Post-Tour News

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

KCET is scheduled to show a Globe Trekker program called "Tokyo City Guide," Sunday, August 27, on the Shrine for Establishing Peace in the Empire. I believe that was the shrine we saw that included the musuem on war. The program will look at "what makes it the most controversial momument in Japan," so it might provide insight on current Japanese thought as well as Japanese perspectives on their history of war/peace.
Courtney Lockwood

[Anonymous]

Thanks Courtney. I will definitely watch this. I was so disappointed that we didn't have more time in that museum so maybe this will make up for that.

[Anonymous]

For those of us that are cooks" , and I know Courtney, you are, there are a few Asian receipes in this months Sunset magazine that look like they may be worth trying.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have one Japanese and Chinese coin I could buy? I just need one of each. It does not matter what the denomination is. Many thanks!

[Anonymous]

Hi Darlene, I think I have some Japanese and Chinese coins left from the trip. I'll bring what I have. See you on Saturday.

[Anonymous]

Kyle, Just a reminder to bring my duffle bag. If you are not planning on attending the follow-up session, you will need to make arrangements to return my bag. It was expensive and I would like it back. Let me know if you do not plan to attend. Thanks, Kyle.

See you Saturday.

Ana

[Anonymous]

Darlene: Thanks for thinking of us. I don't subscribe to Sunset, but if I see one, I'll look it up.
Or...if you have a photocopy to share with me next weekend, you might get my mouth watering...
Courtney

[Anonymous]

Please bring me a CD. I need the tourist sites for my lesson plan. I was photograping things of interest like flowers, mahole covers and toliets!
xoxoox

[Anonymous]

Will bring a copy of the receipes for you!
xoox

[Anonymous]

I think that we all got a subscription to the journal Education About Asia. In the Spring 2006 edition, there is a great article called Hiroshima: A Matter of Perspectives--it looks at Hiroshima through different lenses, including scientific-historical, political, literary and artistic perspectives. It has some interesting insight about the memorial itself: according to the article, the dome represents "Japan's westernization", whereas the Peace Arch is based on a traditional Haniwa (remember that we saw examples of Haniwa in the Edo-Tokyo museum?) house, a traditional Japanese structure. So--the symbolism of the Peace Memorial itself shows the interplay of Japanese tradition and "Western influence"--this would be an interesting to share in a discussion about the memorial. I think it fits in with our group's (The Buidings Group) question--how does this building convey power?--as well. Check it out!

[Anonymous]

Tracy,
Have you been cooking?
Nicole

[Anonymous]

There is a very interesting article in the Sunday L.A. Times page A10 titled "A Crisis of Trust Takes a Toll on China." It is about the rampant corruption and dishonesty, according to the article, that is found at all levels in Chinese society today. This is a huge challenge to the age old traditions emphasizing virtues and cooperation. It is, I believe, a natural consequence of the unregulated switch to capitalist values that has come with industrialization. The tone of the article is very bleak, perhaps more so than it should be. But, certainly this is a trend that may disrupt, or at least, change the nature of China's rise in the world. Perhaps they may have their own progressive reformers to react to this, just as we did in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Its odd that they still have to go through this even though the Communist Revolution was supposed to be the ultimate reaction to the evils of capitalist society. It will be interesting to see how they work this out.

[Anonymous]

I will be sending my reflection about the trip soon, but this is a little reflection about this past weekend that I had to send now.

This past weekend the "best" NCTA tour group of all time (sounds pretty impressive that way) met to review their experiences, and share their ideas for using these experiences in the classroom. This correspondent was among them, and his heart was truly gladdened to see all those familar faces again. All the smiling faces, all the chattering, and bouncing ideas off of one another, began again instantly, as if no time at all had passed.

I could continue in this reporter like fashion, but my emotions tell me to speak in the first person. It was a true joy to see and hear us all together again. The one thing I left out on my evaluation about why this trip was one of the most memorable experiences of my life, is all the people who I was fortunate enough to be travelling with. I have to agree with Clay that you all are an amazingly bright and fun group to be with. Though we were asked to think of the things in China and Japan that were most memorable, or that made the trip most successful, I have to say now upon reflection, that Clay, Sam, Linda, and all my fellow teachers were without doubt, a big part of the reason I will always think of this trip with a huge smile.

I know in literature there is a special name for the kind of story where the characters go on a journey together and learn much about the world and themselves. Every part of the world and every age has these stories, and I feel as if I have now taken part in one myself. Just as in those stories, even though all the characters are different, or perhaps, because they are so different and unique, one gets to really like and appreciate each and every one of them. That is certainly true for me, so thank you all. I hadn't been in contact with anyone since the trip, but I hope to now stay in contact and be able to share with many of you. I'm already looking forward to seeing you again at the conference in October.

Yours Always, Steve

[Anonymous]

Steve,
Thanks for writing the beautiful words! I agree.
Nicole

[Anonymous]

Steve,

What kind words. I, too, agree. I was so sad yesterday after coming home because I knew we would not all be together in one place again. However, I hope we all do make an effort to keep in touch.

I look forward to seeing those attending the conference. As it gets closer, we should organize a meeting spot for the group at the event.

[Author]

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