Report 13 Thoughts
The Fulbright Memorial Fund Program in which I participated, was organized impeccably from beginning to end. First, we stayed in a top notch hotel in Tokyo. For the most part, we also stayed in the nicest hotels in our host cities. Many of these hotels offered western amenities (conveniences that we were used to) such as beds and western toilets. (Many Japanese sleep on futon-like mattresses that are placed on their tatami mat-covered floors. Also often toilets for women are like urinals on the floor - very different than what Americans are used to) Not only was our comfort considered, but also considered were our interests as teachers and our interests as tourists. Also, as I mentioned before, we were treated like royalty. Upon arriving in Ofunato city, we were invited to city hall where we met many city officials. Each of us even had our pictures taken with the mayor. These were later framed and given to us as parting gifts. At this meeting, we had the opportunity to learn about the city. Later that evening, we were honored to be the guests of a welcoming reception at which we met our host family members. This reception was unbelievable. Vast quantities of Japanese food which was displayed beautifully on trays were placed on giant lazy susans at each table. Fan dancers and drummers performed and the mayor even sang at the event. I felt like a guest at a lavish feast that might have been held in days of old at a king's castle. The generosity and warmth of the people in Ofunato was amazing!
The ma;yor belted out a song about Ofunato at the reception. Everyone got a kick out of him.
Name:
Anne O'Brien