Tawa Intermediate School / Fujigoko JC Cultural Exchange 2013

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Friday, 23 August 2013

Caves, noodles and glass

We started the day at the Fuji Visitor Centre and learned about how Mt Fuji was formed. We then visited the Fuji Lava Caves


The lava caves were formed when the lava flow knocked the trees down and they continued to burn after the lava around the outside of the tree began to cool.


We then went to Lake Kawaguchiko where we visited a shrine that is usually surrounded by water, but because there has been very little rain, the water level was 5 metres lower than usual and we were able to walk to the shrine. We then went to the Hotofudo restaurant for lunch and ate a traditional samurai noodle meal. Admittedly, the samurai probably didn't eat the meal with a bottle of coke to wash it down, but throw in a katana blade or two and the kids would really have looked the part.


A special mention for Watene and Arran who really seemed to like the meal. If reports of a food shortage in Japan makes the news back home, don't be surprised. The photo says it all really... Yes, the bowls are that big... Yes, they managed 4 between them... Sugoi!(awesome!)

We left the restaurant and made our way to the glass art workshop. There will be a few dads who can look forward to a Father's Day gift made with love in Japan. The kids had a choice of jewellery making, candle making, sandblasting or photo frame making. They were able to make some quality stuff... Far better than the pair of slippers you may have received otherwise!



A great day was had by all and the kids can look forward to an exciting weekend with their host families. Tomorrow evening is the welcome party and our first opportunity to  do our cultural performance. The kids have been brilliant on the trip so far and I have no doubt they will be great tomorrow night. Sayonara for now NZ.

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