There is so much of course that I do not know where to start. So I am going to try to keep it simple and highlight some things that I experienced throughout the day. Around 11:40am, felt an Earthquake / tremor. These are common and normal here. They experience up to 1,000 a year. Of course being my first, I was.... excited? That's not really the word I am looking for.
I'll back up. This morning I got up and went down to breakfast by myself. This was an experience in itself. In the elevator on the way down, I realized that I am very tall. At breakfast, I got a cup of very good coffee and watched people get their food from the buffet. I was trying to see what you do with what and how it is eaten. There are a few staple foods such as eggs, that I was fine with. I stuck with what I knew and tried a few other things that looked fairly simple. I had scrambled eggs, bacon, a salad, and decided that I would skip the spaghetti this morning.
I met everyone in the lobby and we took the metro to the KKC office. It was neat to finally see / be at the place that offered this amazing experience. We had a lecture on culture and geography of Japan. The gal that was our presenter was super cute and gave us all a gift. She also wrote all of our names in one variation of Japanese. We will be going to the prefectures where the most damage was done from the Earthquake and Tsunami. There is still debris....
Then we had our box lunch.
Next was a lecture on education in Japan. I have pages and pages of notes. Here are just a few things I learned or find interesting.
1. It is interesting that the leading nation in technology development is struggling (maybe not even really interested in) using technology in their public schools. In order to use technology in schools, they need to have the computer software.... this software has to be produced and published by publishers in Japanese. there simply aren't any publishers doing this.
2. They have realized that students have the memorization and knowledge based learning...however, they are struggling with thinking and problem solving..HMMMMM Where have we heard this before? I kept thinking TAP TAP TAP TAP.
3. When we practice drills (eg fire and tornado) they save lives. Yes, they can be irritating to teachers that are counting on instructional time but the lessons are valuable.... Because the school aged children knew that when there is a strong earthquake to go to higher ground......many students survived the Tsunami. There is more to this story.
After this lecture we went to Panasonic. Very cool. We walked through the prototype of a completely eco friendly home. ZERO Co2 emissions. We weren't allowed to take pictures. They are also building a eco friendly town with these homes / cars / etc. We watched a video on the worlds largest 3D television and learned a lot about the companies philosophy. I am on board and behind them 100%.
On the bus ride home....I was hit with extreme car sickness and exhaustion. My limbs began to tingle and I was trying not to get sick. Otchi had the driver pull over. Two others got off with me and we walked the remainder of the way in the WONDERFUL rain. Stopped at a 7/11 to get a diet coke and an ice cream bar. I needed some sugar. We came back to hotel and I will be staying in tonight. Everyone else met up for dinner. I am too exhausted. My body is telling me to rest.
So with that I say ...oh I was going to type the word in Japanese but my folder is on the other side of the room. Maybe next time. I will get some pictures up.
I will also say that these people have the best toilets in the world.
Good night!
I'll back up. This morning I got up and went down to breakfast by myself. This was an experience in itself. In the elevator on the way down, I realized that I am very tall. At breakfast, I got a cup of very good coffee and watched people get their food from the buffet. I was trying to see what you do with what and how it is eaten. There are a few staple foods such as eggs, that I was fine with. I stuck with what I knew and tried a few other things that looked fairly simple. I had scrambled eggs, bacon, a salad, and decided that I would skip the spaghetti this morning.
I met everyone in the lobby and we took the metro to the KKC office. It was neat to finally see / be at the place that offered this amazing experience. We had a lecture on culture and geography of Japan. The gal that was our presenter was super cute and gave us all a gift. She also wrote all of our names in one variation of Japanese. We will be going to the prefectures where the most damage was done from the Earthquake and Tsunami. There is still debris....
Next was a lecture on education in Japan. I have pages and pages of notes. Here are just a few things I learned or find interesting.
1. It is interesting that the leading nation in technology development is struggling (maybe not even really interested in) using technology in their public schools. In order to use technology in schools, they need to have the computer software.... this software has to be produced and published by publishers in Japanese. there simply aren't any publishers doing this.
2. They have realized that students have the memorization and knowledge based learning...however, they are struggling with thinking and problem solving..HMMMMM Where have we heard this before? I kept thinking TAP TAP TAP TAP.
3. When we practice drills (eg fire and tornado) they save lives. Yes, they can be irritating to teachers that are counting on instructional time but the lessons are valuable.... Because the school aged children knew that when there is a strong earthquake to go to higher ground......many students survived the Tsunami. There is more to this story.
After this lecture we went to Panasonic. Very cool. We walked through the prototype of a completely eco friendly home. ZERO Co2 emissions. We weren't allowed to take pictures. They are also building a eco friendly town with these homes / cars / etc. We watched a video on the worlds largest 3D television and learned a lot about the companies philosophy. I am on board and behind them 100%.
On the bus ride home....I was hit with extreme car sickness and exhaustion. My limbs began to tingle and I was trying not to get sick. Otchi had the driver pull over. Two others got off with me and we walked the remainder of the way in the WONDERFUL rain. Stopped at a 7/11 to get a diet coke and an ice cream bar. I needed some sugar. We came back to hotel and I will be staying in tonight. Everyone else met up for dinner. I am too exhausted. My body is telling me to rest.
So with that I say ...oh I was going to type the word in Japanese but my folder is on the other side of the room. Maybe next time. I will get some pictures up.
I will also say that these people have the best toilets in the world.
Good night!
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