October 16, 2007

Cultural Exchange in Japan

	Some of the most memorable experiences in traveling are the experiences that are unplanned, unscheduled, not written on the cruise itinerary….they just happen! You won’t find these experiences in the details of your cruise package, you won’t find them in the “things to do” section of the city maps. When you travel, you place yourself in a position that allows serendipity to participate in your itinerary. Our Japan Unveiled cruise is just the vehicle to produce this type of memorable experience, and the Port of Nagasaki is the perfect place for it all to come together.
The City and Port of Nagasaki always treat the guests on the Spirit of Oceanus as returning family. Our recent stop in this beautiful Port city was no exception. The Nishizaka Elementary School makes it point to greet us whenever they can. The school children come to the ship with letters, drawings, and handmade crafts to pass out to our guests
Their mission is twofold…to greet the foreign travelers from the Spirit of Oceanus to their city, and more importantly, to practice their english with REAL english speaking people. Each child brings their gift and hand written notes to give to a guest, the guest in turn gives the children a gift back.
Then the fun begins…the intrepid traveler asks the Childs name, what grade are you in? how old are you? The answer, in practiced perfection from the child, melts hearts, establishes a bond, and a friend is made. If you look in a dictionary for the definition of cultural exchange, it would not come close to the actual practice of cultural exchange. The thing is in the doing.
And when it’s time leave, everyone turns out, waves are shared and memories made
. Cultural Exchange….the thing is in the doing!

Posted by John Fonseca on October 16, 2007
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