Exchange Update

March 10th is very quickly approaching and there is still a lot to do. Well, actually - most of the big stuff is ready to go. Joe Lepley and I have exchanged hundreds (literally) of emails over the last several months getting all the details hammered out. On our end, the kids are excited, nervous and really busy. It is the end of the Japanese school year and the kids have dozens of tests and things to get through.

We have another orientation with our group tonight (Friday, Feb 27). We'll be reviewing some English with them - mostly immigration and customs, teaching them able tipping - tipping is not a common practice here, and get a few general things taken care of.

My Japanese counter-part Endo is busy getting the host families lined up for April. Its sort of odd around here because we have most of the work March done, we're starting to focus April. April should turn out to be great too. There are a few special things that are shaping up for that trip. Our hospitality group is looking into a few new things for this year, and the city has some surprises too. Should be good.

Welcome to this Blog

Greetings from Misato



For those of you who don't know me, my name is Dan Jaspersen. I am the International Relations Coordinator for Misato in Japan. I set up this little blog as a way for me to keep you informed about the happenings here in Japan. I hope that through my writings you can taste a little of the flavor that I have had the pleasure of enjoying over the last three and a half years.

Do me a favor - Tell everyone who is even remotely interesting in the Winona and Misato relationship about this blog. My goal is to add posts regularly on a variety of topics. If you or your friends have any questions you'd like to to cover here - by all means - let me know.

I look forward to sharing funny stories, culture anecdotes and all sorts of things with you.



Dan Jaspersen