We first met the Mayor of Hakusan and many members of his international development team. They were all extremely welcoming, even chosing to talk to us in English - Gart helped by translating (a gentleman who is originally from Australia but now working in Japan).
Just about to set off to the Mayor`s greeting.
Hakusan created a banner to welcome us.
The mayor giving his welcoming speech.
And offering a gift to the mayor of Boston.
A sneaky peak inside allows us to see that he has offered an ornately carved bowl.
Anna giving her speech to the representatives of Hakusan Council (ably translated by Ayaka).
Anna offering the mayor of Hakusan his gift from our mayor.
He was impressed and thankful for the presents given.
Virginia also thanked Hakusan City for their hospitality and welcoming us. She gave an excellent speech and was worthy representative of Boston.
The mayor insisted that he sign Ethan`s book.
He also was happy to have his photo taken with many of the students.
Even sporting the "gfest" t-shirt with our lovely twins - Laura and Jess.
A long awaited reunion between Anna and Gart. Nadine had heard so many nice things about the mayor`s interpreter.
Mathew meeting the mayor - he looks so impressed.
At this point, the temperature was hot and still rising.
We then transferred to the Hokusei Junior High School where we experienced using "indoor shoes" for the first time - something that was new and novel to both our students and staff. We were welcomed by the whole school, entering the main hall to the sound of their highly accomplished Orchestra.
The Japanese students spoke a few words to welcome us to the school and made us feel much more comfortable. Unfortunately, we were unable to return the favour in performing our dance due to compatibility issues with the file we were using. Our students were disappointed but we are continuing to work hard to get it working for future shows.
After the assembly, we then took to the first of our interactive sessions. I was fortunate enough to attend the English and Calligraphy sessions (however we will have to wait for comments about the music session from Mrs. Collingwood and the students).
Our students were asked to interact with the Japanese students by asking and responding to questions. The Japanese were very brave in talking to our students.
The Calligraphy was an experience. All of the students and staff felt that it was fun yet the instructor made it look particularly easy - I guess it requires a lot of practice. I can only describe the experience as painting Japanese words with a very large brush but it was great fun.
Just after Calligraphy: this tickled us due to the fact that Mr. Blackham thought that Bethany had really long legs. It turns out that Jess B was resting on Bethany`s lap. You can also see that it had been a long day after travelling - Courtney and Jess P providing the sleeping lions.
Beth was preparing for calligraphy here.
Maddie and her Calligraphy.
Mido enjoys soccer so much he wrote it in Japanese.
Courtney however loves her "mum" - I think that`s what this refers to.
"Smile" Asheligh.
Well done Macey.
Hard at work.
Another good effort here too - check out the pink nails too!
Almost finished.
Abdullah showing off his Japanese skills.
We needed something to copy from so the teacher and her assistants were able to give us our blueprints.
Courtney trying to copy her word.
Macey was doing a good job of ignoring the camera.
Mido was quick and accurate.
"Purple"
Ethan enjoyed his writing too.
English class.
Let`s introduce ourselves.
We had to speak to some Japanese and one English person.
The English teacher has better handwriting than Mr. Blackham when writing on the board. We think we should have chalk boards back in English schools.
In English class, we were the centre of attention.
Just after calligraphy, we had lunch.
After school has formaly ended, students (Japanese and British alike) were required to attend after school sessions. The tea ceremony was taken to well and even found out that they should rotate the mug to drink from the correct place.
Mido appeared to be successful in the blistering 37 degree heat, scoring a goal just as we arrived.
Abdulla and Ethan were taking part in Kendo training - a type of Japanese sword play which uses wooden sticks. They both took to this well.
Our students were ever so impressed with the Japanese fitness having watched them complete a 10 minute warm up in what the staff described as "the sauna." The badminton went well however and students surpsrised themselves with their own ability.
Finally there was the art class. Students who attended this took the time to draw some fun diagrams and then participated in origami - as a gift to the whole exchange, the Japanese students managed to create one for all of us (that was 22 they had made!)
We made the local press!
However, it has been a hot and long day so I think I should go. Here`s looking forward to another fun and interesting time.
