What a day we had in Osu Kannon! Early in the morning, people had been climbing up the steep steps of the temple where to pray, seek advice, and give thanks. The many resident pidgeons guarded their space jealously. The shopping was simply awesome, as promised! Everyone shopped until they nearly dropped. There were great temptations as Osu prepares to celebrate 400 years as as shopping precinct with a festival this weekend.
A very touching time was when Callum,s brother Luke came to farewell Callum. As we left for the train for home they embraced for the last time until they meet again.
Then, after a beautiful banquet dinner we dressed in our yukata,s for photo,s, then a debriefing session including ackwledgements for each member of the group. Acknowledging the enormous contributions made by everyone in making this trip so successful.
It is clear the bonds of friendship formed on this trip will last forever.
Annie Mayes
Thursday, 13 October 2011
Wednesday, 12 October 2011
Universal Studio Japan - Wednesday, October 12th
Well we are on the home straight, only 2 more sleeps. Today we went to Universal Studio and if that wasn't exciting enough without the rides and parades, six Japanese students, who were hosted by Leeming in September, came along to share the day with us. We arived at Universal Studio at 10 am and spent our day catching up with the students and enjoying the many rides and attractions. Some of the students conquered their fears of high speed roller-coasters, whilst others enjoyed the movie performances such as Backdraft, where they re-enacted explosions and fires that were part of the movie. Throughout the day there were two parades. The first was a Mardi Gras of singing and dancing and colourful costumes. The second parade was in the evening and it consisted of huge lit up floats of a variety of cartoons and fairy tales. The day ended on a sad note when our students had to say good-bye to their Japanese friends. Tears were shed, a sign of close friendships that will last a long time. At 10 pm, we eventually arrived back at the inn exhausted.
True to form, Mrs Mayes (our ever-ready bunny) made the most of every minute of our day.
Success for Mrs Dinning who eventually though shear persistence got Shannon Stow to write on the blog.
Signed Shannon Stow, Mrs Dinning, Kirsty, Jacquie, and the odd snore from Clare.
True to form, Mrs Mayes (our ever-ready bunny) made the most of every minute of our day.
Success for Mrs Dinning who eventually though shear persistence got Shannon Stow to write on the blog.
Signed Shannon Stow, Mrs Dinning, Kirsty, Jacquie, and the odd snore from Clare.
11th October- Osaka
Osaka is a city with lots of Ginko trees and history. The area we went to had neatly arranged houses and spacious roads. Many of the wooden structures reminded me of an old town, complimented by their grounding of tradition; which we could see from many kimono-wearers and cultural shops. We went sightseeing at Kinkakuji. We were amazed at both the temple and the scenery- our group was lucky enough to spot trees that are changing into a deep, orange colour; it gave us a good feel of the season- Autumn- as the temperature during our stay was rather warm.
Kinkakuji was a masterpiece- rebuilt around 900 years ago, the temple's two upper floors were completely plated with gold. We were told that the pond surrounding the temple was filled with ancient carp, and that each rock placed in the design was symbolic.
Later on in the day, we went to Kiyomizu. People drank from Springs of Beauty, Health and Intelligence and we went shopping later on, there were lots of traditional souvenirs; as well as many women and children in kimono. Many people within our group also bought kimono! They all look very beautiful in them. That's all for now.
Oyasumi!
-Germaine.
Kinkakuji was a masterpiece- rebuilt around 900 years ago, the temple's two upper floors were completely plated with gold. We were told that the pond surrounding the temple was filled with ancient carp, and that each rock placed in the design was symbolic.
Later on in the day, we went to Kiyomizu. People drank from Springs of Beauty, Health and Intelligence and we went shopping later on, there were lots of traditional souvenirs; as well as many women and children in kimono. Many people within our group also bought kimono! They all look very beautiful in them. That's all for now.
Oyasumi!
-Germaine.
sorry
i forgot to say that you need an account to comment just go to blogspot.com and it should give you the option to sign up click on that and give it the necessary information then click comment and then write what type what you want to say in the comment box
Frazer C. McKell
Frazer C. McKell
Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Going to Hiroshima Saturday8 Ocober
It is hard to believe this was our fifth day in Japan ! We have done so much, and the time flies. Tuesday, our arrival day we saw Nagoya Castle and found our friendly and charming Japanese style ryoukan (inn(
Wednesday, a memorable day at Showa SHS in Nagoya, Thursday we had fantastic weather and loved Nara. Friday, we rode long distance by train to Nagano in the mountains where we had a great time at
Agatagaoka High. Then we travelled all the way to Hiroshima by Shinkansen today. Over two hours on the bullet train (well over 500 kms(. After checking into our lodgings (not as nice as Kyoya in Nagoya( we took tram, train and ferry to visit the beautiful Miyajima. No wonder Miyajima is known as one of the top three great scenic sptots of Japan. What a great day! And what a great week!
- Max Mayes
Wednesday, a memorable day at Showa SHS in Nagoya, Thursday we had fantastic weather and loved Nara. Friday, we rode long distance by train to Nagano in the mountains where we had a great time at
Agatagaoka High. Then we travelled all the way to Hiroshima by Shinkansen today. Over two hours on the bullet train (well over 500 kms(. After checking into our lodgings (not as nice as Kyoya in Nagoya( we took tram, train and ferry to visit the beautiful Miyajima. No wonder Miyajima is known as one of the top three great scenic sptots of Japan. What a great day! And what a great week!
- Max Mayes
Nara 6/10/2011
On Thursday we all woke up early to catch the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nara. The Shinkansen ride was a great experience for all and had great scenery. The Shinkansen that we went on went over 300km/hour and it went from Nagoya to Kyoto and then we took another train to Nara. In Nara, we visited Todai-ji, which is the biggest temple in Japan. Todai-ji has 1, 300 years of history, although it has been burnt down twice.
After Todai-ji, we went for lunch with Callum's host buddy, Yasu and his mother. For lunch we ate Okonomiyaki which is a type of savoury pancake which is mixed with many types of vegetables and some meat.
Straight after Okonomiyaki we were allowed to go shopping for an hour. Some people decided to waste their time and money in the gaming arcade. When we finished shopping we had to say goodbye to Yasu and his mother in the JR station and get back on the Shinakansen to go to Nagoya.
All up it was a very exciting day and we all had an amazing time.
By
-Ernest Low
-Callum Byrnes
After Todai-ji, we went for lunch with Callum's host buddy, Yasu and his mother. For lunch we ate Okonomiyaki which is a type of savoury pancake which is mixed with many types of vegetables and some meat.
Straight after Okonomiyaki we were allowed to go shopping for an hour. Some people decided to waste their time and money in the gaming arcade. When we finished shopping we had to say goodbye to Yasu and his mother in the JR station and get back on the Shinakansen to go to Nagoya.
All up it was a very exciting day and we all had an amazing time.
By
-Ernest Low
-Callum Byrnes
A message from Mayes sensei
So far the Leeming crew members are true to their reputation; resilient, eager to learn all about Japanese customs, the local people and food! Oh the glorious Nihon shokuji here!
Nagoya turns out to be a great spot for commuting to Nara, Kyoto and even Hiroshima. We have been on every form of transport in Japan (except the rocket.) We are experienced in every single one of them from the taxi to the shinkansen (or as you know it, the bullet train.)
After seeing the Golden Pavilion known as Kinkakuji and the amazing Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto today, the students shopped for 3 hours straight. Their stamina was incredible but Mrs. Dinning refused to be out done; she bought everything except the sun! (but really she bought sake, a fan and even a beautiful kimono among over things.)
Tomorrow is another day of sheer fun as the Leeming troop heads off to Universal Studios in Osaka Japan (what other country could it have been?) so if you're in the area say hi to us and Shannon and Kirsty's old friends, Megumi and Kana chan.
Nagoya turns out to be a great spot for commuting to Nara, Kyoto and even Hiroshima. We have been on every form of transport in Japan (except the rocket.) We are experienced in every single one of them from the taxi to the shinkansen (or as you know it, the bullet train.)
After seeing the Golden Pavilion known as Kinkakuji and the amazing Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto today, the students shopped for 3 hours straight. Their stamina was incredible but Mrs. Dinning refused to be out done; she bought everything except the sun! (but really she bought sake, a fan and even a beautiful kimono among over things.)
Tomorrow is another day of sheer fun as the Leeming troop heads off to Universal Studios in Osaka Japan (what other country could it have been?) so if you're in the area say hi to us and Shannon and Kirsty's old friends, Megumi and Kana chan.
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