Hello second graders!
Today was a day of contrasts, old and new, busy and still, American and Japanese. I started the day with a Japanese breakfast. I had miso soup, 3 kinds of pickled vegetables, a big bowl of rice and a beef dumpling. No pancakes or cereal for me! There is a picture of my breakfast on the photo page. This was certainly a contrast from an American breakfast.
Most of the day was spent listening to lectures about the Japanese education system, Japanese economics and the Japanese government. It was a lot of sitting and listening. The speakers were all very good but it was hard to sit in one spot for such a long time. Now I know how you feel when I talk too long.
We had a nice break for lunch and wandered around the beautiful garden here at the hotel.
When we were finished with lectures, I met up with some friends and we took the subway to an area of Japan called Harajuku. It has lots of interesting little shops and restaurants. We shopped at a store called Kiddyland and the 100 yen store which is like our dollar store! I found lots of fun things to show you.
Well, it's late and I'm falling asleep at my computer so I'll end this entry and send you more news tomorrow.
I miss you and think of you often.
Love,
Mrs. Calkins