2017 Travel Log
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I have excellent internet service on my phone. John also has internet on his phone, so Sprint is pretty awesome too I guess. Ian's mom got him an international plan for his phone. I have been leaving Tiffany in charge of the portable wifi so she has coverage when she is out and about. All the kids are doing a pretty good job of mixing up their groups but still sticking together, so Nash and Kenny will probably be with at least one of the one with wifi/internet. They are all planning to go wander around and shop today.
~ Deborah
Saturday July 29
It's our first complete free day here in Kagoshima. One whole entire day to spend with our host family!
We kicked our day off with a delicious pancake breakfast which was then followed by a watching of Jurassic Park on tv. Lunch soon followed with simple spam, egg, and lettuce rice balls.
Then came the fun. We flipped the dinning room around: off went the plates and laptop from the table and away with the chairs. Then, out came the ping pong paddles, balls, and net. What once was the dinning table became a makeshift ping pong table! We held a mini round-robin-styled tournament, in which I came out as the winner.
After our labor intensive noon, we spent the afternoon relaxing in the living room playing card games and coloring. Then our last plan for the day. We left the house around 6 PM for the ferry port in Kagoshima and soon set sail for Sakurajima Island. Once we arrived at the island, we searched for a good viewing spot for the fireworks show. We found a comfortable patch of grass near the many food stalls set out--from which we got our dinner of yakisoba and yakitori.
The show was spectacular and beautiful. My favorite was definitely the pig shapped firework that represented the famed kuro butas of Kagoshima. It was a night to remember.
~ Tiffany
Sunday July 30
For the SRKSEP Team and their host family, we had a day tour out around Satsuma.
Our first stop was Chiran where we visited a variety of samurai houses and traditional gardens. The area was also known for its green tea that it grew.
The next stop was at Lake Ikeda in which the monster Issie resided in.
Our next stop was made for lunch. We thoroughly enjoyed a spectacular meal at a somen restaurant. It was lots of fun eatting and fishing for the swimming noodles!
After a very satisfying meal, we went to our final stop. For $10 each, we were able to experience sand bathing at a hotel in Ibusuki. It was hot. Extremely so. It was quite uncomfortable at first, but after some time and squirming around, relaxation starts to set in. The maximum amount of time allowed for a person to be burried in that steamy sand from neck to toe was 15 minutes. Most managed a solid 7 minutes before needing to get up. It was definitely an experience.
~ Tiffany
Friday August 4
As our time together with our host family begins to close, we make the best out of the time we have together.
After an eventful evening/night the day before at my host grandparents' house for my host mother's sister's birthday party, we decided to take it easy in the morning.
However, around 10 AM we headed for the city.
Our first stop was at a stationary store--per my host sister's request. I was able to find some interesting stockers there that I bought as gifts for friends. Lunch then rolled around and we headed to Zabon Ramen where we enjoyed Kagoshima's specialty ramen: chashu ramen in kurobuta (black pig) broth. It was delicious. We then went two different supermarkets so that I could buy my ingredients for the meal I would be making for my family.
By the time we got home, it was 3 PM. We had to get ready for the Farewell Party soon, especially since I would be wearing a yukata to the party. The process took a full hour: getting the kimono folded correctly and fitted, wrapping the 3 different ribbons/obis, typing the bow, and finding a suitable pair of geta. It was a tiring process, but I am glad that my host mother lent me her yukata and that her mother was kind and patient enough to dress me.
The Farewell Party was a blast...and very emotional. We had lots of fun chatting amongst each other and with fhe IUK and IBS students. Then we had our speeches and the host family members all had a little bit of something to share about their student. It was a very heart-warming moment.
~ Tiffany
Saturday August 5
It is our LAST day in Kagoshima and with out host families. One whole day earlier than planned due to the incoming typhoon.
My day started out a lot earlier than normal since I was the one making breakfast. A spinach, mushroom, and bacon frittata was what was on the menu along with some strawberry and blueberry jam cookie crisps. Some how I managed to get every thing completed and not burn anything. Thank goodness my host family enjoyed what I made!!
Our time together was cut abruptly short when we had to finally leave for the station.
The platform for the bullet train was full of laughter, smiles, hugs, and tears. The phrases "good bye," "see you again," "thank you," "come visit us (again)," "I will miss you," and "don't leave" were shared many times.
The bullet train door opened too soon, it was time for us to leave.
Thank you for having us Kagoshima.
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After 3 hours on the bullet train, we arrived in scorching hot Osaka and immediately set off for the hotel.
For dinner, we had to fend for ourselves. I did not know where exactly I wanted to go but a Kagoshima friend recommended Osaka's takoyaki (octopus ball)...so i set off to find some.
Stepping out of the hotel, I noticed the many people wearing yukatas. I assumed that there was a festival happening near by so I decided to follow the yukata-wearing people. And I'm glad I trusted my gut. I was led to a wide open area with lines and lines of shop vendors serving delicious festival food. I found dinner that's for sure.
~ Tiffany
Sunday August 6
Team 2017 returns to SFO.
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