Activity Report

2020.03.19

Anastasiia Cherkashina

Kazan Federal University


Cultural Exchange Program

It was an amazing trip that made it possible to fully experience the atmosphere of Japan. We plunged into it from the very first day, this country has fallen in love with us. 
When we arrived in Tokyo and saw this gigantic city, I just lost the power of speech. Do you know that feeling when among the huge buildings you feel like a little ant? I now yes. Tokyo shrouded us with its veil and did not want to let go. It was very interesting to be in this city. During the day, life went on as usual, and in the evening chaos began, the city glittered, and this brilliance blinded. I did not want to leave this realm of lights, but the next morning we had to go to Kanazawa. 
From Tokyo to Kanazawa you can get on the high-speed train, which we actually did. It was also interesting. Not only did this train fly through space, tearing up the clouds, it was also amazing for its beauty: the large houses were replaced by traditional village ones, and the rice fields - by mountains. 

When we arrived in Kanazawa, Lin Tang (project manager) met us and sent us to check in to the hotel. Looking out the window of the bus, I thought that Kanazawa was a small, modest town, which I could not remember in any way, but how wrong I was. After settling, we had to spend 7 days in this city, and you know, it was an interesting experience. Every day we visited couples, and after them we talked with Japanese students. From the lessons we learned a lot of new and interesting things about the features of Japan, and with the help of our Japanese colleagues we were able to dive into them. Did not have to miss! After Kanazawa, we had to spend three days in the village. At first, this idea did not make me happy, but when we arrived at the place, I fell in love ... with nature, life, traditions, people. The Wada family (the host) accepted us as their children. Every day he dedicated us to the valiant guardians of the cultural heritage of Gokayama. This is how our days went: we got up, made our beds, had breakfast and went to work. After that, lunch, excursion and dinner with entertainment. The days spent visiting Wada were very fast. We learned a lot of new, cool experience.After that we went to Shiramine and lived there for 4 days. During these days we visited a kindergarten, a nursing home, a silk factory and even went to Hakusan mountain! But the most memorable event is the festival, where we managed to be real Japanese. 
When the time ended in Shiramine, we returned to Kanazawa. There we walked with our new friends, preparing for parting with this beautiful country. The next morning we went to Tokyo, then to Narita and home. 
I didn’t want to say goodbye to those people who have become a real family for us in such a short time. I fell in love with Japan! Thanks to the organizers, teachers, guys for a wonderful experience! If it were not for you, I would never know that the heat of the house can be felt far from the home.

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