Japan Trip 2001- The Time of My Life

By: Gypsi Fellows

My experience in Japan cannot accurately be described in words. There was so much more than just the usual sight seeing. I was introduced to a whole new culture, something that is so amazing it is hard to describe. I would like to tell you a little about the best trip of my life so that you may know the true enjoyment I experienced in Japan.
Japan is the most beautiful country in the world. I realized its beauty right from the beginning from the window of the plane. The mountains are breathtaking, especially when the clouds sweep around them like a blanket. The bright green vegetation was everywhere; it gave a sense of true cleanliness and health. Not only was the landscape gorgeous the people themselves were beautiful, inside and out. Everywhere we went, whether as a group or in our own home-stay, we were greeted by extremely friendly people. The most astonishing part for me was how accepted we were by the community. The fact that the city allowed us to participate in the festival gave me a warm feeling that in fact we were sister cities and were being treated just like family.
Our accommodations however were fit for a queen. In our rooms, for those who shared a two-person room, we had a TV, a fully loaded fridge (everyday), yukatas for going to the baths and the normal accessories, not to mention very comfortable beds. For the other style rooms we also had the chance to try we had the same except futons on tatami mats, for beds, which were just as comfortable if not more. Within the premises of the hotel there was an arcade, vending machines, BATHS and a HOT SPRING POOL. The baths were one of the best parts of the trip. Not only were we participating in Japanese tradition we were having the time of our lives. There were a total of 12 hot spring pools each designed for various reasons from a Steam Capsule, to a Mineral Rock Pool, to a Whirlpool. I have never experienced such deep relaxation and cleanliness. I visited the spa at least once a day while we stayed in that particular hotel.
A very interesting part of the trip were the visits to the schools including the Coming of Age Ceremony. It was fascinating to see the differences between our educational traditions and theirs. That is why the Coming of Age Ceremony was so neat, because the closest thing we have is commencement after high school. The elementary schools were also exciting. Their whole system is different from that of Canada. At one of the high schools we had the opportunity to talk to students in the English class. Although it was quite challenging, it was rewarding at the same time.
The tourist part of our trip was also intriguing. Our first trip was to the rose garden, which was particularly special to me because the rose is one of my favourite flowers. There were rows and rows of the most gorgeous flowers you've ever seen. The next really interesting part was the boat ride. I loved this part so much. As we drifted down a peaceful river, beautiful trees on both sides with the mountains in the distance we had a personal guide giving us the history along with the added Japanese folk song. Even the boat itself added to the authenticity with tatami mats on the floor and covered roof. The greatest spectacle was the fireworks. They were astounding; I never knew such a show of fire was possible. With every display I was taken away.
The home-stay was defiinitely a highlight of the trip. I had the privilege of spending the weekend with the Komuro family. On the first day we went to watch sumo wrestling. This was very exciting for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I spent most of the time with Chika the 17 yr old daughter. We have so much in common it was amazing. Together with a couple of other delegation members and their host families we went to the arcade, to the mall and bowling. During this time we got to know each other very well, and established hopefully lasting friendships. On the last day of my home-stay, the mother, father, Chika and I went to a shrine at the top of a mountain. Unfortunately we had to walk up over 2,000 stairs but that all added to the experience. Then we went to a sushi bar, which was another highlight. I have grown a taste for sushi since then. The father kept telling me how I had a Japanese soul because I loved the food. On the other day we had the opportunity to spend with our host family I spent the day with another family. We went to an unbelievable mountain called Mount Zao. Because of the volcanic acid in a lake there are beautiful colours that emerge from it. Both families were awesome and I can't wait to see them again soon.
There was never a dull moment or a time where I was not enjoying myself, but my favourite part of all was participating in the Tokunai dance. I love to dance, so being able to dance a traditional Japanese dance was phenomenal. Although we were not able to dance on the street, dancing in the sports complex was still amazing. I felt so accepted as a member of their community. The Tokunai Festival was also fun and exciting. Being on the floats and seeing the hundreds of people on the streets was overwhelming. It is so different from any type of Canadian parade. The energy in the atmosphere was so exhilarating.
The richness of this experience was at least twice what anyone could have imagined. I established friendships with people across the world, along with members of my own delegation. I would like to thank everyone that made this possible. My deepest thanks to the city of Murayama and the city of Barrie and to my parents for financing my travel, but most of all I would like to thank Sandra and Morri for showing me the time of my life.