Hitachiota City
Timothy Dobbins
We left Mito this morning at around 8:00 A.M. and headed for Ibaraki
University, which is the largest college in the Ibaraki prefecture.
While there, we were honored to meet with the President of the
University, and various members of the School of Education. We had a
very informative meeting regardin the state of teacher education in
Japan in general, and also had an hour or more to ask questions of our
distinguished hosts. Overall, our group asked some very poignant and
realistic questions, and both parties learned from each other I feel.
After our meeting, we headed to a very nice hotel for an arranged
lunch. This consisted of braised sea bass, raw rainbow trout and squid
(small but whole), along with some various other "normal" fare.
Needless to say, I was challenged to eat most of it, but was able to
as least taste each item, while quickly washing it down with some
water and bread. For those who don't know me as well as others (and
this may come as a suprise to those), I don't really care for fish in
general. This makes travel in Japan difficult, especially when I
cannot chose what I am to eat for the day! I love all kinds of
shellfish, but raw rainbow trout and squid? No thanks. I did eat the
trout, but decided just to push the squid under a leaf of lettuce.
Problem solved!!
After this meal we were off to our host city of Hitachiota, to meet
with the Mayor, Superintendent of Schools, and a few other members of
the Board of Education. This was a fantastic meeting, and we were
treated like dignitaries by all encountered. Again we had a great
session learing about education in Japan, education in the local
prefecture of Ibaraki, and education in Hitachiota specifically.
Another question and answer session followed, with a formal greeting
given by one of our teachers. I get to do this greeting when we visit
the elementary school on Wednesday!
After this we traveled to Hitachi city (not to be confused with
Hitachiota) where we will be spending our evenings. It is the closest
place with a hotel large enough to handle 20 teachers with their own
rooms! Hitachi City is about 40 minutes from Hitachiota, so we will be
making the drive every morning for the next week.
Tomorrow, we have a day of sightseeing, including a tea ceremony and
making our own soba noodles at a very famous factory! Luckily tonight
I had a wonderful meal of Udon and Tempura (followed by Baskin-Robbins
ice cream - some things are the same in Japan!), so I feel full and
content. Some people decided to go out tonight, but I needed an
evening of peace and quiet!
Talk to everyone soon and I will post more pictures!