Mino Falls

Talented 2nd graders

...regular Osaka Elementary School

Tuesday and today we went to an elementary school. The principal was so friendly, eager, and excited for us to be there, she couldn't possible be any more welcoming. It has surprised me how relaxed and funny the administrators are here, they don't seem to worry about anything. Every morning we get there and they bring in hot green tea, I do not particularly like it but I usually drink it out of respect. Mid-morning we come back to the principal's office for a break, once again they bring in green tea (this time cold) and snacks. We talk and she answers questions.

The students are thrilled to have us there and yell out "hello" repeatedly. Most students can say "Hello", "My name is", "What is your name", and "Goodbye". Other than that communication is very difficult, words obviously just do not sound the same so there is usually no way to figure it out unless you have pictures, can act it out, or thankfully have a translator near by.

Music is highly regarded and the K-2 students learn the pianika (small piano) and harmonica. Grades 3-5 all learn the recorder, some however were playing the drums and piano as well. They all seemed quite talented and their singing was lovely.

Traditional Japanese Robe for Festival

Art class

....Osaka Montessori schools

Today we went to four different schools, all affiliated with the Osaka University. The schools were quite impressive. Students have to be tested to get in or be part of a lottery involving above average students. First we went to a Pre-k/kindergarten school, students were involved in a variety of experiential learning activities--all having so much fun. One amazing activity we witnessed was the student unicycling at the age of 4-5 years old. They had lots of gardens with potatoes, tomatoes, squash, green peppers, and flowers. They had a goat, rooster, rabbits, and insects that they were responsible for daily. Students put on gloves and a mask and brushed the goat as well as picked up the rabbit. They had to clean out their stalls and we all know what that means--PUUUUEEEEYYY!

Next we went to the elementary school, grades 1-6. Students were so excited as we entered their classrooms. Many were eager to speak English, but could usually only say an introduction. You definitely feel like a movie star.

The Junior High (grades 7-8) and Senior High (grades 9-12) schools were connected. They were also giggling and screaming as we walked up to the school. It makes you feel very important and welcome when so many students are so thrilled for you to be there. We saw students studying English, mathematics, music, art, home ec, Japanese, PE, and history.

All of the schools have about 40 students to a classroom, and it was quite impressive to see how attentive and engaged the students were in their lessons. Believe it or not, being back in school was a refreshing part of the trip. I am so excited about spending the next 3 days at one school and really getting to know the students.

...Tokyo

Tokyo was a very busy, hectic place, I think many of us think it is a lot like New York City. It definitely is not one of the more beautiful places to me, I much prefer the classic countryside in Kyoto. Tall skyscrapers, thousands of people, and a constant buzz is all around. On the trip up to Tokyo, we were able to see Mt Fuji which looked enormous even from afar. It was cloudy and hazy around, so it was difficult to get a good photo opportunity on a moving train. We rode a large boat around to view the city. We saw many homeless people here as well as some boats cleaning the waterways. Overall, it was good to say I have been to Toyko, but it definitely wasn't my favorite.

...Kyoto

One of the most beautiful cities in the world!! Kyoto was breathtaking and the most traditional city we have been to. We went to three temples and I really wish we were staying there for the duration. It was mountainous with amazing scenery. There were weeping cherry trees, blooming hydrangeas, and gorgeous irises all surrounding water gardens. There are no words and the pictures will not do justice to describe the beauty.

...Hiroshima, Japan

Tuesday morning, with no time to waste we were off to Hiroshima. One night's rest in Osaka, and back on the trains. We took the "bullet train" from Osaka to Hiroshima. Hiroshima is a newly built city due to the dropping of the first atomic bomb. There was a lot of sadness around the city, but the healing was throughout the city starting at the Hiroshima Peace Park. We toured the museum, and walked through one of the only standing buildings called "the Dome". The Peace Park was along a beautiful river and bridges, many students were visiting bringing thousands of cranes representing peace and healing. We went to a rooftop restaurant, where we had a local favorite yukotaki, which has crepe, bean sprouts, green onions, cabbage, fish scales, shrimp, bacon, egg, and noodles. It was actually very good, but large enough to feed two people.

...Osaka, Japan

WE MADE IT!!! It was quite an atrocious flight, 24 hours late we are here. There is a 13 hour time difference, so Monday morning for all of you NC folks was Monday evening here in Japan, which was when we arrived. We were very thankful to arrive here at the Hotel Greene Plaza, check in and get some showers. After showers in our yellow miniature time capsules, we decided to walk around town and find some dinner. Of course I can't tell you the name of the restaurant because of how they write with symbols, but I can describe what I ate. OCTOPUS--not quite the same as calamari! It is a favorite here in Japan, the octopus and some creamy filling is fried in a breading and served with different sauces--soy, spicy mayonnaise, etc. Anyways, this morning(Tuesday) we leave for Hiroshima, which is sure to be a historical treat!! Keep checking us out!!

Live from DETROIT, Michigan

Well, we have hit our first delay!! In Raleigh our flight was delayed two hours, therefore we missed our connecting from Detroit to Osaka. So here we are in Detroit for an additional 24 hours, putting our trip on hold. We were given meal vouchers and a room at a hotel. We are eager and excited to get rolling.

Old McFaye's Farm

Old McFaye had a farm...with lots and lots of kindergartners. What an adventure! We saw peacocks, chickens, roosters, turkeys, and even an ostrich. But that's not all--we fed frisky goats, baaing sheep, and even a huge oinking pig. We groomed a pony, giving it pony tails and braids. Our favorite part of the day had to be riding the beautiful, brown horse--YEEHAW! Our day concluded with a hayride around the property, where we were able to see a freshwater pond and a vegetable garden.

Live from SPRING FLING...

Well, I definitely wanted to support our school so I bit the bullet and participated in the DUNKING BOOTH...AHHH! Going into this I am thinking they will have the water nice and warm, not so much. The water was chilly and since I was the first one up, the tester--I got to find out that a screw was loose and as soon as I sat on the edge--Kerplunk, Splash into the chilly water without even the first ball thrown. So I climb back on up onto the plank, fix the seat, push on it, sit back down, and DEJA VU. The clamp released and there I went again, finally Mr. Arnold to the rescue comes and notices the loose screw. Anyway it was a great time for a great school!!

...Forest Hills Elementary

Approaching my 10 tenth year of teaching, I am sure that I am in the best profession for me. I am a teacher!! I spent my first seven years in Raleigh as a middle school teacher. When I moved to Wilmington almost two years ago, I decided to make the change to the adorable elementary school setting. This is my first year at Forest Hills, and I definitely found my perfect fit. At Forest Hills, I have found an exceptionally friendly staff, who has made me feel right at home. I am thrilled to be a part of Forest Hills and one of the chosen ones to head to Japan and share the global adventure.