Our first day in Nakayama/ Daisen

March 27, Tuesday After a good nights sleep we were served breakfast by Kozo and Yuko at Friendship house.

And now we're ready for our first day of touring.

Our first day started at Daisen Town Hall meeting Mayor Yamaguchi and staff. We exchanged gifts and speeches were made by Carol and Rebecca.

Here is Philippe in the mayor's seat.

From Town Hall's roof we could see their harbor on the Sea of Japan as well as Mt. Daisen in the mist.Later we stopped at their beach and put our feet in the Sea of Japan- we won't have a chance to do that very often...........

Following lunch at the Friendship House, we practiced our song in both English and Japanese for the Friendship Party.
Then it was off to Nakayama Jr. High School. The school was actually in its end of the school year break, but most of the students showed up to greet us and have activities with us.

At the opening assembly outside, all of which was in a light rain, we were greeted the Principal Mr. Fukuma and the student association chairman.

Followed by performances by their Brass Band and the Cheering Squad.
This was followed by gift exchanges and speeches by myself, Alice and Jake. And, of course, a group picture. Then we proceeded to club activities. Brandon and I went to the science club and the ping pong club; I'm sure they were taking it easy on us!

Other club activities included Tea and Flower, Track and Field, Kendo, Baseball, Brass Band and Volleyball. Everyone had a great time.

Next we returned to the Nakayama Friendship House and we all met our host families for the first time. It is not common for people and friends in Japan to stay over night in someone's home, so this is a real honor for all of us.

Our host, NJHS English teacher Koji Mitsushima, met us and first took us to a traditional shopping area and a tour through the area.

This is a temple and shrine to unborn children. We then went to Koji's family home. He lives with his Grandmother/ Obaasan.

She is 80 years old, tends a 3-4 acre garden, does not speak a word of English, does everything in the traditional way and had never had a foreigner in her home.

Our bedroom was in a traditional tatami room with sleeping mats. It was quite confortable.