Thank you for reading this blog. I hope it keeps you informed about our visit to Hakusan, now on our 5th day in Hakusan. The day began with a visit to Hakurei Junior High School. This is another beautiful school built about 5 years ago.The mayor of Hakusan was keen to support the communities living in the mountain areas of the city and encouraged the creation of this delightful school. First we had a tour of the school which has an elementary or primary section and a junior high school (years 7-9). Then we joined a class who were playing kick baseball in the hall. They invited us to join and despite the fact that we were older we lost! They had played it before!
Our next lesson was an intensive taiko drumming class (Perhaps I can still hear it!) with impressive skill development from a number of our group. We then put on road skis (these have 2 wheels and are designed for tarmac style surfaces) and this proved to be a scary business! There were some notable successes especially from the boys who were able to ski down slopes. Rather them than me! We then had lunch at the school before leaving for our afternoon activities.
First we visited the well known Shinto Shrine at Hime. This is a beautiful and peaceful place with ancient buildings surrounded by many trees. We then had an afternoon snack before visited a series of interesting museums with huge lion dance heads or `shishiigashira` and displays of enormous floats pulled around the 800 year old Houri festival in October. The afternoon finished with a visit to the Ishikawa Insect Museum with its fabulous butterfly garden. All in all a day of considerable learning for us all. So much of the success of our trip so far comes from the work of a number of staff in the international relations department at Hakusan council.
The group continues to become more relaxed as each day passes and the joy on their faces is a wonder to behold. Tomorrow we visit the Akane Nursery school and the Mikawa Roots Museum with its elaborate tea ceremony and opportunity to wear a summer kimono or Yukata.
David
Hi Everyone
ReplyDeleteYet another fabulous you have all had. I can't believe it your 5th day in Hakusan.
The road skis looked a bit tricky, I'd loved to have had a go on those.
Shinto Shrine at Hime looked magnificent I love Japanese architecture it looks so intricate and sculptured. Was it any cooler amongst the trees in the gardens?
The shishiigashira were impressive they must have been more so stood next to them.
Enjoy your tea ceremony on Friday, I look forward to the picture of you all dressed in the summer kimono/Yukata; do you get the opportunity to buy any? The last group brought back some fabulous ones.
Have another great day
Take care
Clare x
HiClare
ReplyDeleteYour`e right about the road skis. They are hard at first and keeping your feet can be challenging! Anna and I did not take part as we felt we could become a liability to the group by getting injured! Some have already bought yukatas and these are available in supermarkets at a reasonable price. Thanks again.
David