2009-04-18


Tonight we joined the outbound GSE team for their farewell party in Toyama.  It was really great to sit and chat, share our experiences thus far and offer advice on their trip to come.  It’s interesting too though, because the last time our groups met, we had just arrived in Japan and we were full of questions and awaiting the unexpected, now two thirds way through our trip, the beginning seems like a lifetime ago.  Not only have we physically seen and done so much, relevant to culture, work and play, but also we’ve been processing so much information and experiences that we will surely be contemplating and learning from for much longer than the short weeks we are here.  It really makes you think about what we’ve been through so far.  The experience is unforgettable and truly a gift, I’m looking forward to the reflection and personal development when we get home almost as much as the next week and a half.  


On a lighter note, when listing off my words of wisdom to one of the outgoing team members, this is what came to mind first: 

- we have learned that in Japan it is customary (automatic even) to slurp one’s noodles when eating and to slurp exceptionally loudly when paying a compliment to the chef, that is not something we do in Canada 

- here in Japan, generally the toilet is not in the same room as the shower or bathtub, and the shower is separated from the bath (you shower, then bath, a great concept really, especially when sharing water with your housemates), in Canada, they are all put together

- in Canada, we drive on the right side of the road, it’s still interesting to see the steering wheel on the right side of the car and all the cars driving on the left

- the food is quite different, but delicious in both countries

- Canadian sweets are much sweeter and unfortunately we haven’t quite caught on to cooking sweets with adzuki beans, however I am going to bring that idea and dango back with me 

- usually before an evening meal here someone will offer a ‘cheers’ or ‘kampai’ and everyone will toast to a drink of sake or beer, I warned our new friends that people ‘cheers’ often and many socialables will be called throughout a single evening 

- expect to eat a lot, imagine eating more than you ever could, then repeat each day, food is such a great way to share culture, so enjoy all the delicious treats along the way


In both places people are lovely and friendly and happy to open one another into their worlds (in our experiences anyways), so on a final note, we wished one another good luck, shook hands, shared smiles and parted ways once again.

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Holly’s recent random unforgettable moments to make you smile:

- receiving a tray of delicious food at a golf and country club dipping my tempura in my tea instead of the tempura sauce (and it didn’t taste too bad either!) 

- in the bath room at a hospital on a vocational visit primarily for Mike (but interesting for all),   searching for the flush button and accidently pressing the ‘immediately call nurse for assistance’ button.  The hospital should be proud, she took less than thirty seconds to arrive!