Dragnet Fishing and Soap Making

After meeting in school, we set off for the beach together with pupils from Osaki for a first-hand experience of dragnet fishing. The sky was somewhat cloudy but rain did not fall. The pupils were given briefings, including one by the local fishermen. Then the pupils got into their position. A short wait later, the boat casting the net could be seen. The ends of the net were then brought to shore where the pupils from both schools combined efforts with the teachers, facilitators and local fishermen to haul the net in. Initially, there was some disappoinment as no fish or other sea creatures were seen. It was when we hauled in the last part of the net that we saw our catch. There were fish of different varieties (including harmless small sharks), octopuses, crabs and squid! As the children examined the sea creatures, their host families and teachers took many photos. The harvest was immediately sent to be prepared as sashimi while some were to be barbecued. As the food was being prepared, the children played by the beach. What an idyllic setting! Soon, the food was ready and everyone tucked in happily. More games followed after the sumptuous lunch of super fresh seafood.

All of us took a rest in school before proceeding for a soap making experience. Before the soap making, we were welcomed to cut our very own fresh lavender flowers. Then we made two of our very own soap with tea leaves!

First Day in Osaki Elementary School

Yesterday was our first day in Osaki Elementary. After the welcoming ceremony and speeches by the principals, our pupils introduced themselves to their new Japanese friends. The children then played some sports games. This was followed by lunch in the school's meal room. Our pupils had their first taste of what lunch is like in a Japanese elementary school. They had to serve their classmates food and everyone ate the same dishes. After lunch, they had to clear their trays and even flatten their milk boxes for recycling!

A short rest later, our pupils helped the Osaki pupils to clean their classrooms. It was then off to the school hall for some traditional Japanese games. The highlight of the day was the tea ceremony, where our children also got to savour the green tea. The richness was unlike any of the green tea we have experienced before!

Greetings from Awaji Island and... ... Photos Are Up!

We arrived on Awaji Island last evening where we were very warmly welcomed with a grand reception. At the reception were the Mayor of Awaji City, Principal of Osaki Elementary School and other government/education officials. The children were then introduced to their host families and spent their first night with them. This morning, we met in Osaki Elementary School, where many activities have been arranged for our Riverlites and their Japanese pupils. The photos which I'm sure many of you are eagerly waiting for have been posted. They are available here: http://picasaweb.google.com/jerry.cksoh Currently, they are organised by their dates. I'll try to add some simple captions if internet access and time are more available. By the way, I'm posting the photos through the kind courtesy of Osaki's principal from an internet access point in his office! Do stay tuned for more updates and photos!

Downtown Hiroshima and Miyajima

Yesterday, we had sandwiches and tea for breakfast in a local deli. After breakfast, we headed to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. At the Cenotaph for the A-bomb victims, we laid some flowers and a speech was read out by one of our pupils. Next, we presented the paper cranes from our school at the Sadako Memorial. Mr Yeo read the school's message for peace and registered it in the paper crane registration database. The pupils were then shown a video about the atomic bombing of Hiroshima before they proceeded to tour the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. After a lunch of udon noodles, we had a stroll around the Peace Memorial Park where we saw the A-bomb Dome. It was then off to a 45 min cruise down the Hiroshima River. Later, the pupils had their first taste of shopping in Japan in a Daiso shop. Dinner was baked cheese rice before we returned to Aster Plaza. The pupils discussed the day's learning and each group made a presentation to the others.

After breakfast this morning, we rode Hiroshima's streetcar (electric tram) to the ferry terminal to head for Miyajima. The views were indeed beautiful and the pupils were delighted by the free-roaming deer on the island. We also had the opportunity to witness an actual Shinto wedding ceremony of an American man and his Japanese bride! We returned to Hiroshima in the late afternoon for more shopping and ended the day with a dinner of Hiroshima's famous okonomiyaki. As I'm posting this, the pupils have already packed their luggage and are resting in their rooms. Tomorrow, we head to Awaji Island for the beginning of the homestay attachment. Meanwhile, do stay tuned to this blog. However, don't be concerned if it's not updated as I've yet to discover the internet access on Awaji. I'll post the pictures taken so far and provide further updates once internet access is more functional. Good night!

Arrival in Hiroshima

Our delegation has arrived safely in Hiroshima and our programme is according to schedule, other than a two and a half hour traffic jam when we were only about 30 minutes away from Hiroshima City! As there is no internet connection at our current lodging (this blog is being updated from an internet kiosk), no pictures can be uploaded at this point in time. Those of you who are expecting pictures will have to wait until we arrive in Awaji Island on Wednesday. Meanwhile, we are looking forward to our paper crane presentation ceremony and the trip to the Hiroshima Peace Museum tomorrow. Good Night!

Link to Picasa Web Album

Dear parents

If you would like to see all photos that have been uploaded without reading this blog, click on the following link:

http://picasaweb.google.com/jerry.cksoh

Mr Yeo's email

Dear parents

You can email our principal, Mr Yeo at this email address: atyeo1@gmail.com