Rotary GSE 2008 - District 9830 to District 2710

Monday 27 October - We are back!!!

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Sunday 26 October - Farewell at Hiroshima airport

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Saturday 25 October - Last Karaoke in Hiroshima

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Saturday 25 October - Farewell dinner

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Saturday 25 October - Morning in Iwakuni

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Friday 24 October - A night to remember

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Friday 24 October - Iwakuni Amphibian plane

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Friday 24 October - Can you trust these pilots?

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Friday 24 October - Big helicopter

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Friday 24 October - with Tiger and 'Tiger'

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Friday 24 October - Iwakuni Airforce Base

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Saturday, 25 October

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The almost-last day of the official GSE tour! We spent the morning walking over the Kintaikyou Bridge (a five arched bridge) and around the old parts of Iwakuni town (the samurai sector).

About this time, Renee was regretting the amount of sake consumed the night before and the lack of breakfast. Thank goodness Steven finally came to the rescue with drugs! (legal of course!)

Then it was back into another minibus for the trip back to Hiroshima! Some relax time at the very nice ANA crown hotel and packing of suitcases and post boxes before we were treated to a farewell dinner at Hiro Suwa's homestyle restaurant. Another night of karaoke and socialising (cultural exchange) followed before it was bedtime.

The J-team

Thursday 23 October - Yanai dinner (The best one)

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Thursday 23 October - Yanai in rain

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Friday, 24 October

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After a night spent at the Yanai Cruise Hotel, we transferred to Iwakuni. After a coffee in the hotel lounge, we were picked up by bus and several naval officers to go to the Iwakuni Naval Base of Self-Defence Forces. What followed was a wonderful day of access all areas tour of the Naval Base, which interestly, is shared between Japan and USA.

After registering our passports and being issued with visitor passes, we started the tour, highlights of which included tours inside helicopters and seaplanes, the view from the top of the flight control tower, the famous Naval Base friday curry lunch, and the best of all, a chance to fly a rescue helicopter and a seaplane in the $40 and $30 million dollar flight simulators (with varying degrees of success).

At the end of the all day tour, it was back to the hotel and then dinner with the very extroverted (and sake-loving) crowd of Iwakuni RC and Naval Base members. Of course, this was followed by a trip to a karaoke bar, with more sake and singing. A fun night was had by all!

The j-team

Thursday 23 October - Yanai Power plant

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Thursday 23 October - Yanai Power Plant

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Impressive demonstration of how cold liquid nitrogen is.

Thursday 23 October - All dressed up and ready to see the Mayor

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Thursday, 23 October

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Thursday started with a visit to the Tokuyama Mayor where they were interested to know about Tasmanian industry. We discussed the importance of Japan as a export destination for Tasmania, particularly beef, and about how Japan imports large amounts of mineral resources from Australia.

Then it was another mini-bus trip to Yanai, to transfer to the Yanai RC. We had a wonderful Italian lunch at the "Flowerpark" - beautiful gardens.

Straight after lunch we visited the Yanai Power Plant, which was really interesting. The plant created power through combustion of LNG (liquified natural gas) with minimal waste product, although we tried to find out unsuccessfully (lost in translation) the temperature of the waste water that was released into the ocean. The majority of LNG used by the plant comes from Australia.

The rest of the afternoon was spent on guided walking tour of old Yanai town, including a number of merchant houses which are now nationally heritage listed.

The J-team

Wednesday 22 October - Shinkansen factory

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Wednesday, 22 October

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We stayed in Tokuyama city - a very industrial city. We transferred to Tokuyame East RC and started with an attendance at their regular meeting where we presented. The meeting was held at Hitachi headquaters and was followed by a tour of the Hitachi shinkansen super express factory.

We went to the Shunan Kinen Hospital, a very new hospital. Fiona, Steven and Renee got into scrub gear and had a tour through the operating suites.

Then it was onto the Kudamatsu Health Park, firstly for a much needed coffee and ice-cream, and then a guided tour, at least for the girls, of the art of onsen (nude) bathing. (No photos sorry).

Fiona and Renee were brave enough to take a dip in the freezing cold bath, all up, there were about 7 different temperature baths (including an outside one) to try.

The J-team

Wednesday 22 October - Hitachi Ever Flowers

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Tuesday 21 October - kindergarten visit

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Matsuzaki Kindergarten

Tuesday started with an early morning visit to Matsuzaki kindergarten, run by Steven's host "mum" and "dad". The kids were very cute and it was reassuring for Renee and Bec that they were finally in a place where they could speak better Japanese than some of the natives. our Rock, Paper, Scissors practice from the night before came in very handy for this visit also.

We then said goodbye to Hofu RC and transferred to Shunan West RC. We attended the regular lunch meeting of Shunan West RC and presented, and then went sightseeing, first to look at the Toishi Kaikan shrine.

Then on to Shimaya foods, company specialising in Dashi stocks, seasonings and soy sauces. We dressed for the occasion and also met Shibata-san, another of the girls who will visit Tasmania as part of GSE in March 2009.

Monday 20 October - Relaxing in Mori gardens

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Monday 20 October - Purification

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Monday 20 October

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On Monday transferred from Yamaguchi RC to Hofu and started with a visit to Migita Elementary School and watched an English lesson for Grade 4. We then went to the Hofu Tenmangu Shrine and received another purification.

Following lunch, we were taken to the Hofu Digestive Hospital where Steven watched a colonoscopy procedure up close whilst the rest of the team thankfully watched from behind a glass screen with the computer technicians.

Then, onto the Mori gardens for a relaxing walk through the gardens and the traditional (but recently re-built) home of a Mori Lord.

We then were taken for a quick pit-stop to our individual host homes before back to the hotel for a dinner hosted by the Hofu RC, which started with the Austrian (not a typo) national anthem and the Aussie flag up-side down, but ended rather hilariously with a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors Japanese-style - Australia won!

The J-team

Jill with St Xavier on the 19 October

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Sunday 19 October - Temple in Yamaguchi

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Sunday, 19 October

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We travelled from Ube to Yamaguchi city, capital of Yamguchi prefecture. We visited Rurikouji Temple, a 5 storey pagoda-style temple, constructed entirely without nails and built to withstand earthquakes.

We then visited St Francis Xavier church, a catholic church dedicated to St Francis Xavier who visited Japan as a missionary of the catholic church and founded the Catholic religion in Japan.

Also this day we met Nanae Murata, one of the Japanese girls who will visit Tasmania on GSE in March next year. We spent the afternoon with Nanae, whose English is very good, and taught her some useful phrases for when she visits us - things like: "GSE team leader Tanaka-san - it's your shout!"

Fiona and Renee spent the night in a posh penthouse apartment in Yamaguchi city, but before tht, we treated to a sightseeing tour of our hosts other 4 penthouses in the city and some of the nightlife.

Jill and Bec were hosted together and were treated to a home-cooked feast - including horse.

The J-team

Waiting to board......

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As you can see, we are all relaxed and brains switched off. We are
waiting to board the flight to Tokyo. It has been a great experience
but we can't wait to get home to see friends and family again.....

Sitting in Hiroshima airport - coming home

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We are all sitting here in Hiroshima airport waiting to board the
flight to Tokyo. I can't believe it is over.

Italian restaurant

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Magnificent caves

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Bad hair day - Saturday 18 Oct

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We visited the coal mining museum next to a large theme park with what
looked like exciting rides. There were hundreds of water birds in the
lake. The park was filled with intersting sculptures of modern art.
We had italian lunch in the bus and in the afternoon we visited
magnificent lime stone caves. There was brief discombobulation when
we chilled out in the car park, until super Grech's map reading skills
helped locate the missing bus driver. We were all a bit tired by the
end of the day but recovered after a nice dinner at the Italian
restaurant and some late night sake afterwards.....

Friday 17 October

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We visited the Isa cement works which was part of the Ube material
company. This apparently is the 10th biggest such operation in the
world. The quarry looks like the grand canyon. They have their own
power station.
From there we went to the Sake brewery - like we haven't had enough
sake yet. We then went to the Ube Kousan company where they make all
sorts of plastics from car parts, computer parts to even medical and
surgical products.
We met the third Rotary club of the day who hosted us for the dinner.
It was a tiring day.

Hagi Pottery

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That beautiful round one in the middle costs 840,000 Yen which is
about 14,000 Australian dollars. Hmm, not today! Just looking....

Thursday 16th October

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We visited the Fujimitsu boiled fish paste factory where we sampled some of their products. We then moved to Hagi city which a quite little town with great view. We visited the famous Hagi pottery place. The one the we all liked most, cost about 14,000 Australian dollars, not something you would want to trip on and fall over in the shop! (we have lots of photos for you, Beres).

We then went to the Kita Nagato National Coast Quasi National Park. We had great views from the top of the look out.

We visited a shrine where there were lots of cats. There was an interesting rock formation called Kazaana where one could feel cold air coming through the gaps in the rocks (Japanese air conditioning in summer!).

PA160048.JPG

Yang Gu Fei statue

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This lady was apparently one of the three most beautiful women in the
world. We all took photos with the statue. Apparently if you have your
photo taken next to the statue you will be more beautiful the next
day. I am still waiting.....

Wednesday 15 October

2008-10-22T10:03:00.001+09:00

We left Shimonoseki after we all finished our vocational visits. We
travelled up the coast to Yuya bay where we had lunch with Yuyawan
Rotary club members. The restaurant had a great view of the beach and
a 1.7 Km long bridge which apparently is the second longest toll free
bridge in Japan!
We then visited a light house, a temple and the statue of Yang Gu Fei.

Akama shrine in Shimonoseki

2008-10-22T09:54:00.000+09:00

This was one of the most beautiful shrines we have seen so far. This
is a reflection of the shrine in the still water of the pond with
floating autumn leaves.

Tuesday 14 October

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We started the tour of Yamaguchi by riding on the Shinkansen (bullet
train) at 250 km/hr to Shimonoseki. We visited some beautiful gardens
and a traditional Japanese house.
We then visited Akama shrine where we participated in a purification
(blessing for safe travel etc.) by the high priest of the shrine who I
think was also a Rotarian.
We had a memorable lunch followed by a visit to the aquarium/sea
world?? We had a relaxing time and stayed the night with host families.

Monday - rest day

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After all the excitement of the District conference it was nice to
have a day off and do a bit of shopping. I was so excited to find this
Indian restaurant where I got my spice fix and even had a mango lassi.

Turning Japanese - II

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Turning Japanese

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Sunday - District Conference and our 15 minutes of fame!

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The day arrived. We spent the morning in the Conference which started at 9:45 am. At about 10:30 am we stood and bowed and sat back down. We then listened to more Japanese speeches until 12:15 when we were released for a quick bento lunch, and then escaped to Starbucks for a much needed coffee.

Back into the Conference at 3pm, and we were on stage at 3:30 to present in Japanese to about 2000 Rotarians. Luckily, went without a hitch - Tanaka-san said our Japanese was 'perfecto' - yay!

Then, the real fun started. After a quick break to freshen up in our rooms, we attended the conference after-parties like Hollywood stars. We were ushered between 3 different hotel party rooms, where we were mobbed for photos, schmoozed, caught up with previous host families and vocational hosts and networked the Yamaguchi crowd.

An hour and a half later, we gave another impromptu speech and then had dinner with about 60 members of the Hiroshima West Rotary Club and the District Governor.

Later on, we went to a traditional 'business-man's' bar for maybe 2 hours, and then karaoke til 12:30am.

The J-Team

Saturday - transfer back to Hiroshima City

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Checked back into the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel in Hiroshima City. First up, we prepared a new presentation and slide show for the District Conference the following day.

We were taken to a tea ceremony at a tea ceremony school with all the Rotarian Assistant Governors wives - about 30 of us in total including a tour of the traditional Japanese style house - all in Japanese.

Then back to the hotel and to the convention centre to rehearse our presentation, which included last minutes changes to the slide show and ironing out any problems.

A lovely casual dinner followed at Hiro Suwa's family style restuarant with Hiro and Tanaka-san - the Japanese GSE Co-ordinator.

Tanaka-san was kind enough to help us with our Japanese presentation and pronunciation until about mid-night that night in the Rotary Office.

The J-Team

Friday - travel to Myoshi and Shobara

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We travelled by bus to the new-looking city of Myoshi - 40,000 population.

Fiona went to a vocational visit at a primary school and saw a pilot program teaching english in action.

The rest of the group went to the Okuda Genzo Sayume Art Museum. Beautiful paintings and exquisite moulded dolls were on display by this married couple.

Onwards to the Bihoku Hilly Terrain Park with the Shobara Rotary Club where we walked around the flower displays and saw traditional Japanese houses.

Stayed in a hotel in Shobara and before dinner, were treated to a Taico display - traditonal Japanese drums. Another dinner with lots of food, beer, sake and another presentation.

The J-Team

Thursday - Helicopter factory and JFE Steel

2008-10-13T20:01:00.003+09:00

Started the day with a Courtesy visit to the Fukuyama Mayor. Television camera in attendance and Steven and Jill interviewed for local news!

Then on the Hirobo Helicopter factory - which specilises in making radio and remote controlled toy and commercial helicopters - including a very impressive GPS controlled crop spraying model. The job of 'tester' was enviable.

Lunch at Koishiki Inn and watching a Tea Ceremony lesson, then we went to JFE Steel.

The Steel foundry was amazing. 60% of the raw iron ore and coal comes form Australia. We toured the 4 by 4 kilometre square steel works by bus, before going inside the Hot Strip Mill to watching steel sheets being manufactured at 12oo degrees celsius.

The J-Team

Wednesday - Kurashiki

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On Wednesday we spent a full day at the 'heritage-listed' Kurashiki town. A bit like the Richmond of Hobart.

Spent the morning walking around taking in the sights, and in the afternoon, went to the Ohara Museum of Art. An extensive collection.

The J-Team

Tuesday - Vocational day

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A full day of vocational visits.

Fiona and Jill went to the Fukuyama University to see the Media Centre and the Green Science Department. Then on to teh Takamoro Shinto Shrine, met a Shinto priest who gave them the full Shinto Ceremony.

Steven visited three different hospitals - the last one being a 170 bed dialysis centre. The oldest patient there was 93 years old - which was quite impressive.

Bec went Fukuyama Social Insurance Office and the Fukuyama Branch of the Hyakujushi Bank.

Renee went to the Fukuyama District Court, met a Judge and tried on the judicial robes! Then on to the public prosecutors office, and then the equivalent of the Land Titles Office. After lunch at a 'sushi train' it was on to the very modern Baranomachi Law Office for a tour and a chat, then a look round the sights of Fukuyama, including Fukuyama Castle and the rose gardens.

The J-Team

Monday - transfer to Fukuyama City

2008-10-13T19:40:00.002+09:00

We left the Hiroshima Airport Hotel and took a very quick Shinkansen ride to Fukuyama City - which has roughly the same popultion as all of Tasmania.

Once there, we went straight to the Matsunaga Rotary Club lunchtime meeting. Prior to the meeting commencing, we were treated to a lesson in ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) by a professional teacher and then made our own arrangements.

Following the meeting, we went to a Footwear and Japan Folk Toy and Doll Museum. We then transferred by bus to the ancient seaside town of Tomonoura and walked for around 2 hours, taking in the sights. We have included photo from top shrine in Tomo - overlooking most of the town and port.

We then went straight to a massive Japanese banquet dinner with Rotarians and presented again. A merry bus ride back to our hotel later that evening - we were 'sake-fied' (according to Steven). As if that wasn't enough, before bed we spent about 2 hours at a karaoke bar - lots of fun!

The J-Team

At Hiroshima

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This is a photo with host families in East Hiroshima.

Mihara City - The City of Romance

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Saturday morning was our last with our second group of host families. We were ferried by bus to the Hiroshima Airport Hotel to meet the Rotarians from the Hiroshima Airport Rotary Club. As usual there was much laughter on the bus, we are spreading the word that Australians are such happy little vegemites ;)

After another significant lunch we spent the afternoon at the magnificent Japanese Gardens near the Airport. It was a photographers paradise with lots of carp in the ponds, bridges, bonsai style greenery and winding staircases through lush green forest. There was of course an opportunity for more Momiji (Maple Leaf sweet) to be eaten before a small tea ceremony.

Later in the afternoon we were taken to meet the Mayor of Mihara City. It was a very special opportunity seeing as the Mayor and his assistants came into the office on a Saturday to meet with us and explain the details of their city. There was a very interesting DVD screening about Mihara City and all its attractions intertwined with a love story in true Japanese style.

In the evening we attended the Hiroshima Airport Rotary Club meeting and were privileged to hear the Okoto (musical instrument) played by a young woman in accordance with tradition. Another beautiful meal, beer, sake, red wine and lots of photographic opportunities with Kimono clad ladies.

This is a picture of President Kobayakawa with Mumble-san.

Friday - Oral, Anal then Naval

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On Friday, all bases were covered starting with a trip to Hiroshima Memorial Private Hosptial. There, the team all got to experience Steven's vocational visit, watching a gastroscopy, and then a colonoscopy in the same room as the patient (with their permission of course).

Then we were off to the Yamato Battleship Museum to see the world's greatest battleship and then to the Etajima Naval Base, where we had a very formal but social reception with the Head of Officer Training and the First Officer.

Fiona and I then off to dinner with host and others for Yakitori - including such delicacies as chicken neck, cartiledge and stomach - mmmmm.

Thursday - transfer groups and new host familes

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On Thursday we transferred to a new group and region Higashi Hiroshima - East Hiroshima. A "casual lunch" turned into a formal Rotary Meeting of Saijo Rotary Club and we did another presentation on the run.

Vocational training was done as a group. First we went to Hiroshima Bank Saijo branch. Then to Hiroshima University. Then we went to Kamoizumi Brewery and saw the sake making process and sampled many differnt types. Mumble-san's favourite visit so far!

Then we went to Ippuku Restaurant (no time to change) and again a formal dinner with another last minute presentation. Saw traditional Japanese music (Shimasen - like a 3 string banjo/guitar cross). Met new host families again - another late night.

Wednesday - "free time morning" and Miyajima tour

2008-10-04T23:03:00.008+09:00

Wednesday morning started with "free time" with our host families but most of us had another experience-packed morning.

I went to my host father's food production company - Mishima foods (rice seasonings and other products) and scrubbed up similar to a surgical operation before entering the production area.

Fiona went to the Manga library which was fantastic!

The afternoon was a trip by bus and ferry to Miyajima Island - a world heritage area. The area was beautiful, and we sampled the local delicacy Momiji Manjyu - maple leaf shaped waffle cakes with various fillings including sweet red beans and custard cream.

Tuesday - Vocational Visits and Okonomiyaki

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Tuesday was the day of our first vocational visits which were fantastically assisted by translators. I was hosted by All-in-Law and Accounting and was able to visit to visit the Hiroshima District and High Courts - saw part of a personal injuries case and a criminal appeal.

Fiona went to the Nagisa Koen Elementary School and watched a Grade 3 english class. Steven went to Hiroshima Uni and attended the endoscopy unit and was amazed that only 5 procedures per day were completed - however, the technology was fantastic.

Bec went to the Personal Welfare Service Public Corporation and the Government Pension Investment Fund and was surprised at how similar it was to home as well as the Social Insurance and Labour Consultants. Then she went to the Momiji Bank where the American market crash was affecting the atmosphere.

Jill went to a privately owned garden "Hanbee Gardens" designed by a famous Japanese person Mirei Shigemore.

Then we had delicious Okonomiyaki for lunch - yum yum!

On to the Radiation Effects Research Foundation for a video and tour. Another delicious dinner with our host families.

The J-Team

Monday 2 - Jill's Host Family

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On Sunday through to Wednesday night, Jill stayed with Juneco and Koki Inari. Jill had a total Japanese experience, including trying on one of Juneco's 50+ kimonos.

Monday - sightseeing in Hiroshima

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Spent 2 hours on Monday morning taking in the main sights of Hiroshima city - including the A-Bomb dome and Peace Memorial Museum. Laid flowers at the memorial cenotaph.

Dashed to our first official Rotary Club meeting and gave presentation in Japanese - everyone seemed impressed with our language skills as they were expecting us to present in English.

In the afternoon, we went to the Mazda factory thanks to Takahashi-san (retired Vice-President of Mazda). It was amazing - we saw the history of Mazda cars, the actual production line, and new and concept models including a hydrogen Rotary model. Bec saw her car being made.

Sightseeing in Hiroshima and meeting first Host Families

2008-10-04T22:17:00.004+09:00

A picture of our first Hotel breakfast - traditional Japanese style.

Met our first host families at a magnificant hotel in Hiroshima. Jill went to the Kazari Museum and the Shukkeien Gardens. Bec went to watch the baseball - Hiroshima Carps playing final memorial match at the Hiroshima stadium - Carps won!

Meanwhile, back at the hotel, Steven, Fiona and I hung out with Furusawa-san (our wonderful guide) and then went to onsen (traditional hot baths) for the first time.

Steven attempted to enter the nude area wearing board shorts and was rejected - told to get his kit off and then come back. Meanwhile, Fiona and I experienced onsen with only very small towels which were more useful as hankerchiefs.

The J-Team

First day in Hiroshima

2008-10-04T22:10:00.002+09:00

On the way from Tokyo (Haneda) to Hiroshima, saw Mt Fuji from the plane. Surprised us all when we had Japanese ready for greetings and were met by three English speaking hosts.

After checking into the Hotel, we attended a welcome dinner with Rotary Members of the Hiroshima West Rotary Club and District Governor Suwa. Gave our first impromptu presentation in Japanese. At dinner, Steven was seated next to a colorectal surgeon (translated as "Large Intestine and Anal Surgeon") who unfortunately spoke no English. A conversation about haemorrhoids ensued in sign-language.

2008-09-30T22:59:00.002+09:00

Just wanted to let you all know that we haven't disappeared but finding it hard to find time to add details to our blog. We are all staying with different host families and therefore dont necessarily have access to internet or more to the point not enough hours in the day to do entry.
Today the team all had a vocational day and I think everyone was very happy with their placements. On the food subject, which is never ending, we had Okonomiyaki for lunch. It is a traditional food for Hiroshima and bit like a pizza. This afternoon we visited the Radiation Research Foundation.
I have some photos to add to the blog but being technologically challenged I cant work out how to do it!! Sleep time - before it is time to rise and shine again.

Jill

Hiroshima

2008-09-30T20:17:00.002+09:00

This place is so beautiful, I cannot believe I am lucky enough to be here with the GSE team and the host families. I have like the rest of the team eaten too much great food and it never seems to stop. We have visited some amazing places and have felt very welcomed here. We are all very tired, however our enthusiasm has not weakened. We may be charged excess bagage on the way back though as we may all weigh more than before.

A night in Ginza

2008-09-28T08:20:00.009+09:00

The best meal was had in a little backstreet restaurant in Ginza on our first night in Japan. Lots of beeru, sake and unagi (eel) was consumed. Then we went wandering the streets of Ginza to take in the sights, some keeki was bought from a dessert shop and then it was back to the train station to try and navigate back to our hotel with limited Japanese and lots of sake on board.

The J Team

2008-09-27T22:07:00.002+09:00

I had best report that the team leader is still here. Mind you if it wasnt for Renee I would be spending my entire GSE in the Tokoyo underground. I have survived the London and Paris underground but believe me this one is not easy.
People are starting to take notice of "Mumbles" and ask about the Tasmania Devil.
We consider our first day very successful. We have eaten SOOOO much food and given our first impromptu presentation. The flight to Hiroshima was great and we saw Mt. Fuji on the way. If today is any indication we are in for a busy time!

Jill - sorry Gates san.

Lunch in Tokyo

2008-09-26T18:08:00.003+09:00

We did get food to go with our beers - promise!　－Renee

Narita train station

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A day of walking in Tokyo

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Yes, our feet were sore, we were very sleep deprived and we were on our way back from walking around Akihabara - the electronics meca of Tokyo - an overload of the senses!　－Renee

GSE practice presentation

2008-09-25T08:50:00.001+09:00

This is our first and last rehearsal. Hiroshima, here we come!

The Examiner page 18

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More gifts

2008-09-24T15:27:00.001+09:00

I went to Launceston Chamber of Commerce today and collected these
books. Great gifts which of course means more wrapping to do.
Steven

Casual uniform

2008-09-23T17:17:00.000+09:00

I had the first opportunity to get dressed up in the casual uniform.
This was for the interview with The Examiner.

Two sleeps to go

2008-09-23T11:42:00.001+09:00

I am now all set up with the blog and am settling into panic mode ensuring I get everything done before Thursday.

I look forward to seeing the team at the Hobart airport to start our official journey, can't wait.

Thank You Hobart City Central

2008-09-22T19:35:00.006+09:00

Thank you to the Hobart City Central Rotary Club, who sponsored me (and my uniform) for GSE Japan 2008.

Here I am with Hobart City Central RC President Tracy Dance.

And here we are with visiting

District Governor Michael Perkins.

GSE Team Members Have Familes Too

2008-09-22T18:34:00.002+09:00

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Test

2008-09-21T14:05:00.000+09:00

Test

Sent from my iPod

THE J TEAM

2008-09-16T19:30:00.003+09:00

Hey, I am so proud of you guys. Its all systems go....9 sleeps!

As the time gets closer and reading the blogs I know we have a "Real Team" to go to Japan.

Dying Deep Blue

2008-09-16T15:21:00.001+09:00

Just 9 sleeps to go so I thought I will look at the attachment that Jill sent sometime ago. The title of the excel spreadsheet is sketchy so I decided not to read too much detail in it. I am just looking at it this afternoon and trying to understand some of the items. The tour of Sake place sounds exciting.
On the 10th Fri there is an item called "Experience for dying deep blue". That is scary. Where is my oxygen???

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Eureka

2008-09-16T07:43:00.001+09:00

Ok, stop rushing around madly trying to help me - I think I have worked it out - I realise I am slightly impatient and should probably read help before sending out for it. All solved.

Cheers guys :)

Looking forward to feasting together on Saturday with family and friends :)

Getting IN

2008-09-16T07:36:00.002+09:00

HI All, I don't suppose anyone has successfully had someone outside the "circle of trust" access the blog - I clearly have no idea what I am doing (in Australian let alone in Japanese). I sent the url http:gse9830to2710.blogspot.com/ but it doesn't appear to be accessible?

Suggestions?

Finally....

2008-09-16T07:27:00.000+09:00

Hi Renee, Will and Jill

It appears that I may have officially become a blogger.

With 9 sleeps to go it's probably about time I guess - I will be glad when everyone stops commenting that "you don't seem to be too excited about going to Japan" - Jill I know you can totally relate to that...When I am sitting on that plane flying out I will expel a huge sigh of relief and then smile....up up and away....

The J-Team

2008-09-16T05:17:00.000+09:00

Thanks Georgia

2008-09-16T05:05:00.000+09:00

GSE Team Rebecca, Renee, Steven Fiona and Team Leader Jill with Georgia.

My First Blurb

2008-09-15T20:58:00.001+09:00

I can't believe it is just 10 sleeps to go. I am so nervous, excited and filled with all sorts of mixed emotions as the final day is approaching. It will certainly be so hard to be away from family. Given how busy I have been at work the last few weeks, I don't think I will miss work that much. My Japanese is still very sketchy. I can read Kana but I don't think I can ever learn those 1945 Kanji characters. There goes my dream of reading Japanese news papers while I am there!

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Congratulations Jill!

2008-09-15T18:59:00.003+09:00

Hello Renee and Will

I think I have finally managed to get onto this blog. Have invited Bec and Steven, only Fiona to go.

10 sleeps left!!!!!!!

Testing, 1, 2, 3...

2008-08-29T10:50:00.002+09:00

Well, I have managed to sign in and attempt a post! Hopefully I will become an old pro soon! Now to post some photos...!

welcome renee and jill!

2008-08-26T20:56:00.000+09:00

Hi to my favourite Hiroshima bound girls.
Here's a blank blog. Will this suit you?
Will