Day 4 ... ...

and the delegates had spent their first night in their host families' home. Being a Saturday, there was no school but the delegates met as early as 9a.m at Ei Primary for Dragnet Fishing which was one of the highlights for this homestay programme.

Mdm Maria, "Look at the happy chatty Riverlites."

Mr Hiyami explaining the programme that is about to follow

Taking a stroll along the coastline

Group photo with all children of the host families

The fishermen getting ready to cast the net in the sea

Riverlites getting ready for Dragnet Fishing with the safety precaution of wearing gloves

This the first time for all to try this activity out and in fact, this activity is especially prepared for this programme and thus, it is also a first for the children of Awaji Island as well!

The pictures that follow show how the delegates are going to catch their lunch.

First catch of the day; a crab

There's nothing in the net??

Now, here comes lunch!!

Everyone wanted to lay their hands on their catch

Hanisah letting a shark go

Group photo to celebrate success in hauling in so many fish

Sashimi on its way

Kobe Newspaper interviewing Justin

These are for B.B.Q

Masa the Hiro

The B.B.Q crew (minus Mdm Maria)

Japanese serving curry

Lunch is served

"Please choose"

What a great place for an outdoor lunch

Happy!!

Some preferred the traditional mat style for picnic

Well, boys are boys

Playtime on the beach after lunch to burn out the calories....what calories??

Maxine's new pet.... Hermit the crab

Alicia's new find....Not too sure what it this though. "Nani Kore?"

Day 3 ... ...

the delegates woke up at 5.30a.m preparing to disembark as the ferry arrived at Kobe. Everyone took a group photo just before arrival.

 Managed to capture only the bow of the ship

　　

The ferry arrived at 7a.m. and that was the point Mrs Nishiyam handed the delegates to another Children's Association colleague, Mr Hiyami, who will accompany the delegates to Awaji Island. Entering Kobe, the delegates headed to a local cafe (Royal Host) for some American breakfast and they ordered what they like.　

They even had a free toy with the breakfast; it was indeed a happy meal minus the golden arc

Breakfast was served and see how happy the delegates looked.

The delegates then had an hour of shopping around the Kobe and they had the chance to experience a different kind of shopping experience in Kobe as the Japanese are so polite and gracious to everyone they see.

Everyone's favourite - Daiso -  Everything for ¥105

Soon, it was lunch again and this time, everyone had either Udon or Ramen... ...

 Happily slurping away

Finally, arriving in Awaji Island, the place for the homestay programme. The delegates started with meeting the pupils from Ei Primary.

Alicia and Justin giving the welcome speech and Mr Masahiro doing the translating 

Group photo with the pupils of Ei Elementary and yes, that is everyone 

The delegates were brought to a fragrant incense making factory where they made their very own incense.

Mr Hiyami assisting the boys

Everyone was very serious at work making sure they produced the best incense ever. Awaji is one of the main supplier for fragrant incense in Japan.

Sarah showing what her finished product looks like in a packaging. It will be ready to be used in 4 days.

Children in Japan has a very important status and thus, this homestay programme had the attention of the Mayor of Awaji City, Mr Kado, who met up with the delegates and welcomed them.

 Group photo with Mr Kado in the front row (3rd from the right), Mr Takahashi (1st from the right) and Mr Hiyami (beside Mdm Maria)

The moment to meet the Host family finally arrived and below are the happy faces of the delegates and the host families.

All the delegates are in safe hands tonight as they will be sleeping comfortably in the homes of the friendly hosts. The delegates would like to sincerely thank the Children's Associate of the Hyogo Prefecture for making the arrangement and looking into every single details. This homestay programme is made possible only with dedicated people like them.