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July 25, 2002

The Estill Middle group en route for a guided Walking Tour by Professor George Hlawatsch, Kansai Gaidai University. Here they stand in line at the bus stop. Arriving at the first destination, the Sanju-sangen-do Temple, Estill participants, TLI staff, Board members listen to Professor Hlawatsch's explanation of the design of this temple. Estill poses with Professor Hlawatsch and volunteer guide, Ms. Nakasu.

The Last Full Day in Kyoto and Japan It is the last full day for the NP:J participants to explore the Kansai region. Some groups took this day to continue their exploration of the city of Kyoto while others travelled about two hours to the town of Himeji to see the White Heron Castle. A couple of other groups went to Nara, the capital of Japan before the capital was moved to Kyotoóabout 1300 years ago! Himeji, Kyoto, and Nara retain many of their very ancient architectural structures because during World War II western scholars convinced Allied forces that these cities contained targets of no military interest but were rich in structures of rich historical significance. The Allied forces' agreement to this "no bombing zone" enables groups such as the NP:J participants to step into structures that are over half a millennia years old. Throughout the course of the NP:J experience, groups can select to participate in a variety of specially organized presentations. In Tokyo, Hamady, Redford, San Clemente, St. Maria, and Theisen tried their hand at finding their way through the complicated, narrow, zig-zagging streets around the Olympic Village. Arlington, Estill, Janesville Craig, and Saginaw participated in a tea ceremony at a hall which also specializes in hosting wedding ceremonies. Here in Kyoto, Saginaw and Redford participated in making the Kyoto treat, Yatsuhashi. The Craig group did a "Scavenger Hunt" in the neighborhood surrounding the Rihga Royal Hotel. Today, Estill Middle participated in a special Walking Tour organized by George Hlawatsch, a professor of History from Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka. The professor, an American, has lived in Japan for thirty years and among his teaching duties, teaches students who come to Kansai Gaidai University as exchange students from American colleges and universities. Perhaps one of the NP:J student participants may one day study with Professor Hlawatsch? Or who knows, a few participants may one day join Professor Hlawatsch and teach at Kansai Gaidai and lead an NP:J Walking tour, too? It might just be one of these Estill students, one of whom commented that the walking tour was like experiencing the History Channel live! This day was also special because of two of The Laurasian Institution's board members, Janet Williams and Tom McNamara and were able to join the Estill group and see NP:J in action. They enjoyed being able to see the NP:J participants' interaction with Professor Hlawatsch and hearing the participants' comments about NP:J. At 9:00 pm tonight, all the teachers met to receive departure instructions and to distribute program evaluations. There will be two waves of departures. The first group will leave the hotel bright and early at 6:15 am and the other group leaves at noon to accommodate the different departure times. For many participants, these two weeks have been jam packed with brand new stimuli. As a result, these two weeks may have seemed like months. In addition, it will take some time to digest everything that they saw and experienced. We hope that family and friends will benefit from hearing about the NP:J participants impressions of Japan. And, one day, will be inspired to make a trip to Japan. Of course, NP:J hopes that these participants will continue their interest in Japan and delve deeper into understanding this country's people and culture. This concludes the 2002 New Perspectives: Japan On-Line newsletter series. We hope you have enjoyed these periodic updates. Visit us again next summer for an idea of new experiences from the eyes of different participants! Until next year, Sayonara!