First I'd like to thank you Julie for your comment. Your daughter is in my group and we're having a great time as I'm sure she's told you.
The day started like any other day, a wonderful breakfast and off to catch the bus. Of course promptness is a priority and our group is good at it! We arrived at our destination, Tanabe Citizen's Center, to meet with the Superintendent of Schools and BoE a bit early, however they were ready for us. Again, it was greetings, questions and answers from both sides, closing remarks and then an intermission while tables were rearranged for our meeting with the PTA. We each shared our school's problems and concerns hoping the other had answers, yet feeling comfort in knowing we are not alone in what we strive for. The PTA spoke of their "monster parents", not something they were proud of, and shared their school experiences, both good and bad with us. Discipline, truancy, report cards, grades and school conflicts seemed to be the most discussed topics. Did you know that in some U.S. schools parents have direct access to all grades, not just report card grades, at all times via the internet? I was surprised to learn that, however I suppose we'll be there shortly too.
After discussions we boarded our bus and headed out to lunch. We ate at a traditional zashiki style restaurant, seated on the floor. Of course shoes are taken off at the door. I can only imagine the waitress' back at the end of the day. OUCH!!! Actually, they serve kneeling quite often, without knee pads of course! Still OUCH! Lunch was tempura and wonderfully light. Regardless if I know what I'm eating, I do at least try it. Sometimes it's great, other times I wish I wasn't so adventurous. Thank goodness for water. I always make sure if it's something new I don't try it last. That way I have food to change the taste in my mouth if I need to.
The afternoon was spent riding on the bus to various shrines along the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route. Tanabe is the heart of the ancient Kumano Region, the land of the gods, and has been worshipped for centuries by followers of Shinto, Buddism and Shugendo. While we were at one of the shrines some followers, dressed in traditional clothing had walked a portion of the trail and were performing a ceremonial ritual. It was pretty cool to see. You also have to know that this is a very mountainous region and not easily traveled by bus let alone on foot. These men had walked all day and looked it! They were happy to stop and talk to us though. There was lots of walking, lots of stairs and lots of riding a rather large bus along mountain roads very close to the edge of huge drop offs. I was a nervous wreck to say the least. Bob, my seat buddy, was only slightly better than I was. He was often just about in my seat as he had the window side! We decided together that looking at the beautiful scenery should not always be an option for either one of us! We did have a great day and all of us spent an afternoon laughing together, enjoying the day and thanking the Great Buddha that the sun was shining...it is the rainy season.
A few facts...When the bus departs, everyone waves to us...even the wild monkey we saw! Along our drive though the mountains the typical scenery was woods, woods more woods...vending machine; woods, woods, more woods...vending machine; woods, woods....well, you get the picture! According to Harumi (our guide for our stay in Japan) if you eat then lie down you'll turn into a cow. She stated that Brent will be the first one. (See photo at top)
Tomorrow...Middle School!
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