So much done, it's hard to remember

Slowly writing everything I can remember so I can also look back and say “Oh I did that too!” Starting where I left off from my last blog post on day 2-  We woke up early and prepared ready to meet the rest of our pharmacy group in the lobby of the hotel. Once we were all gathered, we started our walk towards Kobe Gakuan University. As you can guess, I have become more familiar with the surrounding from the previous night’s adventure but I am glad I was able to explore it at night as I am can now see the area in a different light, or in this case the morning light, with a greater appreciation. It was a beautiful view especially when the sun is up and you can see the streets alive with cars and people walking on the sidewalks. We soon came to the University and was greeted by a kind guardsman who simply head nodded and probably knew we were coming. Entering the University grounds was an amazing sight to behold. We soon met up with Nakagawa-Sensei at one of the buildings and she showed us the pharmacy classrooms, lab rooms, and changing rooms where the students gown up before entering the sterile rooms. The rooms look very well kept and maintained, almost brand new if I didn’t know any better. After the quick tour of the rooms, Nakagawa-sensei led us to another building where we took an elevator straight to the top, awaiting us there was a surprise party! Students and KGU staff were lined up on both the left and right side clapping and welcoming us as we went through. They even decorated a large poster and had a variety of snacks and drinks laid out. After the welcome speeches were given from our Sensei and others (I honestly can’t remember all their names but they were all so kind), we took many pictures and got a chance to meet up with our penpals! It was our first time meeting them after exchanging emails before the trip. Many gifts were exchanged, I was actually surprised they had gifts for us even though we bought them gifts from Arizona. Just when I thought we had met everyone for the day, we soon headed downstairs to meet and mingle with even more KGU pharmacy students at the welcome BBQ lunch. There were so many students with open grills and buckets filled with ice and drinks, everything was so well prepared. I had the chance to get to know my penpal better as well as meet other penpals, many of whom we eventually see again throughout the week. After the BBQ, I remember going to Sanimiya station where I was the first night (imagine that) and getting a quick shopping tour with the Japanese students. I can already tell this place is going to be very popular if I am going back to it already! Time flew by faster than expected. shopping was too short, as we had to rush back to the meeting place, only to find others still delayed. Tonight was the Hanabi fireworks festival and I didn’t want to miss it. After a quick stop at the hotel to brush up, we walked around past the university and onto the harbor area where KGU was already saving us a nice spot to view the fireworks (they are always prepared, even snacks and drinks!) I got the chance to see many people in Yukatas celebrating Hanabi festival, and they really do go out all the way. The fireworks were amazing, probably the best one I’ve seen with many coordinated and time launches, cool shapes forming, lights and huge sound blasts coming from the fireworks. Fireworks started on time, when I thought the fireworks would end earlier – nope – it ends exactly on time. My second day comes to a close, from meeting students, staff and a tour of the school to a cool night of viewing the fireworks with everyone. One thing I do want to take note of- I have been sweating a lot! And it could be due to the heat and high humidity. I learned the hard way to stay hydrated and that Japanese people use their handkerchief quite a lot for these moments. Day 3 is in Nara, I’ll save that for my next blog post.