Hello Reader!
I would like to introduce you to one of the wonderful Lions Club that accepted me into their beautiful country, Toride Chuo Lions Club in Ibaraki Prefecture.
They’re so amazing that they threw me a welcome party in honor of my arrival. I felt so cool and important. Not only did they throw me a welcome party, they even gave me presents (I don’t want to take pictures of the presents because I want to preserve the beauty of the packaging as much as possible).
But to give you a little insight of the presents (literally the beautifulest presents I’ve seen in my life): a Japanese fan that is scented with a Japanese oil, a bag, a handkerchief with my birth year animal (tiger), a towel with my birth year animal, Hello Kitty pens, and a giant banner that says “Welcome Ms. Katelyn Ann Ignacio Bautista” (picture below).
An overview of the party was the president (kaichou) welcomed me, everyone ate, I gave a speech saying my gratitude, messed up on a the dinner initiation and dinner commencement, talked here and there, tried some type of Japanese sake but it had 0.00% alcohol (I was quite confused how that worked) and ended with a picture.
Things I messed up at:
Initiation: I said “kanpai” (cheers) instead of “we serve”
Commencement: I said “dinner end” instead of saying “yu-uu” and clapping
(Both were very embarrassing, but I think they found it amusing…hopefully)
Side note: #1 When I say “talked here and there” it was mostly me listening to Japanese and not know what was being said to me except for some occasions (because Sayaka-san was able to translate) BUT it was a wonderful experience and I will forever hold it dear to my heart which will also motivate me to grow my knowledge on the language.
#2 I didn’t get the drink on my own, it was poured and offered, and I didn’t want to disrespect anyone. Plus, I’m not allowed to drink alcohol on this exchange so the Lions Club wouldn’t serve me alcohol.
Arigatogozaimashita Toride Chuoh Lions Club! Hope to see you again (either in Japan or California!)
Love,
Keito