1983 School Magazine

NVTFR.ESSIOhIS OF JAPAN Nippon - an enchanting country whose heart is warm and whose character is a fascinating blend of the old and new traditions and technology. When I left Brisbane on 22nd June with other students from B.G.G.S., I knew that my trip would be an enjoyable, stimulating experience and that I would make many new friends and come home with beautiful memories. But I wasn't prepared for the people of the country, who are the real soul of Japan. They are gracious and friendly, kind and generous. A race who are alike, yet so different to us. My very first impression was when we arrived at Tokyo airport, where hordes of Japanese people (WITH SMILING FACES???) talking and laughing, r.glated such a happy atmosphere that it immediately made Japan feel Iike a second home. During my three homestays - in Kobe, Himeji and Nagoya, my hosts welcomed me as a m€mber of their family. It was through them that I experienced the real Japan, and I am so grateful that we had this opportunity. It is the only way to know the country, the people, and the customs. But the impressions I gained were not only through my hosts, but from perfect strangers during our sightseeing trips. When we were visiting Kyoto's Kiyomizu Temple, a Japanese school group were on a day trip there also. I was looking at the breathtaking view from the Temple when I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder. I turned around to be greeted by a chorus of "HERRO" from a group of very cute and sweet Japanese schoolgirls. Naturally I took this opportunity to speak in their language. They were surprise to hear a foreigner speaking Japanese and replied: "HAAAH . . . HAA,H". I was even more surprised and please. later when we left, to hear another chorus of: "SEERA. . . EYE BYE'" "BYE NARA". The funniest yet most embarrassing incident was later that night. After a long day's sightseeing (our first day in Japan), we had finished our meal of sukiyaki and I was very tired. My Kobe hosts could see this, and asked whether I would like to "TAKE A. BUS" !!! Wanting to be polite, I asked "DOKI NI" (where to?). I knew tr had misunderstood when they all laughed, and my face was red with embarrassment when they explained they meant a "BATH". .nota"BLJS". When visiting our sister school in Nagoya, I was asked to be on a live TV programme called "Love Messages". We were asked whether we had ever confessed love to a

boy before. This was a shock until I realised that the host was comparing teenage relationships between Australian and Japanese boys and girls. We had gone to the TV Station expecting to be interviewed on our impressions of Japan - but instead were confronted with this!!! Therefore I returned to Australia with wonderful impressions, as well as some very amusing experiences. As a schoolgirl, Japan came alive to me in a more vivid way . because I am young and see things differently compared to an adult. In Japan I learnt this new phrase, which I said on leaving all my new-found friends "MATA OAISHIMASI:IOO" (Let's meet again sometime). Sarah Curtis, aged 14 (7th August, 1983. 12th Annual Japanese Speaking Contest, Bardon Frofessional Centre - sponsored by the Brisbane Japanese Consul-General)