I also wanted to let everyone know that not only did I have a great time in Washington D.C., but I had an amazing time with my Japanese Partners in Northville.

My school district had a total of six visitors due to our two Middle School teachers, and me, the Elementary School teacher. Our six partners also enjoyed getting to know one another because they were all from different parts of Japan.

After a safe landing in Detroit, we all headed to the hotel and checked in. The ten of us grabbed a small lunch and took a tour of Detroit. We saw the Ambassador Bridge, Canada, and the Tiger's stadium. We took a lot of pictures and then headed back to Northville.

Sunday night was our big welcome dinner. All of the team members, principals, Japanese guests, translators, and the Superintendent were all present. The dinner was delicious and we were all stuffed by the end.

On Monday, the Japanese guests toured our schools and saw what each building was like. When all six visitors were at my school, we stopped into classrooms, had a tour with our school principal, and our guests go to ask questions about reading, math, and writing.

Some of the other main activities from the week included a trip to School Craft College. The have a Culinary Arts Department that is nationally ranked. We were able to tour the kitchens, classrooms, and dining room. This was an opportunity to see what a post-high school program in Culinary Arts looked like. We also were invited to have lunch and let me tell you, it was amazing! The food was fresh and well prepared.

Our team also went to the Detroit Zoo and got to see their educational facilities as well as the polar bears! We also stopped into the butterfly house for some awesome pictures.

Sugimoto and Miyajima got to visit almost all of the classrooms at Amerman. They taught lessons in origami and speaking Japanese. My school was so excited to have them and loved learning from them. They also showed our students pictures from Komatsu and what student life is like in Japan.

As the week began to come to a close we all got a little sad. We had one last final dinner to say "Thank you" and "We will miss you." The dinner was great, just like all the others.

Saturday was relaxing with a trip to the Henry Ford Museum and some light shopping. That night we all went to Gary's house for some pizza and drinks. We were all feeling a little sleepy, so we all headed home to get a good nights rest before the early flight the next day.

I am so thankful that my Japanese partners go to spend time in my home town and see what school is like in both Northville and the United States.

Enjoy the pictures below! :)

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I remember that we spent the dreamy days in Washington,D.C and Northbill.
We are looking forward to see you again in Japan.