The World's Largest Fish Market

I got up early today to go to the fish market.  It was quite an experience.  First, we all got into the taxi and couldn't explain to the driver where we wanted to go.  One of the teachers ran back inside the hotel to get the Japanese name.  Once we got there, we were completely lost again.  The rows and rows of fish vendors was indescribable.  The auction lasted 1 1/2 minutes and it sounded like the auctioneer was singing a song.  I am sure they don't appreciate all the "outsiders" getting in the way, but it is a place you need to experience if you ever get to Japan.

Becca's Costume

Becca~I know you want to see your kimono right away so here is a picture...

I also got you a fan and a headpiece.  

More pictures....

We watched a kyogen, a traditional Japanese performing art.

It was very interesting to say the least.

This is the garden outside of my hotel.

My first full day in Japan was BUSY

I had a traditional Japanese breakfast.   It was delicious!

I know this looks awful, but it is cooked seaweed and it was tasty!  

I have promised myself to try any food put in front of me.

The building behind me is the Diet building....no, not Jenny Craig.  

It is the government building where the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors meet to discuss issues.

We had a tempura lunch.  We had to take our shoes off and sit on the floor.

A view of the gardens from my hotel window.

I made it to Japan

Konnichiwa!
(kon~ni~chi~wa)
Hello

Day 1 – Before I left for the airport, I checked my email only to find an email from my host family in Japan. The man is a 61-year-old English teacher. His wife stays at home, and she enjoys doing beadwork. I hope to have the opportunity to do some crafting! She also enjoys Takarazuka. I am excited to find out what that is!

I will be visiting his school as part of our schools tours, and he has asked me to speak to his class. That should be interesting. I will be visiting an apple orchard, and going to a Lion dance while I am there. I will also be a part of a family dinner. Their nephew is coming over to introduce his fiancé for the first time, so many of his family members will be joining us for dinner. It sounds like a crowd we have at our house!

San Francisco- I flew into San Francisco and had any easy trip. We started our orientation meeting at 2:00. I met with my city group. Everyone is so excited to get to Japan! We ate dinner at the General Consulate’s house. That was quite impressive! SUSHI! SUSHI! SUSHI! There were 160 teachers and a number of other people at the dinner party. The General and his wife were gracious guests and seemed to be comfortable with this large crowd in their home.



Day 2- Flight to Japan- We got up early and had a great breakfast, then onto a bus to the airport. Everything is so organized; I truly just follow the crowd. I was so happy to see my suitcase weighed 49.6 pounds! I was a little worried. On the way home we are allowed an extra bag, so I will have PLENTY of space for souvenirs!
(I know my students and Becca are concerned about that!)

Our flight is 10 hours and 45 minutes. I got a MIDDLE seat! YUCK! It will be ok.
At least I have a seat on a plane to Japan. Right?

A positive attitude pays off! I asked for an isle seat and was told none were available but I would be put on a list, in case one opens up. I got a new seat assignment in an EXIT ROW!!! I had about 3 feet open in front of me.

It was a long flight and I had a hard time sleeping on the plane. (I wrote most of this on the plane.) Hopefully I can stay awake when we get to Tokyo to enjoy the sights in the city and to eat sushi!

The plane is a 747 (Chris, can you explain what that looks like to the class?)
It has an upper level! Pretty cool! I am going to try to take pictures, but I am not sure if I am “allowed” to go upstairs.

I will write more and more each day. If you have any questions you would like me to find out the answer, just leave it in the comment section.

View Larger Map

My journey begins on Sunday, October 12th.

I will fly to San Fransisco, then onto Toyko the next day.

I promise to post to my website everyday

(I know Becca will be checking to see where I am and what I am doing).

My host city is Iida, Nagano.

It was interesting to see pictures of the area.....

This is a picture of the Northwest Alps.

This is a picture from Becca's bedrooom window of the Salt Lake Valley.

I think one thing I have already learned from preparing for this trip, is how truly fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful country.