The Wrap-Up

It has been nearly 14 years since I've had this experience, and I think about it all the time.  I haven't yet returned...life has gotten in the way.  I began to experience some health issues within 2 years of this trip, and in 2005 had a heart transplant.

I haven't kept up with my Japanese friends as I had hoped.  When I returned, we did try to do the CUSeeMe video chat but there were issues with bandwith and equipment.  We were able to see each other but could not communicate well.  We did complete our Bugs project and was able to video tape everything and send to MJHS, but we never got anything back from them.

Yoshi and I did email often in the beginning and she was aware of my health issues.  She had a little girl a couple of years later and would send me pictures of her.  She changed jobs and email addresses and we went for a few years without much contact.  When they had their major earthquake a couple of years ago, I did make contact with her and caught up some.  Her family is well and none were affected by that disaster.

Melenda Day, one of the FMF teachers, is a Facebook friend and I have enjoyed how her life has changed over the years.  She married (her now husband actually came to Japan when we returned from our locations) and has two children of her own.  I haven't been in contact or heard from any of the others, however.

Since the transplant, I haven't done much traveling anywhere.  I had to stay close to home for several years and only recently traveled outside of the 4 state area.  My passport, however, is updated and just waiting for the opportunity to travel abroad again.  I sure hope I get to go back to Japan.  I would like to see my friends again.

July 28, 2001

Our final breakfast then we are on our way home.  There is a hurricane in the Pacific so we're hoping that our flight doesn't get delayed and we're able to get around it and home.  While all of us have enjoyed our time here, we are ready to get home to see our families.

We all enjoyed hearing the tales from those that did the Mt. Fuji climb at breakfast.  Good thing those guys are young!  I have enjoyed getting to know these people and hope I am able to keep in contact with them after this is over.

Sean Hart

Jim Rickman

After breakfast, we gathered the rest of our luggage and headed downstairs to meet the bus to take us to the airport.  Some are staying longer and have had family come in to travel some more.  When all the luggage got downstairs, I wasn't sure if it would all fit or if they'd have to get another vehicle to haul it...but it did.

We got to the airport, through customs, then eventually boarded the plane.  It wasn't as full going back as it had been coming over, so Jim Rickman and I took our 3 seat area and made it two seats so we could stretch out.  As I looked out of the window at Toyko after take-off, I can't help but wonder if I will ever be able to return...I sure hope so!

July 27, 2001

I can't believe the time is finally here...it's almost 11am and we'll be leaving in about 45 minutes for the airport to catch our 4pm flight. Hard to believe its time to head back...and go to work!

Here's just a few notes starting from Monday on:

On Monday, we went to JUSEC to meet w/ Kyoko about our experiences...everyone seemed to have a wonderful time and found it hard to leave. One of us, however, (Sean from Ohio) was stuck in a very bad housing situation. He didn't want to complain, but when another bill came in (on Wed.) he finally owned up to Kyoko about the conditions. (Now it appears that there may be some underhand dealings involving the BOE in his town and JUSEC and FMF is NOT happy!) Monday evening, I had dinner with Brenda (from Alabama and one of my Japanese lesson buddies) where we shared some of our experiences.

On Tuesday, our Japanese partners (in my case Yasau Koda) met w/Kyoko and we with Ed Jones at GLOCOM...about 5 hours of my life I will never get back! We then joined our partners at JUSEC, then Koda and I had dinner and returned to rest.

On Wednesday, our Japanese partners joined us and we went to the National Science Museum for a short presentation, then a group of us had lunch and we headed back to the hotel to make further plans. Just as we got off the subway, we were hit with a tremendous thunderstorm (sort of rare in Tokyo) so we all used it as an excuse to rest and nap! That night, there was a big reception at the top of the hotel for all of us, with outstanding food ranging from lobster to roast beef. Following that, a big group of us - including the Japanese language teachers and helpers from both Glocom and Jusec - went to a karaoke box and had a blast! Some of the Japanese people can sing very well...and I accomplished my mission for the night - to hook up Koda with Hara-san, my language teacher (I think they'd make a great couple) as they exchanged business cards and talked quite a bit that night.

FMF teachers and partners at Science Museum

Sean and Hara-san

Karoake box building...can you tell/

Enjoying the karoake box

I tried really hard to hook up Hara-san and Koda!

They have a sweet tooth!

The Japanese partners at Farewell dinner

Kyoko at Farewell dinner

Terri and her partner

Koda

Brenda at Farewell dinner

 

Thursday, I said goodbye to Koda - he talked more at that time than anytime I've ever been around him! - and went back to the electronic district with Sean and his mom & aunt who came from the States for the week. I then met Terri (From PA) and Karen (from the DC area) and we walked and shopped around the Ginza area. We were all drained when we got back - quite humid but cooler yesterday - so we rested then met another big group for dinner. As I was walking back, I ran back into Sean and then walked around with him, bought a few CD's, and began to relax in the cool breeze that was blowing. It was a great way to spend the final night.

3 of our guys left the party Wednesday night and climbed Mt. Fuji. Two safely made it up to the top to see sunrise, but the 3rd had problems with the oxygen and stopped at level 8. But, they've made it back and have lots of stories to share.

I saw Mt. Fuji when I flew in on Saturday, but it has been hazy and cloudy since. They say that if you see Fuji, you will return, so you can guess what I'm hoping for as we leave!

I talked to Yoshi last night by phone, to once again tell her and the others how much I appreciated all they did for me and how I will miss them. She was in Hokadate with her husband watching his track team compete for all Japan title...some made finals but no one had one yet. She was glad to hear from me and said that everyone cried after I left (had a few tears myself!) and that I must come back.

So, that is the latest up to date info. You're getting ready for bed and my day is just beginning. I have a layover in Denver for about an hour, then on to Tulsa for landing around 6pm. Look forward to seeing all of you soon!

July 24, 2001

Here’s an update on what’s been happening since last update:

Saturday morning, Yoshi picked me up at the Guest House where I was sent of in fine style by the night watchman....they had always been very concerned about me since I came in quite late on some nights, and had even learned a little English in order to communicate with me. When I arrived at school, the nurse gave me a lovely bag full of little treasures, some teachers gave me cards in which they had written notes in English, a student that I had given an Oklahoma pin to made me a calligraphy with my name and added some notes in English, and the student council presented me a `Jamie-sensei` picture in which they had written (in Japanese) how much they enjoyed my coming, how much they had learned, and that they hoped I came back soon. I spoke to the staff during the morning meeting, and then to the students via their broadcasting center on TV...very hard to do both without tears. I left my shoes in my locker so that I would have to come back to get them, and told them that I would not say `goodbye`, but rather `see you soon`.

Ms. Yamada then drove me to the Chitose airport where we had a quick bite of lunch then she left, again almost with tears. My flight was very smooth and I arrived to the heat of Tokyo. After taking the monorail and train to one of the subway stations, pulling a suitcase and carrying 2 bags, I decided to spend the yen on a taxi and arrived about 4:30 pm. It was nice to see several of the American teachers there, and Sean Hart and I went to McDonald's for a hamburger.  It is the little things!

Sunday, I spent the morning getting my shipped suitcases in order, then I met Brenda (from Alabama) and the daughter (and a friend) of her partner here in Japan and we went back to the Senjoshi temple (the one on the first web page) and then to the Oriental Bazaar for some shopping - foresee another box being shipped soon!

Monday we met with the FMF people to go over how things went - lots of wonderful reports from most everyone. That afternoon, a group of us went back to the electronic district (didn`t find anything I liked though). Today, I am in meetings at GLOCOM and then back to FMF to meet w/ Japanese partners (Koda will come instead of Yoshi), then I think I’m heading back to Oriental Bazaar.

Hara-san (language teacher that worked with us before we went) and Glenn at meeting

Hara-san

All of the language teachers who worked with us before our trip

Mary Ann and other teachers

Sean Hart, Jim Rickman, and other teachers

Kyoko and GLOCOM

Boys and their toys

Dwight making a point

Ed Jones and Mr. Yamaguchi

Cyndi and Ed

Tomorrow, we go to the Nat’l Science Museum then have a party w/our Japanese partner tomorrow night. Thursday, I’m thinking of taking the Mt. Fuji one-day trip (did see it from the hotel) if the weather allows you to see it...if the humidity is up you usually can’t-even from the base of the mountain. Then, on to the airport and the 20-hour flight home!

When I recuperate from the flight, and get organized with all the changes underway at school, I’ll try to get a PowerPoint presentation made and show some digital and regular pictures to you all. I hope you have enjoyed the journal type updates - thought that might eliminate some of the many questions - but I know you all have more. Thanks again for all the words of encouragement and emails...while my time here was wonderful hearing from home was great! (They were all concerned that I was homesick, which I might have been except that emails from home where waiting for me nearly every day!)

Think of me about 6pm on Friday.... that’s scheduled touchdown time for United...and I’ll see you all soon!

July 20, 2001 Evening

The only time Yoshi and Ms. Yamada got their wires crosses was tonight...Ms. Yamada had told me last night that she would call between 3 and 4 this afternoon (apparently she did but the call was sent to the wrong room because I was waiting for it in mine), so when Yoshi called inviting me to her home I assumed that they had visited. Then, about the time I got ready to leave for Yoshi`s, Ms. Yamada called!

But, it all worked out great. Yoshi picked me up, made a mysterious stop, and then we went to her house where I watched a video that her husband’s school had put together for their wedding. It showed both of them from babies until a week before their marriage. Yoshi`s husband was All-Japan in marathon running, and Yoshi is/was a singer and pianist, so you can imagine the theme of the video - very cute!

Yoshi and I then went to Ms. Yamada`s house for a while, then Ms. Yamada, her husband, Yoshi and I went to a steak house for a birthday dinner. It was the first time Yoshi had met Yamada-san, and they discovered that they had mutual friends! It was a lovely dinner and Yamada-san is a very kind man.

Yoshi and I then went back to her house where her husband joined us. It was his idea to get me a birthday cake - strawberry shortcake with a big chocolate heart that said `Happy Birthday Jamie` on it! We sat around and visited (Yoshi interpreted) about their wanting to come to the US for a visit - I suggested he run in the Tulsa Run so I’ve promised to check on that for them.

When we left Yoshi`s, her husband gave me a hug (unusual for Japanese) and made me promise to come back soon, and I made him promise to visit as well. He stood in the road and waved as we drove away - Yoshi says he doesn’t even do that for her! He’s also a very kind man!

Yoshi just dropped me off (its almost midnight) and will pick me up tomorrow. She came in to meet the young and very sweet night watchman who has learned some basic English while I’ve been here. There are two young men and one older one who serve as night watchmen. Today, I pre-checked out of the guesthouse and said goodbye to the two clerks who have helped me so much. I gave them a present of cookies, and they were thrilled. They had me sign the guest book and took my picture in front of the building.

It may be true that foreign guests are treated differently then those that live here, but I believe that this area is very kind to everyone, no matter where they are from. Everyone has been very sweet, considerate, and caring towards me while I’ve been here, and I hope I get to come back again soon.

July 19, 2001

Well, the final days have arrived.  It has been a hectic couple of last days with many wonderful surprises and expressions of friendship.  Here goes....

Monday, after the trip to the lavender fields and dinner at Reiko-san (school secretary) and her daughters house, I was very tired.  So, they sent me home early that afternoon to start packing and rest.  But before I went, Kyoko-san (assistant principal/headmaster) tried to teach me "Go", a board game they play that resembles our Pente.  He then gave me the magnetic game board so I could practice and return to beat him.  On Tuesday, after teaching English in 4 different classes, Mrs. Yamada and I went to the Hokkaido Historical Village and Museum then to the Symphony to hear them play Tchiakovsky's Piano Concerto and Winter Dreams.  A beautiful facility and evening.

The Hokkaido Historical Village allows local and guest visitors the opportunity to see how the island was first inhabited and early Japanese life.  The picture at upper on bottom is the first depot in Hokkaido, while the building on top is the first City Hall.  

The village reminds you of a cross between the old west and Hawaiian huts.  The history of these people is much the same as our Native Americans...they were forced to give up their land for civilization.  It is amazing to me that artifacts from the early centuries, before ocean transportation was readily available, are so much alike!  You can tell from the pictures that they are similar to some of those buildings in our South.

bathtub

The top pictures are how a typical early Japanese home were heated and how cooking was done.  The bottom bottom is a early 1800’s example showing a more modern kitchen…

Example of 1800's style home.  Rocks are on tiles on roof to keep ice from removing tiles.

Example of more modern home in 1900's

Mrs. Yamada in front of Yamada House in the Historical Village.  It is the home of an early Japanese soldier sent to scout out the area...much like Kevin Costner's character in "Dances With Wolves".

The evening performance was beautiful!  No pictures were allowed...sorry!  I did notice Mrs. Yamada nodding off at one point, so I know they are as tired as I am.  Sapporo often has outstanding music performances from all over the world, and it is difficult to obtain tickets so this certainly was a wonderful experience.

Afterwards, we met Mrs. Yamada's husband an an assistant language teacher named Mark (from New Zealand) that had been at MJHS last year.  Mrs. Yamada's husband does not speak English, but Mark covered both languages well and helped a great deal.  I wondered what I was in for when the first dish served was a squid salad, but they served grilled chicken and pork, pizza on tortilla's, and a wonderful fresh tomato salad.  Great fun and great company!

On Wednesday, another couple of English classes then the male faculty had a baseball game against another school for this region's championship (they lost but tried very hard), so Yoshi, Yamada, and the other teachers and I went down to cheer them on.  Then Yoshi and I went to dinner at an Italian restaurant that we had enjoyed several times (best pizza I've ever had!) then met her husband for my Pachinko lesson.

It is a cross between pinball and slots...you aim your tiny metal marbles at a certain area, they trickle down and hopefully go into the correct hole, which then causes the numbers to spin like slots.  If they match, you win.  The only luck I had was being Yoshi's husband's good luck charm...he never wins and won a great deal that night!  You don't turn the winnings in for cash, however.  Instead, there are places outside of the buildings where you trade your winnings for goods.  So, he traded his in for a CD for both Yoshi and I of Eric Clapton so that when we each played it we would remember this time together.

Thursday, Yoshi and her husband came to help me get my luggage shipped to Toyko and the kids at school began to find out that I would be leaving soon.  Reiko-san's husband, who wasn't home when we had dinner, sent me a step-by-step visual notebook of origami designs, and her daughters sent me a musical birthday card.  Reiko-san is leaving for vacation and won't be there when I leave, so this was her families goodbye gift to me along with a hug.  One of the PTA mom's sent a beautiful bamboo and silk fan and a cafeteria worker (they bring in the food and the workers make sure each classroom has what it needs and packs up the utensils to return to the common distribution center) gave me what we would call a dish towel with precision quit designs in red and white...a very traditional Japanese item.  On Tuesday, another 7th grade student's mom sent a couple of traditional Japanese games and a hand-made bag.

Many of the kids asked me not to leave, but I've told them we would see each other via Internet video soon.  During the last couple of days, I've been asking the classes I've been in if anyone had a birthday in July, then giving them Oklahoma or BA lapel pins or magnets.  The kids are proud to get them and those that don't are very envious.  The young lady that had the questions about the Japanese-US relations has not had an opportunity to visit with me again, so she gave me her email address and wants to send questions via email.

Yoshi and I had some errands to run and then make arrangements to ship my luggage, then we headed to the Ashai Beer Factory for a Genghis Khan birthday/farewell dinner since my birthday is the 20th.  We enjoyed relaxing and visiting and sharing the many memories we had made together.  One of the quietest men at school (one of the oldest as well) has decided that he needs to find me a husband so I will stay...told him he had better hurry and get on that!  There was supposed to be fireworks (this starts a week of celebration in Japan) but it has rained most of the day so they were cancelled for the night.  Even though I had been told it was quite an event to witness, it was still a memorable way to spend my almost birthday and a fun way to end the stay.

Mrs. Yamada has something cooked up for tomorrow afternoon, then I will go to school on Saturday to say goodbye to staff and a TV goodbye to the students.  Then, I will travel with Mrs. Yamada by rail to the Chitose airport for my 1;30 pm flight to Tokyo.  It will be good to see the other US teachers but I will miss my new friends in Sapporo.

I'll try to answer last minute questions tomorrow, then begin packing for Toyko.  Can't believe the time is almost up, and I have to report back to work on the 30th.  By the way, Toyko has been running 95-98 degrees with humidity in the 70's...I should adjust to Oklahoma weather pretty easily!