Sights from Japan

OK, I was off line for a couple of days, but I'm back! Tokyo has been unbelievable. We have been seeing lots of sights and of course, taking time for classes and sessions that are teaching us about the school systems here. On Thursday we had amazing speakers from the Japanese Educational system and Japanese Government who spoke on eucation, the economy and politics. Lots of people here are interested in seeing who will be our president! Also, Japan is going through a lot of changes in their leader, too. They expect to have an election sometime in November.

I have added a slide show for BES the Bear. BES traveled with me to Japan. I have been documenting some of the places I have visited with BES as I travel with the other teachers. When I visit with my host family in Aso-Chi, Kumamoto I will leave BES the Bear with them as a special gift from our school. But, when I return I will have a special surprise for all of you at Ballentine! Keep watching and see if you will know what that surprise might be.

I am trying lots of new foods and experiencing Japan by putting myself right in the middle of their culture. I have also enjoyed meeting some of the people. As our teachers went on a "field trip" to The Diet (one of their largest government buildings similar to our House of Representatives) some students were there on a field trip. Many wanted to meet us, but one special student asked me come talk with me. Her photo is on the new slideshow. They all wore yellow hats so that they could be identified easily. On Friday we will learn about our host cities. Mine is Uki, Kumamoto. I will be flying there on Sunday morning with 15 other teachers. Up until then we have all been together here in Tokyo...all 160 of us. We usually break into small groups when we have time off so that we can see different things. There is a big bulletin board in the lobby where we all leave notes for each other about places different people want to go. Today I will be meeting with all of the visual art teachers. There are a lot of us on this trip which is exciting. I will write again later on. Enjoy the slide show and see if you can tell where she has visited so far.

OK, here is your question for the day... What is the main transportation system used here in Tokyo? Until next time...