My Journal (Kyoto May 29 Fri - June 3 Tue)

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May 30 Saturday

This was the day of guided bus tour. I was afraid this would be too touristy but it turned out to be very educational and covered important sites. I was glad we did that.

The tour started at Kinkakuji Temple, famous for its Gold Pavilion. It is covered with gold leaf (foil). Pure gold!

	Merissa-san	Eyana-san
Nikku, Burandon, Buritta-san and Tara-san	Poura-san and Eyana-san

As the tour guide told us, my students were surrounded by children. They were on a field trip and often they were told by teachers to talk to "foreigners" and obtain their names and towns. My students did their share of the international friendship and enjoyed the celebrity status.

We then went to Kyoto Imperial Palace. Did a quick buffet lunch, and then Nijo Castle (Tokugawa Shogun's residence in Kyoto) and Sanjyu San Gen Do (temple). We drove by Heian Jingu (Shrine), and finally Kiyomizudera (kiyomizu Temple)

Rossheru-san	Kerusii-san and Keito-san	Aru and Arekkusu
Jyakii-san and Rizu-san	Eyana-san,Sera-san, Rossheru-san and Poura-san	Our knowledgeable tour guide Miyazaki-san with the Hello Kitty Marker
Jyakii-san and Rizu-san by Love Stone	Kiyomizudera	Kurisuta-san drinking Kiyomizu (spring water)
Maiko ladies and ?

May 31 Sunday Free day, no plans. I visited Nishiki Market area in morning, and then went to Ootani Honbyou (Ootaka Mausoleum).

June 1

Another free day. I went to visit my mother and sister

In the evening, we celebrated the completion of the tour at a Japanese Steak House where we got to try Ohmi Beef (same quality as Kobe Beef). It was fancy.

Mr Yamanaka, our Chef

Some pictures on the way back. They look tired after two weeks of intensive touring.

Aru

Kurisu

Arekkusu

Sera-san

June 2 Tuesday

The final group shot at the hotel lobby

We flew from Kansai to Seoul (Korea) to JFK, and rode the bus back to Bridgewater.

Poura-san

Merissa-san

Jyakii-san

Arrived at BSC at 2:45 AM on June 3 Wednesday. Everyone accounted for and healthy.

I'd like to acknowledge the financial support provided by Bridgewater Foundation. Thank you - your scholarship made the tour possible and left the lasting impression in young minds. I hope you liked the group photograph!

Constant and invaluable help from Office of Study Abroad cannot be forgotten. Susi and Hadley, you're the best

The trip would've been impossible without the work of BSC's Greg deMelo and the Japanese counterpart, Nippon Travel

Takenaka-sensei's presence in Japan reduced my stress so much. He took up the rear and herded students in busy streets. Moreover, we got to attend your wonderful performance

We crossed path with so many people in Japan:

In Osaka: Mrs Kida and Mr Kida at Iwashizu Jinjya, Nissin Cup Noodle Museum, Mr. Yoneda, and Mr. Itoh and Article 9 Forum

In Hiroshima: Mazda Car Factory, Kamotsuru Brewery, Prof. Ebata and staff at Hiroshima University, Hiroshima University's Synchrotron Laboratory, Saijyo Taxi, and Prof. Nakagawa

In Nara: Nara Park Hotel and Ms Nahoko Nishiwaki. Oh and that (overly?) friendly lady at the Noodle shop.

In Kyoto: Mr and Mrs Nakayama, Ms. Miyazaki

And nameless others, so many to mention, whom I didn't even get to meet. We are all grateful.

Finally, my wonderful students. I am glad I brought you back in one piece, hopefully with great experience from Japan.

I think it's time to introduce the members. Please click the photo to see the faces clearly.

Japan Study Tour 2009 - Please click the photo

Sincerely, Dr. Noda

E-mail me at "cnoda @ bridgew . e d u"

More group pictures

More pictures from Japan