the Another long awaited post I

From the 13^th of December 2008 to the 4^th of January 2009, I was given an opportunity to take part in a youth exchange program in Kumamoto, Japan.

YEs from Perak and Penang..

Tai Ka Ceh (our group leader)

I had lunch with Lions and an inbound to Malaysia, Nora is he’s English sensei which so HAPPENS TO BE A MALAYSIAN!

One thing I love most about my stay was Kumamoto city is a blend of both city and nature. (^.^) Throughout the time, I manage to experience Japanese culture, enjoy unique cuisine and visit Japan’s heritage. I am also very lucky to have 3 host families to take care of me; moreover, they are the most heart-warming people I’ve ever met!

On the 1^st week, I was hosted by the Shigemitsu Family. When they bring me to explore the city I thought I was going to freeze because it was SO COLD!

I met up with two jap girls, we just walk around the city.. talked… played bowling and had Okonomiyaki for dinner… Friendly pupil…

Nevertheless, the place is very beautiful.

My host mom took the trouble to bring me to visit famous tourist attractions, such as Suizenji Park and Kumamoto Castle. my 1st destination was Suizenji Park.. that was on a Monday..

haha.. ->

Kasan bought me a written Oracle, it’s says something very good(can’t rmb).. and i’m suppose to keep it.. but i saw Kasan tied it so i tied mine too… dang! Actually we only have to tie it if our oracle says something bad…

Friday, i visited the castle.. the view was suugoi! Inside the castle was basically a muzeum and history, seen a real 600 year old kabuto! (samurai dress)

View frm top of castle.. can see the whole city.. it’s really a blend of both..

Whereas, my host dad brought me to visit his Ajisen Ramen factory, which I thought was uber-cool! I get to taste some freshly made yummy dumplings.

Ajisen Ramen!

With the workers..

One of the many Ajisen Ramen food outlet..

I did many other things as well like visiting Seiseiko High School with another YE. We got a chance to see their dance, judo and kendo competition because it was held on the same day we visited. We also met a student whom was an inbound to Malaysia; she was our tour guide for the day. From her, I was in awe to know that Japanese students spent most of their daytime in school.

Kendo

The ang moh is an English teacher in that sch..

Other than that, I attended a Lions Club dinner whereby all four of us (YEs) were required to give speeches and play their traditional drum. We also arranged flowers which I cannot recall why and what was the purpose…. (=.=”)

Me, Royce, Chris, Audrey (the 4 YEs that went Kumamoto)

Kyoka and Takao

A dad which is a boss of a big company folds paper airplane and plays with his son..

There was one night we went out for a Christmas Party in a hotel, just a few close friends with their families. I was touched by the fact that my host family had prepared a present for me. (That’s very sweet of them..)

The little kids are so cute when they sing Karaoke!

Tosan as the Raindeer!

Santa in training..

There was one morning, i think it was a Saturday morning… we (k & T) went to a park to play dodgeball.. it’s abt 5 minute walk from home.. some people were practicing their instruments (guitar, horn, etc…) some were just walking the dogs..(good breed dog some more.. i wonder where are all the pariah ones?) and some just spend time playing with their children… and do mind it was in the afternoon le!

Takao the big poser… (got lots of his pic doing this pose..)

with maron-chan the ridiculously hyper active poodle..

We did some other miscellaneous stuff too like………

Fetching Kyoka from ballet class..

ate dinner with one of tosan’s good friend…

had raw ox/horse liver.. all my life i hate eating liver… and here i am.. eating it.. RAW~!

Christmas party for Hello English students.. it’s a center where young kids learn English.. kasan is one of the admin there… (do take note jap kids only learn English went they reach junior high.. that’s like-13 yo.. so it’s actually real good that they start from young)

Went into countless supermarkets.. i think this pic above was taken when kasan wanted to prepare nabeh (hotpot) to eat at home.. hmm…. it’s something like steamboat..

Takao’s karate test, this is an actual Dojo (unlike the ones here whereby we learn it in studios or halls) and he passed his TEST!…. i really like the black belt dude… so cool…

Played ice-skating.. (i didn’t fall ok?!)

some randoms… i force him to do jump shots..

This is the 1st few shoots i took with my D40… before it exploded to a whooping 2000+ pics…

Yea, i had sheer fun with this family.. when it was time to change host i was so reluctant.. but what to do? I’ll just have to miss them badly… The next 2 weeks is even more exciting and interesting… shall blog it if internet connection permits…

Chaoz!!!!

ps: it took me several hours to write this bloody post so you better LEAVE A COMMENT!!!!!!!!!!!