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June 10, 2001

Nippon Express Travel mans an information table in the lobby to assist NP:J participants with directions and travel advice. Biff Geiss is getting some pointers on the Kyoto Bus system. Dale Garrard and Layne Ward from Boise, Idaho, with help from Nippon Express, are nailing down the details for their day's explorations. Students from El Paso pose for a picture before climbing aboard a bus at the central Kyoto station. They don't realize it yet, but they are about to get into a very crowded space!

A Full Day of Exploring Kyoto A common reaction to jet lag recovery occurred on Saturday, June 9th. Most of the New Perspectives: Japan (NP:J) participants fell asleep easily, but were wide awake by 5 or 6 a.m.! Now, many of the parents of the NP:J participants might find it hard to believe that their sons and daughters were up that early AND eager to get outside and explore Kyotoñbut that is exactly what happened. Quotes of the Day: Wiley elementary students responding to their experience at Sanjusangendo noted for it's 1001 statues of Buddha: "All those statues of Buddha were cool," Evan Coffey. "BOKU MO OMOU," rejoined Beau Lockard, Evan's classmate. Indian Creek High School teacher Gloria Guffey responding to "How was your Day?": "The girls, despite of their fatigue, found extra energy at Kyoto Handicraft Center to SHOP! And, in fact were going out shopping tonight, again!" According to Jim Kountzman of Chaminade College Prep, the food in Japan is very enjoyable: "The service in McDonald's was so good! Much better than in America!" A quick glance at some of the other activities of the day: A few of the students at Valparaiso joined their sensei, Biff Geiss, on a hike of the mountains surrounding Kyoto. Joy Dickson and her Thomas Edison students packed in a full day with a walking tour of Kyoto and a train ride to Himeji castle. Several groups, including those from Fairbanks, Boise, Indian Creek and others, have already enjoyed a trip to Ryoanji and Kinkakuji. The terrific thing about a city like Kyoto, with such a rich history, is that there is so much to explore. Many of the pictures for today's posting come from the walking tour of Kyoto, led by Kansai Gaidai University professor George Hlawatsch. We hope you enjoy sharing the sights we have seen in Kyoto!