Our First Day

We're only 1/2 way through our day, but we've already had a full one! We started this morning by visiting Mt. Zao and seeing the volcanic crater at the top. The workout I got with that was much better than the elliptical machine at the Wellness center. After seeing the mountain, we stopped at a Kokeshi factory and made our own Kokeshi dolls. Lunch was a wonderful meal of meatloaf, french fries, rice, salad, and ice cream! For all you out there wondering if I'm surviving without Diet Coke, don't fear. The 7-11 stores here have plenty for me! I just don't have any ice, but at least I've got caffeine! My host family even had Diet Coke for me for breakfast this morning. After lunch, we toured a ceramics factory and made our own pots, cups, and plates. They will ship them to us after they are fired in the kiln. It's a good thing we had help from the artisians. None of our pots fell!

Tonight is our Welcome Dinner and we have to give our speeches. Many of the kids (and the adults!) are nervous, but our interpreters have been very good and I'm sure they will bail us out if we get into trouble.

The group is having a great time and we all are enjoying our host families. We'll also have the chance to see the students who visited Greenfield in March. They will be at the dinner this evening. More later from Kakuda City, Japan!