zushi, and a yummy parfait with frozen yogurt and frozen mangos!
Raw conger (eel) at the sushi cafe
Eating Dinner: Toshikazu choosing chopsticks.
The room I am sharing with Tomo and Yuri. The Maehana`s front yard.
The room I am sharing with Tomo and Yuri. The Maehana`s front yard.fun-day on sunday
It is soooooo hot in Nara!!! the humidity level is off the charts as well.
The Maehana's don`t use air conditioning very much in their house. When we do use it, we have to turn it off when we leave the room. We have been relying on Japanese style fans and ice cold green tea to keep us cool. I am sweating just sitting here typing this :(
I was able to experience what the Japanese consider `a small shopping center`
We had to ride bikes up a hill and then, after I missed the turn, rode into a parkway specifically designed for bikes and walking pedestrians.
The mall was sooo cool! The price of clothes was really high, but I doubt that will stop me from getting one of the awesome Japanese fashionista items...
When we got back from the mall, Tomo`s grandparents came over. I tried to introduce myself in Japanese but it is so hard to do...
We piled into the cars and set off for a Sushi resturant.
We are now getting ready to make brownies and lemonade to take to the LABO welcome party for the little kids to try.
The Maehana's don`t use air conditioning very much in their house. When we do use it, we have to turn it off when we leave the room. We have been relying on Japanese style fans and ice cold green tea to keep us cool. I am sweating just sitting here typing this :(
I was able to experience what the Japanese consider `a small shopping center`
We had to ride bikes up a hill and then, after I missed the turn, rode into a parkway specifically designed for bikes and walking pedestrians.
The mall was sooo cool! The price of clothes was really high, but I doubt that will stop me from getting one of the awesome Japanese fashionista items...
When we got back from the mall, Tomo`s grandparents came over. I tried to introduce myself in Japanese but it is so hard to do...
We piled into the cars and set off for a Sushi resturant.
We are now getting ready to make brownies and lemonade to take to the LABO welcome party for the little kids to try.
first night with Maehana`s
I am having a great time with the Maehana family. They are so sweet and truly genuine.
Nahomi, my host mom is bubbly and enjoys humming the song `true loves kiss` from Enchanted. Last night, Yuri went to a LABO meeting and Toshikazu, my host dad helped me out by carrying my very heavy luggage.
This morning I had plain yogurt and bread for breakfast. Tomo and I are going to ride bikes up the road to buy a couple of things from the local store, then later, in a couple of hours, Toshikazu`s parents will come to bring corn from their garden.
At 6pm, the LABO party will host a Welcome Party for me!
Nahomi, my host mom is bubbly and enjoys humming the song `true loves kiss` from Enchanted. Last night, Yuri went to a LABO meeting and Toshikazu, my host dad helped me out by carrying my very heavy luggage.
This morning I had plain yogurt and bread for breakfast. Tomo and I are going to ride bikes up the road to buy a couple of things from the local store, then later, in a couple of hours, Toshikazu`s parents will come to bring corn from their garden.
At 6pm, the LABO party will host a Welcome Party for me!
adventure：part 1
i finally made it!
Since i last wrote on my blog, many things have happened.
the flight over to Japan was lots of fun. i watched Fool`s Gold on my personal screen and talked with one of my new friends, Mary, the youngest Delegate from America (12) who is from NY.
We had a very rough spot of turbulence which i later found out was due to a blizzard that was occuring off of the coast of Ｓiberia.
Once we landed and got through customs, the group sat down to rest and that is when i discovered the joy of the Japanese vending machine. They have a wide selection of hot and cold beverages. I bought a fizzy grape drink which the machine poured and served to me through a little door.
My group stayed at the Olympic Youth Hostel in Tokyo. It was a very large facitlity with no air conditioning :) I was surprised that the only bath there was was a communal bath. I figured that since I was going to have to do it later on in during my homestay, now was the time to try. It was just me and another girl who were willing to take the plunge.
It was slightly awkward but over all, it wasn`t that bad.
For breakfast they were serving
Miso soup, rice, and seaweed. yum；）
This morning I loaded onto a bus that was headed for `the station`.
we were not told anything about what where we were going or any kind of specific information which has been true for the entire trip ;(
at the station we had to wait for a couple of hours until the shinkansen (bullet traiin) arrived.
i took advantage of the kiosk selling Toppo.
The bullet train was very clean and was VERY fast.
We rode through beautiful countrysides dotted with oriental style houses. There were many rice fields. I got to see Tokyo, Nagoya, and Kyoto from the train.
When we arrived in Osaka I was so excited to see Tomo! A LABO staff member took me and about 4 others to meet our host families. Tomo and her family were there to greet me with greetings, hugs, and even gifts；) it was such a surreal experience！ Then, Nahomi, my host mom bougnt us some kaiten yaki which is a pastry made with sweet beans inside of a chewy biscuit.
Then we hopped into their car and sped off to their home ( about 30 min away) in Nara.
I am now at their house, getting ready to eat dinner. I am having the time of my life... I guess all of that worrying paid off ;)
Since i last wrote on my blog, many things have happened.
the flight over to Japan was lots of fun. i watched Fool`s Gold on my personal screen and talked with one of my new friends, Mary, the youngest Delegate from America (12) who is from NY.
We had a very rough spot of turbulence which i later found out was due to a blizzard that was occuring off of the coast of Ｓiberia.
Once we landed and got through customs, the group sat down to rest and that is when i discovered the joy of the Japanese vending machine. They have a wide selection of hot and cold beverages. I bought a fizzy grape drink which the machine poured and served to me through a little door.
My group stayed at the Olympic Youth Hostel in Tokyo. It was a very large facitlity with no air conditioning :) I was surprised that the only bath there was was a communal bath. I figured that since I was going to have to do it later on in during my homestay, now was the time to try. It was just me and another girl who were willing to take the plunge.
It was slightly awkward but over all, it wasn`t that bad.
For breakfast they were serving
Miso soup, rice, and seaweed. yum；）
This morning I loaded onto a bus that was headed for `the station`.
we were not told anything about what where we were going or any kind of specific information which has been true for the entire trip ;(
at the station we had to wait for a couple of hours until the shinkansen (bullet traiin) arrived.
i took advantage of the kiosk selling Toppo.
The bullet train was very clean and was VERY fast.
We rode through beautiful countrysides dotted with oriental style houses. There were many rice fields. I got to see Tokyo, Nagoya, and Kyoto from the train.
When we arrived in Osaka I was so excited to see Tomo! A LABO staff member took me and about 4 others to meet our host families. Tomo and her family were there to greet me with greetings, hugs, and even gifts；) it was such a surreal experience！ Then, Nahomi, my host mom bougnt us some kaiten yaki which is a pastry made with sweet beans inside of a chewy biscuit.
Then we hopped into their car and sped off to their home ( about 30 min away) in Nara.
I am now at their house, getting ready to eat dinner. I am having the time of my life... I guess all of that worrying paid off ;)
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Dulles, Sea-Tac, and Narita...Oh My
Hey Everybody!
I have been finding it kind of hard to find time to write an entry just because of how busy the chaperones are keeping us and how tired I am.
My first plane ride in a very long time was good... a little scary taking off, but fun none the less.
I met 2 fellow delegates when I got to Dulles International Airport and together we got on the plane to Seattle.
I sat next to someone who was from the area and he was able to show me Mt. St.Helen's, Mt. Rainer, and the Space Needle from a birds' eye view.
Once we landed in Washington St., I finally got to meet my chaperone, Mary Frances.
We had to wait about 3 hours for the others to arrive so that gave me time to get a bite to eat.
After a short orientation at the hotel I was off to the mall with a couple of my new friends. We ate at the Rainforest Cafe. It was so cool! Check out the website to see what I mean.
I was the first one to hit the pillow tonight... I was exhausted!
Today, at 10am we have to be at the airport again to get ready for our 10 hour flight to Tokyo!
I am very,very, very excited about getting to Japan, I am just not too thrilled about the amount of time I have to spend on the plane.
I am having a great time, it definitely is an adventure!
Thank you for reading my blog!
Once I get to Japan I will get some pictures up!
I love you all!
I have been finding it kind of hard to find time to write an entry just because of how busy the chaperones are keeping us and how tired I am.
My first plane ride in a very long time was good... a little scary taking off, but fun none the less.
I met 2 fellow delegates when I got to Dulles International Airport and together we got on the plane to Seattle.
I sat next to someone who was from the area and he was able to show me Mt. St.Helen's, Mt. Rainer, and the Space Needle from a birds' eye view.
Once we landed in Washington St., I finally got to meet my chaperone, Mary Frances.
We had to wait about 3 hours for the others to arrive so that gave me time to get a bite to eat.
After a short orientation at the hotel I was off to the mall with a couple of my new friends. We ate at the Rainforest Cafe. It was so cool! Check out the website to see what I mean.
I was the first one to hit the pillow tonight... I was exhausted!
Today, at 10am we have to be at the airport again to get ready for our 10 hour flight to Tokyo!
I am very,very, very excited about getting to Japan, I am just not too thrilled about the amount of time I have to spend on the plane.
I am having a great time, it definitely is an adventure!
Thank you for reading my blog!
Once I get to Japan I will get some pictures up!
I love you all!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
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