Farewells

Today is the final day of our program. I am very proud of our delegation as they really lived up to being Student Ambassadors. All delegates surpassed expectations and traveled like veterans. No medical needs, behavior concerns, or any issues whatsoever.

Our delegation was blessed with a local guide (Delegation Manager) who was experienced, courteous, and willing to help beyond the level of expectation. The leaders were there working collaboratively 100% to see that all elements of the program came off without a hitch.

It is early morning and all flights are scheduled "On Time."

This will most likely be the final chapter of the Blog. It has been a joy to share the experience with all who chose to follow along. I'm very proud of the delegates, and would travel anywhere in the world with any one of them.

See you soon,
John Hewitt

Zoom'n across Japan

Hello, John Hewitt here.

Today, July 16th, was a day of transportation and reflection. The delegation started off with a short bus ride. We swapped modes of transportation at Toyota City, near the home of Ichiro of the Seattle Mariners. The bullet train lived up to its reputation: on time, quick station stop, and smooth sailing for 2.5 hrs. We arrived in Hiroshima and a city guide by the name of Enime gave us all a living history lesson. At 8:15 AM, August 6th, 1945 the city stopped. It was a bussling port with families going about their business. Amid air raid signals and all-clear signals, the atom bomb was dropped, ending 350,000 lives instantly and prolonging pain for another 150,000 for years to follow.

The students toured Peace Park, and island where ground zero occured. Numerous memorials fill the gardens, but the Peace Bell and a display of origami cranes are a focal point. We added our own chain of cranes to the multitude. A self-guided tour of the Peace Memorial Museum brought many to tears and made the mission of People to People Student Ambassadors a living testimony.

Half of the delegation ventured beyond the hotel with 2 leaders to the neighboring bustling train station. The bright neon lights and every-moving bodies mezmorized the learning visitors. A quick pop into the ever-familair Mc'Ds always brings a smile. Menu offerings amuse and either soothe longings for familiar tastes or challenge others to try new items. I had the Shaka Shaka Chicken.

The delegates know the end is near with only 2 more nights followed by a couple of long flights.

They are doing great and you'd be very proud of your ambassadors.