Sebastopol World Friends

Are you interested in being a Student Ambassador to Sebastopol's Sister Cities? Then pre-apply now as new ambassadors for both Yamauchi and Chyhyryn will be chosen in the fall. Any questions can be directed to me at joalars@yahoo.com. Looking forward to having you with us! - Joan

I figured I would squeeze one more blog in before final packing and bed. All of our touring days have been full and this one was no exception. I will let your traveler fill you in on the details of our visit to the Zen temple (Don`t forget to ask about the za-zen meditation...I know I won`t forget about it!!!), udon lunch, science museum, hot springs bath, and wonderful Sayonara Party.

I also had a quiet family day at home; got to sleep late and take a nap this afternoon. Several relatives stopped by for meals and a little English conversation (thank goodness for translators!) I just can`t get over how friendly EVERYONE is! Here is the down-side to that....packing. Let me explain.

I just finished reading John`s latest entry and turns out Kathy and I and our respective families plus Molly`s family where also in Karatzu today (photo of the castle attached and the view from the top was spectacular). We were lucky enough to have Kotomi with us too who is the current `Tan` (American student living here and teaching English).

Today was spent in Saga, which could best be described as the capital of the county (Saga prefecture). It is about 1 hour from Yamauchi and we met at the usual 8:30am to board busses and load cars. Many of the Yamauchi students were able to join us as they are official on holiday this week and next. And we are getting to know the parents as well which is really nice.

Just a quick note tonight as I have just returned from an adult party at Rumi`s house. Great fun, lots of food, and plenty of drinks including some kind of Japanese whiskey that they only served to the men but Kathy and I got a little ruffled, asked for some, then had to drink our fair share (no problem as we are big girls to their little men!)

Not sure where to start! Tuesday started with me not having a voice (well, only a squeak!) and having to say goodbye to my first host family. Kathy and I both packed our bags and said goodbye to the homes we were just starting to figure out as we are moving to new host families Wednesday night. No, we didn`t skip Tuesday night - just spent it together at Mt. Korakami.

After a variety of experiences during yesterdays family day, the group was together again today to tour Yamauchi starting with city hall. (Will and Leaf, they have a SWF area with all of our gifts displayed!) We met elementary students in the morning and seniors in the afternoon (the kids were incredible ambassadors and bridged the age gap tremendously).

Today was a host family morning (my family let me sleep in late which I am eternally grateful for)and the afternoon was all ceremony and party.

...describes everything so far!