June 8, 2010

We were fortunate enough to be able to meet the superintendent of the Board of Education and the Mayor of Okinawa. After our visit with them we went sight seeing to the ancient Shuri Castle and the Shikina Gardens. The historical, cultural part is one of the main reasons why I wanted to go on this trip so its amazing to be these treasures in real life.

I loved going to Shuri Castle. The artifacts are all so amazing and the view is just stunning. I would never be able to experience this any where else. Its really cool to think that one day a long time ago an emperor walked where I was standing. Shikina Gardens was also breath taking. It was well maintained and you can feel the history as you walk around the gardens.


Picture Right/Above = me at Shuri Castle

June 7, 2010

Yikes the first day of school. I didn't know what to expect, but I know schools in Japan had strict expectations. I was kind of intimidated. I got all dressed up in my school uniform, and had my home made bento in hand. I attended Chubuu Agricultural High School. Takase was in the 12th grade and was 18 years old. My first impression of her school was that it was really historic looking but had a beautiful campus.

(Picture Above=Me & Takase ready for school)
It was an experience having to take off my schools when going into the hallways. I was greeted by Takase's friends. They were all so friendly and welcoming. When the first bell rang it was so different from the American school bell. It was almost like a song tune that lasted 30 seconds. When the teacher walked into the class room the students were so obedient. One student called all of the students to attention and all of them stood up in uniform to bow to the sensei. Many of teachers didn't notice me, I blended into the classroom.(Picture Right=Eisa Students & I)

On every Monday each student gets a uniform check. Their skirt must be knee length, no jewelry, nail polish or make up. I thought it was really interesting that if a student it caught at night past curfew (11pm) then the police would call the homeroom teacher first, and the homeroom teacher would discipline the student.
(Picture Left=Me getting uniform Check)

June 6, 2010

With lots of rest our room we woke up early and headed down to breakfast. I love the way they serve their meals and everything has their down dish. I love that my food doesn't touch!
(Picture Left:Breakfast at Youth Center)






The moment had finally come to perform our "I gotta feeling" and "Mele no Lilo" dances. It was pretty nerve racking to perform in front of all these important Officials and dignitaries.
I thought we had done a good job, and all of that practicing was worth it.
The luncheon had an assortment of foods to munch on. Since I was in a totally new country I told myself to try new things even though I was scared to. For the first time I tried pig ears, I thought they were very interesting. It's nice being exposed to new foods and I would ever eat at home.

(Above: Me & Tarynn ready for hula)
(Right:Food at welcome dinner!)













After the luncheon I was introduced to Takase and the Yonaha Family. They were so kind and insisted to carry my VERY heavy luggage. Since the luncheon was in Naha we had a far drive. I was totally fine with that since I got to see many places. At first when we were in the car it was awkward and I didn't know what to say but after awhile we had broken the ice and we shared things about ourselves.
(Picture left:Yonaha Family House)



I had read the etiquette section of our handbooks and it had so many rules that you had to follow at the table so you would not be rude but I realized my family was really laid back. I read not to sit until the father had so I just stood there by the table. Everyone had sitten down even without him so I followed. The mother made us a really good meal that was very delicious. They made sure I would NEVER go hungry. The father kept adding food to my plate even though I was really stuffed. (Picture Right: Me & Takase eating)
I was surprised they gave me a whole room to myself, and I was surprised that they had actual beds.

Picture: My room at the Yonaha House

June 5, 2010

"HEY we're in OKINAWA!"
As we stare outside our plane windows all you see is the blinking light of the aircraft wing, then we felt the airplane hit the jet way. Finally on our way out of the airport we were greeted by the Okinawan officials. Drowsy and jet lagged we loaded in the vans and went to the Youth Hall to get some rest. I thought the traditional futons in the tatami room was interesting, but they were quite comfortable.
(Left: Me @ Youth Center)

June 4, 2010

OKINAWA HERE WE COME!
Ready to go in our business attire Jenna, Tarynn and I are leaving to Oahu to meet up with the the group. We had to travel to Oahu for 3 Saturdays, all the traveling was so worth it and we were all really excited to go to Okinawa.
(Big Island Girls-Jenna-Tarynn-Kathy)


You could feel all of the excitement in the air, although many of us didn't get much rest that night. (to the right, 21 of us missing Sherron)


















(Pictures Above: Me & Anthony on the Plane, & plane food)
The flight was very long...9 hours. Even though it was a long flight I was able to become closer friends with Anthony. I had never talked to him at the orientation so we got some bonding time. The Japanese woman that sat next to us was very friendly, and the food wasn't so bad either.