This report is a compilation of the thoughts of the team.
We felt that the schedule provided an excellent balance between business and culture . There was a good mix of busy days and relaxed days and we felt that the relaxed days were planned just when we needed them!
The vocational days were better than we had expected. We were very impressed with the level of senior contact that we were provided. The translators were a very important element of the success of our vocational days. The translators were very good and had an excellent grasp of not only common English language but also business terminology.
The Japanese food was a great experience for us. We wlll admit
that we did not like everything that we tried. However we are
glad that we were open to the experience of trying new things.
We all tried any new food that was given to us. We are thankful
that we tried many new things as we often
enjoyed foods that we were not sure that we would like. If we
had been on our own in Japan, we would likely not have experienced
such a variety of foods. We really apreciate the efforts of our
host families in introducing us to such a variety of traditional
Japanese f oods .
The foods we really liked: chanko nabe: ochazuke; sukiyaki; shabu shabu; tempura; sushi and sashimi; japanese candy (dango!); miso soup; fresh fruit (very juicy) and sweet bean soup (zenzai) .
The foods we didn't like but are glad that we tried: food that was still alive; uni; abalone; salty tea; full baby squid
Excellent, wonderful, exceptional service, very friendly and
professional staff -very accomodating with late check outs, holding
our extra luggage for the week, and opening the business centre
later than usual and on weekends. The hotel was a wonderful location
for relaxing walks to Osaka-Jo and enjoying the sakura. These
hotel stays were important for group planning for our presentations
and the farewell banquet. They allowed us to share our experiences
of the prior week with one another. It was also an important time
for having quiet reflection of the incredible experiences that
we were
enjoying.
We had nine formal club visits as a whole team. We also had some club visits on our vocational days and relaxing day, as well as informal meetings with Rotarians . This was a good balance and number with two to three per week. The meetings were well spaced. There was a good balance between visits with Osaka clubs and those in surrounding areas .
One host family per week was wonderful - it gave us a chance
to get to know the family and their area very well. We would not
have wanted fewer as it would not give us such a broad overview
of different areas of Osaka. However, Dennis felt that staying
for a longer period of time with his host
was very speciai and he is happy that he has developed a strong
relationship with them. If our stay with each family was shorter,
it would be very rushed which we felt would be more stressful.
It often took a few days to get to know the family and their styles.
With less time in a family, we would lose the special bonding
that generally developed in the last few days of each visit. We
appreciate the great gift that each family gave to us by hosting
us for a full week. Thank you.
We felt that this was a difficult question as we were quite overwhelmed with the incredible schedule and experience that we all enjoyed. Overall, we believe the exchange was a tremendous success and could only think of the following small ideas: ' .
- Kyoto, perhaps schedule in some shopping time to appreciate
the pottery and ceramics for which this area is known. If there
was a later start in the
day you could perhaps take the team to one temple in the evening
to see the lights
- at the orientation meeting, provide an overview of Osaka - include where each team member will stay for each week; introduce the trains and subway systems and provide a map of Osaka.
- include
one evening where the team goes to a location to view the lights
of Osaka at night
- one group evening with a Rotary Club - perhaps Karaoke. We did this with the tearn from Osaka and had a wonderful time . It would be nice for a future team to do with Rotarians
In all. we were overwhelmed with the tremendous planning and participation by Rotary District 2660. It was an incredible success. It was far more rewarding and memorable than we had ever imagined that it might be .
Thank you so much!