Send Love to Sendai.

10 days have past since we have returned to our Lion City. Most of us were busy with the uploading of our many photos on the various platforms.

For me, I sat down today, reflecting a little on the trip. I would say it was a fruitful and I'm really glad that I am one of the 100 youth ambassadors of Tohoku. Perhaps, our efforts weren't massive but I believe that we have definitely make a difference by contributing in the best way we could for Tohoku.

Should you be planning a trip to Japan in the near future, please do consider Tohoku. It is definitely safe, the people are really kind and helpful. Moreover, there are great cuisines here that you must try, such as the gyuutan (beef tongue) and also the well-liked zunda mochi. Furthermore, there are many festivals (Tanabata Festival, etc) to enjoy and great scenery (Mount Zao, etc) to take your mind away from the urban life. =))

I would not say that this is my last entry here as I believe that I will always have more to share in time to come. Signing off with this video that really touches my heart.

Enjoy!

Kinugawa 2011.

I have started to explore the land of rising sun since 19th June 2010 with my first destination as Nikko. And now, I'm back here again. Seriously loving this region of the island to bits and I'm sure I'll return to this area someday in the near future.

The above photo shows the Kinugawa river (鬼怒川). It's really really pretty! Should you wish to immerse yourself in the nature for a short break, do consider this area! :))

PS: This area is not within the Tohoku region.

Sendai Airport.

We have just visited the Sendai Airport.
The airport was damaged to some extent by the tsunami on 11th March 2011. However with much assistance given by other countries such as the United States, it has resumed it's flight services from 25th of last month.

Tanabata Festival.

It was definitely an enjoyable time viewing all these on the various streets in the Sendai area! Not forgetting the nice salted kyuuri (cucumber) I've tried. :D

Volunteer Work at Rikuzentakada.

As compared to the past through 2 days of our trip, today has been a less hectic one so far. However, I believe that it is the most meaningful of them all.

We started our day waking up at around 0530 and leaving our hotel at 0700 for the volunteer headquarters.

As there was much preparations to be done and the journey to the destination was a long one, we only managed to settle down to start our volunteer work at around 1200.

Some thoughts...
It did not take me long to realise how much damage the disaster has caused with the amont of rubbish and destroyed homes we see.
I understand that my efforts are small but I'm glad that I'm able to help.

First Experience at a Matsuri.

O ban desu! (Good evening in the Tohoku dialect)
We have just enjoyed ourselves in the Sansa Odori Festival. Here's a snap of the scene here!

We have much fun eating, watching and especially dancing away with all the friendly people here.

Till next entry!

Sendai Castle Ruins.

We were here!

This is the remains of the Sendai-Aoba castle.

And we had loads of fun taking photos with the various people!

Till next entry!

In less than a day...

We will all be on our way to Japan.

Frankly speaking, I'm feeling a little nervous about it.

Anyway, I'll try my best to update this blog as frequent as I can. Stay tuned for the latest updates and for those who are interested, I believe that the weather there is a comfortable one. (looking at the temperature now)

Till next entry!
Take care and stay safe! :))

Introduction.

After pushing the backspace key for countless times, I have decided to start this blog with a post in my way; which is to give my answers for the the 4Ws&1H.

Puzzled?

I will start off with the first W and you will soon know what is going on soon after that. :)

WHO
Who am I?
I am Xiao Hui. I am currently a full-time university student doing a part-time job in a Japanese school. And I am a participant of the Youth Tohoku Ambassador Trip 2011.

WHAT
What exactly will I be blogging about?
Much of the contents will be about my experience and thoughts throughout the trip. More importantly, the purpose of this blog is for me to share whatever I will be seeing during the trip with the world. (or at least as many people as I can)

WHEN
When is the trip?
Between 02 Aug 2011 to 09 August 2011.

WHERE
Where am I exactly heading to?
Various areas in Tohoku.

HOW
How am I going to deliver my experience and thoughts?
Though words as well as photos.

Okay, that's all for this entry.
Till next update!
Meanwhile, take care and stay safe. :)