Saturday, June 28, 2008

Day Eighteen

DAY EIGHTEEN (06/25/08, 9:30pm)

Today, each of the ten city groups gave a fifteen-minute presentation about their experiences in their various cities. Some were funny, imitating kyogen characters or singing humorous songs. Others were poignant, sharing favorite memories and conveying how bonded they had become as a group. Some presentations incorporated video, photography, and music in flashy, professional-looking programs. One group even performed dynamic pantomimes or moving sculptures that portrayed significant moments of their trip. I loved learning about each group’s unique week, all of which overlapped in many respects but were also very different. I feel especially lucky to have been placed in a more rural setting with mountains, beaches, hot springs, and dozens of sacred shrines and temples.

When the presentations were all over and we had filled out all necessary forms, Karen and I went on another long walk together.

Conversation flowed naturally as we made our way through Akasaka, Roppongi, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Harajuku. Just as we reached a huge park in Harajuku, we realized that we needed to head back in order to be on time for the Sayonara Buffet.

We hopped on a subway and returned with just enough time to freshen up, change into more formal clothing, and join our fellow JFMFers for one last meal together.

The Sayonara Buffet included speeches, a toast, a delicious dinner, a video clip including highlights from each city group, an aikido demonstration, and a final song together: Auld Lang Syne.

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