Chapter #8: 浜田市 (Hamada City)

島根県 (Shimane Prefecture) | Days: 19-23

島根大学 (The University of Shimane)

"It's just like the U.N!"

"「ハリーさん、これは先生ですか？」"

大田高等学校 (Oda High School)

"It's just like anime!"

"I already miss my homestay family dearly. Thanks to them, I'm no longer a mere spectator of Japanese culture... I was truly part of it <3"

My time in Shimane... Where do I even begin? I loved absolutely every moment of it. Which for those who know me, would find rather difficult to believe (myself included). There was something profoundly different about my experiences here. As I mentioned in a quote above, I truly did become part of a Japanese family and for a few blessed days, lived a real Japanese life.

大田小学校 (Oda Primary School)

"My Grade 3 Class has their lives together better than I ever will. They eat better too!"

Of the many things I learned here some of the most amazing include just how independent the school children are and from such a young age! The kids in my grade three class were not only respectful, but responsible too! The teacher appeared to play a minor role in the organisation and running of the class with the kids themselves taking care of themselves. A prime example of this would be when the lunch bell rang and they began donning adorably hygienic chef-like clothing, fetching industrial catering gear, and then proceeding to serve one of the most delicious and nutritionally-balanced meals I had on tour. If that doesn't blow your mind, you should've seen them clean up and brush their teeth afterwards! I'm not even kidding when I say that I remain in complete awe to this very day having witnessed these kids with their lives together far better than I'll ever be able to. Truly inspiring.

I wish I could continue writing but I've blown my word-limit yet again.
Oh, what the hell...

I MISS SHIMANE, I MISS MY HOMESTAY FAMILY, I MISS MY GRADE THREE CLASS (WHO KIDNAPPED ME) AND PERHAPS MOST OF ALL, I MISS...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei_pAGNOssA

Until next time,
- Harry