We had great fun greeting the students in the morning as they arrived to school--Ohayo Goziamus! The students arrived on foot or on bicycles. We then went on to follow the usual format of speeches on our part and their part.
We were able to politely roam the school and observe. I found a class that was presenting student created skits in English--there were a lot of giggles all around! Of course, another highlight of the day was lunch with the students.
Later, we were taught calligraphy by the resident master at the school. I really struggled with this, but I was glad to have the opportunity. He gave each of us a work of his own art to take home. At the end of the day, we were treated to a student-hosted tea and origami paper art session.
But I most remember the students pressing small
origami creatures into our hands as we left for the bus. Outside, a group had
spontaneously lined up near our bus to wave goodbye . . .