Monday, Monday.

Monday was a very full day. A very full, formal day. The day started with a trip to Chiba University where we met the University President, the Dean of the School of Education, and many other professors and administrators. We were treated to beautiful little treats in the shape of seasonal flowers and green tea during our break. It was almost too pretty to eat. More important than the food was the exchange that took place between us and as I suspected, the issues facing educators are very similiar across the globe. They spoke of wanting to foster an attitude among their students that is open to other cultures and felt that the best way to do this was by actually meeting people from diverse cultures. They also expressed a desire (albeit controversial) to add cultural studies to the curriculum that is separate from language studies. There is also some debate in Japan that if too much focus is placed on learning other languages, their own language may suffer. Hmm. Sound familiar?





We then had the opportunity to "speak frankly" with students from the University. A lovely reception was prepared with local treats (made from Chiba peanuts) and we began with introductions. "Watashi wa Arizona no Corrigan des." I had the opportunity to speak with several education majors and share pictures I had on my ipod of Arizona, my family, and Amphi High School. It was a great way to break the ice. The girls I spoke to were getting ready to do their first practicum in the elementary school and were feeling quite anxious. I was able to share my business card with them and hope they will have a chance to check out this blog. Hi Ladies! Send me a comment if you read this.

After Chiba U we had lunch at a nice Italian restaurant (really) and then reported to the Deputy Mayor's office for a very formal welcome and Q & A session. We all received t-shirts of the Chiba City mascot Chihana-chan the lotus blossom fairy. I love her. I may be in love with her. She is that cute. Many cities and products have similiar, Poke-mon type mascots that not all Americans enjoy. I have taken many pictures of these mascots though and was thrilled to receive a shirt. If I could just find a matching key-chain, notebook, and pencil case.


Our final stop was to the Chiba City Board of Education. The board spoke to us about education reform and the many programs they offer in Chiba City. After a Q&A session and an group picture, we viewed a very detailed Power Point presentation. Unfortunately the entire PP was in Japanese, and even though there was a interpreter to translate the speaker's words into English, somewhere towards the beginning of the presention jet-lag, and travel-lag caught up with most of us and I have sadly admit I have no notes to share of the presenation. None. At least I did not fall asleep through. That would have been very rude.

So where do you go after sitting through a 45 minute Power Point in Japanese? A conveyor belt suishi restaurant of course. Plates of sushi, tofu, icecream cones, and other deserts travel along a conveyor belt. Each plate color corresponds to its respective price that was posted on the wall. I decided to stick with only blue plates as my mathematics skills are not that great. Poor Jasper always gets stuck tallying the bill for us. But this time I knew that I owed 1050 yen (5 plates times 210 yen). This is about $10.50 We had a ton of fresh sushi, some made to order, and paid very little for it compared to what we would pay in the U.S. I guess it helps to be surrounded by water. Look at how happy we all our with our plates.

I just realized I forgot to comment on last night's meal. I mentioned it was udon noodles and that they were delicious, but I forgot to mention that they were of almost identical quality to those I had at Yoshimatsu restaurant on Campbell in Tucson. I know I shouldn't be endorsing any particular restaurant but if you would like some authentic Tucson and aren't able to come to Ichihana to dine with me tomorrow evening, check out Yoshimatsu on Campbell.