Day 10 - School Experience Day 2

Last day in Awaji Island and the Riverlites had an enriching and fun day in Yamada Elementary.

They had a chance to share their learning experience about the effects of Atomic Bombing in Nagasaki. While the pupils of Yamada presented on their learning journey in Hiroshima last week.

Some Riverlites had a chance to present their presentation slides to the Japanese pupils.

Next, they experienced the traditional tea ceremony which was an once in a lifetime experience as they had to go through a whole host of procedures to drink just a cup of tea. Some had the chance to prepare the tea and served it to their friends and the teachers.

Lunch was interesting today as we had lunch in the field - picnic style.

Then, we had a game of Ground Golf (a newly created Japanese game which is adapted from the game of Golf). Teachers, Principal and pupils had great fun playing the game.

Lastly, the day ended off with the "Farewell Party" where all the host families and officials from Awaji came together to mark the end of the Homestay Programme.

Presentation on the effects of atomic bomb

Expressing their opinions about the use of atomic bomb in WWII Pain on the knees and bitter in the mouth but sweet in their hearts

Masters teaching the apprentices

So, this is how it's done

Serving their self prepared tea to the teachers and Principal Group photo time (as usual) Picnic!!Swing it away! Ground Golf style Birdie! Happy time Dinner time and what a spread!
Not sure of what to eat
Curry rice is definitely a good choice
Shaking hands with the Mayor of Awaji Island 1 last picture with the children of Awaji
Performance time for the host
What a Kawaii baby
Boys!

Girls

The Riverlites will be returning home tomorrow (11/6/08) on SQ621 which is scheduled to touch down at approximately 1030p.m. Please check the teletext or Internet for more information as to which terminal we will arrive in.

See you back in SINGAPORE!

Day 9 - Awaji School Experience

2 more days on the island before the Riverlites say goodbye to this beautiful piece of land.

The Riverlites visited Yamada Elementary early in the morning and headed out to the paddy field to try their hands on rice seedling transplanting.

After lunch, the Riverlites had a session of calligraphy before heading home to their respective host families.

Staff of Rivervale and Yamada together Who said planting rice is never fun?
Playing in mud with the permission of the school
Lunch time
in the classroom

Look
at
how
happy

everyone
is
with
their foodPlaytime - A game of tag
Children are the same when it comes to playing Calligraphy with the principal Writing the word 'Friend' amongst friends

Clip of rice planting

Day 8 - Sunday's Day Out

It was a great day as our Riverlites went to the Outdoor village where they had a chance to experience some really interesting outdoor activities. They also had the chance to make their own handicraft. Perhaps, you would be recieving them when they return to Singapore. Everyone had the experience of their time including the teachers as everyone was busy making their own creation.

Some of the Riverlites are missing from the pictures as their respective host families had taken them out and had their own programmes.

Making 'Mochi' for lunch
It is hard work sawing
All looking happy about the day

Making their very own handicraftWow! BBQ seafood, pizza, vegetable and chicken!!
Enjoying their lunch - outdoor style

On the Top of the World (tree top)
Sliding down a bamboo constructed slide
Group photo time
Creating their own work of art is fun

Video clips for the day

Sawing away

Serious at work

Making their own dessert

Lunch Time!

Day 6 - A Fun Day

Day 2 on Awaji Island and all the Riverlites had a good rest at their respective host families.

They gathered at Yamada Elementary School at 0800hr in the morning to start the programme for the day.

It was a great fun day as the weather was extremely fine. The first stop was the Awaji Puppet Library Museum where they watched a traditional puppet drama "Keisei Awa Naruto". The puppets weigh as much as 10kg and needs to be manipulated by 3 persons. It was a great treat for the Riverlites.

They then had another pleasant surprise and that was fishing at the southern tip of the island. Almost everyone caught at least 1 fish. They then shared their catch and brought it home for the host families.

Last stop for the day was the Hokudan-Cho Earthquake Memorial Park. The Riverlites had another lesson on why and what causes earthquake. They also had a treat of physically experiencing a simulated earthquake.

Explaining how the puppet moves

Group photo with the puppet

Lunch at Uzushio Whirlpool observatory

Getting all ready to fish

Can you see my catch?
Getting very serious about fishing

Learning all about Fault Lines

Actual Experience of an earthquake

Here are some videos of the activities for the day

The Puppeteers explaining the movement of the puppet

Fishing for the first time for many (and caught something)

Rocking on the earthquake simulator

Today is Saturday and the respective host families will be taking the Riverlites out and thus, there will be no blog entry.

On Sunday, some of the Riverlites may go to an Outdoor Village for some activities while some may join their host for programmes planned by their host families. More update on Sunday.