Welcome back!
The visiting delegation from our sister city has arrived again. This year, delegation were consisting of 2 chaperons and 10 high school students.
One of the chaperons is someone who visited us with her family two years ago!
They arrived on October 9th for an 11-night stay. During weekdays, various activities were prepared, and I participated in several schedules as an interpreter.
Among the activities I participated in were courtesy visits, walking tours of the castle town (Kawaramachi), a unique table tennis activity, bamboo crafts, visits to the Sasayama Police, a children's center, Sumiyoshi Shrine and the gardens of Mirei Shigemori in Fukusumi, Zen Shoji Temple, and a visit to a chestnut farm. There were many other plans, including experiences with armor and pottery making, exchanges with local high school students, and visits to the fire department and tea ceremony experiences.
What particularly stood out to me was the kendo and judo experience for the entire delegation at the Sasayama Police, topped off with a demonstration of iaido. They enjoyed their time learning from the experienced police officers while practicing kendo and judo. The highlight was the impressive iaido performance by one of the fathers in the delegation, who successfully sliced through a straw! I'm sure it became a lifetime memory for him.
The woman who dreamed of purchasing a kimono and yukata set since her stay two years ago finally got the chance. Since I'm not well-versed in kimono, I consulted a mutual acquaintance, who took her to Kyoto for a day of girls' adventure. She was overjoyed to purchase a full set of the kimono and yukata she liked! 😍
This time, she indulged in her favorite shopping, which she couldn't do when she visited with her family two years ago. She experienced Don Quijote for the first time, enjoyed ramen, barbecue, and souvenir shopping. Although she couldn't buy a light truck to take home… 😆 The Warawara area has many wineries, and it seems that light trucks are quite useful in her workplace. Plus, she said, "The face is just too cute!" It seems to be quite popular in America now!
She completed a multitude of activities, posting photos and reports on social media in between, and chatting with her husband and children in either the morning or evening local time. This powerful woman wrapped up her 11-night, 12-day itinerary and returned home safely.
I wonder when she will come again. She mentioned that her husband might come as a leader next year. This sister city exchange, which has been going on for over 50 years, was successfully completed once again. Thank you to everyone involved for your various support behind the scenes. 🥰