Kyoto and Nanao!!!

We woke up this morning to rain.  It didn't seem to bum anyone out though.  We did sell out the hostel's supply of umbrellas.  After a nice buffet style breakfast at the hostel, we were off to the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji Temple).

What is there really to say about the awesomeness of being in the presence of such an amazing place.  One just sits back and mumbles to themself, "am I really here?"  "i this really happening?"  I know that's what I did.  We jostled for the perfect picture placement and I think that we did a pretty good job...

After the temple, we went back to the Kyoto train station to board our train to Nanoa.  Three more hours in some form of transportation.  The train was full of laughs, the sharing of Bento Box contents and the hushed whisper of welcome party speeches being recited almost inaudibly below the breath.   The ride didn't feel so long.

When we arrived at the station we were greeted by our Japanese hosts and then whisked away to Fisherman's Wharf for our welcome party.  It was still raining by the way.  We were all introduced and the kids were handed formally handed over to their host families.  Well, all of them except for Jason.  His family was not at the welcome party because Kanta was still pitching for his baseball team.  Don't worry though, they showed up at the end to take Jason home.  All is well.

We then ate and Alek gave his speech.  He did a great job and walked off the stage to the sound of applause.  Always a nice way to exit.  After the food and speeches, our students performed their songs. Anpan Man was a huge success.  They sounded great.  The acoustics were much better in that room versus the gym.  Most of the crowd joined in on the last verse!

We then played a giant game of musical chairs.  Both Junior Wings groups and some younger siblings competed for the crown of best of the best musical-chair-type-winner-thing.  I believe I got an action shot of one round...

But ultimately there can only be one, just like Highlander.  And who was that one you ask...Meer.  And what did he win you ask...fireworks.  Don't worry parents, he will have to detonate the lot before he can even come close to America.

After the game, we all grabbed our bags and were driven off into the raining night to various destinations throughout the Noto Peninsula.  Chaperones were taken to the Aenokaze hotel where we had an amazing 11-course meal.  That's right.

And now this is where I leave you all for a few days.  The students are with their host families for the next two days, and as there parents, I can only assume that you want to hear about them and not me and the other chaperones.