Lovin' the Language

Our first language class at our community centre was a fantastic experience. We have been struggling to get to the lesson on time (our ‘Friday’ nights have proven to be too late, obviously) and had considered changing to the afternoon class. After the first lesson, however, I no longer think that is an option. We are in with the morning class ☺ We arrived at 10:00 on the dot and being the oafish North Americans that we are, we just walked right into the classroom and picked a place to sit. Whoops. That was not the proper protocol and we got a gentle scolding from one of the head women there.

There were probably 40 people at the lesson with a dozen volunteer teachers. Our teacher was very nice and firm about the correct way to write hiragana characters. It was a lot of fun and definitely got my grey matter working....We even had to stand up in front of the group and introduce ourselves in Japanese. It was a hoot and we're looking forward to doing that on a weekly basis (the lessons, not standing up in front of the group).

People seemed to know Calgary because of the Olympics. During the break, a woman who lived in Nanaimo for a couple of years visited with us. She’s been in Tokyo for several years and comes to the community centre when she can for socializing. It’s the perfect setting for Kerwood and me. When we registered for the lessons, the information sheet indicated that one of the goals of the community centre is to encourage students to participate in community events and be a part of strengthening the community. We’re looking forward to getting involved with what we are able to.

Back to Heiwanomori Park. I now understand what the name means. I thought it might be connected to a prominent person or something. Following our first language lesson, however, I discovered that ‘heiwa’ means peace. ‘No’ is a possessive particle and ‘mori’ means forest. Our favourite park close to home means: forest of peace park. How cool is that?

In line with the word 'peace' is the Ofuna Kannon, Goddess of Mercy. This is a spectacular statue that was started in the '30s to honour world peace. Construction was initially stalled due to the Indo-China war and was then delayed further because of World War II. The old photos of how the statue was framed were amazing to see--it was done entirely with bamboo.

'May the World Know Peace' (written on a path marker) takes on a whole other level of meaning when one spends time at the memorial stones remembering the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
It was a peaceful afternoon at the kannon. After spending time wandering through the grounds and going through the exhibit inside the statue, we enjoyed a picnic with our Japanese tutor from Edmonton (she's originally from Yokohama) and her family. Little Taiyo is one active boy (he was just able to ring the gong before being knocked in the back as the rope swung around;) and Tsukino was very mellow. She did spend quite a bit of time smiling and giggling....a thoroughly rejuvenating afternoon away from the big city.