The Killing Stone and the Hot Springs

Yesterday (Saturday) it rained all day-the first time it rained all day and considering it`s the rainy season we`ve been pretty lucky. (Kelly and I have been computer challenged-no wireless internet in the homes) and so yesterday was the first day I was able to use a computer in the family home. Anyway, hopefully Katie or Givon will post a picture of the Killing Stone. But since it was raining, our afternoon outside tour was cancelled and instead we went to a Hot Spring. The ladies were lucky enough that our translator for the day was a woman so we had no problem understanding the proper way. We went into the outdoor springs, and could have spent a few hours there instead of only the half hour. Needless to say：no pictures

Nikko / Toshogu

Yesterday we visited Nikko, an ancient town with lots of history. Known for its shrines and beautiful scenery, we visited both!

This is the Pagoda at the Toshogu shrines. They also have the monkeys that originated the expression "Hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil." Below is us reenacting that (with the original monkeys above).

There were both Shinto & Buddhist shrines here. They coexist peacefully. This is the Shinto shrine.

It is so hard to choose pictures!! All are beautiful (kire!). I will update more later on Kegon Falls. This morning Sayama-san and I climbed 1000 stairs to the Ohirai Shrine (in the rain!). Very good exercise, and very peaceful. Today we switch host families :-( I will miss Masako-san!! More later!

Mata ne, Katie

Nikko

Pics, Pics and more Pics yesterday was a great day! Today we switch host families, this week flew by. I hope and pray my new host family is as nice as this one, I'm sure they will be.

My first traditional meal in Japan
 

 Toshogo / Futaara-san Shrine

 Toshogo / Futaara-san Shrine

 Toshogo / Futaara-san Shrine

 Chuzennjiko Lake

 Kegon Fall

Only one good looking person in this pic! ;-)

 Tochigi Strawberries

Until the next time;-)

Givon

Kareoke!

Ohayou Gozaimasu!  Good morning. Last night was our Welcome Party with the Tochigi, Tochigi South, and Tochigi West clubs. We had a big feast of American and Japanese food (sashimi! Oishikatta.) and gave our presentation. Afterwards, a few of us headed to kareoke. Bruce & Kelly may be sporting headaches today, but had great performances last night. Kelly & I and our new friend Yuka gave a rousing performance of Lady Gaga, Bad Romance, and Queen, We are the Champions. Let me tell you, Japanese like their kareoke. Slightly different from back home.

 My host mother ^^^

The previous night, Masako-san, my host mother, took me out to dinner with her family. We had shabu shabu, which is when you drop the meat & veggies into boiling water. OISHIKATTA! We also had tempura, sushi, and lots of other foods. The Japanese really know how to eat. Below is her grandson, son, niece & nephew in law with me.

TelTel and I indulged in a little sake! 

We visited Ohirai Shrine yesterday, which was beautiful. It is a traditional Shinto shrine, and the priest was kind enough to walk us through the ceremonies.

Afterwards, we all walked a figure 8 through this big ring for happiness. Hope it works!

We also visited CC9, the Tochigi Cable Company! My host mother is an executive there. We got a full tour, and even posed with the mascot. Kawai!! (Cute!)

We are being treated so great here, and being shown so much hospitality. We can't wait to see what else is in store. Today we visit Nikko, a very historic and holy town in the mountains, with lots of shrines. We are also visiting some waterfalls & a lake, and FINALLY we don't have to wear our uniform. Can't wait!!

Until next time,

RICE PADDY!!!

Mata ne, 

Katie

School Visit

Well yesterday was another day to remember!  We started our day off at the Ohirasan Buddhist Shrine, what an amazing experience.  We went through a full prayer ceremony and toured the shrine.  They were also kind enough to give us a full history lesson on the shrine. 

 Next stop was Chuo Elementary School.  This totally remodeled school was absolutely beautiful. The students were happy and respectful, students that you could see had a lot of pride in their school.  All students have the responsibility of maintaining and keeping the school clean.  With such a huge task at hand one would think there would be some element of chaos, but every system that I witnessed went off without a hitch, from the maintenance of the hallways to the serving and clean up of lunch.  The thing that surprised me most is that the students did not mind completing these tasks, not one bit.  After sitting in on several classes I could not help but notice that the children were eager to learn, and behavior was not an issue.   I had the pleasure of speaking with several staff members to get their insight on the school and school system.  The thoughts, and ideas of the staff were much appreciated.   Staff and students at this wonderful school were so friendly and inviting, I can’t wait to visit the next school scheduled later on in my visit.  

The day ended with another amazing meal, presentation and welcoming by the Tochigi Rotary Clubs.  Their hospitality is much appreciated.

We Love Japan

Another AMAZING day in Japan! I have to say that the people of Japan are very hospitable! They have treated us with the highest respect and care.  I might go in to withdrawal when I get back to the states, so friends, family and co-workers you are going to have a lot of work trying to maintain this level of treatment;-)  Today I took a quick trip down memory lane when we visited the Toy Museum.  I fell in love immediately when I walked in and right before my eyes stood a larger than life Transformer.  This is one of those toys that I could not get enough of!

Next we were off to give our second club meeting, which went off without a hitch. Go team!

Our last occupational visit for the day was at a hospital.  This hospital will always hold a special place in Kelly's heart.
 

As well as Katie and I, with our new addition! Any suggestions for a name?

The best part of the day for me happened not more than an hour ago. Several Rotary officials and my host family had a traditional Japanese dinner in my honor. Once again a dinner of firsts Octopus, Red snapper, Fish paste, Udon noodles with raw egg, and Japanese sweet plum.  One of my most interesting meals yet.

I have to say that my host family has went above and beyond to make me feel as comfortable as possible. They deserve a big ARIGATO (Thank You).

So busy!

Konichiwa!! Greetings from Japan. It is about 6:30 here. We have had a very full two days! Yesterday, we checked out of the hotel and gave our first presentation to the Utsonomiya Rotary Club, which was men only. I'm not sure if that would fly in the US! Here is a picture of Kelly at the podium.

We then visited the second largest hospital in Tochigi, and got to chat with the head of nurses, head of accounting and several head doctors. Next up: super cars! The head of the hospital owned about 25 super cars, set up in a museum. My favorite was either the pink Porsche, or the Ducati (one of about 150 in the world).

I am surprised I was allowed to touch it.

We then split up and went off with our host families. My host mother is Masako, an amazing woman who was GSE chair for Tochigi for the last 9 years! She has a super cute 8 year old grandson, Haruki, who kicked my butt in checkers (using a few suspicious moves...).

Today, we visited a toy museum, where Givon got giddy over Transformers, and gave our second presentation to the Mibu Rotary Club. This was a longer presentation, about 40 minutes. I tried to give as much of mine in Japanese as possible. We are slowly, but surely learning. I must say, Japanese comes much easier to me than French, and if it was offered as a language in college I may have had a higher GPA! Below I am exchanging the Doylestown banner with the president of the Mibu Rotary.

We then visited Dokkyo University Hospital, where we had a great tour of the university and pharmacy. Kelly was able to find some of the drugs she makes at Particle Sciences!

Tonight, I am going out for a Japanese dinner with my host mother and her entire family. I have no idea how the Japanese are so thin; we've been eating so much every meal! All of the food is oishi (delicious) except for chicken livers. Yuck. I've already experienced my first Japanese bath, which was amazing, and will probably have another later on tonight. Tomorrow we have a Welcome Party with four Rotaries, and a welcome concert. Can't wait.

Mata ashita (see ya tomorrow),

Katie