Not your average doll

Our Wednesday started with a tour of a Japanese Doll Museum. They were displayed beautifully and depicted many different time periods. There was everything from "barbie" size to very large life-size dolls. The dolls that were available for purchase ranged anywhere from $250 - $2,000 and up to $10,000 for one with extras. (These gifts are only given on very important dates like a child’s first birthday.)



Then we were off to a presentation at a very prestigious club. We were given a very warm welcome and it seems as though everyone enjoyed our presentation. We exchanged our sponsoring Rotary Club flags as well.

The afternoon started with a trip for Ben and Rosie to a publishing and printing company, MIC Group. They do everything from sales to design to printing and they publish any type of magazine and book you can think of. They are a very large company and have been around for over 105 years. It was a great vocational visit.

Evonne, Rebecca and Julie went to a home for the disabled and another home for the elderly. The facillites were extremely bright and cheery and the patients were all well-attended to. Our next stop was to Fuji Plants, a carnation hybrid-growing company owened by Suzuki-san, a fellow Rotarian. We left there with a beautiful bouquet of carnations and even brought bouquets to Rosie and Ben.

Then we were obliged to be a part of a traditional Japanese Green Tea Powder Ceremony. It was very interesting. We learned a lot… from how to hold and turn the cup and mix the tea to how the tea is grown and that the cost of it - 20g of tea is about the same price as 20g of silver.

Our hosts here in Japan have been very gracious and very accommodating. We've had a wonderful time and appreciate all the work they've put into our exchange!