2002 Student Trip to Takahashi City, Japan

On August 9, Troy Junior High students traveled to our sister city in Japan.
The City of Troy wishes to thank Takahashi City and the host families for their gracious
hospitality. Additional photos will be posted here as they are received.
(Click on any photo below for a larger version. Click the Back button on your browser to return here.)
 

The opening travel log entry as written by Sue Knight:

The flight to Detroit left on time, arriving 20 minutes early.

We were met with the news that the flight to Osaka was delayed, as the plane was late. Scheduled to leave at about 12:30 pm, we departed at 2:00 pm. Thanks to all the modern technology, we were able to communicate with our hosts (and parents in Troy) about the delay.

At 2:00 pm, we departed Detroit for a 6,000+ mile, 14-hour flight.

With a bit of friendly cooperation from our fellow travelers, the students were able to trade seats to be together. The students kept themselves occupied by playing games, visiting with each other, and taking pictures of each other.

We arrived in Osaka at 4:00 pm. After gathering our luggage, we cleared customs. How strange it was to stand in a line labeled foreigner.

We went through immigration and customs with no trouble. After identifying ourselves as an official student delegation, no bags were checked.

We were met by Takahashi City Hall staff, who took our luggage in a van while we ran to catch a series of three trains. The speed of one of the trains was 167 mph.

At 7:53 pm, (just over 19 hours after leaving Dayton) we arrived in Takahashi City. To our surprise, we were met by Mayor Tachiki and many other City officials.

We quickly walked to the Takahashi International Hotel, where we were served a full meal. Then, off to our room to unpack and get some sleep.

Breakfast was at 8:30 am the next morning (Sunday). Eggs, Sausage, Hot Rolls, Juice, and Salad.

We had to quickly clean up some spots off the clothing of one student, thanks to some spilled face cleaner. With some "Shout", water and a hair dryer, he was ready to go.

After a quick bus tour of Takahashi City, we arrived at the Takahashi Cultural Hall. In a formal ceremony of speeches, exchanges of gifts, and introductions, we met our host families. Student Joe Weaver did an excellent job of delivering his speech.

At noon, we were served an excellent Japanese luncheon at the HANONOREN Restaurant. It is owned by my host family.

The afternoon was occupied by a lot of sight-seeing - a Samurai Warrior's house (an ancient museum) and Native Land's Date Museum, which is a former school housing a collection of items from Japanese left, gathered for centuries.

There was a stop at an overlook high in the mountains. This was a great photo op, and a stop for cold sodas. The temperature was in the high 90's, with very high humidity.

There was a tour of the Takahashi Culture Exchange Hall.

 

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