Saturday 6 April 2024
Today was a very special day. We're in Kani City, which is the sister city of Redlands City, where we live. We met with members of the Kani City Elderly Welfare Division who provided us with nearly a day long of entertainment. They welcomed us, all lined up with little flags, and we were instantly presented with a sweet to eat and with a bowl of green tea, the matcha type. We were taught how to move and hold the bowl properly to drink from it.
After that, there was song and dance and insight given about some of their culture and dress. I don't have pictures (yet), but we all took part in a few folk dances dressed in special gowns that were handed out to us.
Next, we were led to the beautiful theatre (1019 seats) in the city hall (everything is under one roof, culture centre, restaurant, theatre and city hall). The theatre has a moving floor (see video). After this, we had a very enjoyable lunch, well-presented as only the Japanese can do.
The afternoon was spent learning the art of origami. We all created the well-known cranes. And last, but not least, we were shown Japanese calligraphy. We all had a go at it, and I was taught to write "cherry blossom". I seemed to have done alright because some of the ladies recognised it instantly. Phew... 😊
That part of the day came to an end after that and we left with many little presents and great memories of people who seemed to have become instant friends, even though we could not speak each other's language.
Upon returning to the hotel Kevin and I went for a walk, visited an interesting gift shop and went back to Starbucks, where we were instantly recognised by the young man who remembered us from the night before. We had again a light meal and this time I had a matcha latte (green tea) instead of my usual chai latte. The latter, as an aside, doesn't seem to be available anywhere outside New Zealand and Australia, and I like it so much...
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