REFLECTIONS

Today was very bright & sunny. A perfect day for a canoe ride, with the biggest dog we have ever seen. He especially liked Kaitlyn A. He landed his two front paws on her shoulder & we all thought she was done for.

After some shopping @ the Naguri Canoe workshop we headed off to lunch. Curry & Ramen. I don't think these kids are starved. They all enjoyed it. The lunch was served in our own room in the restaurant, on low tables, were we sat on pillows on the floor.

Next stop Surugadai University. 6 ladies & 1 male entertained us on the Shamisen. The Shamisen is shaped like a guitar & has 3 strings made of silk. They have to be re tuned after every song because the stings stretch. The teacher sang some songs and was accompanied by a chorus on some songs. Two of the songs were over 200 years old. The last song was the much anticipated "Cherry Blossom Song".

Then we were entertained a cappella style by the ACP group. A cappella Singers Club. They sang "Help", "Stand by me" 3 songs in Japanese and "The Rose". they also did on encore of "Help" with our kids assisting. Next the students were treated to dressing in kimonos and having Shamisen lesson.

After a quick clothing change we were off to the city hall to meet with the Mayor of Hanno. He was very gracious, handed out gifts and asked each student to introduce themselves & what they thought of Hanno. Each student spoke in Japanese. He was very impressed.

"Today was interesting. The canoe workshop was cool. I liked seeing all of the different kinds of crafts he had made. I've also realized I m not very good at canoeing, but at making people laugh. Lunch was weird. I didn't enjoy it. The ramen tasted of fish too strongly. Listening to the ACD sing was totally awesome. I had a blast. All I could think about though was how today was my father's birthday, but I wasn't there. I miss my family & friends, but am having fun. The gifts