Retun Day

So today I went to the school we did a final lesson about alberta and received gifts from students.  Then I went to the airport by train. This was a nightmare as we had 2 big suitcases we had to lug around up stairs and in elevators as we had to change trains for the one to the airport and the train we got on stopped frequently as it was not an express train. If you go to Japan make sure to take the express to the airport as it is faster as the local train takes about an hour or more to get to the airport. Then I got on a plane and went to Vancouver for 8 hours we flew on Jal  then Edmonton via Air Canada  and was home around supper time. In order to get over jet lag upon returning it is best to have supper and go to bed.

Day 9 Sunday

Then I had bible study in Japanese. The bible study was in a home with about 20 people and we read the bible sang and prayed together.  Then I made lunch of hot dogs and Cesar salad as my host wanted me to make a Canadian meal for the bible study group. Then I went shopping at Lala port I could not find anything though because it was too small. Lala port is a mall that is like Kingsway mall as it is small.  I usually wear medium in Canada but here I think I need a large or extra large because the clothes are smaller. Then I watched Jin a Japanese show of a modern doctor ended up in the Edo era. This is show is really great to watch for those interested in Japan and for grade 8 students. Then I went to Odaiba and had supper at the mall. The odaiba mall also is quite small like kingsway most of the stores were European or American but some were Japanese. Also I saw the rainbow bridge and the mini statue of liberty. However it was dark by then so the pictures I took were not so good. It gets dark in Japan in the summer time around 6 or 7 pm. Then I went to Venus port an outlet mall. The venus mall was nice but it was still small.  Then I went on the big fairiswheel that is 16 m of the ground this was fun as you could see the harbour and most of the building in Tokyo but I recommend going in the daytime as you can see it better.

Day 8 Festival and shopping

 Then I had a small bible study with a Japanese student and a missionary who translated a lot so I could understand.  Then I walked to a train station and met my mom and a friend. Then we went shopping in the Hirujuku street and I bought gifts and hair pieces at the 100 yen store.  Harajuku street is a street in shinjuku area of Tokyo that has the most modern young people fashions as it is lined with shops and the street goes for a few blocks and there is a variety of clothing stores there. As some sell anime costumes or style clothing and others traditional Yukatas(summer kimonos) Then my Mom bought a modern Yukata with pants and a top. Then I bought two reversible bags to go with my Yukata. Then I went to bought some traditional sandals. Then I went to my parents hotel we stopped at 7-11 for ice cream and to buy a bento box(a pre made lunch). Then I went to there hotel room the hotel is very clean but there room is small for two people they have a fridge and a double sized bed and a small t.v. Then my Dad took me back to the persons house I am staying at. Then I put on my Yukata and got all dressed up in my new shoes and went to the festival. They had tickets you could buy and we bought some. Then we went and I bought a snow cone that was served in a bowl then I went and danced around in a circle it was like line dancing. Also I saw a drum performance. By the end of the night my feet were sore as the traditional Japanese shoes geta are very uncomfortable.

Day 7 third day at the school

This morning there was a small earthquake at first I did not realize it was an earthquake  as I just thought it was the person I was staying at that was just up making breakfast then when I did  realize it was an earthquake I was too tired to take it seriously.Today I moved my suitcase by taxi to the school this was quite an endeavour as my suitcase was very large. Then I Skped with a friend during class and talked about Spruce Grove and  Stony Plain areas history and historical sites to  visit. Then I went out for lunch and had an interesting Japanese dish called Monjayaki at a restrant where you cooked it on the grill. Then I participated in the Japanese tea ceremony this was interesting as I was able to try making Japanese green tea. Also I saw the Japanese achery they use costumes and longer bows and arrows. After supper we went swimming in the pool at the apartment it is very shallow only 1 meter deep and you have to wear a swimming cap. Also I went in the hot tub. They also have a Sana but I did not go in it as you have to be naked to go in and there is one for males and one for females.

Day 6 second day at the school

Today I went to school and talked to the students about St.Albert and Skyped with a friend from Alberta. The students seemed to talk more and answer questions well compared to yesterday when they were very quiet. Then I went for lunch at the cafeteria as each school has a cafeteria for lunch I had curry my favourite Japanese dish. After lunch I saw Kendo practice and Japanese traditional dance with fans two activities that students do as a form of a club activity in the afternoon. Then after school I saw a Buddhist temple and the gardens of the shogun. The gardens are a nice place to visit as they have a lot of information on the audio guides about what the garden was used for as well as there is a teahouse there that you can visit.

Day 5 first day at school

So today I went to a Japanese school and taught some students about Canada. It was hard to get the students to talk so they starred at me a lot. Then I went to a used book store after school they had 5 floors of books.  The school was very clean as they have janitors that keep it spotless as usually the students and staff clean the school themselves as most Japanese schools do not have janitors. Then I tried on and learned how to put on a Yukata ( a summer Kimono). Then I took pictures and saw part of the tea ceremony. Then I went to a groshery store after school and there vegetables are like ones in Canada but smaller.

Day 4 Disney Land

So today I went to Disneyland in Tokyo. It was fun but not as fun as Wonderland or an amuesment park. They have theamed areas as shown below and here is a list of the rides I went on. The space blast is a fun fast roller coaster. The buzz lighter ride is fun. I bough my lunch before entering the park and stopped for lunch and iced strawberry it is like a snow cone but in a cup and made with real strawberries. The strawberry ice cone I bough came in a souvenir cup which I kept. Then I went to Toon Land and took pictues with some of the disney characters and saw Minnie's house and went on a small roller coaster. Toon town is geared towards smaller children. Then I went to Fantasy Land and went on Winnie the Pooh ride and bough some things from that store. I bought popcorn and recieved a souviner popcorn holder. Then I saw a parade with floats for all the famous disney characters it was entertaining and lasted 15minutes or more.  I went on the Peter Pan ride it was very good. Then I went on the haugnten house ride it was a little scary. Then I went to splash mountian and got wet on a roller coaster ride. Then I explored the west with a wild train rollercoaster it was fun. I went on its a small world ride in fatesy land it was a nice slow ride.  After supper I saw another parade. In westerntown it is like the old west in Canada or the U.SA but the souveriurs like cowboy hats and boots did not look authentic to me. Then I went on a train ride in adventure land and a amazon cruise in the dark it was a little scary. Then I went on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride but part way through they stopped the ride because security was breached so we had to evacuate the ride. On the way out they gave us vouchers for a free ride. Then I went back to where I was staying having experienced a full day of fun at Disneyland.