We visited a immense Buddhist temple today called Asakusa Kannon. It is Tokyo's largest Buddhist temple and was built in 1649. It was very moving to witness Buddhist rituals as people made offerings, cleansed and drank from fountains, and lit incense.

"According to a 1996 report, about 194,000,000 Japanese are members of both religions, about 54% more than the total population of Japan. Apparent by these numbers, Shinto and Buddhism are not in conflict with each other but exist peacefully together."

From: "Japan's Religions and Philosphy."10.14.2008

The distance between Houston and San Francisco is 1608 miles. From San Francisco to Tokyo, Japan, the distance is 5134 miles. How many miles from Houston have I traveled?

We flew over the Pacific Ocean and crossed the International Date Line, which is 180 degrees longitude. Crossing the International Date line traveling east results in a day or 24 hours being subtracted, and crossing west results in a day being added.

Tokyo, Japan is 14 hours ahead in time from Houston, Texas. It is night time in Tokyo when it is daytime in Houston. If it is 11:00pm in Tokyo, what time is it in Houston?

The photos above were on the movie screen on the airplane seatback in front of me!

San Francisco

We spent our first day in San Francisco at orientation meetings before we leave Monday for Tokyo. The Consul General of Japan hosted a welcome reception at his beautiful home overlooking the San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz Island.

This is the 12th JFMF cohort and sadly, the last one the Japanese government will fund because of budgetary concerns. The program was only intended to last 5 years, and was extended to 12 years. I feel especially privileged to be one of the select few to make this last JFMF journey!

Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program

I am THRILLED to be visiting Japan--I will arrive in Tokyo very late Monday October 13th after a long 10 hour flight. I plan to post photos and information throughout my travels so stay tuned!

Here's a little information about the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program:

"The Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program (JFMF) provides U.S. primary and secondary school teachers and administrators with the opportunity to participate in three-week study visits to Japan and to return home with a follow-on plan designed to introduce Japanese culture to American students. The JFMF Program features an orientation to Japan followed by visits to primary and secondary schools, teacher training colleges, cultural sites, and industrial facilities. Meetings with Japanese teachers and students and a home stay with a Japanese family are also key components of the program. Participants return home to share their new knowledge with students, colleagues, and the local community. "