The New Adventure School Freshman Program hit full swing in mid-April 2008.　Participating trainers share their stories on the front page.

熱海の花火

I had been heavily advertising my trip to Atami for the fireworks to all the Kenshusei at Gotemba Kogen for about a week in advance. So it comes as no surprise that I was quite disappointed to be stood waiting for the bus to have just one Freshman (Yoichi) waiting expectantly. That did very little to stop my enjoyment of the event however.

　

We arrived in Atami pretty early and wandered around the bayside soaking up the atmosphere and looking for somewhere to eat. We eventually settled on a tiny little Korean restaurant and Yoichi set about ordering us a nice selection of food all for 1000 yen each. Needless to say we were pretty stuffed by the time the Fireworks were due. After our meal we were lucky to meet up with a couple more Freshers and John Freeman’s group, who had been out visiting Shimoda, thus improving the atmosphere for us.

The fireworks themselves were pretty incredible, much better than any I’d ever seen in the UK and certainly made up for all the effort even though they lasted just 15 minutes. I will definitely be making a return trip to see them again in the summer. If anybody else would like to check them out then here is the link to find out future dates. www.ataminews.gr.jp/hanabi

by Joe

The Word

“Adults have lost a quality; this child-like wonder and curiosity. It’s important to never stop asking ‘Why?’ "　

On karaoke with Returnees– “I found they were more boisterous. I was happy to see that they were not shy to speak English in front of each other and were including the trainers in the conversation as well."

On the Kenshusei - “They are much shier than the returnees, who are quite willing to talk. “ Conversations with the new participants were held over popular games, such as: Rummy 500 and Tantrix, a Kiwi game . Interested? Table-top game aficionados: Check it out on-line!

by Christine and Michael

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Interview with a...HOBBIT?

April in Japan has traditionally been a month of change: new faces at welcome parties, new projects and relocations. FIA too has been moving and shaking as Seibu and Tobu mix it up. The editors wish every one the very best at their new locations. We will also be saying our farewells to departing trainers in the near future. Well-wishers, please feel free to express yourselves and prepare something for the next newsletter.　In the spirit of change and new ideas, Chris McLain gets personal and tells Karen a bit about himself.

**Disclaimer**
Read at your own risk... those that fear orcs, Nazgul, or anything else unusual would be best to stay in your little hobbit hole and not read this... But if you are one of those ‘indecent’ types of hobbits and like adventures then read on…

I had opportunity to chat briefly with FIA’s newest trainer, Chris McLain, now in Shimada and ask some of the usual ‘interview’ questions … funnily enough though, he seemed to be a little preoccupied throughout the interview; was wearing some amazing shoes – that looked like feet and this cloak-type thing, even though I wouldn't say it was cold … and this green hat …

- so where do you call home & what’s your hometown like ..

That depends on which hometown... I moved around more than Bilbo with a hobbit hole full of guests… but the one my father lives in now is full of drunks and rather boring... and my mother lives in a small city that is just as boring… (Both in Indiana)

- been in Japan long ?

About as long as it took Frodo to take care of the ring… That is to say a little over a year... but my heart has been here, as long as the Valar have existed.

- I have to ask it!,J -- ‘What’s your fav. Japanese food?’

hmmm it would seem... much like Gollum I like my fish raw... maybe not wriggling though... So definitely a favorite would be sushi or sashimi. I also really like Okonomiyaki... Though deer sashimi isn't bad either :)

- and the conversation turns (strangely enough!) to drinks... what’s your poison, - do you have a poison ?!

Although not as deadly as Shelob’s venom… I would have to say my main poison is Royal Milk Tea (the blue label one from Kirin...) I swear they put some drug in it... and as many already know... I have a fondness for Umeshu.

- so after the staff meeting & meeting a few more people, what’s your impression of FIA then ...

While not as pleasant as dancing with the Elves of Rivendell in the moonlight… FIA seems to be a good place to work… and the meeting was definitely more pleasant then a day with the Nazgul…

by Karen

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"Quote/Unquote"

A few memorable (-or forgettable.!?) comments from Chris McLain's Welcome party at Kushitokyu, Shimada (April 11). The welcomers included: Lani, Chris, Brian B, Brian W, Kinsella, Joe, Andy, Cat, Karen.

NOTE: Due to the festive nature of the event, the (anonymous) author cannot be held responsible (or liable) for any misquotes or whatever that may have occurred. J peace.

_______________ "What is sobriety anyway?"

_______________ "...you're not Joe!"

_______________ "-when does the lovn' begin..!"

_______________ "I've been to all the restaurants in Shimada, but not many in Shizuoka."

_______________ "if you're good, then you learn the table.."

_______________ "...where's my salad?!"

_______________ "a British guidebook said people have 11ses, high-tea, dinner and supper...! what a load of !#&*@"

_______________ "I never knew British people were descended from hobbits."

Tenryu's Hidden Treasure:

Representing Japan in the landscape gardening competition at the 39th World Skills Competition held in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan last November, 20 year-olds Akimasa Saotome and Kumina Watanabe, both employees of Kosugi Zoen Co. Ltd. in Tokyo, did their homeland proud, coming away with Japan's very first gold medal in this category. One factor in their victory was the use of "Eco-pumice" "Super Sol" gardening material produced from recycled discarded glass by Yazaki, a cooperating sponsor of the landscape gardening competition.

After many requests to preserve their brilliant work, Mr. Saotome and Ms. Watanabe agreed to recreate their gold medal masterpiece in a corner of Tenryu Factory. If you have a chance to drop by our factory, don't miss seeing our world class competition winning garden!

by Brian W.

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Something to look for in May

• English Camp in Gotemba - Runs from April 27 to May 2nd.
• "Kite fighting" Festival, Nkatajima dunes, Humamatsu - May 3rd and 4th.
• Kodomo-no-hi or "Children's Day", May 5th
• Check out the koinobori at any river near you.
• Shimoda Black Ship festival, Shimoda city May 17th and 18th.

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Thanks to all of you who contributed this month. For those of you who didn't, there is always next month. You know where we can be reached, same bat-time, same-bat-channel, as every month:

 

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