I have internet!

Hello Everyone!
Sorry I have been so quiet on the blog. I have been surprised to find even in a first world country many people still do not have internet. And wifi is rare to come by. Many nights we have been sleeping in traditional homes on futons in tatami rooms. Tatami are room squares made of delicate rice leaves woven together. Very delicate, no shoes! Here is a photo of one of Bruce's past bed.

Yesterday was a day of learning! We went to the new Japanese Red Cross hospitol where we learned about the new designs and efforts of earthquake damage prevention. They are now developing ways of allowing the building to shift without swaying causing the least amount of damage.

Here is a metal plate the Red Cross uses to determine how far the building has shifted after an earthquake.

For the large earthquake that occured in 2011 the building shifted a total of 20cm without damage! The mechanical systems of the building brought the building back into place after only 12 hours without disturbing the patients of the hospitol.


We then went to the research center at AIT where they focus their research on renewable energy. Specifically on solar panels, windmills and wind turbines. We learned how wind can produce energy to run electicity in homes. I wish we could put this knowledge to action back at home. The Japanese people are very energy counscious people.

Sorry, but I gotta run. A meeting with the mayor awaits us today. I will try to post more soon!

Kelly