Sunday, October 7, 2012
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Final Pre-trip Thoughts
Well, we've done it: regular meetings, other meetings, events, dinners, fieldtrips, fundraisers, partner visits, practices, and more practices! Just one more, final, meeting next Tuesday, and then we're off! Very exciting! Get packed EARLY so you have time to make any changes without panicking!
Some final thoughts...
Review the packing list...think light! You probably don't need as much stuff as you think you do. Laundry will be available several times during our stay. You don't need something different for every single day! Mix and match. At the very least, be sure to take the basics (toothbrush, toothpaste, comb/brush, other toiletries, enough socks and underwear, and so on). Whatever you forget, or find that you need, you will be able to find there.
For your binder, be sure to include:
Other Notes
DON'T FORGET YOUR PASSPORT!
Any liquid or gel-like toiletries (including make-up) you take on the plane MUST be put in a single, quart-sized zip-loc bag and placed in the top of your backpack. This is to enable quick pass-thru at airport security.
If you take an electronic device, such as a digital camera, smartphone, or iPod, be sure to take your battery charger(s)! No adapters are required.
If you do take a smartphone, be sure to turn off roaming and network cellular data. This will prevent potentially HUGE data roaming charges! Also, contact your phone service provider about international calling. Be sure to learn how much it costs to make calls or text before going.
Take a few dollars ($10-$15) to buy a late breakfast at the airport, and for any snacks/drinks once we pass security. You will not need any US currency in Japan, except maybe to give as souvenirs.
At our next meeting we will distribute JW uniform polos, travel T-shirts, and businesss cards. We will also exchange dollars into yen. And that will be that. Our next meeting will be at 5:15AM at Colton upper parking lot, then off we go!
Last, yes, leaving at 5:30AM for a flight that doesn't depart until 11:13AM does seem excessively early, but our goal is to get past the bulk of the early rush hour traffic in the South Bay. The last thing we want is to get stuck in traffic. Sacrificing an hour of sleep is well worth the peace of mind of being there with plenty of time to spare. Your being on time and traveling together is greatly appreciated.
Some final thoughts...
Review the packing list...think light! You probably don't need as much stuff as you think you do. Laundry will be available several times during our stay. You don't need something different for every single day! Mix and match. At the very least, be sure to take the basics (toothbrush, toothpaste, comb/brush, other toiletries, enough socks and underwear, and so on). Whatever you forget, or find that you need, you will be able to find there.
For your binder, be sure to include:
- JW Address roster (I'll email you the latest copy)
- Daily itinerary
- Travel itinerary
- Print-out of your flight e-ticket
- Your speech (if you are making one)
- Jpn/Eng Phrasebook
- Notes from presentations (grammar, phrases, numbers)
- "Help me, I'm lost!"
- Name (business) cards
- Song lyrics to Lean On Me and This Land is Your Land
- Blank paper to keep journal and take notes
- Binder pockets (as we go along, you'll collect sightseeing brochures, tickets, papers, maps)
Other Notes
DON'T FORGET YOUR PASSPORT!
Any liquid or gel-like toiletries (including make-up) you take on the plane MUST be put in a single, quart-sized zip-loc bag and placed in the top of your backpack. This is to enable quick pass-thru at airport security.
If you take an electronic device, such as a digital camera, smartphone, or iPod, be sure to take your battery charger(s)! No adapters are required.
If you do take a smartphone, be sure to turn off roaming and network cellular data. This will prevent potentially HUGE data roaming charges! Also, contact your phone service provider about international calling. Be sure to learn how much it costs to make calls or text before going.
Take a few dollars ($10-$15) to buy a late breakfast at the airport, and for any snacks/drinks once we pass security. You will not need any US currency in Japan, except maybe to give as souvenirs.
At our next meeting we will distribute JW uniform polos, travel T-shirts, and businesss cards. We will also exchange dollars into yen. And that will be that. Our next meeting will be at 5:15AM at Colton upper parking lot, then off we go!
Last, yes, leaving at 5:30AM for a flight that doesn't depart until 11:13AM does seem excessively early, but our goal is to get past the bulk of the early rush hour traffic in the South Bay. The last thing we want is to get stuck in traffic. Sacrificing an hour of sleep is well worth the peace of mind of being there with plenty of time to spare. Your being on time and traveling together is greatly appreciated.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Thank You Pizza My Way!
Many thanks to Pizza My Way for their willingness and generosity to host us and donate a portion of their proceeds. And thank you to all of you who participated. The Abukishk Family and Pizza My Way donated $204 to the program. Thank you very much!
Homework for September 25 Meeting
Remember when you asked your partner what they wanted to do while in Monterey? They probably said "Whatever!" Or something like that. It is probably because they didn't know what the options were. That made it difficult for you, right?! Make things easy on both of you by learning what things there are to see, do, shop, and eat in Nanao before we go. Find four specific examples of things that interest you.
Also, learn a little bit about Nanao, its government, its local industry, and the surrounding area. You are going to see all of the "tails". You will be meeting the mayor, visiting the Kagaya Hotel, and traveling to the towns of Nanao, Wakura, and Wajima. Learn where they are.
Also, learn a little bit about Nanao, its government, its local industry, and the surrounding area. You are going to see all of the "tails". You will be meeting the mayor, visiting the Kagaya Hotel, and traveling to the towns of Nanao, Wakura, and Wajima. Learn where they are.
Last, consider dining at Henri's BBQ tonight. They will be donating a portion of their proceeds for the day to the program
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Homework for September 18
The homework for our September 18 meeting is listed below. Here is our presentation from our September 11 meeting. Find four things about Nanao: one each of something special to see, something to do, a unique place to shop, and something local to eat.
We will be visiting the town of Wajima out near the end of the Noto Peninsula. This town is famous for its laquerware. We will be making some ourselves, so learn a few things about it.
We went over lots of numbers and money. Click the image to open the presentation.
The name of the currency exchange app is eCurrency.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Homework for September 11 Meeting
Look at your partner's address. What do the following words mean?
Compare these two addresses:
- ~machi
- ~shi
- ~ken
Compare these two addresses:
JAPAN 926-0048How are they different? What do you think this says about a difference between Japanese and American cultures?Ishikawa-ken, Nanao-shiMoto-machi, 24-1Fujimoto, Miyuki
Jane Doe103 Wave StreetMonterey, CA 93940USA
- What is a “shogun”?
- Who was the first one? When?
- Who was the last one? When?
- What was the Meiji Restoration?
- BONUS: Where did it officially happen?
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