MY TRIP TO JAPAN

Day1- we arived at the check in gate for North West Air Lines at about 11:30. We got checked in and then waited get on our plane. We finaly departed arround 2:45. We had a nice smooth flight and the stuads were really nice. When we arrived at the Narita airpot we took a bus to our hotel. After checking in at the hotel we went down to a neerby food court and had dinner. I had McDonnalds. We also walked to a small convienience store and got poastcards. Then we returned to the hotel for the night.

Day 2- Today was our day to sight see in Tokyo. I got up at 3:00. We left for the fish market at 4:00. This was the biggest fish market in the world. It had rows and rows of huge Tuna and other seafood. Some I had never heard of. After we left the fish market we went to Asakusa Temple. It had a big row of shops leading up to the temple so we had time to shop. The temple itself was very beautiful. We even were able to see Japanese people practicing their religion. After we left the temple we went to a neerby ramen house and had some quite interesting ramen. I had troubles with my chopsticks. We took a seiries of subways back to our hotel and had free time for resting Nobody actually rested except Richy and Kenny. We hung out and spent time outside of the hotel by the pond and trails taking pictures. That night we took subways to down town Tokyo. I was so tierd I was almost falling asleep on the way there. Once we got there I woke up some because of all the lights and excitement. We had a quick dinner and then got ice-cream and crapes. The ice-cream was soooooooo good! We then returned to the hotel and went to bed.

Day 3- Today was our traveling day. After breakfast we took a few subways to the bullet train station and then left for a 5 hour train ride (actually we switched trains part way through.) to a place near Mutsu. We arrived at a station where adults from Mutsu met us with a big sign. We took a bus to the Mutsu cultural hall where all of our frie nds were waiting for us. We said our introductions in front of the group and were formally introduced to our host familys. I would be hosted by Manami and her family. After the welcoming reception we were to leave with our familys for the night. We left and went shopping and then we went to Manami's house. That night we ate an interesting dinner. I had Sushi and Miso soup. I did not care for the sushi. Later we gave gifts then went to bed.

Day 4- Today was my favorite day of the whole trip. That morning we got up and went to Sekine Junior High School. It was a very small school. Every one was very friendly. I had six pair students who I made very good friends with. I was just a very friendly environment. After lunch I played Tennis and then the whole school had practice for the sports festival whitch would take place the next day. I had fun participating. After that the students cleaned the school. This was interesting to me because it is something that we don't do in Amierica. After the school day was over we went shopping again. Later was the Welcoming Barbeque. This was fun because we were able to see the rest of the delagation and share our expieriences and it was also fun because my pair students were all there. We ate watched drummers and danced a Japanese dance. It was fun. We then went home and to sleep.

Day 5- Today was our day for sight seeing in Mutsu. We went to a mountian that overlooked the whole city. It was very windy but it was an amazing view. Then we went to a shrine. It was a place that was believed to have the dead passed through on their way to after life. It was an interesting place. Next we visited the Mutsu Science Museum. There we toured the museum and then had lunch, followed by a presentation about liquid nitrogen. After our sight seeing we went to the nature institute. Friends from Sekine were there too. It was so fun!!!! We played a golf-like game. It was fun but I was not very good. Later we ate and then recieved gifts. We then made key-chains. I made one for Manami and my friend Naomi. We also made bird calls. Then it was time for my friends from Sekine to leave. It was very sad and got me thinking about when I would have to leave. The rest of the night was free time.

Day 6- A SAD DAY. Very sad. In the morning I went to the Sekine sports festival. It was fun. I finaly was able to meet Fumico, My pen pall. It was so exiteing. I was also able to spend time with Chelsea's pen pal and Wakako. We had lunch there and then went shopping at a huge shopping place. We then returned to Manami's house to get our luggage all packed and to prepare to go to the farewell dinner. Fumico came to Manami's house for that time. The farewell dinner was very sad. We had some free time and then we ate. After eating the delagates all went on stage and recieved gifts. Then we had to deliver a speech. I cried when Chelsea gave hers and all though mine. It was sad. After we left, Manami and her family and Fumico and her mother took me bowling. It was fun and cheered me up. After ward I had to say goodbye to Fumico. That was sad.

Day 7- Leaving was sad. Half of my pair students were there to see me off. We left and traveled on bullet trains until we reached our hotel in Narita. That night we went to a Big Boy resuraunt and then had ice- cream out of vending machines. Then we returned to the hotel for the night.

Day 8- Today we had breakfast at the hotel and then we went to a temple. To get there we went down rows of shopping. There was one place where some people ate grasshoppers, but I didn't. The temple was very beautiful. Leading up to it there was a pond full of turtles. I liked the turtles. Anyway, we then went into a small store and then returned to the hotel. We checked out and then we took abus to the air port. We departed for a long flight home.

I have never had as great an expierience as this in my life. I would go back in an instant.