Thursday, June 18, 2015
Sayonara
Soyonara, the wishing of farewell and good wishes as we departed Japan. Our trip home was long and full of anticipation in seeing parents and family again. I'll leave you with pictures of our Japanese families as we said goodbye. We are all grateful to their generosity and their loving embrace of our students. Undoubtedly, this will be an experience which will live in our memories for ever.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Science, Soccer, and Fond Farewells
This last full day at the Miko Eiko Elementary School saw us continuing with our classes but also saying goodbye to the school. Certainly, the kids are excited about returning home, but they also are a bit sad to leave. They've made friends and have become quite comfortable in a new but warmly welcoming environment.
As you'll see in the pictures, we had a fun science class that everyone thought Mrs. McMillan would have loved. They also took part in an art class where they drew pictures of Mt. Fuji and ocean waves. They mentioned that Mrs. Davis had done something similar this past year, based on famous paintings by a Japanese artist. Their last class was Japanese poetry writing. The school's assistant head, a published poet himself, taught them about Tanka poems, a very old and traditional form of Japanese poetry similar to the haiku. Each of our students wrote poems of their own which will be published in their school magazine.
The big event of the day was the farewell ceremony involving the entire school (elementary, junior high, and high school). The Bright School students sat on stage and each gave a short speech about their time in Japan. Again, I was extremely proud of them for having the courage to stand up in front of 500 or more people and speak clearly and thoughtfully. At the end we circled around and sang the Bright School song for the school. As we exited the auditorium, the entire school gave us a rousing ovation.
Most of the afternoon was spent playing soccer and games with the Japanese students or continuing to do some projects in the art room. As the afternoon wore on, our students' host families came to pick them up for one last night with their families. Each of our students wrote beautiful thank you notes that they planned to give their host families at dinner time.
I don't think a headmaster could be more proud of his students than I am. To see them bravely take on a new and challenging experience and grow tremendously in the process is one of the most marvelous things to watch. What a wonderful group of young boys and girls.
As you'll see in the pictures, we had a fun science class that everyone thought Mrs. McMillan would have loved. They also took part in an art class where they drew pictures of Mt. Fuji and ocean waves. They mentioned that Mrs. Davis had done something similar this past year, based on famous paintings by a Japanese artist. Their last class was Japanese poetry writing. The school's assistant head, a published poet himself, taught them about Tanka poems, a very old and traditional form of Japanese poetry similar to the haiku. Each of our students wrote poems of their own which will be published in their school magazine.
The big event of the day was the farewell ceremony involving the entire school (elementary, junior high, and high school). The Bright School students sat on stage and each gave a short speech about their time in Japan. Again, I was extremely proud of them for having the courage to stand up in front of 500 or more people and speak clearly and thoughtfully. At the end we circled around and sang the Bright School song for the school. As we exited the auditorium, the entire school gave us a rousing ovation.
Most of the afternoon was spent playing soccer and games with the Japanese students or continuing to do some projects in the art room. As the afternoon wore on, our students' host families came to pick them up for one last night with their families. Each of our students wrote beautiful thank you notes that they planned to give their host families at dinner time.
I don't think a headmaster could be more proud of his students than I am. To see them bravely take on a new and challenging experience and grow tremendously in the process is one of the most marvelous things to watch. What a wonderful group of young boys and girls.
Monday, June 15, 2015
After two days of not seeing our Bright School students, we were excited to meet first thing Monday morning and hear about their weekends. They were full of stories about everything from going to the beach to visiting Disneyland in Tokyo. Most important were the smiles telling us they had connected with their families and had a good time. Tomorrow is our last full day at Mito Eiko Elementary School, so it was nice to know that their family stays had been enjoyable. We can't thank our host families enough for their wonderful and very generous hospitality in showing our children a good time. We will forever be grateful to them.
After we all swapped stories, the kids headed to a special math class while I began a series of meetings with the elementary and junior high students and their parents. In my meetings with the younger children, I gave them a glimpse of what life was like in America, but I was more pleased to hear all of their enthusiastic questions about the United States. We talked about games, schools, music, history, food, and geography. I also spoke with the parents about education in the United States and some of the differences with Japanese education. I gave them a picture of a day in the life of a student at Bright School as well as the school's philosophy and mission. It was all very positive, and I greatly appreciated their good questions.
The students in the meantime headed to a math class, which they seemed to enjoy. After class and before lunch, they did what all of the Japanese students do at that time: cleaned their classrooms and hallways. It was very interesting to see all of the children scurrying around with brooms and rags tidying up their school. Lunch followed, and then we all headed to the local aquarium on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. We made it just in time to see a great dolphin and sea lion show, and then the kids had time to explore what turned out to be quite an impressive aquarium. The fact that it overlooked the ocean was quite nice as well.
Tomorrow we have our closing ceremonies, and we'll then have time to pack for home. We are all sad to leave but happy to think about rejoining our families.
After we all swapped stories, the kids headed to a special math class while I began a series of meetings with the elementary and junior high students and their parents. In my meetings with the younger children, I gave them a glimpse of what life was like in America, but I was more pleased to hear all of their enthusiastic questions about the United States. We talked about games, schools, music, history, food, and geography. I also spoke with the parents about education in the United States and some of the differences with Japanese education. I gave them a picture of a day in the life of a student at Bright School as well as the school's philosophy and mission. It was all very positive, and I greatly appreciated their good questions.
The students in the meantime headed to a math class, which they seemed to enjoy. After class and before lunch, they did what all of the Japanese students do at that time: cleaned their classrooms and hallways. It was very interesting to see all of the children scurrying around with brooms and rags tidying up their school. Lunch followed, and then we all headed to the local aquarium on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. We made it just in time to see a great dolphin and sea lion show, and then the kids had time to explore what turned out to be quite an impressive aquarium. The fact that it overlooked the ocean was quite nice as well.
Tomorrow we have our closing ceremonies, and we'll then have time to pack for home. We are all sad to leave but happy to think about rejoining our families.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
A Day of Flowers
Our Bright School students spent their Sunday with their Japan host families. We'll hear all about their weekend tomorrow when we all re-convene at the school. I'm sure they will have many stories to share, and I bet they are realizing that they will be returning home soon. We'll head back to Chattanooga on Wednesday. Again, with the kids being with their host families, I'm short on pictures of them. But I thought I'd post photos of what Mrs. Smith and I were able to see today.
Mrs. Horoko Azaki, former Bright School parent, graciously took us by car to Hakone, a town south of Tokyo in the Mt. Fuji region. It reminded me immediately of the Smokies with lush green mountains, beautiful streams, and dogwoods in bloom. The regions is famous, of course, for its views of Mt. Fuji. This being the rainy season in Japan, I was doubtful we would see Fuji, but for a brief period we were able to make out its snow covered summit through the clouds. A chance of a lifetime! We also visited a Shinto Shrine nestled among giant cedars high in the mountains and beside beautiful Lake Ashinoko.
In the town of Hakone itself is a 15th Century castle that has housed various clans and shoguns over the years. We were fortunate to be there during the annual hydrangea festival, which was unlike anything I've ever seen. Apparently, the hydrangeas are quite famous in Japan because the tourists were there in droves. What's great about Japan, however, is that everyone is so polite even big crowds have an order and peacefulness about them. It was all quite lovely.
Here are some pictures from our day. Tomorrow, I'll be able to supply you with more pictures of our wonderful students.
Mrs. Horoko Azaki, former Bright School parent, graciously took us by car to Hakone, a town south of Tokyo in the Mt. Fuji region. It reminded me immediately of the Smokies with lush green mountains, beautiful streams, and dogwoods in bloom. The regions is famous, of course, for its views of Mt. Fuji. This being the rainy season in Japan, I was doubtful we would see Fuji, but for a brief period we were able to make out its snow covered summit through the clouds. A chance of a lifetime! We also visited a Shinto Shrine nestled among giant cedars high in the mountains and beside beautiful Lake Ashinoko.
In the town of Hakone itself is a 15th Century castle that has housed various clans and shoguns over the years. We were fortunate to be there during the annual hydrangea festival, which was unlike anything I've ever seen. Apparently, the hydrangeas are quite famous in Japan because the tourists were there in droves. What's great about Japan, however, is that everyone is so polite even big crowds have an order and peacefulness about them. It was all quite lovely.
Here are some pictures from our day. Tomorrow, I'll be able to supply you with more pictures of our wonderful students.
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Host Family Weekend
This weekend our Bright School students are spending time with their host families, enjoying special activities with them. Some are learning how to make soy sauce, some visiting historical places or theme parks, and some doing some Japanese pottery. One is even attending a friend's birthday party. The whole point of this weekend was to give the kids a chance to immerse themselves completely in the life of a Japanese family. The only downside is that we're not with them to take pictures. They promised me they would take as many pictures as possible.
Mrs. Smith and I were able to spend the day with the Oya family, whom many of our Bright School folks will remember. Their girls, Sakura and Katane, were both students at the school, and you may recall the beautiful picture of them in their kimonos. As you'll see in the picture, they took us to lunch to a sushi restaurant where the sushi glides by your table on a conveyor belt. Again, another great idea that needs to hit the States.
I'll say again as I've said many times, I couldn't be prouder of our Bright School students and the way they have handled themselves. To be willing to live with a family of a totally different culture, with some even not speaking any English, is an accomplishment worthy of our praise. It's speaks highly of their courage, intelligence, and resilience. They never cease to amaze me.
You'll see in these photos the Oya family, the sushi restaurant, some scenes from the local park and beautiful Kairakuen Gardens, rooms from the famous Kubontei House, and some more shots of the kids. The picture of the man with a pole shows how they knock down the plums from the 3000 plum trees at this time of year. People line up to buy them on the spot to make all sorts of dishes and drinks from them.
Mrs. Smith and I were able to spend the day with the Oya family, whom many of our Bright School folks will remember. Their girls, Sakura and Katane, were both students at the school, and you may recall the beautiful picture of them in their kimonos. As you'll see in the picture, they took us to lunch to a sushi restaurant where the sushi glides by your table on a conveyor belt. Again, another great idea that needs to hit the States.
I'll say again as I've said many times, I couldn't be prouder of our Bright School students and the way they have handled themselves. To be willing to live with a family of a totally different culture, with some even not speaking any English, is an accomplishment worthy of our praise. It's speaks highly of their courage, intelligence, and resilience. They never cease to amaze me.
You'll see in these photos the Oya family, the sushi restaurant, some scenes from the local park and beautiful Kairakuen Gardens, rooms from the famous Kubontei House, and some more shots of the kids. The picture of the man with a pole shows how they knock down the plums from the 3000 plum trees at this time of year. People line up to buy them on the spot to make all sorts of dishes and drinks from them.
Friday, June 12, 2015
Tokyo, Here We Come!
Our day began at precisely 7:06, when the express train to Tokyo arrived at the Mito Station. At precisely 7:07, we were on our way. Apparently, that time never changes, ever. Our main lesson today was that the Japanese like to be on time. Their efficiency, of course, meant we had a smooth day moving from place to place, something we did all day long on train, monorail, subway, and escalator. We just had to make sure we kept to the schedule.
Hiroko Ozaki, a former Bright School parent, and her daughter Erika (Bright School 2004), met us at the Ueno Station in Tokyo, ready to lead us on our tour. We first took a subway to Nakamise, a lane of shops leading up to the famous Sensouji Temple. Incense and smoke hung heavy in the air as we climbed the steps up to the shrine. Tourists, of course, were everywhere, but it was also interesting to see many others approaching the shrine's center in reverence and in prayer.
Our next journey, on yet another subway route, led us to the fascinating Skytree observation tower. One of the tallest, if not the tallest towers in the world, Skytree looms predominately on the Tokyo skyline. Today, however, the clouds made seeing far an impossibility. After a group photo, we took the elevator up about 400 meters to an observation area (still only halfway to the top). We could see enough to give us a sense of the grand scale of the city, and the clear glass floors at one point added quite a thrill to the awesomeness of the place. The gift shop also became quite the attraction, as I have discovered it does everywhere we go. From what they tell me, the kids have bought presents for every member of their families going back 5 generations! Prepare yourselves for some refrigerator magnets.
After a great lunch of tempura and beef, we headed by subway, yet again, to the monorail that took us to Japan Miraikan, a fantastic science museum. Its first attraction was a demonstration by the robot, Asimo. Developed by Honda, Asimo showed us how he/she could run, hop, dance, turn around, and move side to side. We all agreed Asimo was quite scary because he/she seemed so human, so much so that you found yourself wanting to talk to him/her. In any case, the museum was full of wonderful futuristic devices and demonstrations that occupied much of our time. Some of us even were able to ride the Segway-type vehicles that you sit upon. My first thought, of course, was how fun it would be to make my way through the halls of Bright School on one of those things.
After an uneventful return by train to Mito, our students were greeted at the station by their host families, waiting to take them for the weekend. I know each family had big plans to show our children a good time. They've just been fabulous in supporting our students and helping them cope with the many cultural adjustments. There is no getting around the fact that living in another country is difficult, even if for just a few days. Again, I can't say often enough how proud I am of our Bright School students.
In the pictures you will also see Sakura, Akane, and their mother, Saori, who were also a Bright School family that had returned to Tokyo a few years ago. And the picture of the "Beard Papa," shows where our students enjoyed pastry covered ice cream. Absolutely delicious! They now want to start a franchise in the U. S.
Hiroko Ozaki, a former Bright School parent, and her daughter Erika (Bright School 2004), met us at the Ueno Station in Tokyo, ready to lead us on our tour. We first took a subway to Nakamise, a lane of shops leading up to the famous Sensouji Temple. Incense and smoke hung heavy in the air as we climbed the steps up to the shrine. Tourists, of course, were everywhere, but it was also interesting to see many others approaching the shrine's center in reverence and in prayer.
Our next journey, on yet another subway route, led us to the fascinating Skytree observation tower. One of the tallest, if not the tallest towers in the world, Skytree looms predominately on the Tokyo skyline. Today, however, the clouds made seeing far an impossibility. After a group photo, we took the elevator up about 400 meters to an observation area (still only halfway to the top). We could see enough to give us a sense of the grand scale of the city, and the clear glass floors at one point added quite a thrill to the awesomeness of the place. The gift shop also became quite the attraction, as I have discovered it does everywhere we go. From what they tell me, the kids have bought presents for every member of their families going back 5 generations! Prepare yourselves for some refrigerator magnets.
After a great lunch of tempura and beef, we headed by subway, yet again, to the monorail that took us to Japan Miraikan, a fantastic science museum. Its first attraction was a demonstration by the robot, Asimo. Developed by Honda, Asimo showed us how he/she could run, hop, dance, turn around, and move side to side. We all agreed Asimo was quite scary because he/she seemed so human, so much so that you found yourself wanting to talk to him/her. In any case, the museum was full of wonderful futuristic devices and demonstrations that occupied much of our time. Some of us even were able to ride the Segway-type vehicles that you sit upon. My first thought, of course, was how fun it would be to make my way through the halls of Bright School on one of those things.
After an uneventful return by train to Mito, our students were greeted at the station by their host families, waiting to take them for the weekend. I know each family had big plans to show our children a good time. They've just been fabulous in supporting our students and helping them cope with the many cultural adjustments. There is no getting around the fact that living in another country is difficult, even if for just a few days. Again, I can't say often enough how proud I am of our Bright School students.
In the pictures you will also see Sakura, Akane, and their mother, Saori, who were also a Bright School family that had returned to Tokyo a few years ago. And the picture of the "Beard Papa," shows where our students enjoyed pastry covered ice cream. Absolutely delicious! They now want to start a franchise in the U. S.
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