Day 3 July 8

I'm sure that you have realized that our posts are running nearly a day behind. And while it is Friday morning here, it will be our fourth full day of immersion in the activities and culture of the Japanese. It is has been action packed and I have yet to recover. By 8:00 at night, I am ready to fall over and we have typically needed to be attentive for more activity. Lastly, I will do my best to get your kids posting. Up too early, to bed too late and a great deal in between has made it difficult. Nonetheless, here I go as it's before 6:00am.

Yesterday was really great. We woke to a breakfast of eggs, fruit and breads. After eating, we looked forward to walking again to Ugawara Elementary School for a day of classes, Japanese style.
Being certain to wash the soles of our "indoor shoes" for wear after removing our pair of outdoor shoes, we were ready for a day of Music (we sang Mary Had A Little Lamb and the Star Spangled Banner) for our hosts, English, Physical Education, Mathematics, Calligraphy, Arts and Crafts, Sewing in Home Economics, three, ten minutes recesses and television interviews (really). The day was packed with these activities from 7:30-3:40.



Lastly, before the school day ended, Luc and Paul participated in a Physical Education class, completed directly by the children, where did calestenics and dancing. You'll find a video below of Luc doing his best to share his own expertise of what Jeanne taught him at TNSM.

Once we returned home, we were greeted by a bunch of Masako's friends and enjoyed some traditional Japanese and American Folk Dancing. The kids had a great time, were good sports and learned the Halukoma (Japanese), Jiffy Mixer (American), Jolly is the Miller (American) and Salty Dog Rag (American) Dances.



Next, we were treated with an opportunity to converse and dine with a number of Masako's English as a Second Language students. We exchanged gifts, hello and greetings of "Will you be my friend?" Next, we made our own Sushi, asked questions of one another verbally as well as handwritten (so Masako's students could see written English too), enjoyed fireworks and finally, ate ice cream.




I then quickly prepared for my collapse while the kids decompressed and remained awake past 11. Perhaps that is why I am awake now.