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.   

Our Homestay has begun.

We arrived in Matsuyama after 4 uneventful hours traveling by train.  We had no problem changing trains and we are confident we can do it in plenty of time when we return and only have 11 minutes to change trains. 
We were welcomed by the Matsuyama government officials and the executive committee of the exchange program with speeches and ovations.  The children met their homestay families and quickly went "home" with their family. 
It is raining here in Matsuyama and we understand that it has been particularly wet this summer.  Hopefully  the sun will return and we will see the beautiful village where we are staying. 
There is no WIFI here so the pictures will have to wait. 

Bullet Train to Matsuyama today!

Train tickets in hand, running shoes on, ready for our Bullet Train adventure.  We arrive in Matsuyama later this afternoon.  We have 20 minutes to change trains in Niigata today.  Good practice for the 11 minutes we have when we return next week.  Let the games begin!! 

We have arrived!!

We have arrived in Tokyo after a long day/night journey from Cape Cod.  Had no trouble mastering the trains into Tokyo.  Got to our hotel after a kind women escorted us to the correct exit from the train station.  Art Hotel Ohmori has not changed.  Treated the group to a traditional first night meal at the noodle shop around the corner.  Now for a good rest and then on to Matsuyama tomorrow.  Looking forward to seeing our friends and hosts in that beautiful village.

Ten Days and counting!!

The Cape Cod Lighthouse Charter School will be sending 9 students across the Pacific Ocean later this month.  We will be leaving Cape Cod on July 28th to visit our sister school in Matsuyama, Japan.  The students will be fully immersed in the Japanese culture while they spend a week with a family in Matsuyama.  Matsuyama is a small village within Sakata City, Japan.  After this homestay, we will travel back to Tokyo to spend a few days touring this beautiful city.   This Blog will chronicle our visit and follow our adventures.  Please visit it often to witness this wonderful experience with these students.