What a day! We began by visiting the City Hall of Mihara, where the superintendent and Board of Education treated us to a very full morning. We were provided entertainment by some women who played traditional Japanese instruments (sinobue- a type of traditional flute [Reiko-san pronounces it "fruit"] and koto- a long, canoe-shaped stringed instrument that you play by plucking the strings). We were then given a chance to attempt to play the instruments...my 7th grade flute skills proved mighty useful; who knew I was a natural at Japanese traditional flute? Afterwards, we had welcome speeches from the superintendent and others, then we intriduced ourselves in Japanese and all the Japanese introduced themselves to us in English. After the welcome ceremony, we were treated to a traditional tea ceremony, which is what Sue, David, Craig ["Claig"], and are are getting ready for in this picture.