Japanese Capstone Blog 2022: March 17th
March 17th, By Niki
Day 4!
Waking up to the honking sounds of the St. Patrick’s bagpipes was certainly unexpected!
After powering up with a sugary breakfast, we made our way to the Japanese Cultural Center. While much of the exhibits were still closed due to COVID, we learned about the WWII internment camps here in Hawaii.
International School of Portland of Portland banner is held in front of the replica gate to Honolulu’s sister city of Hiroshima. The site is an unassuming triangular block flanked by a Burger King and a Natural Grocery Store. Many years ago, this was ‘Japan Town’. The drug store parking lot that we look upon was a former sumo wrestling ring!
Also on this site, a volcanic rock, per Hawaiian tradition, is placed as a tribute. This one commemorates the 75th anniversary of the atomic bomb dropped upon Hiroshima.
Refueling with cold refreshments from the Japanese grocery store. Honolulu has incredible Japanese food– very delicious and high quality!
A moment of calm inside the Buddihst Temple. We learn about the deeper meaning behind the word ‘Arigatou’ – a combination of the two words or ideas: to exist, or being; and rare, precious or difficult. When we give thanks, there are many things that came together to allow that moment to happen. We give thanks for this Capstone trip!
We end our day of touring with a relaxing trip to the University of Hawaii for a ‘Forest Bathing’ experience with a local guide. Using all our senses, we fully experienced the natural beauty around us.