Fukuno first day of school

Today is Monday and is the first day of school at Fukuno Elementary. Students are guests in 5th and 6th grade classrooms. I hope you enjoy the interviews from this morning. Everyone is having a great time. The school is very welcoming. The chaperones got a tour of the school from the Principal and we took pictures of the students in classes. Right now I am typing in the cafeteria while the students are cleaning the school to the soundtrack of the Sound of Music!

Interviews

Arrived in Japan

Hello everyone,
Yes, we have arrived in Japan! Of course, we had a 24 hour delay, 10 hour plane ride and 8 hour bus ride but we are here! Today is Saturday and we are at Fukuno school. There is a celebration in our honor. Everyone stayed with their host families last night and they all seem happy. They will spend time with their host families this weekend then start school on Monday. The weather is a bit overcast and humid. The new set of pictures show our travels and our arrival last night in Fukuno at 1am. More to come!

U-turn Mid flight

Almost three hours into the air, the excitement of being on the plane on our way to Japan was squelched when informed by the pilot that the plane had turned around and was headed back to Portland! The disbelief spurred a symphony of Awwws and dropping jaws. The plane had a communication malfunction when over the ocean and needed to be fixed. The flight attendant said it was not a safety issue but more like a phone that lost connection. The backup communication systems were not sufficient for flying near China air space. We were assured the problem was not related to the number of DS machines being used. Mr. Aubrecht might be delighted that despite this disappointment, the class pulled together and sang the Habitat song ☺
Most of the class is staying in a hotel near the airport tonight and we are being re-booked on the noon flight tomorrow. We will get to Japan!!

風になる

Performance at the Japanese Consulate in Portland

Performance at Japanese Consulate

Japan - here we come!

Hello everyone,

Got your suitcase? Your carry-on? Your omiyage? Your schedule? Your brand new, never worn school shoes? We leave for Japan in less then two weeks!! The chaperones are so excited to go on this adventure with you. It's time to start packing that carry-on with things to do on the 10 hour plane ride and things to wear for the two days you will be without your luggage. At the airport you will get your journal, which will have the schedule and many pages to document your learning and adventures while in Japan. This blog will be used to post pictures and share our journey with family and friends. Entries will be made as often as possible when we can get internet access. Anyone can comment and anyone can follow along with us!

Domo Arigato Gozaimasu!! Thank YOU!