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June 17, 2001

A Buddhist monk is standing on a Kyoto street

The Kyoto Journey Begins Bright and early Saturday morning, students and teachers began waking up and getting ready for their first full day of exploring Kyoto. As always an experienced bilingual guide was on hand to assist with the schools' questions about the sights in Kyoto. After a brief explanation of buses, subways and local points of interest, the groups were out the door ready for their first day. This morning Abbott Middle School visited Todaiji, known as the "Big Buddha," and Kasuga Shrine and others. Patrick Henry was on an early train to Himeji Castle and ended the day experiencing a traditional Japanese theatrical performance at Gion Corner. Hawaii's King Kekaulike High School hit most of Kyoto's major shrines including Ginkakuji, Heian Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera and Sanjusangendo. To ensure Hawaii could balance sacred with secular activities they ended the day shopping at Kyoto Handicraft Center. Southwest High School, left early to visit their sister school. According to Jonathan Townsend, the sensei from Southwest, "Now I know what the Beatles felt like when they arrived in America, we were all so well received." Columbus East High School started their day at Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace and after a lengthy walking tour of various Kyoto neighborhoods enjoyed the cuisine of the Japanese "Combini," Lawsons. A guest lecturer from Tokyo University, John Lacey, who has long supported the New Perspectives program volunteered to lead a special presentation called the "Scavenger Hunt." During the presentation students from Apple Valley and Parkway North & South were asked to break cultural codes by finding signs, symbols, unwritten rules and behaviors in contemporary Japan. After an hour scanning the streets in Kyoto for clues, the students gathered back in the hotel where a rich discussion about cultural differences and similarities took place. As an example of the creativity of our New Perspectives participants we invite you to visit the Sudbrook Magnet Middle School web site: www.gocities.com/sudbrook2000, provided by Sudbrook sensei John Soos. There, you can explore some of the activities of the Sudbrook students as they wended their way along the "Path of Philosophy." Saturday was a fun-filled and educationally rich day for all. Stay tuned for our next issue covering the NP:J Tour, due to be posted in approximately 4 days, on Tuesday, June 19th, or soon thereafter. On Monday, June 18th, we will be leaving Kyoto to travel to our host schools and host families. Until then, Sayonara!