Awaking to the smell of breakfast made me feel right at home. Yoko had prepared a variety of things for breakfast including fresh fruit, rice, etc. After breakfast I met her parents who live two houses down. To my surprise, her mother Tomoko-sans presented me with a piece of white glazed Satsuma-yaki pottery with a breathtaking floral design on it. The artist had even signed the bottom of the vase. This vase was from her personal collection and was estimated to be valued at $400. I couldn't believe I was receiving this extravagant gift. I knew I would make sure the vase would make it back to America safely.
Needless to say I started the day off with a smile as we headed to the historic town of Chiran. Junichi took the scenic route and I got to see green tea fields and acres of Chrysanthemums in a rainbow of colors.
Chiran is referred to as the "Little Kyoto". It is well known for numerous samurai residences and gardens. I toured about 10 samurai houses with traditional gardens that have been perfectly preserved. A visit to one of these cultural treasures will allow you to experience traditional Japan. The structure and artifacts of these ornate homes hold many tales dating back to about 250 years ago. The elaborate and well-manicured gardens are arranged with stonewalls, beautifully shaped trees and shrubs, and ponds with fish. It definitely reflects the atmosphere of an Edo period village. I felt as if I had stepped back into time.
Additionally, we visited the Kamikaze Pilot Peace Museum. Over 50 years ago, an Army special attack base was placed in Chiran. On that particular site many young Kamikaze pilots flew and died in suicide missions. The museum was established to memorialize the brave young pilots’ efforts and to emphasize the need for World peace. The thousands of artifacts that had been preserved overwhelmed me. There were voice recordings in English that explained the displays. It was very touching and sad. There was a strong sense that conveyed the pilot’s feelings and shared records of their photos and the final letters they wrote home before they died. The host family children enjoyed seeing restored fighter planes and replicas on the grounds.
Following the museum visit, we enjoyed a festival in the park. There were tents and vendors. There was a live band and singers who performed. You could purchase fresh fruits, flowers or used items at the flea market. There was a calligraphy display, vegetable market and a Japanese floral arrangement exhibit called Ikebana. This is the art of arranging flowers aesthetically. Japanese believe floral arrangement should represent the three elements of sky, earth, and mankind in a well balanced relation.
It took 90 minutes to return back to Kagoshima City where the American delegation met as a group to head to Kirishima Kanko Hotel and Hot Springs. All of the delegates and host families shared a fond farewell with each other. There were even a few tears shared by some of the delegates and families. I certainly agree this time with the host family was the highlight of the trip for me. I was showered with love, kindness and graciousness.
Needless to say I started the day off with a smile as we headed to the historic town of Chiran. Junichi took the scenic route and I got to see green tea fields and acres of Chrysanthemums in a rainbow of colors.
Chiran is referred to as the "Little Kyoto". It is well known for numerous samurai residences and gardens. I toured about 10 samurai houses with traditional gardens that have been perfectly preserved. A visit to one of these cultural treasures will allow you to experience traditional Japan. The structure and artifacts of these ornate homes hold many tales dating back to about 250 years ago. The elaborate and well-manicured gardens are arranged with stonewalls, beautifully shaped trees and shrubs, and ponds with fish. It definitely reflects the atmosphere of an Edo period village. I felt as if I had stepped back into time.
Additionally, we visited the Kamikaze Pilot Peace Museum. Over 50 years ago, an Army special attack base was placed in Chiran. On that particular site many young Kamikaze pilots flew and died in suicide missions. The museum was established to memorialize the brave young pilots’ efforts and to emphasize the need for World peace. The thousands of artifacts that had been preserved overwhelmed me. There were voice recordings in English that explained the displays. It was very touching and sad. There was a strong sense that conveyed the pilot’s feelings and shared records of their photos and the final letters they wrote home before they died. The host family children enjoyed seeing restored fighter planes and replicas on the grounds.
Following the museum visit, we enjoyed a festival in the park. There were tents and vendors. There was a live band and singers who performed. You could purchase fresh fruits, flowers or used items at the flea market. There was a calligraphy display, vegetable market and a Japanese floral arrangement exhibit called Ikebana. This is the art of arranging flowers aesthetically. Japanese believe floral arrangement should represent the three elements of sky, earth, and mankind in a well balanced relation.
It took 90 minutes to return back to Kagoshima City where the American delegation met as a group to head to Kirishima Kanko Hotel and Hot Springs. All of the delegates and host families shared a fond farewell with each other. There were even a few tears shared by some of the delegates and families. I certainly agree this time with the host family was the highlight of the trip for me. I was showered with love, kindness and graciousness.
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