A special thanks goes out to Robert (bob) Gregor for hosting this website these past years. We are thankful that he has kept it online, to preserve the many memories that we have of traveling together. Bob's Computers web hosting has donated this server space, and is located in Orlando FL.

Web hosting and website design by Bob's Computers, LLC

Leanne Pearl from California, USA

    It’s amazing how quickly you get used to eating rice for breakfast.     

    Before I came to Japan, I thought I had it figured out. I thought I knew what to worry about. For example, I was worried about not being able to speak the language. I was worried that I would do something wrong when I met my host family. I was worried that I would get on the train and wind up miles away from my home stay because suddenly,   I didn’t know how to read anymore.     
    As it turns out, these were the easy things to figure out. You become adapted to alternative modes of communication and you become adapted to coming into a Japanese home and surprisingly enough, you really become adapted to never having any idea what is going on.     
I realize now there is a whole other realm of obstacles that I didn’t even consider would need an adjustment period. Now I am used to the big stuff, I can rest comfortable in the fact that all I have to worry about is trivial differences for the next 3 weeks, right?     
 
In case you every find yourself in Japan, allow me to illuminate you:  

• beware of the rice ball, you never know what might be hiding in the depths of white tasty fluffiness.
• When you go to the toilet, be sure to look for the slippers designated for lavatory use & and remember to take your house slippers off.
• be prepared to haul your luggage up 56 flights of uncommonly narrow staircases.   
• be sure to look to the right side before crossing the street or you will be taken out by a mass of  pure Japanese-made annihilation.     
• never blow your nose in public.
• look out for the bicycles, they stop for no mortal.
• expect to wait two days for a suitcase of clean clothes. They take a lot longer to air dry than you may think.

 
And last but certainly not least.
    Brush up on your chopstick skills or you may walk away with a severe case of carpal tunnel syndrome. Other than that, the best advice I could possibly offer to you would be to enjoy yourself. Japanese people are the nicest I have ever known. Small near death experiences via bicycle aside, I feel safe and at home here, even after only three weeks. Even if I have a small panic attack every time my host dad turns onto the left side of the street, I feel mostly acclimated to the fascinating lifestyle of the eastern culture.
    I really do feel like I have adjusted to being in Japan. The only thing standing in my way is complete lack of comprehension, which I am sure can gradually be remedied by my handy-dandy Japanese dictionary & which I use religiously every 2 seconds.
Special thanks to Bob Gregor for his international website design for this site!
 
Oyasumi,
 Leanne Pearl
 CA, USA

Wouter from Groningen, The Netherlands

    Week 3 in Japan. The last two weeks have been exhausting. As part of the Ueda Advance Team I’ve been running around making sure everything went as smooth as possible and that the Cast had a wonderful time in the small town of Maruko. When I get on the bus on Monday it feels like a huge rock is removed from my shoulders. It’s been wonderful work, but all the responsibility takes a lot of energy as well. It’s great to be with the cast again, it’s time to enjoy Japan!
　　　And I get to know Japan this week!
　　　My roommate Erik and I find out that the stereotype of Japanese trains is true very unfortunately. Our host family lives about an hour by three trains away from the main location this week. In this hour we have about 5 minutes we can actually sit in. The rest of the time we are either sandwiched in the train or in a mass of Japanese people changing trains. Highlight was Thursday. Every station we stop at 1 person leaves the “full” train for another 20 to enter. This was best illustrated by the railway guy who literally pushed people further into the train so he could close the train doors. Consequence of this was that I saw my elbow disappearing into the guy next to me. His face is full of pain. And there’s almost nothing I can do about it. Poor Erik has to use al his energy to prevent himself from fully squeezing a kid against the wall.
　　　The first 30 seconds I was laughing about it, that this stereotype was so true. The next 10 minutes you start wondering why Japanese people are so stupid to put so many people in one train. Japanese are very shy and so polite, but put them in a train during rush hour and the concept of personal space and the word Sumimasen totally disappear. This also makes clear why Japanese trains have special compartment for ladies. 
　　　Other adventures with the train includes our first day, when we had our overview of which trains to take, but arriving at the different stations these lines were mentioned nowhere. Guessing other trains other trains to Osaka, where we had to go, would work as well, being sent to a wrong platform at Osaka central, cause the direction Suita was unfindable, we finally arrived 15 minutes late at our location.
　　　On Thursday we went on what turned out to become an hour and 45 minutes trip to the Osaka University by train and foot. Main problem for today was that our train was changing from being subway to JR line during its trip. How the bleep do you buy a ticket for this. It turned our that there are actually different types of ticket machines. In Kanji this is kind of hard to figure out.
　　　Well, enough about public transportation. Erik and I also got in contact with Japanese nightlife. On Saturday night our host dad took us out in Kirahata, where we lived. After a nice drink with the whole family, mom and the kids went home and we went to this ‘snack’ place. As soon as we enter I realize this is a different kind of snack place than I’m used to in The Netherlands. I find a small bar with a couple of business guys being served by three ladies. There are exactly three stools left. We sit down and what do you order in a Japanese snack bar? Right! Full bottles of strong alcohol. After not too long it’s only us and one guy left. It’s time to sing some karaoke, seriously a big thing in Japanese culture. Erik and I have great fun,  but I gotta work on my karaoke voice… 
　　　After a while the place closes and we change location to that’s called The ZOO, a girls bar. Meaning, you’re being served by girls. A really normal thing over here is that the girls join you with your drinking. They either just help you empty the bottle you bought, like the first place, or they just ask you if they can get something on your account, like in this place. I just quickly want to mention the way this was asked me: “Can I drink you?” English can be confusing from time to time.
　　　During nightlife, my host dad told me, you find the deeper side of Japanese culture. Rules are not that important anymore, seeing a girl of 18 drinking a strong alcoholic beverage. Causing shyness to disappear as well: “Do you like sex?”
　　　Of course Erik and I knew our rules and after great night full of laughter we safely returned home!
     So, that’s the other side of Japanese culture. During advance work I really got to know the communication, arranging and politeness side of the culture (the more business side), this week it was time to fully dive into the regular life side. It gives an interesting fuller view on the culture.
　　　After advance work I’m walking around in the cast with a different perspective on how thing are going. I have a better idea about what’s all going on, I quickly see where help is needed and it gave me a better perspective on how to appreciate the things we get offered as UWP.

Greetings!!!
Wouter  

Sachiko Wakiyama from Japan

    After much thought and consideration, I decided to do advance work with Luis (Brazil) in the first city of Japan.  I was a little hesitant because I did not want to miss the last American city on tour, but some staff reassured me that advance work would be a great opportunity.  When Luis and I arrived in Omura, we had no idea what we were getting into.  The local organizing committee was very helpful in making sure we knew what we had to do.  They explained everything that needed to be completed so we could get to work.
    During the week, I was very busy with meetings, facility visits, host families, and preparing schedules.  Before I came, I did not want to stress over many things.  However, I let myself be challenged by the work, so I could grow and broaden my perspectives.  In Japan, like many other countries, older and younger generations have different views and methods.  Working together with people from all generations in Japanese culture has been a great tool for learning.
    Luis was a good partner because of his perseverance.  I was hesitant to continue to ask for things when our ideas were rejected, but his consistency encouraged me to stand up for our requests.  In the end, advance work was challenging, but it was also amazing, wonderful, marvelous and FUN!

Ammar from Syria

We spent an amazing week in Omura we get ride of our stress from coming to a new culture to be their guests for 6 weeks. After a long journey from Chicago to Omura through Dallas & Osaka for about 30 hours we arrived Omura with an amazing feeling, we spent our first night in Japan together and we had our Japanese bath first time for most of us. The Up With Omura which are great citizens of Omura city liked Up with People so they formed the Up with Omura to encourage Up with People to come to their city and to help the advance team in organizing the city for the cast.

 I was so excited about staying in Japan for 6 weeks in 6 different cities because for me and I think for the most of the cast the Japanese culture is the most mysterious culture among all the cultures that we are going to visit. The first thing that caught my attention was people driving on the left lane which it’s strange for me, the roads are small and most of the people here driving small cars. My host family’s house is old Japanese house, and I had a lot of Japanese food that are great. Yesterday we had a meeting with the representative of the Mayor which welcomed us and we had a discussion about the history of Omura and he described for us their plan for the next ten years (WooW) .. at night Up with Omura had a welcome party for Up with People and host families which we had a great time singing dancing  and eating Japanese food.

On Sunday we went to Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum where we discovered the horrible things that happened in Nagasaki, and made us feel that the world deserve better than wars and killing.

That makes me feel that we have a very big mission in the future to bringing the different people together.

Nicolina from Nicosia, Cypress

There is obvious excitement among our group this last week. Most conversations are rolling around one subject – JAPAN!!! I can’t believe that in 2 days only, we say goodbye to the U.S.A, we leave behind us everything that is known and familiar and we are heading towards the biggest adventure of our lives! What could be a bigger adventure than being in a country with a completely different culture and a completely different lifestyle, staying with host families that behave in a manner completely unknown to you and being unable to communicate fluently in a common language? What could be more exciting and more challenging than that? Leave everything behind you, you are going to Japan, you are a blank piece of paper, ready to be filled with new words and new lines and new paragraphs. Put your seatbelts, this is going to be a heck of a ride!

I won’t try to hide it; I am a little bit nervous! About simple things, food for example. I have never had raw fish in my life and the thought is not tempting at all! But I promised myself that I would try everything that will be offered to me twice (So if I don’t like it the first time, I ll give it another chance). And what about the bathroom? The description sounds so bizarre! I wonder how that will work. (I m sure it will be fine though). And the language, we all better start getting creative if we want to communicate! Overall, I m sure things will be a lot better than they seem! When you are not yet in a situation, everything sounds weird, but there’s a Greek saying that says “once you are in the dance floor, you dance”. So once we are in Japan, everything will be a lot easier than we imagined it to be.

I simply cannot wait! I am thrilled that I have the chance to visit that distant country and explore its culture and people in a less touristy way! And I m sure every one of us will have something to give from their own culture and will make an impact on the Japanese families. This will be an experience that none of us will ever forget!

Cristina Tomin from Timişoara, Romania

While in Denver, CO and driving up to Vail with my host family, Nikki- my incredibly funny host sister told me she always challenges herself to hold her breath when driving through a tunnel and see if she lasts all the way through. Unconsciously and definitely unintended I picked up this habit too- whenever entering a tunnel- whether by car, train or bus- I take a deep breath and try to hold it all the way to the other end. Somehow this gives me a feeling of satisfaction and self fulfillment that my host sister was talking about, and that rubbed off on me. And yes, every time I go through a tunnel I think of you, Nikki! Well, here’s the thing, Nikki: be prepared to hold your breath a lot of times here, in Japan (and for long periods of time in one stretch!)!

The infrastructure of Japan seems to be one of the most advanced in the world! The networks of railway and motorways are absolutely stunning. All our traveling in Japan so far, that summed up is a little over 20 hours by bus and another some 3 hours by train have been amazing! The relief of Japan is not one that would encourage highway building and tight railroad networks and hubs (it’s all mountains, valleys, or steep sea shores), but somehow they did it! One can’t possibly imagine how much work was put into all these urbanization projects! Most of the highways and railroads are either tunnels or bridges and you know that every kilometer you drive on the highway must have been years of hard labor, discipline, motivation, teamwork and cooperation - all attributes that seem to characterize Japan so well!

So sis, if you ever decide to come visit Japan, practice your breathing techniques! You are in for quite a ride. Innumerable tunnels waiting ahead to challenge yourself with!

Nicolina from Nicosia, Cypress

I never thought that I would find myself in Japan! Especially with a host-family! Is there a better way to get to know a culture? Our first city in Japan was Omura and I think everyone was a little bit scared! What if they don’t speak any English? What if I don’t like the food? Will if I do something wrong? Soon we discovered that things would be easier than they seemed. Yes, some host families didn’t speak English, but there were so many other ways to communicate. And some people are not really happy with the food, but there are always alternatives. And most importantly, the Japanese people are so ready to accept us and our cultures, exactly the way we are, that there is nothing you can do wrong!

I was very lucky to be with a family that didn’t speak any English and who ate very traditional Japanese food. I got used to eating raw fish and trying to communicate was just fun! They were so genuine and caring!  I loved every minute I spend with them! Each day was a new adventure in Omura and it wasn’t just me! Every cast member that I talked to had funny stories to share and they were all very happy with their first Japanese experience!

We have 5 more weeks in Japan and I hope they will be as exciting as the first one!

Laura Maskell from Texas, United States

It's kind of amazing how quickly life can pass you by. We've just begun our 10th and final week here in the United States, but it feels like we just arrived in Denver. 10 weeks... what once seemed like an eternity away somehow passed in the blink of an eye. As each day goes by, the anticipation of Japan sets in, and you can see in everyone's eyes the realization that we are about to embark on a journey into the unfamiliar. As each day goes by, worries of the food, language barrier and small spaces are expressed. As each day goes by, we reflect on how we have spent our time together and how we have or have not lived up to be the people we said we wanted to be. As for my time approaching the halfway point, I have crossed a few things off of my "List of things to do before I die," forged bonds of friendship that will undoubtedly last forever, and lived each day with experiences unique to the rest. I have seen fainting goats, climbed my first tree, and felt like I had real sisters for life after spending only a few days in a host family. Still, my excitement builds each second we are closer to leaving for Japan, for it is in this land of unfamiliarity that I hope to be truly challenged for the first time since the onset of the program. The cast as a whole has grown into a supportive family filled with unconditional acceptance and trust... We have confronted the most controversial topics with open minds and respect... We have said good-byes to people we love... And we have realized the potential we have in truly making a difference. I am so proud to call Cast A

2006 my own, for I will always consider every one of these people a part of my family.

Cristina Tomin from Timişoara, Romania

It feels like it was just last week that I flew in to Denver, so excited and a little bit scared about all the new things I was about to experience. Ever since, life has been a continuous roller coaster ride, heaven and hell, and funnily enough- feeling tired, hurt, miserable and frustrated and ecstatic, satisfied, fulfilled and immensely happy all at the same time! Every day was an adventure and brought something new: new challenges, new discoveries, new people and new knowledge.

Denver, North Platte, Kansas City, Minneapolis/ St. Paul, Mankato, Sioux Falls, Waukesha. Every city was a different adventure! Every day’s been a new! We met different people, different lifestyles, different family values, different attitudes, different washing machines and different ways to call a soft drink a soft drink, or pop, or soda, or coke… or…

It’s been a very challenging start for us all (and when I say challenging I mean it as a euphemism!) – community work every week, host families, working as a group- together- us, 80some students, learning what Target is, what root beer is and how to handle the host family’s lawn mower. But it’s also been good! It has taught us not to take anything for granted! The way I cook spaghetti or tie my shoe laces is not the only way to do it, and sometimes, if you pay attention around you, and draw on the vast resources of our cast and people we’re surrounded by, we can learn a tastier or quicker way to do it. We’ve learned that it only takes an open mind and a pair or open eyes and ears to learn. And sometimes, surprisingly, we notice striking similarities: we most often than not have the garbage can under the sink, the dish drying cloth on the oven’s handle and the favorite food is still Italian! So we’re not all that different after all, are we?

If I am to draw the line and count all the new things I’ve tried out these past 10 weeks - it’s quite a list! It’s been the first time I eat crab, get a pair of fitting blue jeans (yey!), paint my own pottery, been stung by a bee through clothing, help build a deck and ramp, stand in front of a classroom and teach, play American football, go for an American football game, experience a tailgate party, and perform in the halftime of the match, go white water rafting, play golf, or sleep with another 16 girls in the same room, eat mac&cheese (and the list can definitely go on!). The items on this list might sound random to everyone else, but for me they’ve been eye opening experiences that help me grow and become closer to the model of a person I’ve always wanted to be. Every day’s been an adventure and a thrill… wondering what will be next… what new things will I realize that I haven’t tried yet, taste something I haven’t tasted yet, and asked myself questions that I haven’t asked myself yet. It was not all about getting to know the US, but it was about getting to know and challenge myself.

I’m glad we started our trip from the U.S. For many people in our cast, this is home, a safe environment that they feel comfortable in. For others, this was the most unknown place in our journey, a place that intrigued them and brought them new ideas. For me, this experience in the U.S. has been a very eye opening experience. I realized that there is so much more here than what I thought before. Sure, people like everything in extra large sizes and sure, it’s a consuming society (the biggest variety of products I have ever seen in my life) and yes, fast food is indeed everywhere (and not at all a big social no-no!), but that’s not all! People are nice and friendly; our host families have gone out of their way to make us feel happy, comfortable and at home in a place that is so far from our home! They are open to new ideas and they want to learn new things and they are willing to make space in their everyday lives for a person that they have never met before and most probably won’t meet again. 

We received this itinerary for our trip to Japan, now don’t you wish you signed up for this? :-)

Saturday [partial] free day: Host Drop Off 7pm in a gym

Sunday 2am depart to Chicago's O’Hare airport, arrive at 4:00am
1st flight with half cast departs to Dallas at 6:55am
2nd flight with half cast departs to Dallas at 7:55am
Full cast departs to Osaka Japan at 11:45am Sunday
cast arrives to Osaka

Monday 2:35pm afternoon after a 14 hour flight,
load buses for a 2 hour bus ride to an overnight stay [hostel type place]
sleeps 6 people per room
load buses at 5:30am

Tuesday, leave at 6am for an 11 hour travel day to Omura
Arrive to our first Japanese city around 5pm

Mingle for the rest of the evening with your first Japanese host family