Memories of Japan

By Nathan Leonard

I personally feel that going to Murayama this past summer has been the best experience of my life. I know that this trip has changed my life in many ways, mostly the way I look at he Japanese culture.
When we first arrived in Murayama I was a little scared, a little nervous and very excited. I was scared because I didn't know how the Japanese people were going to perceive us as people. After one day in Murayama all my worries went away. The people at the KurHaus Goten were very friendly and showed us great hospitality. The one thing that really sticks out in my mind was how every morning they went out of their way to make us a western breakfast. That showed me how much they really cared that we were comfortable.
Our first full day in Murayama Mayor Sato took us on a tour of city hall. When I stepped in the doors of city hall it changed my life forever. I know that everyone in that building has a very important job to do, but at that time it didn't matter. Everyone stopped everything to show us respect. They showed us respect like I have never seen before and I don't think I ever will. The people, not only in city hall but everyone in Murayama showing us that kind of respect I think had the best impact on me out of the whole trip.
The other thing that had a huge effect on me throughout the whole trip was the beautiful scenery that surrounds the city. That was the first time I had ever seen real mountains and I can honestly say they were breathtaking. But not only the mountains, the rivers, the trees and even the insects were amazing. I knew that Japan was a beautiful country, but you don't really experience anything until you experience it first hand.
I had the most fun on the trip when we got to dance in the Tokunai Festival. This was the first time I have ever been a part of a festival or parade. The people on my float were incredibly friendly and very nice. The thing that made it so much fun was the whole atmosphere on the streets and how much energy everyone was giving off. I really had a blast and I wish that the city of Barrie would do something like that.
The family that I stayed with during the home stay was the Shifus. They are the nicest people I have ever met and are excellent hosts. They did everything they could to make me feel right at home. They even made me bacon, eggs, sausages, toast and cereal every morning for breakfast. The first day with my family I was taken to Mount Zao.
Zao is the strangest most striking thing I have ever seen. When I went the water was very blue but looked like it was turning into a green color. I am glad that my family took me there because I know I'll never see a thing like it again. The next day Takeshi and I went into Yamagata by train. I haven't been on many trains so that in itself was exciting enough for me. Once we arrived in Yamagata Takeshi took me to his high school. I quickly realized that their high schools are very different from ours.
I'm extremely pleased with how my home stay went and I can't thank them enough for everything they did for me. I'm going to write e-mails to them and hopefully, sometime, get to see them again.

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