We had an interesting meeting with the PTA, and found out that they see their basic role as supporting the teachers during the school day by participating in activities, and not as an group trying to affect educational reform or accountability, as many PTAs are in the U.S.
Lunch, with some gift giving on the side.
At our last lunch in Ito City, we pooled our gifts and showed our thanks to our guide, Hiromi, our translator, Miki, and our coordinator from the Dept. of Ed, Kawamurasan. Chris served as the "master of ceremonies". These three people had a huge impact on the success of our Ito trip as well as the simple things in our daily lives. We couldn't have functioned without them. Arigato gozaimasu!
Time to make the candy!
Clockwise from upper left: Hiromi introduces the candymen; one candyman shows us how it's done; Shirley gets special treatment; I struggle to be a good candyman; my final product. By the way, I found my candy too beautiful to eat, so I brought it back to the U.S.
The tea ceremony.
We were then fortunate to participate in an abbreviated tea ceremony, which can last for hours. First you are served something sweet, to contrast the bitter flavor of the tea. The picture in the middle shows the woman who prepared each cup in the traditional manner. Then we were served the tea individually. The bowl is turned twice before it is given, so that the front is facing you when you drink from it.
Our stay in a Ryokan
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese Inn, where guests sleep in communal rooms on futons and experience very hot mineral baths heated naturally by magma! It's a place where the Japanese come to relax and get away from it all. It doesn't have to be in a country setting, the country side can be created in an inner court area, such as ours, or can simply have natural settings with rock gardens. Our goal was to relax, Japanese style, enjoy a traditional feast, and learn in the process. In other words, just have fun, so we did!
Left to right: Erika, Chrissy and Terri stylin' on their lanai; Randy and Bob try the massage chairs; I don't know what this sign is saying, but I'm definately NOT going to do it! (It was a message to the workers to be clean, so guest don't get sick...)
The girls pose; the boys work the cameras during the photo opportunity; the boys pose.
The first serving of the feast; under the white pan top was a live abalone, waiting to be steamed; Denon framed by me (playing with dinner)
Everyone got their own red snapper; Lynnette, Pam and Amanda enjoying the feast; a mood setting corner of the building.
