Nephew Homestay

甥のホームステイー

 

今度英語だけ書きます。 今旅行をしてので、帰った後のポーストは日本語で書くつもりです。いろいろリンクがあるので、写真を見てください。　When third culture kids spend large chunks of their formative years out of their home country, the summers are an excellent opportunity for these young people to reconnect with their home culture and their extended families.  This summer, it worked out that our two teenagers took a three week trip to my hometown in MIchigan without me.  Part of that time, Monica attended soccer camp at nearby Hope College, which was a tremendous learning experience for her, as she had a chance to meet lots of American girls her age and stay on the campus of a typical small university, while improving her soccer skills.

Meanwhile, Jonah had the opportunity to strengthen his relationships with his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, while enjoying normal American life.  Thanks to my family, there were excursions to Lake Michigan, a dairy farm, rock climbing, working in Grandpa's store and fishing with Grandma.  They went to the mall, they went to a baseball game, and they ate lots of delicious American food, much of it at Aunt Mary's restaurant.

Both the children thoroughly enjoyed and appreciate my family's hospitality.  Then, just two days after returning to Japan, the tables were turned, and Monica and Jonah got to host their 20 year old cousin from Texas on his first international trip.   After his first year of college, Willy worked hard for several weeks at his summer job, and then came to Tokyo for one short, very busy week.  Willy was a very good guest.  He has such a nice attitude, an excellent mixture of openness to our explanations and guidance, and a tendency and capability towards independence.  This while showing lots of interest and energy, as well as a willingness to at least try any food item offered.

Generally, a "homestay" involves staying in the home of a family of another culture while visiting their country.  Though not technically a homestay, Willy's visit was exposure to two different cultures.  Ours as well as the natives. We're certainly not Japanese, and though we're American through and through, we've had different experiences than many of our peers due to living in Japan for nearly a decade.  Thus, the term, "third culture kids" is applicable.  Here I'll try to explain most of what Willy did while he was here.  Here's my pictures.

Day 1  Monica and I drove the car to Narita Airport to pick up Willy.  Takes about an hour and a half each way.  I won't try to detail costs here, but just trust me that this is an expensive place to visit and live.  Tolls for a round trip to the airport are over 50 USD.  Willy was tired, but excited.  After he met Toby and we oriented him to the apartment, we took a subway train one stop and walked around Roppongi Hills.  This was a way to gently introduce Willy to the subway system and the extended neighborhood.  We all ate at Pepper Lunch, then walked around Tokyo Midtown, and got lost in Akasaka on the way home.  Martin came home from his business trip so we three took Toby for a late night walk around the neighborhood.

Day 2  We all five went by car to TAC (Tokyo American Club) to work out.  (exercise is good for jet-lag).  Later, Jonah took Willy to a konbini (convenience store) and bought onigiri (rice balls with tuna inside) for a snack.  Later yet, we all took a train to Jingu Stadium where we watched the Yakult Swallows beat the Chinuchi Dragons at Willy's first Japanese baseball game.  On the way, we picked up some Edomame and Yakisoba to snack on during the game.  After returning from the game, Willy took a walk and found his way to Roppongi Hills via a different route, walking.  I thought that was very clever of him.

Day 3 Monica, Jonah and Willy went to Tokyo Dome Amusement Park for the better part of the day.   I guess the roller coasters are pretty fun.  Since it was Saturday night, we all rode our bikes to church at the Franciscan Chapel Center.  At the end, Willy stood up and was welcomed and applauded by everyone present.  Then, we went to a birthday dinner for Jonah.  We had made a reservation at a restaurant which we liked, Korean Barbeque, but it turns out the restaurant had changed (this happens often, and somehow we missed it).  Anyway, both Jonah and Willy were gracious about not getting Korean BBQ as expected, and enjoyed the delicious Japanese Izakaya food.  There are pictures.

Day 4 was the Annual Skater Barbeque, as planned.  The day before, I had helped the skaters buy the meat, and Martin prepared the ribs the night before.  The morning of, everyone except me rode bikes to Shinagawa station, then met up with the skaters, and they rode bikes with the skaters to Jonan Island where the 80+ person BBQ was held.  I drove the car with the ribs, tarps, tables, etc.  There are lots of pictures of this BBQ here  and here.  Later on, the three kids (including Willy) rode their bikes back to the apartment (what excellent honing instinct!)  Later that evening, most of us went to Kaiten Sushi in Yurakucho. 

Day 5 Willy and I took the train to Tsukiji Fish Market where we explored the warehouse and market, then enjoyed a yummy raw tuna and rice bowl snack.  Then straight to Omotesando to the Oriental Bazaar so that Willy could pick up some omiyage *souvenirs.  I left Willy to find his own way to Meiji Shrine and home, which he did...smart kid.  Jonah took him to Yoshinoya for Gyudon *pork or beef rice bowl, and he liked it so much he went back there the next day for breakfast.

Day 6 Monica and I accompanied Willy to the Edo Museum, which I enjoyed for the third time.  This is a museum dedicated to the history of Tokyo, and it's very interesting.  While there, I spotted a group of kimono clad girls assembled for a picture, and got Willy involved.  Turns out, they are all 20 years old, like Willy, and everyone smiled while Willy blushed.  It was pretty cute.  We went for Katsudon lunch, and then Monica and I let Willy find his way to the famous Sensoji Temple at Asakusa.  So now he was well aquainted with subways, JR trains, and making transfers.  The kids took him to Curry House, for traditional Japanese Curry. Martin and Jonah went with him to the Tokyo Tower.  See Martin's pictures.  Later that night, Willy found his own way to Shibuya, which is quite a sight at night. 

Day 7 was Willy's last day.  Still so much to see.  Jonah took him on a long walk part way around the Imperial Palace, then on to the Yasukuni Shrine, which is a controversial political/ historical museum which  Willy wanted to see.  Came back in time for a quick shower before catching the Friendly Limousine Bus to the airport, with some onigiri *rice balls packed for the trip since there hadn't been time for lunch. 

What a good guest Willy was.  Because of his trip, we all appreciate the adventure that is our current situation that much more.  Now I begin a short trip to visit my family in Michigan.  I hope I can be a good guest to them as I experience their culture which was once my own. 

Comments

[Robin]

Looks like a great time!