June 22, 2004

Departure Day from Host Family; Arrival Day in Kyoto

Today was a sad day for many participants in the NP:J program. This was the day they had to say goodbye to their host families and newly made friends at their host schools. Students were surprised at how quickly they became attached to their host families as were their Japanese counterparts. Some participants have started making plans to invite their host siblings to the U.S. We overheard many students say that they weren't ready to leave.

"The host families were so awesome and nice so we're coming back to Japan! We cried forever, we didn't want to leave and we're going to be sad all over again if we start talking about them, " voiced Patrick Henry students Yee-Xiong, Dao Moua, and Kristina Calloway.

But, alas, leave they must because today is also the day they travelled to Kyoto, the old capitol of Japan. All of the groups did begin their exploration of Kyoto as soon as they arrived. Many are still out even as this article is being written at 9:00 pm. Some groups travelled to the northwest corner of Kyoto to visit Ryoanji and Kinkakuji. Others went the the eastern side to walk around the grounds of Kiyomizu Temple. Those who arrived later in the afternoon, went window shopping at Kyoto Station or attended a performance at Gion Corner.

Wednesday and Thursday will be full days for all once again. Several groups will be visiting Nara, the capital of Japan before Kyoto; some will be visiting Himeji Castle; one group will be going to Osaka Castle; and others will stick closer by focusing their days in Kyoto. Several groups are doing more hands-on activities, such as a Zen experience and washi (Japanese paper) making.

"The instructor at the Washi Making facility was great because he was patient, and after he was finished with his instructions, he allowed the students to try their hand at washi making without hovering. Furthermore, it was hands on, great for the middle school age group," expressed Joy Dickson, Thomas Edison Middle School Japanese language teacher.

More photos of the study days will be uploaded as they are edited tomorrow and the day after. Please visit this page again.

Sayonara for now.

El Cerrito High School first to arrive.

Thomas Edison Middle School in Kyoto!

Patrick Henry says "hi!"

St. Mark's School group looking forward to their Kyoto experience.