A lesson with the SOBA Master

Today we were treated to a lesson with a SOBA master.  All of us were able to make soba noodles from scratch.  All students have the recipe so don't let them try to get out of making them for their families.  We learned that the ratios were important with the flour and the way the water is added.  We learned how to make the dough, roll the dough, cut the dough and then cook the noodles.  We later ate our own noodles in a cold soup. 
We also ate the cooked soba kernals (before they are made into flour).  For desert we had two treats.  First was mochi or rice balls.  There was green tea flavor and regular flavor with a red bean paste on top for sweetness.  The second treat was home made ice cream.  There was melon, grapefruit (personal favorite), banana and vanilla.  THe whole meal was delicious.  Before we broke for the day we walked to a local elementary school which is facing a possible closure due to low enrollment (40 students).  Just imagine our students faces when they saw this school with radient heat under their pristine wood floors, a gym, a cafeteria, a computer room, a library, solar panels, and a swimming pool.  The principal was amazed to learn that we had none of those things. I did explain that even though we lacked the bells and whistles we still had an exemplary education program.
A 1pm our programming ended and we faced the reality that our homestay was coming to an end.  Tomorrow will be bittersweet.  At dinner tonight as they adults gave a goodbye toast, I corrected them and said it is not goodbye, it is "see you later".  I hope that our students realize that they have made life long memories.  It has been a wonderful homestay and we all thank the Matsuyama community for welcoming us with open arms.  We have truly enjoyed our stay.

Kenji

Kenji was able to join us for Saturday's activities and Hung out with Ray and I today.  He will be bringing us to the "Scary Restaurant" on Tuesday evening in Tokyo.

Sayonara Party

Because many people were not able to attend on Monday, we had our Sayonara Party one day early.  It really did not feel like goodbye.  We all have been so lucky to participate in this program and and it was evident in the speeches made by all the people involved in the planning, the participants and their families.  I was very proud of our students in their generous comments for their host families and of the clear bonds that have been made in this short time.  All the adults involved expressed the strong desire for this program to continue. 

Saturday

On Saturday we began the day by joining an English class for 6-10 years old (by invitation from the mayor).  You would have been proud of your children as they led the children in The Wheels on the Bus, Hokey Pokey, BINGO and Duck, Duck, Goose.  The little ones asked for autographs, asked us where we lived and how old we were.  There were lots of laughs and a genuine good time was had by all involved.  There were many comments on how mature and poised our kids were.
Next we moved up to the mountain (where I am staying) and engaged in a wood craft project.  We are all bringing home pens made from local wood found here in Matsuyama.  Lunch was next as we laughed watching each other work for our lunch.  We had to catch our noodles for your lunch as the came down a chute.  Catching them with chopsticks was no small feat.  No one went away hungry. 
We were then treated to a Meiko (Geisha in Training) presentation in Sakata City.  These women were so graceful and precise in their movements.   It was a very beautiful dance and music presentation.
On the way to our spot to have an outdoor cookout dinner we stopped at an observation/lighthouse for some great views of the Japan Sea.  Next door to this was a maritime festival.  We were able to see a Japanese battle ship and submarine.  We even got to mingle with some sailors and other military personnel.
Our BBQ was hosted by Zeno's and Jacob's host family.  We all enjoyed a BBQ of beef, chicken, sea scollops and a type of snail creature.  Everyone came dressed in their Japanese festival outfits.  Lots of laughs were had by all.  The spectacular fireworks followed.  The BBQ house was within walking distance of the fireworks and we had great seats.  Our fireworks n Cape Cod are wimpy next to these in Japan.
It was a late night but well worth all the activities.

More Japanese traditional and history

Good Morning...well it is morning on Saturday here.  Yesterday was a busy day.  Again we awoke to rain but it quickly cleared.  We walked from the Matsuyama Town Hall to the local museum.  Here we were treated to a traditional tea ceremony.  The kids respectfully watched as the tea master prepared the tea in a ceremonious way.  Every move was carefully orchestrated with meaning.  We all sampled the tea (all felt it is an acquired taste that many chose not to acquire).  We were also given small sweets to taste to counteract the bitterness of the tea. 
Next we were given the opportunity to wear the traditional Samauri armor.  Although they were replicas, they were authentic in their weight and coloring.  Each student wore the armor with pride as they marched out to the gate to pose for pictures.  You all should have gotten that picture in your email.  While out there we were a bit of a rare treat for a classroom of kindergarteners.  They quickly asked if they could pose for pictures with our students. 
Lunch was a delightful Ramen Noodle soup served at a local Matsuyama restaurant within walking distance of the museum.  Later we walked back to the town hall for a brief rest.  We then boarded our bus for Sakata City. 
We moved to another government building for our lesson in the dance we were to do in the evenings parade.  We learned the steps easily and thanked our teacher for her help.  Most students then walked around the festival area with their homestay family while we wated for the festivities to begin. 
When our time came we lined up outside on the parade route with 2400 other participants.  We looked a bit like a motley crew but we danced and marched for over an hour along the parade route.  We loved to hear and watch the drummers along the way.  It was a long time to dance but there was a nice breeze to help us out.  We dance near another homestay group from Tennesee.  Truth be told, we were much better than they were.
After a long evening we returned to our families and prepared for our next day.  Today (Saturday) we will begin by helping in an English language club (by invitation of the Sakata City mayor) and leading some songs and games for 30 6-10 year olds.  Then on to our regular schedled activities.  Tonight we will be treated to fireworks in Sakata City.

The Weather Cooperated!!

Although we awoke to pouring rain the day ended up dry. We first traveled to a kayaking facility. The kids were quick to show their great kayaking abilities. The sun came out while they were on the water and they ended up having splashing fights with the paddles and then eventually ended up fully emersed in the water. There was lots of laughs and fun all around.
We then moved to a mountain resort and enjoyed a delicious lunch. After a brief rest we were handed bamboo fishing poles (I felt like Tom Sawyer) a pail and bait and we walked down to a stream and tried our  luck at fishing.  Within minutes we were catching rainbow trout.  I think everyone caought at least 1 fish.  The sun was out the whole time.  Thank goodness we had Zeno and Jacob with us.  They became quite proficient at getting the hooks out of the fish, even the one that both Livi and Bella caught (yes they both caught the same fish-two hooks had to be removed).  Ella and Lexi were convinced that we were killing the fish for no reason but soon learned that we (not me of course) would be eating these same fish later in the afternoon.
Next was gound golf.  Ground golf is played with a fat wooden club (somewhat like a croquet mallot but shaped like a golf club) and a ball the size of a handball.  You go from hole to hole while moving up a hill. 
Before we left all were treated to their fish that had been grilled on a stick.  All of today`s activities promoted lots of interactions between the CCLCS students and the Matsuyama students.  Everyone said what a fun day it was!!
Tomorrow we visit the Samari Museum, experience a tea ceremony and then end the day/night martching in the parade in Sakata City.  It will be a long day but rich in Japanese history and traditions.
We also found out that the Mayor of Sakata City has invited us back to the city on Saturday.  He would like our students to visit and work with a group of young students (kindergarten to grade 4) studying English.  Everyone is eager to do this so of course we said yes!!

Matsuyama and Sakata

Yesterday we had a wonderful welcome from the students of Matsuyama Jr. High complete with speeches and songs from the student body.  Our children were then treated to mini-courses in traditional Japanese activities.  They included Japanese Flower Aranging, Playing the Koto (Japanese stringed instrument), Calligraphy and the wearing of the Kimono (or Yukata).  We enjoyed these traditional activities very much.
Next we were treated to a delicious sushi lunch.  I was told that the cucumber sushi was the popular choice, but we (not me) tried all of the fresh fish and seafood offerings also. 
We then moved on to a meeting in Sakata City with the Vice Mayor and the Head of the Sakata Board of Education.  We stressed how important this homestay program is to CCLCS and hoped that it would be able to continue.  The Vice Mayor and Head then asked each other questions.  Our students were thoughtful in their questions and answers.  Here is the facebook page which has a small summary of our visit and a picture.  I hope its in english when you open it at home.  I can only see it in Japanese. https://www.facebook.com/sakatacity?hc_location=timeline
Later we walked a short distance to an old rice warehouse that was turned into a large shop of various Japanese wares.  After shopping and ice cream we ended our long day.  The rain held off for the whole day-just overcast.
We have awaken to rain and today (8/1) we are scheduled to canoe, fish and mini golf.
I apologize for no pictures as I have not found any WIFI but there will be more news to come.