Ms. Walchak's Japanese Adventure

One year ago, I filled out a bunch of forms and made all sorts of promises in order to apply for a travel and study grant to Japan. Six months later, I learned that I was accepted into the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund program and now, my departure date of October 1, 2006 is finally close at hand. First, I will spend a day of orientation in San Francisco, California. Then, I and the other 199 educators who were selected from across the USA to participate in this wonderful program will fly to Tokyo. After spending a week in the city which a friend described as "New York on steroids", we will be divided into smaller groups of about twenty people. Each group will travel to a different prefecture or province. I am going to the city of Shiogama in the prefecture of Miyagi. It is a northeastern sea coastal town with a major fishing industry. I understand that there are more sushi restaurants per square foot in Shiogama than any where else in Japan.

The purpose of this trip is to learn about the Japanese educational system and culture so that international dialogue and understanding will be encouraged and strengthened. Every day will be filled with presentations and visits to all levels of schools from prekindergarten programs on up through college level institutions. We will be treated to performances of traditional Japanese theater and explore ancient shrines and temples. I will stay with a Japanese family for a weekend and spend a night at a traditional inn. Maybe I'll ride a bullet train. Hopefully I won't experience an earthquake. When I return to the United States, I am obligated to share what I learned with my students, education colleagues and greater community. So be prepared to hear me talk your ear off about Japan this and Japan that. (Really, I will try to restrain myself unless encouraged...)

For the record, I never thought that I'd have a reason, inclination or desire to blog, but this seems to be a good way to keep track of my daily activities and to communicate my thoughts as I travel about Japan. I am especially eager to stay in touch with my school community at Patrick Henry Elementary, Alexandria, Virginia. Hi, Everyone! So, besides being an actual physical journey, this trip is prompting me to explore the (new to me) virtual world of blogging, podcasting and the like. Wish me luck!

Thanks to my principal and assistant principal, Dr. Coleen Mann and Mrs. Kelly Organek and to Alexandria City Public Schools for supporting me in this wonderful adventure!