I traveled to Japan with the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teachers Program in November.  I traveled with 200 educators from across the United States to learn about the country, the culture, and the people.

Japan is made up of prefectures (similar to our states).  We were divided into groups of 20 and each group traveled to a different prefecture.  My group  went to Ginowan, Okinawa.  It is the largest of the Japanese Islands and has similar weather to Hawaii.

My trip allowed me to visit an elemntary school, a junior high school, and a high school.  I also had the opportunity to learn about the culture, history, religion, business, and daily life of the Okinawan people. 

In Okinawa, I spent two days with a host family, and visited Michelle Valdez, 2003 Central High School graduate, who is stationed in Okinawa.