School Day 2

As we sat on the top floor having another lovely relaxing breakfast, we were very pleased to see that the river had returned to its normal colour and flow.  Today we left for school a little earlier (8.45am) so that we could video conference with our parents and some of the children from GSNS.  We were very excited and had so much to say.  It was nice to see our families and let them know we are having so much fun. 

A quick snack and then off to the computer lab where the children were very excited because they were doing robotics.  There were about 15 sets so a whole class could do it.  Today they were just learning about sensors.

When the computer session ended we joined some junior classes for PE.  Two classes went out together but then split into girls and boys.  Each group then played their own game of dodge ball. 

Warming up before PE.

Lunch time was met with some hesitation as children were not sure what they would be getting. They were a little hot from running around and did not have much of an appetite. Our friends from Gifu would become very concerned if they did not see us eating so would encourage us to eat. 

Children in the background are serving lunch.  They wear coats, masks and hats to serve.

 As the same as yesterday, after lunch and play it was time to do duties.  Our children went off and did their part - toilets as well!

 Cleaning done and now off to English class with the junior classes and two English teachers - one Japanese and one American.  We became the tutors and so had to work with groups to help them with their English.  Before we started we had to sing "if you happy and you know it clap your hands". 

We finished school at about 2.30 and were taken to the Gifu tower which is 138m tall. The viewing tower is at 100m.  The view of course was great.  A quick play in the park then off to Cormorant fishing.

Cormorant fishing is an interesting way to fish.  The birds are used to catch the fish (because they are very good fishermen) but they have a tie around their necks which doesn't allow them to swallow the fish.  The fishermen then pull the bird in and then squeeze the fish out of their mouth.  The children weren't too sure about how the birds felt about it.

We were exceptionally lucky tonight and got a few extra bonuses on our boat trip. Because it was the last night of the season there were dancing ladies on a float that went pass and fireworks! 

The boat we all sat on while drifting down the river to the fishing spot.  We also had tea on the boat.  It was bento boxes again but the children were pleased to see there was a back up meal of McDonalds (even though it was cold).

The night was pretty special and enjoyed by all.  Ms Spencer may become famous as she got interviewed by a popular TV show that was filming the occasion.  She tried to speak some poor Japanese so may be they will not show it, or may be she has a new career in television in Japan!  She will wait for her agent to call.

Back at the hotel around 8.30 so not too late.  Tomorrow we will be taking some lessons with the younger classes, take part in a Japanese tea ceremony and then leave for Osaka. 
Till then ....