Goodbye :(

On Wednesday the Japanese group went horse riding. On Thursday they just stayed at school and did P.E. in the hall. Then Thursday night we had our school social. The theme was 'kiwiana'. Me and Miyabi went as kiwi cops. It was a really fun night. On Friday the Japanese group stayed at school and prepared for Sayonara Evening. They went to the cooking room and made some Japanese food. That night was the Sayonara Evening. It was sooo cool. There was singing, dancing, kimono's, comedy/drama, photos and speeches. The MIS kapa haka group got up on stage and helped the Japanese with some waiata - e rere taku poi, e toru nga mea, and our haka - ko wairarapa. In the weekend we went shopping in Masterton, played in the Greytown Park watched some hockey and movies, and relaxed by the fire. On Monday we all bussed up to Wellington and walked around shopping, went up the cable cars, bought souvenirs and ate. We also went to Te Papa, and Miyabi really enjoyed the squid stuff, like making your own squid. Then we waited at the airport and said our goodbyes. I almost cried. I will really miss Miyabi.

I cant wait to go to Japan and see our friends again. Ja mata-see you again!!

They're here!!! My billets name is Miyabi, she's 14, she does kendo (using bamboo swords) and enjoys rock music. On Wednesday a group of us went up and collected them from the Wellington airport, which was followed by a powhiri at school, then we went home, ate, and went to bed. On Thursday they went to Mt. Bruce. On Friday the Japanese group were supposed to go horse riding, but because of the bad weather, they just had to go farming. Miyabi enjoyed that day as she really likes animals. In the weekend I was away at a mini hockey tournament in Blenhiem, so Miyabi stayed home with Mum. they did baking, bowling, and watched some movies. On Monday they visited the Paua Shell Factory in Carterton. Miyabi bought a teddy kiwi, (white,) a paua neclace and a fern key-ring. all very NZ. Today we went to Papawai Marae and had a yummy Hungi, we taught the japanese students our haka, ko wairarapa, and some waiata. so in return they taught us 'sasa' it was very cool. I taught Miyabi how to play knuckle bones and she picked it up quite fast. This Exchange is AWESOME!