What's my plan?

When I applied for the trip, I had to create a plan or as they refer to it as a "Follow-On Plan". The "Follow-On Plan" is to guide my experience in Japan and then, what and how I plan to share with my students, school, and community when I return.

My reason for wanting to go on this cultural exchange was to:
1- Bridge the Lanier Community- Lanier High School's neighborhood has been in the process of transforming from an Asian community with Korean BBQ restaurants, Asian stores, Chinese restaurants, nail shops, sushi bars, and acupuncturtists to Mexican taco shops, mercados, and dollar discount stores. I hope to involve the Asian business owners and alumni in activities at our school like the Career Fair and our advisory program to build a better understanding between the two cultures.
2- Study Manga and Anime- This fall I started a "Munching on Manga" book club (don't tell the kids that is what it is). My idea was to meet once a month, but they vetoed me and we are now meeting twice a month. They bring their lunch to the library, we talk about our favorite manga, eat cookies, and then watch a little Anime. There will be speakers such as: our assistant principal is going to speak to them about the Japanese language, one of our Geography teachers will talk about some of the interesting aspects of living in Japan, and I am looking into asking one of the local comic book or Anime shop owners to come and speak to them.

I am excited about the possibilities.

Where I grew up....Beeville, Texas

For my host family- here is a little slide show of where I grew up.

Prepacking!

I have got the "Travelmate"- handheld- translator/money convertor/clock, Webster's New World Compact Japanese Dictionary, brand new slippers, the suits are dry cleaned, an assortment of Texas related gifts, but still awaiting final itinerary and plane tickets.

The excitement is building!

The next blog entry should include-
Photos for my host family in Japan.
Official itinerary
and more about the plans for the 1 FREE day!

"30 days has September...

April, June, November," and the days remaining before I leave for Japan!

The chatter has started in my email from other JFMF(ers) (Don't worry, I am being polite.) Ideas about what gift to bring to our host families, where to go on our single day of exploring, whether we should bring a jacket or coat, when do we get our airline tickets, have you started your "plan-on" (our project that we are to bring back from this experience); with each new email the excitement level amps up just a bit.

A Letter from the Embassy of Japan

Click on image to read-

More about Himeji, Hyogo, Japan

Himeji literally means "Princess Lane." Now only if I was a princess. Hyogo is the prefecture (state in Japan).

Himeji is best known for its castle.

The castle was built in 1580. Himeji Castle consists of a five-story Tenshukaku (main tower, seven stories inside) and three Kotenshi (smaller towers). In all its years, the castle has never been at war and is one of the few castles not to be damaged in WWII. Today it is a symbol of peace.

"The castle's nickname is "White Heron Castle" because it is reminiscent of the white heron in flight, with its white walls seen through the pine trees looking like herons perched in the trees." Himeji travel guide

Things to do while in Himeji, Hyogo, Japan:
Castle of course and don't forget its 9 gardens.

Engyo Temple on Mt. Shosha

Himeji City Museum of Art

Nagoyama Cemetery

Himeji Central Park, amusement slash zoo park with its drive through safari, walking safari, and petting area. I wonder what a "forest roller coaster" is? It doesn't matter, its a must do, I love roller coasters.

Now, do you think they were thinking about the librarian, because Himeji is the home to the Literature Museum.

Just think, soon, there will be pictures on here with me front and center of these incredible places.
Until then...

The Itinerary So Far...

We will start in San Francisco-October 14 (Sun) for an orientation
Depart for Japan- October 15 (Mon)
Arrive in Tokyo-October 16 (Tue) (man, we lose a whole day!)
Tokyo- Program lectures, seminars, traditional art performances (Kabuki and Kyogen)- October 17 (Wed) - 19 (Fri)
Independent Activities-Explore Japan- (my only day on my own, any ideas?)- October 20 (Sat)
Host City (Himeji) Program school visits, homestay, cultural experience- October 21 (Sun) – 29 (Mon) (the 21st is the start of the Lantern Festival, I am so excited!)
Back to Tokyo forProject Resources sessions- October 30 (Tue)- 31 (Wed)
Departure from Tokyo / Return to Austin- November 1 (Thur)