Thong
My home visit to the Nakamura household was a very enjoyable experience. Upon meeting them I found that the parents did not speak much English at all, which gave me the opportunity to put my Japanese skills to the test. Fortunately, I was able to understand what they were saying. I've never spoken Japanese that much before so it was a great experience for me. Our first stop after introductions was to the mall to buy ingredients for dinner. At the mall there was a bamboo tree where we could write a wish on a piece of paper and hang it up. So I wrote a wish myself and tied it on the tree. (I hope my wish comes true).
After the mall we went straight to the Nakamura house. Upon arrival, I was given this (above) letter by the children. They also showed me another welcoming message they wrote in chalk on the driveway. The warm welcome I received was great, but unfortunately, I didn't have my camera with me, so I couldn't take any pictures.
At the house I was introduced to their dog, and quickly befriended him. I then had a longer conversation with Mrs Nakamura and played some games with the children. Before that point, I thought that they had only started learning English less than a year ago. So it really surprised me when they explained to me the rules of the games they wanted to play in almost perfect English. After that I was given the chance to write some kanji using a paintbrush. However, I left what I had written at their house, and was really disappointed when I found that out. Later, we prepared for dinner, which was Gyouza. I love cooking, so I had a lot of fun folding the pastry with the family.¬ After dinner, I played some more games with the children before it was time to say goodbye and head back.
Overall, I really loved my time with the Nakamura household. Although my Japanese speaking skills are quite bad and impolite, they were very patient with me. I wish I could have stayed longer, but the day only last so long. I hope that we can continue being friends in the future.
Created: June 29, 2013 / Last modified:January 9, 2014
