Finally arrived! The plane trip over was smooth and uneventful, despite the fact we teachers talked and talked and shared ideas. I am sure we made th entire plane angry as we excitedly talked.

Jim Elrod's seat partner fell asleep, so he was forced to stand by the bathrooms. We all took turns and joined him for stories of teaching and stories of the first FMTP.

The hotel is very, very small. This is diffcult in terms of luggage and maneuvering. I believe I would enjoy a larger room, with at least a closet, and pay for internet connection.

The week, to date, has been challenging and educational. The Scavenger Hunt turned out to be a test of gained knowledge of Japanese and common sense. I relied somewhat on Dave Corsca who gently reminded me that I needed to venture out on my own. I appreciated him saying that. The Park was magnificent in the rain...shades of dark green alternating with shades of light green, all muted with the rain and mist. We saws a wedding and bonzai trees.

Yes, we looked and felt like lost, wet puppies, but the enjoyment was there. I happened upon Jim Elrod, again, woofling down a sausage behind a restaurant. Seems stress eating was affecting us all.

Dinner the first night was excellent, sushi! Everyone was so tired, nhowever, from the flight and bed felt wonderful.

The next days were at Tama University and interactions withg the faculty and students. Students are students all over the world. The kids performed for us, answered questions and were unfailinigly cheerful and accepting. The Aikido demonstartion was startling and exciting. I felt myself gulping air as the students performed. What a wonderful exhibition!

Tuesday we had a gentle and enjoyable tea ceremony and lunch at an Indian restaurant. I am feeling more confident in getting around this city. The program with Dr. Jones was comforting -- his dry sense of humor and apparent intellect made the session good. I want to know his exact reference to the fact that there are more "horses asses" in this world than actual horses.

The shopping tour was satisfying in that it assured me Japan has changed since l999 when I came. I see milk products like cheeses and other goods that assured me I can cook in Kushiro and not starve or become unhealthy due to excessive salt in my diet. This part of today was valuable to me and I appreciate it.

Looking forward to the reception and seeing Shirari and Koji once again.

My only criticism is that he distances walked require special shoes and special notice to many of us with arthritis and knee/foot problems. Seems many of us are buckling under the length of walking. That needs to be made clearer, in my opinion. I would have brought better walking shoes when we, like yesterday, walked close to 4 miles.

Pictures tomorrow, as I forgot my camera and have not had time to down load the pictures this evening. I am falling asleep.......

I enjoyed reading your post, but I haven`t met this Jim Elrod yet. Perhaps McElroy is the character of whom you speak. I saw him eating that sausage too. Heck of a guy, and you`re right: he tells a great story. I think this is a wonderful group. Jim