Group with Mayoral
Assembly
A
conglomerate article constructed from the written
comments of participating students.
My experience in Japan was one I'll never forget. We
stayed in cities across the country such as Tokyo, Kyoto
and Hiroshima, took on a more rural perspective on the
island of Shiraishi, and finished with a home-stay with
a kind and generous family in Asakuchi City. The trip
allowed us to experience life immersed in another
culture and learn about completely new customs and
traditions. Some of these were surprising, such as
taking off shoes when entering certain places, and
getting used to the public baths. But after taking the
plunge and a long, hot soak, followed by a very
enjoyable Japanese meal, we felt fully relaxed and
accustomed to Japan. It was great to experience a
different culture from what we were used to and eat
different but delicious foods.
One thing that I found really different about Japan is
how big and busy it is there, compared to quiet, little
Adelaide. The population of Tokyo is equal to the
population of the whole of Australia. It was really big.
Navigating the busy streets of Tokyo was an adventure in
itself, and shopping in Tokyo and Kyoto was excellent.
The cities in Japan seem to go on forever. Tokyo was so
much fun, with all the lights and the fast-paced
atmosphere. Disneyland was also one of my favourite
places.
Kyoto was more laid-back than Tokyo, being a more
traditional city, although very enjoyable in that sense.
The ever-present sense of history was just amazing. The
temples and castles are something that everyone should
see. But our stay in Kyoto wasn't all tradition and
history, with a visit to one of the world's best
aquariums, and another afternoon spent at a movie studio
for Samurai films. Lots of Ninja warriors bouncing
across the Sound-stage, and Godzilla-like monsters
rising from the mist.
There were some sad and humbling experiences during the
trip, when we were at the Hiroshima Peace Museum, but
there were also many fun and enjoyable moments.
Bike-riding, swimming and relaxing on Shiraishi island
was a good follow-up to Hiroshima, ensuring we were soon
cheerful and happy again, and the jet-boat ride back to
the mainland was exhilarating.
Thanks to Mr Eglinton and Mrs Kennedy for making our
trip the amazing experience that it was.
This trip to Japan has widened my horizons in many
things and was definitely worthwhile. I had an
incredible 16 days in Japan and definitely plan on
returning.
Hannah
King, Sanja Zubcevic, Jess Logan, Ryan Hayes, Philip
Milanese and Kris Burrows.
Our students in Japan enjoy generous hospitality in
Asakuchi. Our annual excursion to Japan culminates in a
four-day Homestay with families in Asakuchi. A perfect
way to top off what is always an adventure, travelling
across Japan by Bullet Train and boat.
Osaka castle
Any reservations students may have about staying with a
Japanese family are blown away by the amazing
hospitality extended to us by our hosts.
Here
is what our students had to say.
My best experience of the trip to Japan, without a
doubt, was when I met my host family.
They were very generous and understanding and made me
feel so welcome in their home. At first I was worried
about speaking in Japanese, but it turned out to be
easy. I was really pleased I was able to communicate
with my host family so well. As a family we undertook
many activities
and we now share great memories together. When I
experienced their daily lifestyle, so interesting and
yet so completely different from our own, it showed me
how different our two countries are. I also came to
understand how people in Australia can take things for
granted, and started to see some of the really great
aspects of Australia that I hadn't noticed before.
(Ryan Hayes, Jess Logan, Sanja Zubcevic, Philip
Milanese)
Shopping in Kyoto
I got to see how Japanese people really live,
forming close relationships with my family during my
time with them. It was something that I really loved.
For a few days we were truly treated as members of our
respective families, and saying goodbye was hard for the
whole group. I have made friendships that can only grow
stronger as time goes on.
(Hannah King)
Learning Japanese has made a huge difference in my life
as I now have such strong ties with a foreign country
and friendships that can never be broken. I found I can
actually communicate in a foreign language. I have
gained respect from this trip and am ever thankful that
I was able to have such experiences with other students
from Modbury. I went with a really good group, with some
students I'd never met before, but by the end of the
trip we were all close friends. I will always cherish
these strong friendships, forged on a shared adventure
with people who all enjoy the same passion for Japan and
its wonderful culture.
4 of our girls with a Japanese Art class
(Jess Logan)
An enthusiastic group is already forming up for the 2007
excursion.
Get an information package and application from Mr
Eglinton, Mrs Millar, or Miss Yonehara. To join the
adventure, you must be in Years 9, 10 or 11 and
continuing with your Japanese studies during the year of
travel. Our 16 day excursion departs in Week 10 of Term
3. This excursion will be the best thing you remember
from school life in years to come. Give this trip some
serious thought. It will open up a whole new world to
you, and definitely change your life.
Mike Eglinton
Languages Coordinator
Okonomiyaki
