Saying Goodbye

On 7.18 we had our farewell dinner. This was the first step, and most formal, in the saying goodbye process. All of us, with our host families and sister cities members, gathered at a park for a fabulous potluck. The sister cities Chairman addressed the group. All 10 of us were called up one by one to receive a packet of gifts. After lunch we had a scavenger hunt with our host families where we received a few more goodies.

Monday 7.19 was a national holiday so schools and offices were closed; it was designated as a host family day. Since our flight was early on Wednesday 7.21 we had to head to Chitose on Tuesday. We arrived over by city hall at 8:30am like usual. One by one our kids arrived with their luggage in tow and their host families. Mothers, fathers, and siblings were hanging around to see the group off. I noticed a few tears right away. Many sister cities committee members also came out to say goodbye.

When the bus showed up, it was a clear indication that it was time to go. We hauled our luggage to the bus so the bus driver could load it. It was time to say our final goodbyes. I was running around hugging my host families and telling committee members to come to B-N in 2 years for the 50th. Kids were saying goodbye to their host families and for a few the tears really flowed. We boarded the bus and everyone outside was waving. From inside the bus we waved until the bus had pulled away.

We stopped in Sapporo for lunch and to shop for a couple hours and then went on to the hotel in Chitose. We went to dinner at Royal Host, which is basically a Denny's, that night. Knowing we were flying home the next day, I asked what food everyone was missing from home. A few people responded - Monical's pizza , Mexican food, good steak. I of course responded with Starbucks. There is Starbucks in Japan but I couldn't possibly place my crazy order. My follow up question to kids was then - what will you miss about Japan? To that I got a resounding, "EVERYTHING".

Japanese Toilets

We were at a pre-trip meeting when one of the students asked about toilets in Japan. Our coordinator, Robert, indicated this would not be a problem. That there was such a thing called a "squat toilet" but we would only encounter it as a park or something like that. He was not to concerned. I thought about my previous time in Japan and wasn't worried either. I have a vague recollection of hearing of the squat toilet in the subway but I think I just avoided using it and had no problems.

Well, we were wrong. We first encountered a Japanese style toilet on 7.12 at our first school visit. We were taking a break so I was with some of the girls as we went into the girl's restroom. I think we were all a little shocked to see the narrow white porcelain set into the floor. Of course I'm the chaperon so while some of the girls chose not to use the toilet I thought it was my responsibility to model positive behavior so I went for it. But nerves got the best of me and I couldn't go.

On 7.13 we went to use the restroom while at Tokai University and there again was the Japanese toilets. It was clear most of the girls did not see this toilet as an option and simply would not use it. I however was determined to use this toilet. Success!

While I was successful, this was not something I looked to do again. I found the Japanese toilet to be a sort of nemesis on my trip. As I would walk into a restroom somewhere, I found myself hoping and praying "Please let there be Western toilets". Big tourist sites like the zoo and mall had both Japanese and Western which was a great relief. I did on one occasion pass on a Japanese toilet at a restaurant with my host sister knowing we would soon be home. I had to use it only one other time on 7.19 while traveling around Hokkaido with my host family. Even then the toilet was a set in a little platform so it was a little easier.

My fascination with Japanese toilets extends to the Western style toilets as well. These toilets are like a toilet we would find in America but on steroids. The furthest toilet technology I've seen in America is the automatic flush in public toilets. The Japanese have far surpassed us in this area.

At both my host families I noted the square on the wall that controlled the different functions of the toilet. Different buttons for flushing, buttons for the bidet, and a couple other buttons I didn't know what they did. I didn't dare push them. The toilet seats heated up when you sat on it and at my second host family there toilet had an automatic flush.

If toilets in the homes weren't interesting enough, I was even more fascinated with public toilets. They had even more functionality. They had a button labeled "powerful deodorizer" and some would make this fake flushing noise whenever you started using it. My initial reaction to the toilets was "this is so weird". But ultimately I became amused and impressed. Now I'm just wondering when toilet technology in America will advance?

Next Stop Furano 7.16

Today we went to Furano. We, however, started our day at Mister Donut for breakfast before we boarded the "slow train" to Furano. It is probably 1 hour to 1.5 hours to get to Furano on the train we took. It is slow so that passengers can enjoy the view. Hokkaido is very mountainous and this gave us a great view as well a chance to see some lavender fields from afar.

When we arrived at the train station in Furano, we took a bus up into the mountains a bit. Furano is known for its lavender fields so after lunch we walked around to look at some lavender fields and visit some crafty shops.

We met back up and took the bus back down to the train station. Some of us explored the town and others enjoyed the air conditioning in the ice cream shop. Let me just say that it was a really hot day! Around 4:30pm we took the train back to Asahikawa.

Aeon 7.15

After the morning at the elementary school, we went to lunch. Our lunches our usually buffets. I think this is easiest since we don't have to navigate a Japanese menu and we can accommodate the varying likes and dislikes of the kids. Desert is a very popular part of the buffet and we are now at the point where we get ice cream everyday.

After lunch we rented bikes and road the path along the river. It was absolutely beautiful. We rode for about 30 minutes down the path and back, but really we could have ridden for hours. The trail is very long and it is so scenic.

We then took the bus to Aeon. Aeon is the shopping mall and from what I can tell is the chain of shopping malls in Hokkaido. We had a couple hours to shop on our own and it looks like everyone made a purchase.

A Full Day 7.14

This day was very busy. We started out at the science museum where we visited the planetarium, the dinosaur exhibit, and had time to explore other exhibits in the museum. This was a very hands on museum which our kids really enjoyed. There were many classes at the museum for field trip where we observed that all kids in the class must where a matching colored hat. The little kids hats have a strap that goes under the chin so they can't loose the hat.

For lunch we went to Five Star. This is the mother of all buffets featuring Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Western food. The kids seemed to to enjoy this and were particularly pleased at the presence of french fries. Two things amused me at Five Star. First, at the drink station everything was in Japanese so Bob mistakenly filled a big glass cup with hot green tea. Second, the desert bar was very popular with the kids with some filling a plate with 5 or more mini-deserts. The presence of desert or ice cream has become an important part of the trip for the kids.

Next we went to Arashiyama Zoo. This is a very famous zoo and is a point of pride for all of Japan. Tourists from all over Asia come to this zoo. We had about 2 hours and the kids were allowed to see the zoo at their own pace and interest. My host Dad, Mr. Sawanuma, owns the glass company that is in several enclosures and Mr. Sasaki, a sister city committee member, owns the construction company that constructed several cages.

We ended the day with a visit to the Mayor's office. It was actually the Vice Mayor we saw since the current Mayor is running in the October election and was not taking visitors. This was a very formal ceremony which surprised us. We were brought into a big board room where each of us was instructed where to sit. We were all a bit nervous as we sat waiting and were given tea. The tv news and newspaper were both there. As the Vice Mayor entered we were instructed to stand. After we were seated the Vice Mayor asked each of us of our impressions of Asahikawa and we went around the table responding. He asked several other questions and then presented each of us with a gift. Bob and I then presented him with gifts and letters from Mayors Stockton and Koos. The meeting was over and the Vice Mayor promptly left. Some of our students were interviewed by the news which was on that evening. The next day we were featured in the paper.

Last year when the junior high group visited from Asahikawa I was the host on the day we visited the Town of Normal and Mayor Koos. It was very interesting to compare the differences which I think highlight a difference between Japan and the U.S. When we visited Normal, we sat casually in the city council chambers while the Assistant City Manager told us about the city. Mayor Koos came and addressed the group for a few minutes then we received a tour of the city hall by the Asst. City Manager. It is a relaxed visit versus the formal ceremony we experienced. Similarly though, gifts were given in both incidences.

While the kids went home to their host families, Bob and I attended the committee dinner at the Asahikawa Grand Hotel. As with most of my meals thus far, it was beautiful with at least 5 parts to it. We exchanged gifts and discussed the business of the 50th anniversary. I ended the evening in the cafe on the first floor of the hotel having tea with the women on the committee.

Needless to say, the day was jam packed!

A Dye-ing Art 7.13

This morning we went to the Kondo Dye Factory. This is another example of things the average visitor does not get to do. Mr. Kondo and his son spoke to our group. Kondo makes flags, banners, tapestries, kimonos, towels, etc. You see banners everywhere in Japan - for restaurants, political candidates. Flags are especially important when a new ship is created and you may see up to 60 being flown on the ship. The design is created and hand dyed which is significant because not many business are doing hand dyeing anymore. Many businesses are using laser printers these days.

We were shown many beautiful pieces and watched a video on how a flag is made. A special glue is made from rice which is then used to layout the outline on the flag. This protects the fabric from being dyed and in the end is washed away to reveal the white fabrics. After the glue is applied it is dried and then the dyeing can begin. There are about 30 colors to pick from and the dye is applied with a small or large brush. You must work for Kondo for 3 years before you are allowed to dye. Once the color has been applied the flag is hung in the drying room. Finally, the glue is washed off. It takes about 1 week total to make a large ship flag and they would not reveal how much an average ship flag costs.

We were able to make a place mat at the factory. The day before they prepared the place mats with the glue. Each one of us had a place mat that featured the Asahikawa Bridge (an important symbol in the city) and our name written in Kanji. We picked the color we wanted and then (with staff assistance) dyed our place mat.

The risk manager in me was a little nervous. To get to the dyeing room we had to go through the room where they wash the flags. There was a stream of water so the kids were jumping across it and I was imagining someone slipping and falling. In the dyeing room I was concerned that the kids would slop dye all over. Some of this was personal; I was wearing my Coach sneakers and did not want to get dye on them. I was assured, though, that the dye washes out of close with soap and water. In the end I was unscathed although some of the kids got a bit on shoes, clothes or hands. After the activity I stayed to watch every single student wash there hands because it was in a slippery area.

Following the Kondo Dye Factory, we went to Tokai University for lunch. Mrs. Yanbe, a sister city committee member, works there. We later learned that Tokai U. has only 2 areas of study related to furniture and practical designing. A professor offered an impromptu tour of the wood working area and their chair museum. We had plenty of time that afternoon and so we accepted. I was, however, skeptical that the kids would be so bored. I was quite wrong.

The boys were intrigued by some of the projects in progress in the would shop and stayed behind for a minute to chat with a professor. As we walked into the chair museum, a couple kids went straight to sit down. Bob and I shouted, "No" stopping the kids from sitting. This was of course a museum. We were corrected by the professor who said all of the chairs could be sat in. We spent 20 or 30 minutes in the museum and I'd say nearly all of the 100 chairs did get sat in. The kids were having a blast sitting chairs that had quite interesting designs. I'll be honest, I was shocked by how much fun they had. We ended our time at Tokai U. by going up to the observation deck where we had a full view of the mountains and all of Asahikawa.

The rest of the afternoon we:

• Visited the B-N forest
• Went to the city museum
• Got ice cream at a road stop

Road stops are very popular in Hokkaido and each city has one. It is like a big souvenir shop featuring items unique to that city. I bought a few things but the kids were most excited about the 100 yen coin machines where they could buy Pokemon figures. I had no idea how popular Pokemon was.

Round 1 7.12

After the school visit today we were scheduled to go to Arashiyama park golf. Park golf is kind of miniature golfing but more like a golf course than U.S. mini golf. Nonetheless, we couldn't go because of rain so we went to Round 1. Round 1 is an arcade. But this is not your Chuck E. Cheese. This is like an arcade on steroids. When we walked in we were immediately grabbed by all the flashing lights. It felt like Las Vegas with games as far as the eye could see. Our kids would have been fine with staying in that one area. Little did we know so much more existed.

We went upstairs to pay and were admitted to 3 floors of activities. The kids were given a couple hours and could do whatever they wanted which included: basketball, tennis, badminton, volleyball, and the list goes on. Two of my favorites were fishing and the relaxation corner. You could literally put a fishing pole in the water and try and catch a fish. Bob was concerned about what would happen if we actually did catch a fish; we weren't really in a position to take it home. In the relaxation corner you could set a a full body massage chair and...relax.

At the end, everyone received a free try at a claw machine that had ice cream in it. A couple kids were successful but the bulk were not. Seeing the great interest in ice cream, our hosts then got us all ice cream at the snack bar.

I feel like royalty - school visits

We had the opportunity to visit 2 schools while in Asahikawa. On Monday, we went to a junior high school. Junior high in Japan is 7th, 8th, and 9th grade. Each of our kids was assigned to a classroom for 1　period. This was an opportunity for them to experience a typical junior high classroom and given they don't know Japanese was also part of the cultural immersion.　　While the kids were in class, Bob and I got a tour from the Principal of the school and observed each of the classrooms our kids were in. I took many pictures and am sorry I'm unable to put them up at this time.

After the class period we got a tea ceremony demonstration from members of the PTA. They dressed everyone in kimonos. It was kind of funny because there were all of these Japanese women grabbing us and talking which of course we didn't understand. We just stood there while 2 or 3 women dressed us. There are so many parts to the kimono. After that, we received a performance from a taiko drum group and the kids got to play a bit. It was quite powerful. I think I want this group to come to B-N to perform for the 50th anniversary :).

Following the activities, we were ushered to the auditorium. There was a school assembly for us. The entire school - 300 to 400 students - were there. The principal had indicated that it was such an honor to have Americans visit the school. The 10 of us sat in 10 chairs at the front of the school where we were addressed by a couple student leaders. We were then asked to each speak a few words which were translated for the students. Jessica and Khadarias also spoke for a couple of minutes about their visit to Asahikawa and the school. Following the assembly we had school lunch, each of the students had it in their classrooms.

Around 12:30 all of our kids returned to meet Bob and I at the principal's office. Many of them had received gifts from their classes such as a group picture. It was Jessica's birthday so her class made her a little gift. I was amazed at the connection the kids had formed with their Japanese classmates so quickly. Lauren's class played a game where she indicated she played the flute. A classmate gave her a small gift, a key chain of a flute. She said she got the email addresses of 3 girls she had met.

As we boarded the bus and left, many students and several teachers came outside to see us off.

On Thursday, we visited an elementary school. Again our kids were assigned to a classroom but were aided by Japanese college students training to be teachers. Bob and I toured the school with the Vice Principal where we saw that the classes Jessica and Aaron were in had made them gifts. Each student, around 1st grade age, had made a small piece of art with their own photo to give to them. Individually they presented our kids with their gift and said, "My name is ....., nice to meet you". This was a chance for these kids to also practice their English.

The kids ended the morning in the gym with what it seems was a very intense game of dodgeball.

At both schools Bob and I discussed the differences between Japanese and American schools with the prinicipals. It was very interesting to learn about the Japanese school system. A clear observation from both the junior high and elementary school is that the principal is adored by the kids. Between classes the kids have a 10 or 15 minute break where they can roam free in the school. Many came to the principal's office to say hello to us Americans but it was clear they all knew they principal and he knew them.

Robert Harrison often tells the story that he went as a chaperone for this trip several years ago. He was not a committee member at the time but after chaperoning knew he needed to be a sister cities member. I now know why he said that. The generosity of the schools and the entire community is overwhelming. I am almost moved to tears and this city friendship is more evident to me than it ever was.

Arrival 7.11

We made it to Sapporo. I assumed the Sapporo airport would be line B-N airport, but I was wrong; it is much bigger. The plane we took from Tokyo to Sapporo was so large. It was definitely bigger than the plane we took to get to Tokyo. Mrs. Kurusu, a Japanese committee member, and her friend met us at the airport. I met Mrs. Kurusu in March when she was chaperoning their junior high trip. I was glad to see her and felt and instant connection as we greeted each other and hugged.

We took the bus to Asahikawa which was about 2.5 hours. We stopped at a rest stop for a little break. I had to take a picture because this was not like any Illinois rest stop. It had a street fair feeling. There were vendors cooking and serving ice cream. There was a group of picnic benches where families were eating and there was a little souvenir shop.

We arrived at City Hall to meet our host families around 2:30pm. I really felt I was a part of something special. All of the host families were gathered around and other committees members came out to greet us. All of us stood in a line and Mrs. Kurusu made some announcements in Japanese and then began calling out the kids names to move them over to their families. There was such sweet excitement on both ends. You could tell that some families were so excited they wanted to hug their new family member but refrained being that they just met. I'm so exicteid to hear about each of the kids' experiences with their families.

Just a little further to go 7.11

We didn't quite make it to Sapporo last night like we planned. There were some delays in Atlanta due to technical issues with the plane so we sat on the plane in ATL for 2 hours before we departed. The flight wasn't too bad considering the distance. There was quite a selection of movies to choose from and everyone had their own screen in the back of the seat. I watched a couple movies and a smattering of episodes from some of my favorite tv shows. And they served great food throughout the entire flight.

Nonetheless, the delay in Atlanta made it impossible for us to make our connection to Sapporo. We only had 1 hour to get throught the airport which included going through customs and picking up our bags then rechecking in with All Nippon (ANA) again. A staff member from the airport was so kind and generous in assisting us. I'm sure this was only because we are a group of 10 and clearly identifable in our neon green shirts. Once we got our luggage we were running, literally running, through the airport to get to the ANA counter. By the time we got there we were all sweating and out of breath and it was too late. The woman was so apologetic.

So we switched to plan b. We received our boarding passes for our new flight for 10am Saturday morning and 5 rooms at the Radisson were arranged for us. It was very easy to take the bus to the hotel and then to Haneda Airport in the morning.

Once we got through the B-N airport any nervousness I had dissapated. This is a great group of kids and even with all of our unexpected travel delays they've been great. No one has complained. Last night we went to the hotel buffet which had both Japanese and American food. Many of the kids were fearless and went right to the Japanese cuisine.

All I feel now is excitement. I can't wait to get to Asahikawa, get settled with our host families and start really experiencing Japan.

12 hours to go time

In 12 hours we will be in the air. We fly from B-N to Atlanta, Atlanta to Tokyo, and Tokyo to Sapporo. I have that weird mixture of nervousness and excitement. I'm not necessarily looking forward to all that travel time. It will be 14 hours from Atlanta to Tokyo; that's a lot of time on a plane. I believe I have sufficient reading materials, loaded up the mp3 player with all the Glee songs, and love watching movies on a plane. At the end of all that flying, a wonderful adventure awaits!

I think I'm ready. I'm pretty sure I have everything I need and I resisted my natural tendency to over pack. I think I have less shoes than my last weekend trip to Peoria. I'm pleased with the room still left in both my suitcase and carry on which includes 40 boxes of chocolates from the Chocolatier. I may not even have to pay the $50 overweight fee.

My hope is to blog every day or every other day about what we are doing and experiencing. Although the internet situation is unclear. If I'm not able to blog I will journal and post my experiences when I return. But HOPEFULLY I will be able to blog.

See ya later B-N. I'll be back in 2 weeks!

Search for the perfect gift

Gift giving is an important part of Japanese culture. I needed to find a small gift for when I arrive to give to my host family and a more substantial gift for the family when I leave. I don't know why but this has been so difficult for me, maybe the most difficult in all my preparations for the trip. I wanted to find something thoughtful, possibly representative of my community, and uniquely American. To make matters a bit more challenging I don't know the makeup of my family. I only have the name of my host mom. She may be married and/or have children. And I'm not totally sure what things are uniquely American which could be another whole conversation. I ended up with a number of items and finally told myself I have to be done; I have nice gifts and I have to stop obsessing about this. I have purchased the following items:

• Funks Grove maple syrup
• Canister of Beer Nuts
• Candle
• Set of kitchen towels
• Hand soap from Bath & Body Works
• Candy
• St. Louis Cardinals baseball cap
• Stationary set
• Some kind of string toy thing

Yeah, I think I have enough gifts.

EE-AI-EE-AI-OH

The purpose of my trip is to chaperone our junior high exchange program. My friends, many of whom work with kids of varying ages, questioned my ability to handle this age group given I am mostly responsible for 3 cats. In my defense, some of those cats have medical needs which demands a bit more from me. Nonetheless, the reactions have ranged from "you'll be fine" to "that is the worst age group". I was thankful to have the chance to get to know the kids before we left. We first met with all the parents. We met two times after that without parents. It was great to see the personalities come out. We could start to tell who was outgoing and who was more shy. I felt greatly reassured when the kids made me laugh. This picture is at one of our meetings. The kids were learning how to use chopsticks.

As part of our exchange, the kids must perform something - a song, dance, or some other kind of talent. They will perform this a couple of times during the trip. When the kids come from Japan in March to the U.S. they do the same thing. It was determined that we would change the lyrics to Old McDonald Has A Farm. So we are singing "Bloomington-Normal has ...". The kids picked a few items the B-N has that we will be singing about. Those items are:

• Farms and those farms have corn
• ISU and ISU has Redbirds
• Wesleyan and Wesleyan has Titans
• Steak & Shake and Steak & Shake has steakburgers (B-N trivia: B-N is home to the very first Steak & Shake)
• Abe Lincoln and Abe Lincoln has a top hat

Use your imagination. We are tweaking a few of the words and stretching/shrinking syllables to make it work. We had a good time last week practicing and I think by the time we get there we'll be ready to perform. Hopefully Robert typed up the lyrics. We can use the 14 hour flight to prepare.

10 Years Later

Welcome to my blog! I'm so excited about the opportunity to share my upcoming trip to Asahikawa, Japan with the world. Asahikawa is on the northern most island of Hokkaido (thus the name of the blog). I, along with Bob Clary, will chaperone 8 junior high students for 10 days in Japan as part of our sister cities exchange program. We depart on July 8th.

I'm extremely reflective as I prepare for this trip. It is 10 years to the month that I return to Japan. In July 2000 I stayed in Tokyo for 4 weeks as part of a study abroad program through my undergraduate institution - Eureka College. I was 19 and the Chicago to Tokyo flight was the first time I boarded a plane. I was forever changed by another culture. I had no idea what existed beyond the midwest and my eyes were opened to a beautiful country so rich in culture. I took classes at Sophia University - Japanese Religion and Japanese Art. Little pieces of those courses still stick with me. Last week I was shopping and discovered a set of magnets based on the 36 Views of Mt. Fuji; I had to buy them. If you've been to my office you also know that I believe magnets are a great form of self expression.

Beyond my classes, I traveled all over Tokyo. Sometimes with school excursions, sometimes with some of the other students staying at the hotel/hostel, and sometimes on my own. My favorite place was Asakusa. This section of Tokyo had a concentration of shrines and temples that were absolutely beautiful. Behind this area of temples was a alley like road that was an open air market. Looking back is so funny. I was fearless to travel by myself to Asakusa. How did I even know how to get there? I think I became proficient at the subway. The open air market was probably all souvenirs and tourist items, but at the time I thought it was amazing; I'd never seen anything like it. Four years of risk management planning trips with ISU's Dean of Students has made me much more rigid. Although this should be greatly reassuring to the parents of all the kids I am chaperoning.

My experience in Tokyo was the reason I sought out the Bloomington-Normal Japanese Sister Cities Committee. I have been serving on the committee for 2 years now. Eureka College gave me this amazing experience in Japan. I wanted to be a apart of something giving this opportunity to other youth. I can't wait to be back and I can't wait to see each of the kids fall in love with this country, like I did 10 years ago.