From Niigata City to Tainai – October 22

We were guests at Niigata University this morning in Niigata City in the Niigata Prefecture (like our states). We met with the President of the university and then had discussion and questions with faculty and students of the School of Education.

Before we left for Tainai City, we had a quick stop at the Sea of Japan. It was a beautiful fall day and the sea was surprisingly warm with very soft sand. Tainai City is about an hour drive from Niigata and the area is full of rice paddies and other agriculture. The rice has already been harvested but there are lots of other fruits and vegetables still in fields. We stopped at a 300+ year old Buddhist Shrine called Oppojii before we arrived in Tainai City.

Our first stop was at the City Government Building where we were to meet with the mayor and other city officials. Imagine our surprised delight when all the city workers cheered and applauded our group as we entered the building! We learned a lot about the small city of Tainai (pop. 30,000) during this visit including the fact that the Royal Tainai Park Hotel where we are staying is owned by the city.

Our arrival at the resort was filled with marvel at the beauty and elegance of the hotel both inside and out. My room not only has two western style beds but also has an alcove that is Japanese style complete with tatami mats, tea table, etc. I can’t imagine that the other 180 teachers scattered about 9 other prefectures could possibly have it as good as we do. We are awed and honored!

Sayonara!

10/24/2007 : view on map : permalink : add a comment