Thank you very much Awaji. See you again. 淡路島 本当にありがとう. また会おう.

The ten and a half days spent in Japan was an experience we will remember for a very long time. Besides learning about peace in Hiroshima, we also learnt very much about the Japanese culture on Awaji Island. We made many personal friends and let's do our best to keep in touch with all of them. The children bonded with the pupils of Osaki and their host families. It was not surprising, with the care and concern shown to all members of our delegation and not just to our children. We are all very touched by the hospitality of the people we have encountered in Awaji. Thank you very much, Awaji! Someday, we shall meet again!

Departure Time

On the last morning in Awaji, everyone gathered at Osaki with their luggage. We all went to the school hall, with all the Osaki pupils and host families present. At the farewell ceremony, speeches were made and the children sang for each other. Eyes started to get teary. The Osaki pupils, teachers and host families then formed a chain and we had to walk past them. It was then time to board the bus for the airport. The floodgate of tears broke open at this point in time. Tears flowed openly, while some were crying loudly. It also started to drizzle. There was much reluctance to part, as no one wanted to board the bus. Eventually, we had to go. Do take a look at the photos for a feel of how emotionally charged the farewell was. Our children were still crying in the bus. On a happier note, we celebrated yet another birthday onboard the flight back to Singapore.

Thank You and Farewell Party

On 12 Jun, the children started the day with a calligraphy class. After some practising, all our children had to write in Kanji the word for friend. After that, they interacted with kids from the lower elementary classes. Mr Yeo presented Mr Hamabe with tokens of appreciation from our school. It was then lunch time and we had bento boxed lunches. A short rest later, our children practised their performance items for the thank you and farewell party at night. By then, it was in the evening and the children changed into their traditional ethnic costumes. The party was a grand affair with Mr Kado, Mayor for Awaji City; Mr Kobayashi, President of the Hyogo Prefecture Children's Association; Mr Takahashi, Chairman of Awaji Island and other officials all present. After the official speeches, Mr Yeo presented plaques to members of the organising committee. It was then time for our children to thank their host families. The dinner began and after eating, our children put up their performance items including songs and a dance. We were also pleasantly surprised by some dance items our hosts had arranged for us. It was a very memorable last night in Awaji, before we depart for Singapore the next morning.

Final Update from Japan but this Blog is not closed

This may be the final update from Japan, as I may not have time to post tomorrow because of a full schedule and a thank you and farewell party at night. We will be leaving Awaji on the morning of 13 Jun to head for Kansai International Airport. See you guys back in Singapore at night on 13 Jun! Stay tuned for the closure of this blog and final updates to the photo album! All these will be done when we return to Singapore.

Rice Planting, Incense Making and Interacting with the Local Kids

This morning, we boarded a minivan and went to Yanagisawa Elementary School for a rice planting session with their pupils. The rice field was just across a small road in front of the school. After removing their footwear, the children were ready to go into the field. Their first steps into the rice field were accompanied by squeals as their legs sank into the mud, right up to their calves! A rope across the entire length of the field was used to mark the spots where the rice was to be planted. All the children held on to their rice and planted a few stalks at each spot. The rice had to be planted in a backward direction and every step back meant bending down to plants the rice stalks. Now we know what the song “Planting Rice is Never Fun” really meant. Indeed, every grain of rice is precious!

After lunch, we proceeded to a famous incense making factory. The children watched a video show before taking a tour of the factory, looking at the machinery and processes for making incense. Here comes the best part: we all got to make our own! Besides the smell of the incense, even the colour can be decided. The children also received gifts of incense from the company! The later part of the afternoon was spent interacting with the local kids in their day care centre.

A Day Spent in the Great Outdoors; Making Your Own Pizza and Handicrafts

Yesterday morning, we took a 45 min drive to the northern part of Awaji for an outdoor experience. There was a gigantic structure made entirely from bamboo and ropes admist the trees. It even consisted of a slide! There were also hammocks and swings around the play area. Outside the hut were containers of shells, nuts and other natural materials with which to make our own handicrafts. The children were allowed to explore the place and take up their own activities. Soon it was time to prepare lunch and the children got to make their own pizzas! The interesting part was that their pizzas were baked in an oven heated with wood. Even the fire was started in a natural manner by using magnifying glasses! After lunch, the children carried on with their exploration. The staff of the outdoor camp then started their preparations for a German cake. It was made in a very tedious manner with two people continuously turning a bamboo pole with layer after layer of batter baked over a wooden fire. The whole process lasted nearly 3 hours! We also celebrated another birthday with the German cake on this day. The children also made plenty of their own handicrafts with natural materials. A very refreshing experience and proof that the outdoors and nature have much to offer.

Taiko and Bonding with our Host Families

This morning we met at the Awaji Cultural Centre to try our hands on taiko (traditional Japanese drums). The children were all ready to begin when they were informed they had to put on their Japanese dressing. The lesson began with the taiko teachers instructing the children on how to get the rhythm and beat the drums right. After practising the different beats, they were required to play the whole piece together! I think they did very well, as one of the teachers joined them in playing the piece together! (See the photos!) Next, this nice gentleman came to show the children how to play some games with a simple blowing toy. The best part was that the children got to make their own ones! As lunch time approached, the host families came to pick up our children and they spent the afternoon bonding．Only three more days before we have to return to　Singapore. Time sure flies when you're having so much fun!