Nagomi Visit
2023-07-14
Describe your host?
My hosts were a couple who loved to travel, and to make friends from other countries. He laughed at everything in a joyful and relaxed way. She made practicing English her hobby, and not just American or UK English, but world Englishes from all over. They were warm and welcoming and I enjoyed my time with them thoroughly.
What did you talk about during your Nagomi Visit?
They taught me how to make temaki, and explained how they make their own umeshu. I talked about my experiences teaching Japanese students, and we discussed cultural differences between Japan and the USA, chiefly the difference in uncertainty avoidance. She talked about her experience volunteering at the Olympics. They told me about trips they had taken, and their plans for an upcoming trip to Cambodia. They showed me around their home. I asked them what I should be sure to see in Tokyo, and they drove me over to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building to enjoy the view from the south observatory.
Did you make any new discoveries?
Not only had I never tasted umeshu, but I had never heard of it. It tasted wonderful. And she spoke about meeting a friend from an Arab-speaking country, and how his English had completely different uncertainty avoidance from other English speakers.
What did you eat?
I ate temaki, as well as agedashidofu, a spinach salad with sesame seeds and a radish salad. Afterward, we had cherries.
What was your most memorable moment?
I think I will always remember the flavor of the umeshu.
Do you still keep in touch with your host?
It happened yesterday, but I have already corresponded with them by email and LINE. They tell me they send New Year's greetings, and we took one picture together in which they wore dragon hats so they could help me welcome in 2024.
Why did you go on a Nagomi Visit?
I learned about Nagomi visits back in 2017 and thought the idea was wonderful. I am a college professor and hope someday to bring students to Japan with me for a study away trip. If that happens, I intend to assign them to go on at least one Nagomi visit.