Asakura, Japan
– As the Chamber Singers enters another city, the group enters
another environment. We are still in Japan, but the two cities are
incredibly different.
By William Hoshida Special to the Dispatch
Asakura, Japan – As the Chamber Singers enters another city, the group enters another environment. We are still in Japan, but the two cities are incredibly different. Takko-machi is a very rustic, very small, rural city. Though it is small, Asakura seems to be slightly more modern and urban. Despite this difference, the people are the same. Even at midnight, the people of the Imabari suburb greet us with happy faces as they drive us home from the train station. The food still scares us, but we always manage to go to sleep with a full stomach after dinner. Rules and expectations still remain high, but we stay aware of our surroundings. Though these aspects of Japan remain the same, the home stay in Asakura differs from the home stay in Takko-machi.
The difference in the two homes has brought out mixed feelings.
“I liked Takko a lot better because they seemed to be more loving and welcoming,” said Lindsey Valadez. “In Asakura the atmosphere is so different.” The housing in Asakura has been depressing for some of the students because they miss Takko and their family from the first city. Despite this, they try to stay optimistic and hope for the best
“I hope that as I spend more time with the family in Asakura I will get closer with them … and shop,” Valadez said.
Another part of the choir finds it hard to compare the two home stays.
“I have found it difficult to compare my two experiences simply because my two experiences have been completely different.” said Nicholas Campilli. “Both homes have shown me the true meaning of kindness and hospitality.”
The families that have taken us under their roofs go out of their way to make us happy just as the Takko-machi families did. In the house that I am staying, the Ide family is extremely courteous and is sure to make my roommate and me comfortable. The two homes that I have stayed at are very different. With the Daibo Family in Takko, their house was a lot more family oriented and homey in a sense. The Ide family’s home is organized and comfy. In Takko I lived with a large family of eight as opposed to the four-member family I am now living with.
It is difficult to adjust to another family and home after bonding and becoming so close to a family that you left only days ago. In Takko-machi we got so used to our families. I felt like a brother, not a guest. It was incredible how I was able to open up with my Takko family and how close we got. Coming from such a strong bond to a new city, it is hard to gain that same friendship. Many of the group were unsure of how their new situation would work out. It is as if we are starting from scratch again only we have two families that we have left behind. Because of this, it is has been very difficult for some of us to adjust to the new families. In such situations I try not to compare because each home offers something different. It is very important to be open-minded when you are going to many different cities in a short amount of time as we are. Still it is not easy to adjust to the new environment. However, this is what many of us thought as we entered Takko-machi. As more time is spent in Asakura, I am sure I will get much closer with my family.
For me, both of my home stays have been great. I miss Takko, but I am extremely excited for this new city. I have already bonded with the family at the dinner table, in front of the TV, or in the car. The children that I am living with are very social. I can only see myself getting closer with the family. I am happy to say that it has been an encouraging experience in stay in both homes.
