the San Francisco treat...

My flights to San Francisco yesterday were perfect and I met other partipants while waiting for the flight in Chicago. Funny how you can pick the teachers out of a crowd! After arriving, we had a quick lunch, changed into our "professional" clothes and had an orientation for last minute advice. Some past participants came and shared their trips with us and we had an opportunity to ask questions about Japan. Afterward, we boarded the buses for the reception at the Japan Counsel General's house. The house was incredible and we were treated to cocktails and tasty Japanese food. They have made us feel so special and it really makes me proud to be a teacher. I think that teachers are not always recognized for their hard work and I know this experience will be so rewarding. After a good night's sleep (I had been awake for almost 24 hours!) and a breakfast buffet at the hotel, I'm now at the airport, heading to Narita Airport in Japan, but it looks like the flight is delayed. These past 2 days have been "hurry up and wait" and I'm getting anxious to finally arrive in Tokyo. Here is a picture of the Counsel General's house in San Francisco. Check out my slideshow for other pictures of Counsel General Yasumasa Nagamine, the Golden Gate Bridge from the dining room of the house, me at the airport, etc.