BULLIES come in all ages

BULLIES come in all ages
(click to see movie trailer)

Surround yourself with positive people,
energy, and situations;
always avoid negativity.

~~~~~~~~~~

Life is too short to wake up with regrets.
So, love the people who treat you right.

Forgive, and then forget about the ones who don't.


Monday, May 24, 2010

Monday's Memory Mosaic ~Japan


In 1990, I was selected to participate in a 3 week Japanese cultural exchange program for Georgia teachers.
The purpose of the program was to help prepare Georgia teachers for the influx of Japanese students into their school systems.
The exchange program provided an understanding of Japan's education
system and culture through school visits, cultural activities, a home-stay visit, and exchanges with educators and students.


Teachers (sensei) are highly respected in Japan and we were treated like royalty, staying in the nicest hotels and resorts. We traveled extensively by private buses, planes, ferries, and the Shinkansen (bullet train).

My favorite part of the trip was my home-stay visit with the Yoshida family in the city of Kagoshima, on the island of Kyushu.
Although I spoke no Japanese and they spoke very little English, we became  dear friends in a short time.  The Yoshida's home was small, but their hearts were large and kind. 

I fell in love with the people, culture, and natural beauty of Japan, which  better prepared me for the beautiful Japanese student, Fusako, I taught the following school year.


Fusako and Me
~Halloween 1990


Fusako and Me
~2000

~~~~~~
I have found a new blog friend who just happens to live in Tokyo.
Please check out the beautiful kitties at Tekorin the NEKO.

さようなら


20 comments:

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

What a great opportunity woo had!

Thanks fur sharing it!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra & Khousin Merdie

JacksDad said...

I used to read a blog by an American guy who taught in the Japanese school system. Evidently his experiences were quite different from yours! :)

Huskee and Hershey said...

Japan is a wonderful country, and Tokyo is one of our mom's favourite cities!! Love their culture, their customs, their people and most of all, their shopping and their food!!

kks said...

wow, what an incredible experience! great pics!
xoxo

Anonymous said...

Love this Monday Mosaic memory! She was a precious child and a beautiful young woman! What a clown you are!!! Good to see you back today! SH

Anonymous said...

Love this Monday Mosaic memory! She was a precious child and a beautiful young woman! What a clown you are!!! Good to see you back today! SH

My Mind's Eye said...

Hi Ms. K what a beautiful story and pictures. Tekorin and his mom are friends of ours too. She is so very very talented and creative.
Madi and Mom

Unknown said...

Sounds like the most wonderful experiance! She is a lovey young lady! Where is she now?

Unknown said...

The Japanese culture is indeed a very interesting culture. It's somehow like Chinese but not completely Chinese. The people are extremely polite and helpful. I love those Japanese series, Japanese foods and their kimonos : )

Kathy said...

Kit, what a wonderful field trip for you the teacher!!
How fun that your student came to visit you 10 years later!
What a fond and memorable trip!
Kathy

Anonymous said...

The trip of a lifetime! What a wonderful opportunity to learn and share. Thanks for the new blog link!

Liz

Ina in Alaska said...

Welcome back!! You have had some wonderful experiences! I admire that about you. As Nike says you "Just Do It! xoxoxoxo Your Alaska Pups and Ron all send their regards xoxo

Remington said...

What a fun time for you!

♥I am Holly♥ said...

Welcome back! That had to be a wonderful experience for you! I'll check out the link! Lots of love, Debbie and Holly

chelle said...

That is really cool!!! You must have loved that trip!!

The Adventures of the LLB Gang said...

What a wonderful experience!!

How Sam Sees It said...

My niece is studying Japanese in high school. I'm really proud of her - she is doing well with it! I've bookmarked the site - for me and her!

Sam

countryliving said...

What an experience!

tekorin said...

Wow!!!
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful memories of our country and linking to our blog!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!
How sweet of you!!!
We're so happy to meet you!

the booker man said...

wow, what a super nifty experience!! me and asa and mama think it is so cool that you got to be involved in miss fusako's life as she grew up!
*woof*
the booker man