We have been nearly everywhere in this gigantic city... The first morning, everyone awoke sometime close to 4 am... Our first day consisted of a visit to Jim Hunter with Midori, where we learned about his company, PM Global, and enjoyed traditional Bento Box lunches. We were given some free time then, before we traveled to the Ghibli museum. Everyone enjoyed the time but most of us couldn't help but feel slightly jet-lagged.
Our second two days consisted of Hako Bus Tours; the first took us all throughout Tokyo. We drove through the city and visited the most popular sight-seeing spots (it was nice to get that all out of the way so that we could use our free time to explore more remote spots of Tokyo), we took a cruise through Tokyo harbor which was an unexpected surprise and a huge hit, and enjoyed lunch on the top floor of an Italian restaurant overlooking the river. We were also able to visit the Royal Gardens around the Emperor's palace. Most of all, though, everyone enjoyed the air-conditioned bus. This heat can be stifling and nearly unbearable at times. The second tour took us on a long trip through the country to the Nikko temples and shrines, and from there we ventured up to a waterfall high up in the mountains where we were able to escape the city heat.
We have been enjoying free time now: we have had today and yesterday off to go on our own excursions. We've begun to master the subways and a lot of us hit the popular sites and districts. I'm sure all of the families will hear many stories upon our return as well as receive some pretty awesome gifts. We are all pretty crazy shoppers here, it appears...
Tomorrow we take the bullet train to Kyoto.
Hopefully everything back home is fine; just know that everyone is having a blast and the time will pass by in a flash.
We are scouting for internet and phones at every turn. Who knew that being able to communicate would be so difficult in this presumably tech-savvy country?
Our love to you all... Everyone sends their greetings!
wow. thanks for doing this. glad you are all having fun! just to let you know, we do have a facebook account as well as a photobucket account. if any one would like either of those just let me know. best of luck! がんばって！
ReplyDeleteThis is Maggie, the nutty chaperone.
ReplyDeleteThe students are amazing and we are having a terrific time. Even with the heat, everyone is doing a great job problem solving and working to take good care of themselves.
I feel very blessed to be a part of this adventure.