International relationships in October

First of all, let me talk about these experiences. This month I had the opportunity to work as a interpreter, volunteer as a host family for a international student from America and volunteer as a staff member for Higashiohmi`s sister cities. While working as an interpreter for Swedish visitors,  we went to Otsu to see a Judo demonstration. The Swedish visitors were very interested in Japanese judo, and we were able to meet an previous Olympic gold medalist, Kousei Inoue, who now trains younger generations in judo. This allowed me to practice my English a lot because Inoue only spoke in Japanese and the visitors did not understand any Japanese at all. Therefore I had to translate everything that was said into English. After the demonstartion we were able to take a picture with Inoue and meet him. It was amazing.

I went to Gokashou area to see the guests from Higashiohmi`s sister cities at the Marquette city. I helped them to write calligaraphy; after which we participated in a traditional tea ceremony, where I answered any questions they had or translated anything they did not understand. Sitting in Seiza style was very difficult for them, and even though I am Japanese, I  dislike sitting in Seiza style! They said that the green tea and sweets were very delicious. I was lucky enough to be able to enjoy the tea and sweets aswell. I originally come from Kyoto so I do not know about shiga prefecture very well, but I was to understand the meaning of the Ohmishounin (merchant) even though it was explained in English.

 I was  hosting a internation student from Texas. I was  amazed because, although he is only a first year in Japanese, his progress is very good. He does not know a lot of Japanese words so I have had the pleasure of helping him to learn more vocabulary; while he has helped to teach me better English. I was able to talk about a lot of topics and my English skill is improving day by day. He spoke very quickly and at first I could not follow his conversation, but now my listening skill has improved very much and I am able to understand him. He enjoyed played shougi with my husband and I was able to cook dinner together with him. My daughter was  learning English, and he was able to help tutor her. Last night we had a Shabu Shabu party and the food was very delecious. I am sure he was able to learn about a lot of traditional Japanese rules.

Whenever I get to know new people,  I enjoy being able to learn many new things from them. Therefore I will try and volunteer to host more international students in the future.