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.
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| Jack getting into position. |
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| Jack working on his kick and back stroke. |
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| Jack getting instruction from his teacher. |
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| Hello Jack |
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| Looking good Jack. |
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| Gathering supplies |
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| The teachers are very "hands on". |
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| These are the different swim levels. |
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| Jack's first teacher. |
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| Year of the Horse. |
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| 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.
