Extracurricular activities at the YMCA

Jack joined the YMCA in August 2013, just 2 months after we arrived in Hiroshima.  He started taking swimming lessons despite the language barrier.  6 months later, he is still at it.   He was and still is the only foreigner in the class.  He doesn't seem to mind. He gets a lot of attention, and the teachers are more than willing to help him.  They even try to use a little English with him.  He has improved quite a bit over the last 6 months.  The YMCA is about 2 1/2 blocks away from our apartment, so we can easily walk to and from class.

Jack getting into position.

Jack working on his kick and back stroke.

Jack getting instruction from his teacher.

Hello Jack

Looking good Jack.

Gathering supplies

The teachers are very "hands on".

These are the different swim levels.

Jack's first teacher.

Year of the Horse.

Program leader

In January, Andy joined the YMCA to play basketball.  He too is the only foreigner in the class.  His coach and teammates try to use what English they do know with him.  Most Japanese like to practice their English with a native speaker, and Andy is more than willing to oblige.  The class is 1 hour and 15 minutes of non-stop action.  

Andy getting ready to begin practice.

Andy

Scrimmage

Getting ready for the jump ball

Scrimmage

Go number 8

Good game

Illuminations along Peace Blvd

We went to see the Illuminations along Peace Blvd on a very cold Hiroshima evening.  The blvd was packed with people.  Many of them were dressed up in costume and posing for pictures.  The Illuminations light up from late November to early January.  I hope you enjoy some of our pictures from that night. 

Sound of Music for Festive Eve December 6, 2013

The stage is set

Hiroshima International School puts on a Festive Eve performance each year.  This year they performed The Sound of Music on December 6th.  Jack knew immediately that he would try out for a speaking/singing part.  He learned all of the songs and was prepared for his audition.  He was selected to be a "soldier".  He had a few lines in the last scene and was super excited.  He learned all of his lines with no help from us.  He has my dad's memory for sure.  He also performed with his class.  He was "the prince" in the Lonely Goatherd.  Andy chose not to try out, but he still had to perform in the chorus and with his class.  Novelynn played her violin throughout the show.

Waiting for the show to start

The anticipation is building.  The boy to Jack's right is Nils Sandmann.  They are great friends.  Andy is patiently waiting on the other end.  He wasn't as excited as Jack.

Singing with the entire ensemble

Jack as "the prince" in the Lonely Goatherd

More Goatherd

Dancing

Jack preparing for his debut as "a soldier".

Still waiting

Yay Jack!  He didn't miss a beat.

Jack and Captain Von Trapp

Grande Finale

Great job Jack!

After the show.


A great time was had by all.  Jack is already looking forward to the next performance in the Spring.