Was wondering if you'd chime in with that, Todd....:)

Nice SD reference, Paul. ;)

Very cool.

Just totally cool. Please post more of his email. And thank him for his future service.

He is in the Ishikawa Prefecture, right near the Sea of Japan. He has written that it is about a ten minute run to the beach.


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Not much email trafffic other than a few happy reports. He did send his mom this birthday email:

Mother,

Sorry I'm not home to wish you happy birthday. But I just want to let you know that I love you, and thanks for being a kick ass mother.

Jack

He is a minimalist:cool:

The father of his host family is a Kendo Master, as I mentioned. He has invited Jack to his lessons and Jack has been attending nearly ever day. Some pics:

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In this case, it is better to receive than give...not sure if this is Jack getting one on the noodle but he no doubt did. He said that Kendo in Japan was a bit more "serious".

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The family farms. I think the lady on the left is the mayor of the town he is in. The gentleman on the right the grandfather.

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used to get my bell rung..
got pretty good at ringing the bell of others ..
it's my favorite discipline..

to have this chance..
left nut..seriously..

Rika

You must be very proud and I'm a bit envious.

My kids are generally great but they didn't show any interest when they had the same opportunity in high school.
The high school they attended has a sister school in Japan with an exchange program.

God knows I encouraged them but it was a bit too hard.

Yes you must be very proud, Dad.....thanks for sharing and please continue to as appropriate.

Bit of an update. All is going very well. He has had the opportunity to travel a bit and this past weekend was his first unescorted trip.

He wrote in part:

Got back from Kyoto yesterday, had a fantastic weekend. We went to the temples during the day and then walked around the Gion District (Kyoto Travel: Gion). I happened to see the geishas by the river at night: Something I will remember for the rest of my life. Last week in Japan!

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Very cool, Paul. You've done a great job raising the boy.

Sounds like a fantastic trip. I'm jealous!

My son and I were watching part of Karate Kid 2 last night. He commented about how much he liked the landscape in Japan and would love to visit that place. I'll be sure and show him this thread.

Great stuff and a fantastic trip for Jack.

Last installment.

Jack got home late last night. I picked him up at Dulles and decided to stay at home today and have some time with he and his sister.

He had a great trip, fell in love with Japan. He was especially grateful to his host family, who wrote an amazing email to me which I won't share since they may not want me to.

There was this on his Facebook page from one of the instructors at the institute where he was studying:

Glad you came(*´∀｀)
I've become a big fan of you guys, VMI!!!
Thank you so much for everthing.
Actually, I'm not good at English, but you tried to make me understand together and understand my poor English.
I do appreciate your asking me and getting along with me.
Special thanks to your hospitality.
You gave me a motivation to study English hard.
I don't know how much I can improve my English, but I'll try.
Thank you very much, all!!!
Miss you soooo much!!!
I hope we can meet up again someday♪
Have a safe flight to your home.

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Being polite and funny works every time. This was his first big, solo, trip so it was interesting to hear his perspectives. The one highlight he shared that makes me smile is that the Grandfather of his host family took Jack for beers a few times with his 17 year old grandson...to this local bar and made sure everyone knew what a good young man Jack-san was.

To be 18 again loose on the world with a good attitude, smarts and a smile.

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I enjoyed your update on Jack's excellent adventures in Japan.

I'd settle for just being 18 again. ;) :D

Paul, Thanks for sharing all this. What a wonderful experience for your son (and you)! I can only imagine how proud you must be!

My 48 year old son had a similar experience in the Soviet Union during his 18th year, and I remember how proud I was then (and still am)!

Keep up the good work!

Best,
Tom

Fantastic. Thanks for sharing.

Ive been fortunate to travel to many places in my life so far (not yet 40). Out of everywhere, Japan was simply sublime. Not speaking an ounce of the language, I found it very easy to get around. The people were very welcoming.....I really felt like a member of the global community, vs 'just' being an American. It made a lasting impression.

This is the type of stuff more kids/young adults need to do in their lifetime IMHO. It will forever influence their life, and their perspective

Paul, Thanks for sharing all of this - you have a lot to proud of.

Have a great 4th - and give the pooches a head scritch from my girls!

Great pics. Spent time in Kyoto. Got as far east as an area s. of Fujiyama and as far west as Himeji.
It's a beautiful and complex place, and despite the population still feels mostly like countryside.

FWIW, the Eurorail has limitless monthly sleeper passes for those under 25.
Sleep nights on the train and sightsee during the day.
Plan a few nights in youth hostels in bigger towns.