homestay in Sault Ste Marie

We moved from lancing to Sault Ste Marie.It took about 6 hours by car.It is located next to Canada.
It was my first experience to stay with hostfamily's house.I was so excited.

The house is like vacation  house.It is very large and there is a Lake in front of the house.So we were able to see the very nice view from the house anytime!

My hostmother is very powerful and energetic woman. She can speak Japanese very well.I did not have to

worry about language

She cooked very delicous breakfast for us.

There are 2 spaces for guests and hostfamily's.My husband and I were able to use our private bathroom.

My homestay's image is family's house.But we felt as if it was vacation house.How lucky we were!

We stayed for 5 days.

Trip to Michigan

This was my first visit to go to Michigan.In this trip, there were about 50 participants.There were all kinds of
generations.I was so excited.

After our long flight, we went to the Hotel. We had a dinner party. To my surprised, governer KATA also
welcame my group. I could not believe that she was in the same room. It was very impressive to me.

After the ceremony, we enjoyed having dinner.It was so delicous,but very large size.We eat something in  the plane 5 times and before we arrived at the Hotel, we were given some sandwiches and apple,so we were full

all the time.

After the dinner,governer KATA said hello to every one.She is so nice woman.

We moved from the room to our own room.My husband was too exhausted and fell asleep.I was also tired, but I wanted to go somewhere.I decided to explore alone!

There was a pharmacy next to the Hotel. I saw many members were going around and going shopping.

I enjoyed seeing in the pharmacy shop.

My energy suddenly was gone and became so sleepy,so I decided to come back to the Hotel.

It was very short exploration to me.

count down

I will go to Michigan from this Friday for 1 week. Sponser is Shiga Intercultural Association for Globalization.

http://www.s-i-a.or.jp/

Shiga prefecture is located in the center of Japan.Shiga has the largest lake in Japan. So that is why it is said that Shiga has been communicated with Michigan State in a friendly relationship for many years.

Shiga has many cities and towns,and most of them has a sister city in Michigan.
(But depend on the city.Sometimes they don't have a sister city in Michigan)
http://www.pref.shiga.jp/b/kokusai/koryu/shimai/shicho/index.html


My city has been communicated with Marquette city in Michigan.
Actually some Japanese who live in Higashiomi went to Marquette as a small group tour in this summer vacation.At first I had a plan to go there but I gave up because I had to take care of my children especially in Summer vacation and I had many tasks.I really want to visit Marquette someday.

I told my husband that I wanted to go to Michigan this year. Actually people who live in Higashiomi have 2 chances to go to Michigan this year. First chance was go to Marquette in July  and second chance is to go to Michigan  as big group tour in September.
After that he said to me." You can go, and  I am thinking I will go with you if it is possible".

I was very surprised to hear it. He is very quite and shy.And he is very busy business man.I was worried if he was able to take some holidays or not.But after that he started to study English during his commute.He had no confidence to use English at all. I was very happy that he made his effort to study and wanted to go with me. I could not imagine this situation.

In my case, I have been hosted some foreingers as a hostmom over 4 years.
Actually  some JCMU university students from Michigan  came to my house and stayed.
Last year, male student stayed for 3 month. He is very smart student and I enjoyed taking care of him.
I always host a guest,but I have never experience to stay with hostfamily's house in other countries before.
So it will be the 1st experience for me.  I hope that we will have a wonderful in this trip.

By the way, I usually go to an English conversation school in my city. The teacher is an American and
he originally come from Michigan.
http://decc.ca/

Yesterday I went to his class. And he gave a homework to me.
His house  is located in Ithaca ( 40 minites by car from lancing). While I will move from lancing to another city, my homework is to find his house!According to him, his house's  color is brown and go over polk road and we will see his  house  in the right side in the forest.
Can I find his home??? I hope not to become sleep in the car^^;


P.S  At  first  my daughter had a plan to go to Michigan in September.
       But she gave up to paticipate because of some reasons.
       I hope she will  stay in Michigan after she become an university student.