Emily and Shoko (Yokohama Hostsister) |
Sarah and her hostfamily |
By Jay, Sarah, Anna and Emily
There is our journal for our time with Yokohama host families.
Jay- OMG, shabu shabu is amazing! I loved my Yokohama host family, they were so nice and the mother spoke amazing English. if you would've listened to her, you wouldn't have thought she was Japanese at all. also, after much conversation, I have slowly come to the conclusion that she is the Japanese counterpart to my mom. the first full day I spent away from the group, I met so many new people and saw so many new sights, such as Yokohama harbor, and Mt. Fuji. I also did several activities that I never dreamed of doing in Japan, such as going out and getting a hair cut, or going to an auto parts store and buying parts for my, and my dad's car back in the states. I had such a blast with this family that it was really difficult for me to say goodbye. hey mom, or dad, if you're reading this, we have to at least keep in touch with these people, they complement you guys well, and they offered to let me stay with them if I decide to return to Japan.
Sarah-I liked my Yokohama host family better than the Showa host family because unlike Showa, they acknowledged my existence. we went to a lot of temples and ate out a lot. Japanese people stop whatever they are doing to take pictures of squirrels. they also eat a lot. my host family was nice and they gave me a fan. I am really jealous because the other two girls got kimonos and I want one. now, Emily has two kimonos, but I have none. I am really sad today and I keep crying for no good reason. it sucks. I don't know what to do. I can't wait to come home.
Anna- well I am having so much fun I can hardly stand the thought of going home! my host family was SO nice! we did fireworks and had a party. they invited Shion's English teacher and her friends over for dinner. it was so fun! her friends were so nice. everyone I met had a gift for me. I felt bad saying no, so I wound up with an extra bag of things! on Saturday we went on a marine shuttle. it was a tour of the yokohama bay by ship. it was really pretty! then for lunch we went to china town. we had ramen. then Shion and I went shopping. the clothes are so pretty here! and the shoes! only one problem: they are all too small! so we went to a music store and I showed Shion the music I like and listen to, and Shion showed me what she likes. then we did print club! it goes so fast you have to move quickly or your picture doesn't turn out right! our pictures are really cute! then Sunday morning we got up really early to fit in some more fun. we went to a traditional style house. It was like the Paul Bunyan logging camp in Eau Claire. it was really cool! then we went to a department store that is comparable to a target. and the best part!- the clothes fit!!! yippy! I was so sad when I had to go ... I will keep in contact with them though! I received so many nice things, and they were so nice. and now I have a Yukata! I will miss them! :)
Emily- My Yokohama host family was great! The parents were very fun - they were always making fun of each other and joking around. Once my host dad called my host mom a name that made her laugh a lot. He showed me the translation on his electronic dictionary and it said "senile old man" It was very fun trying to teach them English ... my favorite thing was attempting to explain what a godfather was and they asked if I was in the mafia. I took the video with me all day Saturday so after our trip video is done I can show you all the great sightseeing we did. It was very hard to say goodbye ... Shoko, my host sister, said she wants to come to America, so hopefully I will see her again!