Sister Cities

Idaho Falls Sister Cities Youth Meeting July 16, 2018 Attendees: Cameron Archer Melinda Cebull Victoria Estrada Jorge Padron Jackie Sugai David Archer Nicholas Cebull David Matranga Gabe Padron Elliot Boring David Eaton Delsina Matranga Whitney St. Michel Ron Boring Kylie Eaton Nathan Peck Ian St. Michel Peter Cebull Mario Estrada Dallin Peck Anna St. Michel Business Section of the Meeting Minutes: The July 9th meeting minutes were provided to the group by email. Delsina motioned to approve the meeting minutes and Whitney seconded her motion. Treasurer’s Report: Peter provided the treasurer’s report. The initial balance was $21,018.15 and the current balance is $41,331.17. The group received a $18,847.88 in airfare payments, $1413.00 from Snow Eagle dinner profits, $50 for Town and Country gift cards, and $2.14 in dividends. Japan Exchange:  Whitney will check everyone in the group in the night before.  Meet at the airport at 5:45 a.m. on July 25th.  Whitney will provide the students with their host family address to use to fill out the custom and disembarkation forms.  There is a tight connection in Salt Lake City. The group will go directly to the next gate. If there is time once the group reaches the next gate they can then use the restroom or get snacks.  If you are going away from the gate, let your assigned chaperone know and take a friend.  Be on your best behavior in Japan.  Be polite and follow the Japanese students/chaperone lead if you are unsure how to act.  Talk to the chaperones if you have any concerns while in Japan.  Wear your Sister Cities shirt to the airport.  Dave found gifts for both the Sister Cities house and the mayor.  Students going to Japan should bring business cards and a small gift for the Japanese students. Kendra checked and there are 26 student members and 10 adults.  Everyone should have their US money converted to yen.  Reimbursement checks for airline tickets will be provided to the students when they turn in their surveys from the Japanese trip. Friendship Garden Work Day: We will meet at the Friendship garden Wednesday (7/18) at 7 p.m. to help place bark on the garden paths. Student Meeting: The following information was provided by Kendra and presented by Nicholas. Japanese Phrases My name is Watashi no namae wa……….desu My hobby is/are (noun). Watashi no shumi wa ……..desu. I like….. …………….. ga Sukidesu I really like….. ……ga daisukidesu. I have pets. Petto ga imasu. I have gifts. Gifto ga imasu. I have souveniers. Omiyage ga arimasu Please to meet you Do-zo yoroshiku onegai shimasu My dream (basically what do you want to be when you grow up) Watashi no yume wa ………….ni naru koto desu Ureshidesu – I am happy. Most important phrase to learn –use it daily in Japan Tetsudatte mo iidesuka. May I help? Expectations in Japan – I talked a little about expectations in Japan but wanted to do a little more today. I will not be there so someone else will help to review the phrases above. If an adult could discuss some of the expectations I would appreciate it. Be respectful at all times. Do not use sarcasm at all in Japan. Sarcasm does not translate and will be seen as rude – not funny. Willing participation is required at every event (even if you do not enjoy doing an activity, quietly do your best anyway). When someone is speaking to the group in Japanese or English, there should be absolute silence so everyone can hear what is being said. When you are with the group on any activity – do not get out your phone except to take pictures. You are welcome to use the phone on long drives on the bus (but also spend some time talking to those around you when you can) and in your room at your host families’ house (but don’t hide in your room for long stretches of the day). Occasionally there may be some down time without Japanese students around to talk to…those are ok times to use a phone. In the morning, most American students woke up early because of the time change. Don’t wake up the rest of the house but get yourself ready for the day. Always be ready to leave on time. If you have a hard time waking up, be sure to set an alarm to give yourself plenty of time to get ready. Most of the time we need to be to the sister city hall by 8:30. Your host family will provide breakfast – it may not be what you are used to but try it and be polite – remember itadakimasu (before you eat). (put hands together and bow slightly as you say these). It means I humbly partake. And Gochisou sama deshita (after you eat). It means, “it was a feast” but is also a way of thanking your host for the meal. Keep your belongings in your bag. Do not make a mess. Each day make sure your room and toiletries are cleaned up. One common perception is that Americans are loud – don’t be. Itinerary Day 1 When you meet your family at the sister city house – greet them in Japanese if possible and tell them thank you for hosting you. Each person will take a picture with their host family before heading home with them. Day 2 Japanese lesson – you are expected to participate and try your best. Try to learn what they are teaching and use it during the visit to show you listened well. Mayor visit – The mayor is a very nice easy going guy but we need to show him complete respect. Respect for someone in authority is a big deal in Japan. There can be no goofing off while we are with the mayor. If asked to share your name and dream as stated on the itinerary, follow directions given and state your name and dream. Calligraphy – This is harder than it seems. Try your best. Practice. There will be people to help. Be careful of the ink – avoid making a mess. Clean up your desk and leave things the way you found them. Lunch – it looks like it is temaki- sushi and Somen – if it is the same as last year, you will be able to assemble your own temaki-sushi. Try some things you would not normally try. Be polite and make sure everyone has an equal chance to try things. Free time at Mito station – Whatever activities they have planned we need to participate. Don’t congregate with other American students. If you are assigned a group stick with that group. Free time does not mean run wild be respectful of other passengers. Welcome Party – Last time I was very surprised that many of the people had memorized our information so they could talk to us and call us by name and knew our likes etc. Go out of your way to meet people and thank them for hosting our group. Day 3- Tokyo Do not ask to do things that would put a burden on your family, they are very accommodating even if it is difficult for them. Do not wander off on your own. Be back on time. Day 4 – Family Day If you have not given your host family the gifts you brought today may be a good day to do it. Some like to give gifts at the beginning of the visit others at the end – just make sure you give them something to show gratitude. The family probably has something planned – willingly participate and show gratitude. Ask if you can help with anything. Volunteer to do dishes etc. They will probably say no, but still offer. Day 5 – Cooking class – offer to help get ready/clean up. Listen and follow instructions. High school – Be a good sport and have fun –be respectful at all times. Shopping – be back at the assigned time – do not make people wait for you. (Last time at the mall, my host mom got a little lost but in general sticking with a Japanese person will help with getting back on time) Day 6 Sports Day Follow instructions - play fairly. In Japan at sporting events spectators and players celebrate both teams success. Do not yell at the other teams. Follow their example and be respectful. Tea Ceremony – if you do not wish to drink green tea, let me know and I will put you in a different spot. Those who do not wish to drink the tea will still participate in the ceremony but will drink hot water instead of tea. Be sure to wear longer clothes, you will be kneeling on the floor and bowing and short skirts would be awkward. The tea ceremony is a very important and special thing to the Japanese people so be very respectful and follow instructions. They are very specific. They take this very seriously and we should too. Tatami mat – Tour – usual tour etiquette Day 7 – Aquarium and beach Don’t forget swimwear – Japanese swimwear is often more conservative than in America. Last time the Japanese girls who wore bikinis also wore jackets over the top even in the water. Stick with your group at the aquarium. At the beach, they usually have activities and games and instruction before entering the water. Participate fully have fun. Follow instructions. Last time those in front of the line followed instructions but those in the back often did not. If you are in the back make sure you know what is expected. Be patient – it may take some time before you are allowed in the water. Day 8 Papermaking – Soy Sauce Factory – Shrines Same as all the other tour days, show respect, participate, clean up after yourselves. Day 9 – Amusement park Look at the website provided so you know what is there – your group may ask what you want to do – be prepared with an answer but also willing to do what the group chooses even if it is not your choice. Day 10 - Family Day – Same as above Day 11 – Farewell Party Thank everyone you meet for hosting the party and making our trip an enjoyable experience. Day 12 – Make sure you leave your room just as you found it – Make your bed – or roll up your mat (every day). A motion to adjourn was made by Mario and seconded by Whitney.