An Elementary School Trip
Ok, today was a little last minute, but rather fun. Today, we were supposed to go to dinner with a Japanese friend, go to Dejima Wharf (which got canceled), and then were told the day before that we were all required to go to a Elementary School from 12:30-3:30, which superceded anything else we may have had planned. Now, I don't like being told where to go and when, but in the end, it turned out to be quite fun.
We arrived at the Elementary school around 12:30, where we were ushered to a small library room to be given last minute details. Afterwards, kids from the 6th grade came to escort us to lunch. Each group had drawn a picture of the ryogakusei that they were supposed to accompany. Some of them were really well drawn, some looked like anime, some were, well, interesting, and mine looked like a `mug shot` ;p
After we were introduced, we went to the classroom for lunch. The lunch consisted of a beef stew, some bread, and a salad. While we were eating, I got acquainted with the kids at my table, and in particular, the one who seemed to be the head of the group, an energetic, funny kid named Ryo. (Note: I have this list going of people I would love to take back with me to America, and he's now on it :) ) It was also interesting to watch the kids during the lunch. They put on a little dance for us, which was amusing to watch. It essentially consisted of a verse, then the chorus, during which a body part was mentioned with which to use while dancing. It started with the hands, then the legs, then the head, the behind, and finally the whole body! Quite amusing! Next, all the kids put their dishes away, and two of the kids were responsible with cleaning up any mess around the serving area, then taking the dishes away to be cleaned.
Next, we headed out to play a little dodgeball. The rules were a little sketchy, but otherwise it was pretty fun. There's something about running around with a bunch of energetic 11-12 year olds that really gets you going!
When recess was over, we all went to the gym, where the introductions of each ryogakusei were made, the grade schoolers gave a little speech, and then they all put on a fantastic gymnastics display! o.o! You can see the military discipline even at the grade school level. It was well done, but very drilled, with whistle blows and everything.
Next was some fun, if a little goofy games. One was the teacher with the whistle would blow a certain amount of times, and then everyone had to try to get in groups of the number of times the whistle was blown. Next was a game where a card was drawn from a deck. You then guessed if the next card was to be higher or lower. If you were wrong, you sat down. The last person standing won.
Afterwards, the ryogakusei were divided into groups of 3 or so, and each group went to different displays, some went to a music class, some drew pictures, some participated in games, and my group got to watch Sumo, Judo, Karate demonstrations put on by the kids themselves! It was refreshing seeing how they put their little hearts into the demonstrations, and even got us involved in a Sumo tournament. I have to give the kids credit for doing a fine job.
When the demonstrations finished, we had a little free talking session, where the kids could ask questions of us. They asked about famous places in our countries, what the name of Japan was in our language, and they asked me how to say `pass gas` in English. I chose `pass gas` as it was one of the more tame versions that I could think of ;p I chuckled a bit at hearing them yell it in the hallways later!
Finally, it was time to head back. I think we got our 15 minutes of fame right then and there! There were so many children running around, looking for handshakes, to say goodbye, and try to get a little last minute talking in. The feeling was incredible! There was just this sea of children, and the ryogakusei standing over them looking a little bewildered at the chaos and flattered at the attention, but couldn't help smiling.
When we went to leave, the children were waving as much as they could at us, and some even ran after the bus as far as they could to try to catch last minute glimpses! It's a little odd thinking that quite possibly we may have been the first foreigners that they have ever seen. I think we made a good impression though! I certainly won't forget them anytime soon. ^_^