We have just finished exploring the caves. We dove into the rolling hills
and explored the caves of Akiyoshi.

The running river, the cool damp air, the beauty that nature created over
the millennia is so beautiful. Nature is the most wonderful artist.

We are now walking outside looking forward to having lunch at a soba
restaurant. For students that have allergies, they will be served udon.

Which do you like, udon or soba?



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We are making a short hike to Mt Wakatake.
We are so fortunate to have perfect hiking weather.

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Today’s main event is Akiyoshi-dai in Yamaguchi.

We are now at Akiyoshidai. We did a short hike to Mt Wakatake to enjoy a
lovely outdoor view of the area. Not many places in Osaka have a 360˚ view
of the landscape; it is so beautiful.


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We are now heading towards Akiyoshidai by bus.
The lovely food provided by Umenoya had been made by local Yamaguchi
farmers.
The tea has been prepared by the teachers early this morning.
The students just follow the plan and move forward without realizing all
the work that is happening around them - and that is fine, their main
priority is to learn.


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Allow me time to explain the 4 different meals here.
Hindi meals have no beef or beef products.
Halal meals must have meat that is prepared a special way starting from the
slaughtering of the animal. But, it will never include any pork or pork
materials. As the restaurants cannot provide these special meats, the
Halal meals will be made with vegetables and seafood.
Vegetarian meals have no fish, meat, or products made of these things with
protein provided by beans and tofu.
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After a hearty breakfast, we will start our day.

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The students slept well and were quiet all night so everyone is rested for
a full day of activities.

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After a long day, and a hot bath, all the students are fast asleep.
Here are some photos of the mens large bath and outdoor bath.

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While some take baths, others are waiting for their turn to shop or bath.

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After dinner, students are going shopping and taking baths.
Hindi Meal
Muslim Meal
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Students are kept in smaller group - some students are shopping while
others are taking a bath.
All the student are buying boxes of momiji manju - I hope the parents like
them.


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The Umenoya Hotel provided wonderful meals for everyone. So many students
said the meal was delicious.
These are some photos of the meals provided.
Secular Meal
Vegetarian Meal
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After a long day in Hiroshima, we arrived in our hotel in
Yamaguchi(Yamaguchi City in Yamaguchi Prefecture). We could only enjoy the
views of the prefecture from the bus and tomorrow will be our first
opportunity to explore.

When we arrived at the hotel, we had some light rain (I’m the rainmaker,
sorry) so the arrival ceremony was a small one with only the class
representatives participating.



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After a full day of the wonderful Peace Park and Memorial Museum, we are
taking leave to head toward Yamaguchi.

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We are now exploring the Peace Park’s memorial sites dotted along the
park. We were very fortunate to have volunteer guides to teach us about
the important sites and as well the history of the park. Thank you so
much to all the wonderful Hiroshima volunteers.



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