Linking Maine and Japan

Good morning. It is just after sunrise in San Francisco. I took a photo from my hotel window. I leave shortly for my 10 hour flight to Tokyo. Last night we met the teachers from all over the US, including Alaska and Hawaii, who have been selected to be part of this awesome program.

All 200 of us were last night the invited guests of the Consul General from Japan to the US, at his home in San Francisco, with a view of the bay. We had sushi. There was a centerpiece that was a model of the Golden Gate Bridge on the table made of carrots and sushi. I’ll try to attach a few photos from the elegant event last night.

This program is all about the students and the teaching. Imagine getting to talk with 200 teachers about ways to share Japanese culture with the children. My roommate last night was also from Maine, and teachers high school art in Maranacook. She is also an amateur actress with Gas Light Theatre.

This program promises to be very exciting, but demanding. We only had 10 minutes after panels and lectures yesterday to change for our elegant evening with the Consul General and his wife. I can’t wait to learn more, and share it with you all whenever I can get on line.

Wally is here in the hotel with me now. Hello to everyone, and special thanks to Mildred L. Day School staff and students for the awesome surprise assembly Friday. Your messages, well wishes, gifts and cards will be with me in Japan, and forever! Thank you for your enthusiasm and support! We will have so much fun learning more about the world beyond Maine and the U.S.!

I should sign off now, but will try to attach a few photos. I am thinking of you all.

Mrs. Grumbling and Wally