The following letters were sent home to parents during the 2008 trip to Japan. 

Karen was one of the chaperones with the students on the trip and reported 

periodically through her emails: 

Hello Everyone!

We are having a wonderful time here in Japan! Everyone we have met has been so
welcoming!

Our two flights passed very quickly and20smoothly. We had a good time chatting
and sleeping the trip away. There was even a small American boy on the plane
with which many of the students enjoyed playing. I'm sure his father
traveling with him was very greatful!

At the Narita airport, some teachers from Japan met us and took us on a very
nice bus to Kasakabe City. Our hosts gave us yummy bag lunches during the 2 hour
trip. We enjoyed peanut butter and also jelly sandwiches (they package the two
separately unlike our combined sandwiches) among other things. It was so kind of
them to go out of their way to try to get us food from home.

As our bus pulled into the Kasukabe Girls' High School, many of the
students were standing in the parkinglot to cheer us. They were so excited to
see us that we could not help but to catch their excitement, despite our
tiredness.

The welcoming ceremony was . . . very welcoming! After some short speeches, we
were introduced to our families and soon left to see our new homes! My family
stopped at a 7-11 convience store. I had told them how surprised I was to see
them all over Japan, so they made a special stop just for me! The store had
everything imaginable inside! And . . . unlike most convience stores in the U.S.
the cashiere were very friendly and greeted everyone who entered!

Like many of the students, I was not long in retreating to my bed soon after we
arrived home. It had been a very long and thrilling day!

There are many diverse stories from all th
e students about the new and
interesting activites in which they were involved this past Sunday.

I, myself, first enjoyed a delicious breakfast sitting on the floor around a
low table. Like many Americans, my host family enjoys watching TV as they eat.
We had scrambled eggs and small sausages, fresh fruit, salad, home-made white
bread (delicious!) with butter and nutella, a simple salad, fruit juices,
coffee, and iced green tea. After a few hours relaxing with the family, we went
to the mall.

American malls cannot compare to Japanese malls! Their malls are FABULOUS!!! We
went past the many restaurants within and went strait to the extensive food
court. I tried many new foods there! (Some I don't care to think to hard
about - better just not to know!) Because the Japanese often share many bowls of
food at their meals, the students and I get to tast many different kinds of food
at every meal! It is nice to be able to try a little bite of everything. After
eating, we strolled in and out of some of the many, Many, MANY shops in that
enormous (and remarkably clean and beautiful) mall.

Then, it was time to hurry home for the Kasakabe Festival! I, like many of the
students, got to wear a traditional summer Yukata. My host mother was so kind to
offer me one she had made herself! It was beautiful! Two of the three daughters
in my host family also wore traditional Yukata.

The festival itself was a wonderful sight to behold! Men and women in
traditional garb hosted 25 portable20shrines through the streets of Kasukabe to
the hearty beat of loud and vigrous chanting and whistle blowing. It was very
interesting to watch! The shrines were all light up in the night. Over 250,000
visitors came to Kasakabe for the two day fesival. Although there were many many
people, I never felt unsafe! It was wonderful! All around were Japanese people.
Some were in regualar clothing, but many were in traditional clothings. It was
SO COOL! lol I know all the students were able to go to this fabulous event!

Today, we have been at the school. Lara met the principal, Paige and Laura met
the Mayor and we held an assembly for the whole school. We ate lunch with
Japanese girls and had a traditional Japanese tea cermony. Now I  must go to see
an archery class! Must go! Ah! Please excuse my typos and misspellings! I have
no time to check my writing - sorry!

Bye for now! :- )
 - Karen

Hello again!

Well, hopefully I will be able to actually finish this email with time to proof
it! I'm so sorry about the last letter!!! 

Well, where did I leave off . . .

Yesterday afternoon, after I rushed away from the computer, we went to see the
Kasakabe girls at some of their after-school club activities. We saw a
demonstration of kendo, a traditional Japanese martial art involving wooden
swords (plus historical clothing). And after, many of our students got to use
the swords and were instructed how to imitate some of the moves! Chase and Colin
had a good time battling each other, as did many of the others. 

We also got to listen to a koto performance. The girls playing the large, old,
wooden stringed instruments were amazingly talented! The music was beautiful!
They were kind enough to let us strum the instruments afterwards. Everyone is so
friendly and accommodating here. 

After school, many students went with their host sisters to a local mall to
take pictures in a photo booth and to browse through the shops. A big group
joined together at McDonald's for a snack. We are all having lots of fun! 

Today, we met at the Kasakabe Girls' School and then walked over to a
nearby elementary school. The principal informed us that his school is the
oldest of the 25 other elementary schools in Kasakabe. You might be surprised to
find out that their facilities include an extensive computer lab, a home-ec room
equipped with sinks and stoves for students, and even science labs! I was very
impressed by the well rounded education they ensure to even their youngest
students. Although the school we visited is about like all schools in the
region, it is special in that the school teaches English to all students. This
is a unique addition to the typical curriculum. 

We all had a lot of fun interacting with the students. When we first arrived,
they put on a special "English Party" for us in their gym, where the
whole school welcomed us and made some cute and interactive demonstrations of
their English abilities. We also performed a few songs for them, including Amy
sining "A Part of Your World" from the Little Mermaid. She really
impressed everyone with her beautiful voice. 

We spent most of the rest of the day going to different classes with students.
We were even able to eat lunch with them in their classrooms. The school
provided us with the same school lunches all the students ate - and boy was it
delicious! Today's menu featured Chinese food! 

Before leaving the school, we presented the principal with the English
children's books we brought from home. The school was very happy and
grateful to add them to their library. 

Back at the Kasakabe Girls' School, we took a short break before going to
more club activities like yesterday. As I write, most of the students are
witnessing a demonstration of kyudo, traditional archery. Paige has joined the
swim team for their practice (she is actually in the water with them - carrying
her suit with her paid off!) and Devin is out with the softball team. Both girls
were very happy to get to be able to participate in the activities they love
back home. It will be neat to hear their stories about their experiences with
the Japanese teams. 

The heat and humidity here are very intense,  but everyone is doing there best
to be as up-beat and enthusiastic as possible. We sweat a lot, but we laugh even
more! All the students are really in a good mood and having fun. Tomorrow should
be a great day, as we are going on a field trip to some historical places in
Japan . . . but that story will be for another day! 

Well, that is about everything up until now! I'll write to you again soon! 

 - Karen
 
Hello from Japan!

Wow! We have had an exciting few days!

At the Tuesday archery class I told you about in my last letter, the students
were able to try some target practice! Everyone had a lot of fun.

Wednesday was an action packed day! We went to visit the national historic area
of Nikko!

Half way to Nikko, we stopped at a rest stop. All the students chipped in to
help delay Maura so that she was the last one to enter the bus - and when she
did, there was a big *Happy Birthday!* banner strung across the isle. We all
sang to her, and then Mrs. Daley presented Maura with a large cup cake. Then, to
everyone`s surprise, our Japanese hosts brought out a chocolate mousse cake for
all to share with Maura! It was delicious!

Our first stop in Nikko was an area housing some of the many gorgeous shrines
and buildings that contribute to Nikko`s fame. Excellent craftsmanship was
evident in every detail. Carved wooden panels adorned many of the structures,
including the famous depiction of the *Hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil*
monkeys!

After lunch, we visited the Kegon Falls. The main waterfall is one of Japan`s
largest. Located in a small valley/rift in the high mountains, the waterfalls
are a breathtaking site. The viewing platform is suspended mid-air above the
rocky bottom, offering an unparalled vantage point. The mist from the falls
sprayed us as we watched. The mountains offered a pleasant change in climate
from the heat of Kasakabe.

Thursday consisted of a pleasant day trip into Tokyo. In the morning, we
visited Asakusa, a famous tourist area. We were given lots of time to browse
through the many souvenir shops along the major thoroughfare between the famous
Kaminarimon arch way and a large shrine. The inside of the shrine was
beautifully decorated.

Afterwards, we took a boat trip through Tokyo, passing their statue of liberty,
among other attractions. We landed on an island oasis preserved inside the
busseling city. Strolling through the little park we passed ponds, beautiful
trees, and even a traditional tea house. It was neat to see all the greenery and
old architecture contrasted against the sky scrapers rising from the trees all
around us.

We had lunch in one of the nice shopping districts of Tokyo that was located
just off the water. A large ferris wheel was silhouetted against the sky from
almost any spot in the area. A bunch of the students found a fun little shop
that had inexpensive T-shirts with English sayings . . . that made absolutely no
sense! They were so hilarious that our group bought up a large number from the
store!

Afterwards, we rode past the most famous - and most expensive - shopping street
in Tokyo. We also passed the Imperial Palace and some of the other old
government buildings.

Friday, we visited a handy craft shop that sold traditional hand painted
figurines. We were led to the second floor of the little shop to see a small
museum about the different pieces produced there. Then, they gave us each our
own *lucky cat* figurine to paint. We got to try out our imagination and art
skills while making wonderful keep sakes/presents. The cats turned out
absolutely adorable!

In the afternoon, we returned to the school for a lesson in Japanese language
from one of the Kasakabe teachers. We learned the names of foods, how to ask the
identity of different things, how to ask and express like and dislike of foods,
etc. The lesson was very helpful!

On the way home from school, some students and I stopped at a festival held in
Kuki, a neighboring city. It was really fun to sample some different foods from
the tents lining the streets and to explore some of the shops. I bought a jinbe
(traditional house clothing that people still wear today) from one such store.

This weekend was a three day weekend for almost everyone in Japan, including
us! Monday commemorated the death of an ancient and famous priest. The many
weekend plans I heard from the students sounded very fun. I know that a number
were planning to meet in Disney Land Tokyo with their host families.

Personally, I traveled to Mt. Fuji on Saturday. It was spectacular - I`m so
glad I had the opportunity to go! On the way home, we ate at a fun sushi
restaurant where all the food travels by the tables on conveyer belts and you
just pluck off the little plates that you would like to eat. By the time we
left, we had over 30 plates on our table! We then stopped at a little village
famous for deep lakes with coy fish. The village was very historic and
beautiful.

Sunday, I went back to Asakusa with my host family. It was great to be able to
go back to that vibrant area and to explore the many little side streets that
hide quaint shops with cheap bargains. My host family served as a wonderful
guide to the city. On the way home, we stopped at a Japanese barbecue
restaurant. It was not at all like what you are probably thinking. The
restaurant was very traditional inside (minus the 1940s American music). We
entered a tatami mat room with a low table that had a round charcoal grill in
the center. The servers brought in meats that we then cooked ourselves over the
flames. It was very yummy! I ate some foods I never thought I would even touch,
including cow tongue and pig`s intestine. I`m getting a little queasy thinking
about it again, but all the meats tasted good - although I`m never having pig`s
intestine ever again! It has a terrible texture!

Today was a relaxing day, just what I needed after a very fun, stimulating, and
exhausting week! I spent lots of time with my host family doing fun little
things like exchanging hand games with the younger sisters, showing them French
braiding, and sharing music. We went shopping and ate some amazing homecooked
meals! My host family spoiled me and bought many different desserts from a
little patisserie. They were a fabulous treat!

Our exchange group has only a few more days to savor here in Japan. I`m sure I
will not be the only Haddonfielder sad to leave!

- Karen

P.S. Hopefully the picture from Nikko will come through OK with this email. I`m
keeping my fingers crossed!

Hello again!

Well, I'm back once more to tell you about our last few
days in Japan.

Tuesday, we went to the weekly staff meeting to say thank you to the teachers
and the administration for welcoming us into their school. Colin gave a nice,
short speech to everyone gathered. Later in the morning, we participated in a
farewell ceremony for both the Haddonfield Japan Exchange and the English
Language Teachers who were leaving the Kasakabe Girls' High School. Between
some short speeches, Alex played the piano and Amy sang. Both of their
performances were highly popular with the students. They were big hits!

That afternoon, the "cheer boys" from Kasakabe Boys' School came
to the girls' school gymnasium to perform for us. As their very talented
sports band played, the cheer boys shouted out cheers and gave a very
enthusiastic performance. Their military-like precision was astounding! The
cheer boys are like nothing we have here in America.

Wednesday morning, I came to school early with my host sister to watch her and
many of the other Kasakabe students practice their dances for an upcoming summer
festival. I believe some other Haddonfield students also got to see this
rehearsal.

That same day, we made a visit to the Big Kite Museum where, among many other
beautiful kites, there were several Huge Kites (15 meters in height, 11 meters
in width, and around 250 kilograms in weight). They are annually flown to
celebrate the babies born each year. Soon after, we stopped for a quick visit to
an old Japanese castle that had been converted into an interesting cultural
museum.


Our afternoon was spent at the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge
Channel. It is a facility built to prevent overflow of the city's major
waterways and rivers during rain and typhoon seasons by diverting the water to
vast tunnels underneath the city. While waiting in the information center for
our tour of one of the underground channels to begin, we got to witness the
filming of a Japanese TV series. They were using the control room of the
Underground Discharge Channel as one of the locations in their next episode.
Soon after, we trekked down into one of the cavernous tunnels that lies beneath
the city. The hot and humid air from above ground and the cool air underground
interacted to form a hazy fog in the vaulted channel. It was an eerie
experience. We also appreciated the refreshingly cool underground atmosphere
compared to the hot and steamy Japanese summer days.

Thursday morning and afternoon were reserved for final activities with our host
families. I did some packing, went to the mall to take some family pictures in a
photo booth (these machines are extremely popular), and went to sing at a
Karaoke. That evening, everyone gathered again at the Kasakabe Girls' High
School for our Sayonara Party. Many Haddonfield students came dressed in
traditional yukata (the summer kimono). We took lots of pictures with each
other, our host sisters, and host families. Wonderful speeches were given in our
honor, and our students did their part to return our thanks for such a gracious
welcome in=2
0Japan; Chase, Julia, and I spoke, Amy sang, Colin performed Tae Kwon
Do, and all of our students participated in some group songs. We ended the night
by having everyone in the audience join us in singing the traditional Japanese
song, "Sakura". After the group pictures, we all went to our homes to
finish our last minute packing. On the way, my host family sto!
!
pped once again at the 7/11 I mentioned in my first letter. It was a somewhat
poetic completion of my visit to Japan - My visit was ending just the way it had
begun.

Friday morning was a blur of activity as we all made our way to the school -
luggage in tow - to begin our trek back home. Once at the girls' school, we
all milled about in a big group of students and families, trying to postpone the
moment of departure. However, as the time drew near, tears began to appear. The
great friendships we had formed were evident as we all hugged our dear Japanese
friends and sniffled our thanks and farewells. After some last group pictures
that included everyone - Haddonfield students, host sisters, and host families
(even some host pets) - we sadly climbed aboard our waiting bus. As the majority
of students burst into tears, the bus pulled away from the curb and we waved
goodbye to our beloved families from across the world. It was time to begin the
first leg of our journey home.

Our long trip back to the US when smoothly. Most of the students were so
excited to share stories about their wonderful experiences in
Japan that they
could barely sit still, let alone in the same seat, the entire first flight into
Detroit. Our second flight into Philly was quite a different matter - everyone
was completely knocked out! The plane was absolutely silent. What little sound
you sometimes did hear was not from any Haddonfielders. We had a short wait in
the cool evening air for our bus to arrive to take us the last stage of the
journey home. And, the welcome that we received as we pulled up in front of the
high school made the long journey worthwhile. All of our parents and siblings
were gathered around the flagpole holding up a banner and cheering! As we
quickly piled out of the bus, we ran straight into the outstretched arms of our
loved ones. What a splendid return.

Now that we're home and the souvenirs have been handed out and the pictures
shared, we can begin to compile the photo albums that will keep our fantastic
adventure fresh in our minds forever. But all of the students know that those
albums are really just there to be able to share our experiences with others -
the memories that we forged in Japan, half way across the world, with people we
will always cherish, will never ever be forgotten.

Now, who's ready to go back?!?! Sign me up!

 - Karen

P.S. A few final pictures are soon to follow this email.