2013 Travel Log
2013 Travel Log
Link to Photo Album
July 9, 2013 from Mark Heydon;
Yo! Arrived in Tokyo. All's well. Midori is all energy.
(Just got this wifi device. Very cool. Suppose I 'd better share it.)
Tokyo is hot but fascinating. ~Mark Heydon
July 10, 2013 from Mark Heydon;
Sorry to be so quiet. I'm still on Santa Rosa time. Out today to the Ghibli animation museum. Great lunch stop. You can see Rachel looking over the menu in our little cubical. Museum also a hit. I remember acouple of the movies but my fellow SRKSEPers can quote line and verse. Also attached are: street near hostel, us in front of museum, and a big statue of one of the characters.
July 12, 2013 Photos from Isela Carreras;
July 12, 2013 from Mark Heydon;
So, still in Tokyo. Geeting ready to change hotels. Two long days in a row have kept us quiet. Group is holding together with minor grumbling and some taking-getting-used-to. In fact, we're sometimes so enamoured with each other (we are a pretty fascinating group) we sometimes forget to see what we're seeing. Still wonderful after all these days.
I will whip the troops into detail-to-follow -- MH
July 12, 2013 from Amaris Garcia;
Japan has been amazing so far! Even though it's hot and humid, I've enjoyed every bit of Japan I've seen, especially the imperial palace. I'm excited for the rest of the trip and I'll keep you updated!
-Amaris
July 12, 2013 from Sam Krauskopf;
Japan is great. I understand that you wish to see some pictures of our trip. Unfortunately they are all on my camera and I cannot get to them. However I will take some soon on my iPad and send them to you.
Sincerely
Sam Krauskopf
July 13, 2013 from Savanna Heydon;
So far so good! I have yet to find anything I don't like about Japan. The food's great, the people are kind, and, if I ever figure out how to send a picture through email on this phone, I would show how beautiful the whole area is. Overall, everything is great!
Savanna
July 13, 2013 from Rachel Levine;
Rachel
July 13, 2013 from Quinn Kezer;
I don't have a way to send pictures yet (although i already have a couple hundred), but I'm working on it.
So far our trip has been... how do I put it?... AMAZING. This country is full of culture and history. Everyone in Tokyo has a busy life; there is never a dull moment. My favorite thing so far has been the "imperial vacation home" up in the Nikko mountains.
Well, best be going. I am headed to an art museum with Mark and Nate today. I will try to get you photos asap.
Hope all is well in Santa Rosa,
Quinlan Kezer
July 14, 2013 more photos from Isela Carreras;
July 14, 2013 from Mark Heydon;
July 14, 2013 from Jac Cowell;
First breakfast in Tokyo and Gzoya!
Tokyo Tower ........ and Tokyo Tower, again
Miyazaki Museum!! and a Robot....
Chrysler Building Mimic and Japanese serving sizes are the bomb!
My card to EVERYTHING! and Touchscreen Vending Machine!
Statue in the Imperial Park and Robberfly
July 15, 2013 from Dylan Tucker;
Tokyo was pretty fun. No matter where we go, the food is amazing. I dont know what I am eating half the time, but it is all delicious. The other day I ran into a group of actors practicing Shakespeare in Japanese and saw the Meiji shrine. Appearantly the priests there bless new cars. Interresting country.
Dylan
July 15, 2013 from Savanna Heydon;
Sad to be leaving Tokyo, but glad to have made the most of my time there! Everything is so different, but since we have already gotten used to it, it'll be weird getting back to the states. Looking forward to Kyoto!
Savanna
July 15, 2013 from Quinn Kezer;
I also thought it may be interesting for the Rotary to know that I had lunch with Amanda Treleaven today. Fun fact.
Quinn
July 15, 2013 from Rachel Levine;
Hello again! Here's some photos from our free day today. I went to Harajuku with my Japanese friend. Other than the fashion shops (which were amazing!), she mentioned there was a shrine right nearby. We went there right before a thunderstorm started, so we hurried back to the train station right after.
Oh, here are the photos from Meiju Shrine. - Rachel
July 16, 2013 from Jac Cowell;
View from my hostel in Tokyo - Jac
July 16, 2013 from Rachel Levine;
Greetings from Kyoto!
Hi again. Here are some photos from around Kyoto that I took yesterday and today. Kyoto is really quite different from Tokyo. Everything is a bit smaller and more traditional.
Rachel
July 17, 2013 More Photos from Isela Carreras;
July 19, 2013 from Jac Cowell;
Himeji Castle - The main tower is currently being renovated, so they put a building around the tower and etched in it's façade. It'll be finished by 2015.
Mega Wine Grapes!!! - These are a gift from one of the leading Rotary members of Hiroshima. Possibly the most delicious fruit I've ever tasted.
Pancakes! and Sundae!!
July 21, 2013 from Rachel Levine;
I find that it's difficult to describe my feelings after the Hiroshima peace park and museum. Certainly I'm in awe of the strength it took to not only survive and rebuild after such an event, but to also carry on with normal life to this day. Here are some photos of the peace park.
July 19, 2013 from Mark Heydon;
Ah! We are here...ah,checking...July 18th--This must be Hiroshima.
Our first "official" stop. Met at station by Mr. Kikkawa. Nice man. Member of Rotary here. Interesting early discussion of what we will visit today. Though we all know what happened here, I doubt any of us really knows what to expect.
Wow! Can you believe the trip is half over? Amazing! We'll soon be back with stories galore. - MH
July 21, 2013 from Mark Heydon;
Met with Hiroshima last night for banquet. Great time! I think the Rotary was suitably impressed with our group.
The Peace Memorial/Park/Museum was high impact. Silence all around. Kyoto was,of course,the gande dame of sophistication.
Host families tomorrow evening. Lunch tomorrow with regular Rotary meeting. Then three hours on the bullet train to Kagoshima.
They've kept us running for the past few day. I'll let the troops know you miss them. - MH
July 22, 2013 from Mark Heydon;
In the evening, I like to...
Don't ask. Welcome to Kagoshimi. First night.
We all arrived safely and excitedly from Hiroshima today. Our host families met us at the train station with signs greeting us wayward travelers arriving from Santa Rosa by way of Hiroshima with old homeweek enthusiasm.
Hiroshima was wonderful and,though I did purchase one of their towels, I can't say I going to become a diehard Hiroshima Carp fan. (Yes, it's baseball for the guy who asked.)
The meeting with the Hiroshima Rotary went well. Sort of. I mean, these guys show up in suits and ties in 100 degree heat and 99% humidity and start bowing until it looks like a Dunk-A-Duck competition. Fortunately, the Santa Rosa Rotary displayed the proper attire in the slide show with their hands in the air amd nary a tie to be seen.
The lads and lasses presented themselves well, much to Midori's relief, I'm sure. (We all find pleasing Midori as a kind of Japanese National sport. So far, Dylan is the Tiger Woods of the trip. Except for his bathroom wall. But that was really Nate's fault. And SRKSEP's travel insurance will probably cover that anyway, right? Anyway, as they say, ..."as soon as the authorities release him...")
Having a great time. Wish you were here.
[Me, I'm back to finishing that sentence above.] - Mark
July 22, 2013 from Jac Cowell;
We have a symbolic archway, then an eternal flame, and finally the Hiroshima dome; and Before and After ....
Japanese Garden - This is more beautiful than many of the shrines I've been to so far. It is a garden behind the restaurant where we had our first meeting with the Hiroshima Rotary Club. Awesome people too. The dinner was very funny. Most of the Rotary members were drinking out of celebration and they were hilarious when they got a little tipsy. Communication was awkward because of the language barrier, but the president of the committee spoke better English than I did. I mean, he kept up with Sam in a conversation. I thought it was impossible.
Deer Island - This is taken right outside of the Itsakushima Shrine (I think that's how it's spelled). The deer on the island are so tame, you can walk up to any of them and legitimately pet them. One of them was gnawing on my shirt.
Mega-Torii - This is the "Invincible Torii" at Itsakushima Shrine that survived the Hiroshima bombing. I thought it'd be regular size, but it's literally about 60ft. tall. No wonder it survived the bombing.
At low-tide you can walk right out to it. Very cool. .... And a Street Performer!
The Takadas! (Sans Morihiro) - This is Akiko Takada and Haru Takada. Haru is four years old and loves Ultraman. Haru also speaks english as well as Jason. It's flat out shocking. Morihiro Takada is an editor for the local newspaper and his hours are 16:00-1:00. I'll see him in the morning and send another picture. - And MY New Bedroom!
July 22, 2013 from Savanna Heydon;
July 23, 2013 from Jac Cowell;
Full Family Photo - The Takadas!
This is Sakurajima. The volcano on the island erupts 1 to 2 times a day and spreads a variable amount of ash around Kagoshima. Many people carry umbrellas with them since the ash is like a light rain. VERY COOL!
This is okonomiyaki. It's essentially the best thing ever made in history. It consists primarily of a coleslaw-like substance filled with shrimp, pork, octopus, chicken, and squid. It is then doused with a sauce not unlike A1 and some mayo on top. Might just be a new favorite food. - Jac
July 24, 2013 from Quinn Kezer;
July 25, 2013 from Savanna Heydon;
July 25, 2013 from Mark Heydon;
July 25, 2013 from Toshihiro Nanaeda (SRKSEP Japan);
The students and Mr.Heydon safely arrived in Kagoshima on July 22 and made courtesy calls to prefecture and city mayor. Attached picture is one which we took at the observatory of the prefectural office.
July 25, 2013 from Isela Carreras;
Cheese ball it was really delicious!
July 27, 2013 from Sam Krauskopf;
Here's me at the Kagoshima college. - Sam
July 27, 2013 from Quinn Kezer;
I can't remember if I sent you this one yet. This was taken right before lunch at the International University of Kagoshima. I consider it one of my most favorite days because of all the amazing people we met. My two favorite people were Tsubasa (the one between Sam and Savanna) and Emi(the one right below Sam in the white skirt). The are both English students of Professor Mori. Tsubasa is coming with Professor Mori and a group of students in September. Emi hopes to have the money to come to California and Santa Rosa next summer. I hope to meet up with them when they come at their perspective times and show them round town.
Hope all is well in Santa Rosa, - Quinlan Kezer
July 29, 2013 from Mark Heydon;
Well, we've been more than a little busy, but I trust the group has been at least occasionally up dating you with pictures.
We're into the final weeek and can't believe the time has flown by so quickly. Yesterday was the big south-of-here outing where we first visited an old samari village and gardens. Rich gig. Sit around all day deinking tea, a little sword training,, and the talking it up with the neighbors. No fighting (despite Kirowsawa's 7 Samari). And make the kids and wife enter by te back door.
Then on to lunch at a place where you grab your noodles from a swirling trough on the table in front of you.
A quick sidetrip to the end of the island, then on to the sand bath. The sand barh. Aparently they have really dirty sand here and the only way to clean it is to take off all your clothes, put on a kimono, go out and lie down in the achingly hot sand for ten minutes or until you start dreaming you're having steak for dinner, then get out. Aparently the sand's been cleaned by then and you can go soak off the still clinging sand ina hot pool, take a shower, put on another dry kimono, change back into clothes that fit you, and voila--the sand's clean and you're half baked. I expect the kids have documented it all very well in pictures and have posted them to you.
All's well in the group. Amazing what a little welcoming party can do to raise spirits of all kinds. And the home stay has divided us and conquered us. BTW, I've changed house hosts. I'm now at Mr. Nanaeda's house.l
Cheers.
Mark
August 1, 2013 from Keisuke Kogi;
This is Sayonara Party at Yamakataya Deprt. They will leave Kagoshima on 4th.
They are nice students.Thank you very much for your support.
I will finish my work in 2 months. I am looking forward for my retirement.
Keisuke Kogi
August 2, 2013 from Mark Heydon;
The adventure continues--home stretch
So, tomorrow's the last day and I confess I'm going to miss the place. Sochu in the evening with lessons on the evolution of the kimono is just too, too Japanese.
See you soon.
MH
August 3, 2013 from Takaharu Mori ;
July 9, 2013 from Mark Heydon;
Yo! Arrived in Tokyo. All's well. Midori is all energy.
(Just got this wifi device. Very cool. Suppose I 'd better share it.)
Tokyo is hot but fascinating. ~Mark Heydon
July 10, 2013 from Mark Heydon;
Sorry to be so quiet. I'm still on Santa Rosa time. Out today to the Ghibli animation museum. Great lunch stop. You can see Rachel looking over the menu in our little cubical. Museum also a hit. I remember acouple of the movies but my fellow SRKSEPers can quote line and verse. Also attached are: street near hostel, us in front of museum, and a big statue of one of the characters.
July 12, 2013 Photos from Isela Carreras;
July 12, 2013 from Mark Heydon;
So, still in Tokyo. Geeting ready to change hotels. Two long days in a row have kept us quiet. Group is holding together with minor grumbling and some taking-getting-used-to. In fact, we're sometimes so enamoured with each other (we are a pretty fascinating group) we sometimes forget to see what we're seeing. Still wonderful after all these days.
And furthermore...
In a hotel lobby. Just back from an incredible lunch. Sashimi,tempura, more. Wish you were here. (Amari, Nate, Quinn with photos of dishes to follow--if we can find a way to transfer them.)
...
Soon.
I will whip the troops into detail-to-follow -- MH
July 12, 2013 from Amaris Garcia;
Japan has been amazing so far! Even though it's hot and humid, I've enjoyed every bit of Japan I've seen, especially the imperial palace. I'm excited for the rest of the trip and I'll keep you updated!
-Amaris
July 12, 2013 from Sam Krauskopf;
Japan is great. I understand that you wish to see some pictures of our trip. Unfortunately they are all on my camera and I cannot get to them. However I will take some soon on my iPad and send them to you.
Sincerely
Sam Krauskopf
July 13, 2013 from Savanna Heydon;
So far so good! I have yet to find anything I don't like about Japan. The food's great, the people are kind, and, if I ever figure out how to send a picture through email on this phone, I would show how beautiful the whole area is. Overall, everything is great!
Savanna
July 13, 2013 from Rachel Levine;
Hello! The trip is going splendidly so far. I especially loved the temple and shrine we visited.
Here are some photos from yesterday. We went to Toshogu shrine and the Imperial Palace.Rachel
July 13, 2013 from Quinn Kezer;
I don't have a way to send pictures yet (although i already have a couple hundred), but I'm working on it.
So far our trip has been... how do I put it?... AMAZING. This country is full of culture and history. Everyone in Tokyo has a busy life; there is never a dull moment. My favorite thing so far has been the "imperial vacation home" up in the Nikko mountains.
Well, best be going. I am headed to an art museum with Mark and Nate today. I will try to get you photos asap.
Hope all is well in Santa Rosa,
Quinlan Kezer
July 14, 2013 more photos from Isela Carreras;
July 14, 2013 from Mark Heydon;
Reports back in so far today,our last free day in Tokyo,range from "amazing" to "bizzare." Japan, specifically Tokyo, ain't no US.
But, again, I'll leave it to their own voices to tell you about it all.
Warning: The reports will include Mexican restaurants, anime emporium, strangely tatooed (body pieced and, well, redesigned body parts), $1000 flower arrangements the size of a small dinner plate (Hey, Azy, guess what I got you--not!), and more.
The group is solid. Well, they could laugh at my jokes.
. ~Mark HeydonJuly 14, 2013 from Jac Cowell;
First breakfast in Tokyo and Gzoya!
Tokyo Tower ........ and Tokyo Tower, again
Miyazaki Museum!! and a Robot....
Chrysler Building Mimic and Japanese serving sizes are the bomb!
My card to EVERYTHING! and Touchscreen Vending Machine!
Statue in the Imperial Park and Robberfly
July 15, 2013 from Dylan Tucker;
Tokyo was pretty fun. No matter where we go, the food is amazing. I dont know what I am eating half the time, but it is all delicious. The other day I ran into a group of actors practicing Shakespeare in Japanese and saw the Meiji shrine. Appearantly the priests there bless new cars. Interresting country.
Dylan
July 15, 2013 from Savanna Heydon;
Sad to be leaving Tokyo, but glad to have made the most of my time there! Everything is so different, but since we have already gotten used to it, it'll be weird getting back to the states. Looking forward to Kyoto!
Savanna
July 15, 2013 from Quinn Kezer;
I also thought it may be interesting for the Rotary to know that I had lunch with Amanda Treleaven today. Fun fact.
Quinn
July 15, 2013 from Rachel Levine;
Hello again! Here's some photos from our free day today. I went to Harajuku with my Japanese friend. Other than the fashion shops (which were amazing!), she mentioned there was a shrine right nearby. We went there right before a thunderstorm started, so we hurried back to the train station right after.
Oh, here are the photos from Meiju Shrine. - Rachel
July 16, 2013 from Jac Cowell;
View from my hostel in Tokyo - Jac
July 16, 2013 from Rachel Levine;
Greetings from Kyoto!
Hi again. Here are some photos from around Kyoto that I took yesterday and today. Kyoto is really quite different from Tokyo. Everything is a bit smaller and more traditional.
Rachel
July 17, 2013 More Photos from Isela Carreras;
July 19, 2013 from Jac Cowell;
Himeji Castle - The main tower is currently being renovated, so they put a building around the tower and etched in it's façade. It'll be finished by 2015.
Mega Wine Grapes!!! - These are a gift from one of the leading Rotary members of Hiroshima. Possibly the most delicious fruit I've ever tasted.
Pancakes! and Sundae!!
July 21, 2013 from Rachel Levine;
I find that it's difficult to describe my feelings after the Hiroshima peace park and museum. Certainly I'm in awe of the strength it took to not only survive and rebuild after such an event, but to also carry on with normal life to this day. Here are some photos of the peace park.
July 19, 2013 from Mark Heydon;
Ah! We are here...ah,checking...July 18th--This must be Hiroshima.
Our first "official" stop. Met at station by Mr. Kikkawa. Nice man. Member of Rotary here. Interesting early discussion of what we will visit today. Though we all know what happened here, I doubt any of us really knows what to expect.
Wow! Can you believe the trip is half over? Amazing! We'll soon be back with stories galore. - MH
July 21, 2013 from Mark Heydon;
Met with Hiroshima last night for banquet. Great time! I think the Rotary was suitably impressed with our group.
The Peace Memorial/Park/Museum was high impact. Silence all around. Kyoto was,of course,the gande dame of sophistication.
Host families tomorrow evening. Lunch tomorrow with regular Rotary meeting. Then three hours on the bullet train to Kagoshima.
They've kept us running for the past few day. I'll let the troops know you miss them. - MH
July 22, 2013 from Mark Heydon;
In the evening, I like to...
Don't ask. Welcome to Kagoshimi. First night.
We all arrived safely and excitedly from Hiroshima today. Our host families met us at the train station with signs greeting us wayward travelers arriving from Santa Rosa by way of Hiroshima with old homeweek enthusiasm.
Hiroshima was wonderful and,though I did purchase one of their towels, I can't say I going to become a diehard Hiroshima Carp fan. (Yes, it's baseball for the guy who asked.)
The meeting with the Hiroshima Rotary went well. Sort of. I mean, these guys show up in suits and ties in 100 degree heat and 99% humidity and start bowing until it looks like a Dunk-A-Duck competition. Fortunately, the Santa Rosa Rotary displayed the proper attire in the slide show with their hands in the air amd nary a tie to be seen.
The lads and lasses presented themselves well, much to Midori's relief, I'm sure. (We all find pleasing Midori as a kind of Japanese National sport. So far, Dylan is the Tiger Woods of the trip. Except for his bathroom wall. But that was really Nate's fault. And SRKSEP's travel insurance will probably cover that anyway, right? Anyway, as they say, ..."as soon as the authorities release him...")
Having a great time. Wish you were here.
[Me, I'm back to finishing that sentence above.] - Mark
July 22, 2013 from Jac Cowell;
We have a symbolic archway, then an eternal flame, and finally the Hiroshima dome; and Before and After ....
Japanese Garden - This is more beautiful than many of the shrines I've been to so far. It is a garden behind the restaurant where we had our first meeting with the Hiroshima Rotary Club. Awesome people too. The dinner was very funny. Most of the Rotary members were drinking out of celebration and they were hilarious when they got a little tipsy. Communication was awkward because of the language barrier, but the president of the committee spoke better English than I did. I mean, he kept up with Sam in a conversation. I thought it was impossible.
Deer Island - This is taken right outside of the Itsakushima Shrine (I think that's how it's spelled). The deer on the island are so tame, you can walk up to any of them and legitimately pet them. One of them was gnawing on my shirt.
Mega-Torii - This is the "Invincible Torii" at Itsakushima Shrine that survived the Hiroshima bombing. I thought it'd be regular size, but it's literally about 60ft. tall. No wonder it survived the bombing.
At low-tide you can walk right out to it. Very cool. .... And a Street Performer!
The Takadas! (Sans Morihiro) - This is Akiko Takada and Haru Takada. Haru is four years old and loves Ultraman. Haru also speaks english as well as Jason. It's flat out shocking. Morihiro Takada is an editor for the local newspaper and his hours are 16:00-1:00. I'll see him in the morning and send another picture. - And MY New Bedroom!
July 22, 2013 from Savanna Heydon;
Just met up with my host family last night. Things are going well. They are all very sweet and eager to make me feel at home. Sorry I don't have any photos to send at the moment, I'll try to have my dad send you some that I took with his phone.
Kyoto was great! We stayed in a traditional style hotel room with tatami mats and everything. We even got to visit the Kyoto Museum and festival that was taking place while we were there. Both were excellent experiences.
As for Hiroshima, it was too bad we couldn't have stayed longer. My favorite part was definitely visiting the Itsukushima Shrine and getting to experience the place at low-tide when people could walk out to the actual gate. I guess the occasional deer that would walk up to greet you added to the attraction, also.
All in all, I am having a great time and can't believe we're already halfway!
Savanna
July 23, 2013 from Jac Cowell;
Full Family Photo - The Takadas!
This is Sakurajima. The volcano on the island erupts 1 to 2 times a day and spreads a variable amount of ash around Kagoshima. Many people carry umbrellas with them since the ash is like a light rain. VERY COOL!
This is okonomiyaki. It's essentially the best thing ever made in history. It consists primarily of a coleslaw-like substance filled with shrimp, pork, octopus, chicken, and squid. It is then doused with a sauce not unlike A1 and some mayo on top. Might just be a new favorite food. - Jac
July 24, 2013 from Quinn Kezer;
Sorry for the lack of photos; my camera doesn't have a way to send them. The attached one i took with my tablet. It is of me and my host brothers.
Hope all is well in Santa Rosa, - Quinlan Kezer July 25, 2013 from Savanna Heydon;
I ran into your Japanese exchange student from last summer (Taishi) at the summer festival today! He told me to say hi for him to your family.
Also, here is a pictures I promised I would send. One of Nagasawa's wine on a rack in a Kagoshima store. July 25, 2013 from Mark Heydon;
This just in!
Sam, Dylan, and Jac make Japanese television news (though they probably don't know it)!This morning's Kagoshima's TV Weather report was showing street scenes of Kagoshima. There, coming right at the camera, were Sam, Dylan, and Jac! Walking along. Oblivious.
Should we tell them? A little of the old Candid Camera.Mark
July 25, 2013 from Toshihiro Nanaeda (SRKSEP Japan);
The students and Mr.Heydon safely arrived in Kagoshima on July 22 and made courtesy calls to prefecture and city mayor. Attached picture is one which we took at the observatory of the prefectural office.
July 25, 2013 from Isela Carreras;
Cheese ball it was really delicious!
July 27, 2013 from Sam Krauskopf;
Here's me at the Kagoshima college. - Sam
July 27, 2013 from Quinn Kezer;
I can't remember if I sent you this one yet. This was taken right before lunch at the International University of Kagoshima. I consider it one of my most favorite days because of all the amazing people we met. My two favorite people were Tsubasa (the one between Sam and Savanna) and Emi(the one right below Sam in the white skirt). The are both English students of Professor Mori. Tsubasa is coming with Professor Mori and a group of students in September. Emi hopes to have the money to come to California and Santa Rosa next summer. I hope to meet up with them when they come at their perspective times and show them round town.
Hope all is well in Santa Rosa, - Quinlan Kezer
July 29, 2013 from Mark Heydon;
Well, we've been more than a little busy, but I trust the group has been at least occasionally up dating you with pictures.
We're into the final weeek and can't believe the time has flown by so quickly. Yesterday was the big south-of-here outing where we first visited an old samari village and gardens. Rich gig. Sit around all day deinking tea, a little sword training,, and the talking it up with the neighbors. No fighting (despite Kirowsawa's 7 Samari). And make the kids and wife enter by te back door.
Then on to lunch at a place where you grab your noodles from a swirling trough on the table in front of you.
A quick sidetrip to the end of the island, then on to the sand bath. The sand barh. Aparently they have really dirty sand here and the only way to clean it is to take off all your clothes, put on a kimono, go out and lie down in the achingly hot sand for ten minutes or until you start dreaming you're having steak for dinner, then get out. Aparently the sand's been cleaned by then and you can go soak off the still clinging sand ina hot pool, take a shower, put on another dry kimono, change back into clothes that fit you, and voila--the sand's clean and you're half baked. I expect the kids have documented it all very well in pictures and have posted them to you.
All's well in the group. Amazing what a little welcoming party can do to raise spirits of all kinds. And the home stay has divided us and conquered us. BTW, I've changed house hosts. I'm now at Mr. Nanaeda's house.l
Cheers.
Mark
August 1, 2013 from Keisuke Kogi;
This is Sayonara Party at Yamakataya Deprt. They will leave Kagoshima on 4th.
They are nice students.Thank you very much for your support.
I will finish my work in 2 months. I am looking forward for my retirement.
Keisuke Kogi
August 2, 2013 from Mark Heydon;
The adventure continues--home stretch
So, tomorrow's the last day and I confess I'm going to miss the place. Sochu in the evening with lessons on the evolution of the kimono is just too, too Japanese.
See you soon.
MH
August 3, 2013 from Takaharu Mori ;
SRKSEP'13 students and Mr. Heydon left Kagoshima safely by train this morning.
We said good-bye and much tears fell down on our cheeks.
We hope they'll return to Santa Rosa safely and come back to Kagoshima soon.
Sincerely,
Takaharu Mori
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