Rotary International District 5580 - to - Rotary International District 2760

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Share our Excitement & Join our Journey

Welcome to the travel blog of Rotary District 5580's Group Study Exchange (GSE) Team which will embark on an exciting five week goodwill / vocational exchange to Nagoya, Japan in November, 2009.

Here, our hybrid American-Canadian team of enthusiastic and adventurous young professionals, along with our lovely, talented and fearless team leader, will share cultural experiences and engage in unique vocational learning opportunities.

If you have come to this site, you are likely: a Rotarian, family member, friend or colleague of one of the team members, or... are just plain blog-curious. Either way, we encourage you to check our site often to learn about us, follow our progress as a team and of course, keep in touch as we explore Japan.

We thank Rotary in advance for the adventure of a life time and to all readers, we invite you to share our excitement and join our journey.

Sincerely,

GSE Team Japan 2009

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GSEのホストの皆様へ、

私どものチームブログへようこそ。

チームリーダーのイボンヌ、そしてチームのメンバーの、ローズィー、レベッカ、ベン、ジュリーです。

この度の交換留学という機会に恵まれましたこと、先より御礼を申し上げます。

この留学におきまして私どもは大変な感激、また皆様に会って学ばせて頂くことをまちどおしく思っております。

短文ではございますがご挨拶まで。

GSEチーム ジャパン 2009

Friday, November 6, 2009

Thursday...

Our morning started off with a trip to visit their local fish market. I must say it was quite interesting seeing all of the different kinds of delicacies they have to offer. Then they took us to a local cracker factory where we were decked out in face masks, hair nets and slippers. It was interesting tasting the different types of crackers they make. We could tell from the packages that the best ones were the vegetable crackers… squash was excellent.

The afternoon took us to the Aisin AW factory where we were blown away by the technology that this company has invented… everything from automatic toilet seat lid openers, foam mattress “springs”, engine advancements and GPS on screen devices. The GPS system they developed allows for the passenger of the car to view a movie or TV show while the driver sees only the map… simultaneously. Amazing… see pictures (note that this model was designed for Asian cars – the driver’s seat is on the right side)




Our last stop was at the Highway Transport Café. None of us knew what to expect here but as it turns out this place was more appropriately called Highway Oasis. The first stop on our tour was the women’s bathroom… yes, the bathroom. It was beautiful - equipped with a sitting room and beautiful art décor making a quick trip to the restroom impossible! The Merry Go Round ride made us all feel like kids again and so did the Ferris Wheel. We had a beautiful view of the city.

Thank you so much to the Rotarians that have worked so hard to make this a memorable trip for us and making us feel so welcomed! It certainly has become one to remember as I’m sure Nishi-san can show you through his all of his pictures.

1 comment:

  1. Hiroko Shimizu (Japan VTT Member)November 7, 2009 at 11:05 AM

    I'm glad that all you members are enjoying Japan.
    I wonder if Ben could join the tour of women's bathroom...
    Anyway, women's bathrooms of Japan are improving these days, happily.
    I hope you keep enjoying!

    ReplyDelete