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Published: November 29th 2005
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Tokyo station
Here is the station where we got on the bullet train. Well here I am in Akishima city. We left Tokyo yesterday and traveled for a short distance to a local university where we learned about how teachers are trained. In a way it is very similar to our country, teachers go to college, study and then are hired at schools. But the attitude towards teachers is very different here. They are quite well paid and are very respected. If there is a shortage of teachers it is more because of the diffuculty of getting through college than any other reason. The college campus was like ours in many ways, we got to go to their bookstore and it was interesting to see what college students looked like in comparison to our own, and again a lot like in our country. However they dont have dorms, most students commute or rent an apartment. It is pretty comparable in price, about 560,000 yen a year. Only about 40 percent of the students who graduate from high school go on to college, mainly because it is very demanding and very expensive for parents.
The hotel we are staying at is very nice, right next to a golf course. And like most places here in
The bullet train
the inside of the bullet train Japan it is so very clean and neat. That is one thing we have all noticed here in Japan, there is so very little litter and everything is swept and cleaned regularly. There are always people around sweeping and raking. There arent any trash cans around much either. That may be due in part to the fact that they dont walk around eating. In fact it is considered very rude to walk and eat or drink, also to chew gum - it is a definite no no to chew gum when we meet people. Not that there isnt food to go, in fact when we were traveling one of the things you see all the time is packaged meals that a person can just buy and take on the train. Kindof like our convenience stores where you can buy packaged sandwiches, etc. But what you see a lot of here is sushi. By the way I am typing this on a keyboard that is primarily set up to type in Japanese, some of the puncutation keys are missing and the spacebar and shift keys are in a different place, making it a real challenge to type! So if things look
My first hostel
What an experience, brought back memories of my college dorm! a little odd, dont think I have been having too much sake (actually I havent tasted any yet, it is one thing still on my list to do!)
Today we went to city hall to meet with the mayor and the superintendent of education here. It was the most awesome feeling when we got off the bus, there were about 40 people from the offices there lined up applauding as we walked in. In fact, the whole time we are treated as if we are famous movie stars or something.......hmmmmm, maybe I should stay? Nope couldnt do it. I already am missing everyone so much. At night I lay in bed before I go to sleep, thinking about each class. I am 13 hours ahead of your time. So I visualize in my mind each class period and everyone in the classes. Sometimes something comes up during the day and I cant help but think of specific people. Like last night when I was watching tv (in Japanese) and there was a short story about some guy, I guess shooting a video, and he was a breakdancer. I found out that hiphop is very popular here. Of course, how can
The Golden Pavilion
Covered in gold leaf, truly an awesome sight. I see that and not think about Jacob and Andrew, bet they could show them some moves over here! Then when I went shopping at the local Jusco (kindof like our Walmart supercenter) and I saw some bamboo brushes and thought about Holly. Or I see someone with a beautiful smile like Misty, or hair the color of Edward. I saw someone yesterday that reminded me so much of Evan, and then not a few minutes later I could have sworn I saw Vanessa, something about the graceful way she walked. And just about everytime I eat, since we use chopsticks almost all the time, I think about Joe (and I havent forgotten about getting you some chopsticks!) I miss getting hugs during the day, even though everyone is so nice it isnt the same as all the smiles and hugs from you! It isnt possible to name everyone, but I guarantee that I think of each and every person. I even brought a copy of my roll, and I just go down the list wondering how everyone is doing on their paintings and wishing I was there to hear them talking about all the things happening around there. I guess there are some that might be a little glad I am not there to nag them all the time!
Well I guess I will have to sign off for now. I will try to load some pictures, but if they are sideways, you will have to forgive me, enough that I can even get them online. I will have plenty more to share when I get back.
Love to everyone!
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Mrs B
Peggy Bollman
Glad to hear from you guys.
I sure do miss you all, I can just see everyone, glad to know my room is safe from invaders! LOL Hey, Derek, what is better Malice Mizer or Gackt? Gackt isnt really considered gothic you know......but I do have Malice Mizer (the third album). Also had to get some contemporary pop (Orange Range) and some traditional music. And I am really looking forward to seeing everyone at lunch again! Ashley, you feeling ok, take care of yourself! Miss everyone else too, can hardly wait to get some great hugs. Got to go!