Nikenkan Version 2.0

The word “homestay” excited me because I was still caught in the experience of my own homestay in Fukuoka in May 2009. Thus when I heard that application to host was open, I decided to sign up. I became doubly excited when Naho, my host in Fukuoka, told me through facebook that she is one of the participants for the upcoming homestay program. I had promised her that should she ever come to Singapore, I would host her. To my delight, I was granted this request and in no time the five of them had arrived in Singapore.

 It could not have been any more coincidental. I started to run a fever the same night the five Japanese arrived. The fever did not want to go away and soon came the other symptoms (of flu). I was upset at myself for being sick, not being able to spend the first two days with them. I also had to inconvenience a few others to bring her out or fetch her home. Well at least to Naho’s advantage, she had my whole room to herself!

I think I rested enough, I became better on the third day and I finally went out with them at night to the Night Safari. That was when I started to get to know the other four Japanese better. However, language barrier was another problem for me. My LAJ1 standard of Japanese is definitely not enough to converse with them. Apart from Naho, the rest could not really speak English well. Watching the rest talking to them in fluent Japanese made me a little envious. Well at the end, I only found myself saying a few standard things such as “are you hungry”, ”are you tired” and “are you alright?” It’s a good thing I had many translators with me.

Well apart from the whole unable to talk much thing, I did enjoy going out with them. Taking them shopping, letting them try all kinds of local delicacies and basically touring Singapore in three days with them. Along the way I learnt a few more Japanese words to use! This homestay did motivate me to want to learn more Japanese. Maybe the next time I see time, if there is, I might be able to speak more than those few pathetic phrases I know now. Oh yes, I cannot forget about the new (Singaporean) friends made and the stronger friendships forged between old ones

Some photos to share!

 

 Camelita

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Despite having such a busy schedule in school, I did not regret being one of the hosts for the Japanese students from Kyushu University. Over this period of time, friendships were made, my family got to interact more with the Japanese and find out more about Fukuoka. Sad to say, it was a rather short event but I think everyone including both the Singaporeans and Japanese enjoyed themselves.

Upon the arrival of the Japanese students, we suggested several activities for them to choose on certain nights. Many of them actually didn’t experience clubbing in Fukuoka due to various reasons; hence they were very excited about it. We had decided to bring them there and it was a refreshing experience for them.

It was a night when everyone let their hair down and party the night away.

The very following day, we went to Sentosa for some ball games and activities. Everyone was really sporty and the overall mood didn’t dampen despite it was raining.

Sad to say it was soon time for them to leave. Despite such a short time, close friendship ties were formed and it was sad that they had to leave. It was a rather emotional scene.

 Although I didn’t go with my guest Akihiro to many places, we chatted over the night and we were comfortable with each other presence. He wrote a piece of letter in English to show his appreciation and my Mom was very touched by it. It was a great experience for both myself and my family.

Alden

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The week-long homestay was short, but extremely fun. Even though I was unable to accompany the Japanese students on many of their activities during the week, I immensely enjoyed all the activities I attended.

Hiking on the first morning after they arrived was definitely memorable. In spite of having to walk uphill in the heat, it provided us with a good opportunity to chat and know each other better. We all became considerably closer after the hike.

Saturday night, which was spent clubbing, was fun as well. It was not only a first experience for the Japanese students, but also for many of us as well (me included). The tiring hike in the morning did not stop us from going home at 2am in the morning, although it is considered early for clubbing.

The activities on Sunday started late, in consideration for the events of the previous night. After a delicious lunch at Vivo City, where we discovered the 3 Japanese girls were really good at eating spicy food, they went to Sentosa and had an enjoyable day playing on the beach.

Skipping ahead to Wednesday, the last day before the students were due to leave Singapore, everyone was a little sad but still had a fun time at the chalet. Dinner was barbecue, and after dinner we mingled around, played some small games, and basically enjoyed each other’s company before we had to be separated.

The farewell at the airport the next morning was rather emotional. Mari-san cried when she hugged me for the last time before entering the Departure gate, and I was very touched. Although I was unable to go with her to many places, we chatted with each other at night and were really comfortable with each other. If we are from the same place we would have become close friends. I hope next year, I will have the chance to go to Japan and meet Mari-san and the other Japanese students again.

Xiaowen

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