Update from Japan

It has been quite difficult to find access to the Internet in Japan. Free WiFi is non existent and most Japanese families don't have Internet access or even a computer at home. As a result, we might not be able to make many blog entries while on the GSE trip in Japan. 

We have spent the first 5 days of the trip in Kumamoto city. We have attended 3 Rotary club meetings and we have had numerous meals with Rotarians. Everyone is so generous and friendly. We were dressed in Kimonos and we walked around the city all dressed up. What an amazing experience!!!

I (Carolyn) visited two high schools in Kumamoto city. The class sizes were much larger than Canada up to 40 students per class. The students were very friendly saying "Hello" or Kon-ni-chi-wa to everyone in the halls. The classrooms didn't have any technology for the teachers to use in their lessons. The teacher used the blackboard only.

At the public high school, the students performed a traditional Japanese drumming for me. The school club has been ranked 1st in all of Japan for the last 2 years in a row. 

On the 6th day, we went on a day trip to Yatsushiro city. We attend a Rotary meeting, had Japanese tea with the mayor, toured the police station and visited YKK Plant. The YKK plant makes aluminum door frames and window frames. 

We experienced many more great activities in Kumamoto city during day 8th and 9th. Some highlights were visiting Kumamoto castle and the Botanical gardens. 

All of us have enjoyed staying with the host families. It is amazing that you can make such great connections with them despite the language barrier. Many of us had to get use to sitting and sleeping on the floor on a mat rather than a bed. We have eaten many great meals with the families and had many laughs around the dinner table or on the floor. The picture below is Carolyn's first host family.