Day 1... ...

The much awaited Japan Homestay Programme 2010 finally took off at 1a.m. from Singapore to Fukuoka International.

The delegates met as early as 9.30 p.m at Terminal 3 with their family members and were all eager to begin their exciting 8 days of Experiential Learning in Japan.

 Mdm Maria briefing the delegates and they were also given a Good Luck Red Packet each before departure.

 Everyone posed for a photograph at the airport before departure.

 Family members joined in as well

The 6 hours long flight brought the 28 delegates into the Land of the Rising Sun bright and early at 8a.m. The delegates were welcomed by Mrs Nishiyama from the Children's Association of Japan. 

The journey into Nagasaki took about 2 hours and there was a stop over at a rest station and the delegates were very eager to start spending their Yen.

Their tired yet happy faces tell you that they are indeed enjoying every minute of the Learning Journey.

Everyone having something to munch at the rest station

It was lunch time when the delegates arrived at Nagasaki and the lunch venue was a restaurant famous for its Nagasaki Sponge Cake.

Group photo before entering

Finally, lunch was served and it was a hearty meal for all complete with rice, soup and dessert. 

 Just look at the contented faces and look at the lunch on their plates.

 Close up shot of what was for lunch ~ seafood tempura

The boys were overjoyed to have such a wonderful lunch on the very first day of the programme.

So did the adults 

 This programme is indeed a learning experience for some as seen here Fikriyah figuring out the use of the chopsticks

Daddies and Mommies, look out for the Nagasaki Sponge Cakes your children may bring back some for you.

Photos as evidence of their purchases and if they did not mention anything about it; mmm...they must have eaten it along the way...

The delegates next checked into the Youth Hostel in Nagasaki and met the tour guides, Mrs Yoshida and Mrs Kai, who accompanied the delegates and explained the effects of the atomic bombing in Nagasaki.

The visit to the Nagai House provided an insight for the delegates on how an individual like Dr Nagai gave up even his own life to find a cure for those affected by the harmful radiation of the atomic bomb.

 Watching a short intro video on the contribution of Dr Nagai

Group Photo outside the Nagai House 

Next, the delegates moved off to Peace Park where they presented Peace Cranes to remember those who had lost their lives to the bombing and to show their support towards world peace.

Mrs Yoshida and Mrs Kai explaining the significance behind the setup of the Peace Park 

 Presenting the Peace Cranes

 Another group photo

The delegates then had a rare opportunity of meeting up with the Nagasaki atomic bomb survivor,  Mr Yamawaki Yoshiro, who gave a vivid recount of what happened on that faithful day. It was not easy for him to relate the story of his survival as he lost his father to the bombing.

The delegates then proceeded on to the Atomic Bomb Memorial Museum for an in depth understanding behind the history and the technology of the atomic bomb.

There, the delegates had the opportuntiy to see many preserved artifacts from the atomic bombing. All these made them realised the extent of the destruction and how they must support world peace and never allow history to repeat itself.

Finally, another bunch of Peace Cranes were offered to the Museum just before closing time

The last stop for the day was the Urakami Cathedral which is just opposite the hostel. This cathedral was almost destroyed by the bombing and has been restored since. This structure serves as a reminder that the people of Japan is resilient and is able to get up from despair.

The day finally ended with yet another hearty meal and the delegates then had a shower and a debrief to consolidate the learning for the day and planning for day 2.

Yes, the delegates do indeed look tired but their lives have been greatly enriched with the experience of Day 1 programme.

More updates on Day 3 as the delegates will be taking an overnight cruise into Kobe via ferry and thus, there will be no updates on Day 2. See you soon!