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.