Thursday 10 December 2015

Thursday 10th December

Spending the day at Kurashiki Minami HS. 
All the group survived their first night in homestay and arrived on time for their first taste of school life in Japan. The first act was a welcome by the 1st and 2nd year students in the gym. Each person had to give their introduction and then they performed the Cashmere HS haka. Following this they had a session working with two classes in a large room, doing various inter-cultural activities. This was followed by a calligraphy class. Lunch time followed.
Photos from today:

Speeches at welcome assembly.

Cashmere presentation


Interacting with students


Group photos

Group 2



Impressions so far from Mr Smith: 
After ten nights Japan has given us a huge number of experiences to remember already. Personal highlights for me have included the visits to the spectacular temples and castles. The day at Miyajima was also a real highlight. The weather really came to the party and delivered stunning views from the top of Mt Misen, and the orange shrine and gate looked amazing against the backdrop of the sea. The day exploring the Peace park and museum was a sobering experience, and the walk through the museum was the quietest I've heard the kids this whole trip! You could tell they were really taken aback by the impacts of the events in Hiroshima in 1945. The food has also been fantastic! I am a big fan of sushi, sashimi, all of the different noodles, tempura, and a special mention has to go to katsu sandwiches! The experience at an Okonomiyaki restaurant in Hiroshima was awesome also. I should probably apologise to Wade for providing him with an extra couple of hours riding the trains in Osaka after my logistical skills (or lack thereof) put us on the wrong train while attempting to get back to the hostel. He coped well even in his 'under the weather' condition and didn't once complain. Welcome to 'real' travelling Wade! I know the students are taking lots of amazing photos and I hope the memories of the amazing cultural sights and experiences will last much longer than those of the 7/11s, wifi hotspots and jidoohanbaiki (vending machines)!! We're all looking forward to what the next 9 days and nights have in store before we come home to our families.