Niji Iro Jean Chicago Visit: Picking out our Christmas Tree, December 1st

As many of us have done time and time again, we prepared to purchase our Annual Christmas Tree. We prefer a frasier fir. My father and grandmother always get this style tree because they said it reminds them of their childhoods in Poland. So I continue that tradition.

When the crew arrived they were all giddy and excited to start filming and exploring the lot themselves.


Niji Iro Jean Chicago Visit, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

In between shots, and set ups, they played with the kids running around. Of course we were stressed since the lot is near a busy street. But the crew - and the kids - enjoyed the chase.


Niji Iro Jean Chicago Visit, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.



Niji Iro Jean Chicago Visit, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

This moment is one of my favorites of Jean and Dad. This is the moment, my husband realized, he is Talking to a Puppet! 

Of course we prepared a gift for Niji Iro Jean. We wanted to welcome him to America. So mom found a premade set I had to moditfy a lil bit.  I didn;t think we could find more genuine excitement in the day. We put Nijis present under the tree so baby girl could pick it up and hand it over. But she got a little shy so Older son got the pleasure of handing it over. Niji Iro Jean caretakers dressed the little one in her new gift, a red hat, scarf and gloves. Of course I researched to make sure red colors aren't offensive in Japan.

A little behind the scenes magic. Niji sees his present for the 1st time. Nijo received a gift from us as I blogged about here. We learned about Japanese gift giving tradition in our 2013 trip. Here Niji is opening his gift. The box was the size of French Soap.

Japan TV Show Niji Iro Jean in Chicago, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.


Niji Iro Jean Chicago Visit, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

Final filming of the Cookie treats after a long day. And the arrival pics. 

See all the posts here under the label "Niji Iro Jean." 


Happy and Safe Travels!

ESPECIALLY Happy travels Niji Iro Jean.

A gift from us to Niji Iro Jean

It's midnight, the night before we share our Christmas traditions with our new friend Niji Iro Jean! We prepared a special gift for her to help her stay warm during the cold Chicago Winter. A red felt hat, gloves and scarf. The gloves may be a little big, but she will appreciate their warmth!!



A gift from us to Niji Iro Jean, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

A gift from us to Niji Iro Jean, a photo by APrincipalandWifeTravels on Flickr.

See all the posts here under the label "Niji Iro Jean." 

Happy and Safe Travels! Especially, Happy Travels Niji.

Day 8: Osaka Sister City Visit, Chicago and Osaka Educators

Our JEEP program has arranged for an Osaka Sister City Visit. Our group is visiting Osaka city hall, meeting with the Super Intendant of Education and his staff in a customary Japanese style meeting. Thereafter they are treating us to a city tour with a translator. 

Arrival at city hall. It was the hottest day so far on the trip. After our cuff link adventure (really my turquoise ones would've sufficed) we tool a taxi to city hall.

Our translators met us downstairs as did the Assistant to the Superintendent. We were escorted upstairs.

Department Head of Curriculum greeted us. Normally everyone would, however they heard of our issue that "one of the group (Husband) ran out of business cards." Out if respect there was not an exchange until the end. 

As per Japanese custom, the agenda was set by meeting host. Time is to be followed meticulously. When our turn came We had 10 minutes for introductions and therefore needed to be brief. 

The Assitant or Vice Superintendentales introductory remarks and introduces  their side. We side has its own translator as is customary. Notice in the background, their staff and assistants stay standing in the back the entire meeting.

Preparation of exchanging of the gifts. Every one stands and encircles the "gift area." That's the lead secretary in the grey suit. 

Our gift is in the blue bag and held trinkets from our schools. First gift is to the delegate leader, huge role in Japan & for our team, Katy, is presented with a fan from Osaka.

Husband and I received Japanese Lacquered plates with the Osaka City stamp. Notice the background prep for more gifts.

Our gift presentation.

The rest of the room assistants during the exchange of gifts. 

Osaka sister city plaque preparation for the official delegation picture.

Non customary, we exchanged cards at the end due to running low. 

This was a highlight of our trip being treated like royalty here - thank you Osaka and Superintendent of Education for your hospitality!!

When we left I cheered all those who walked us out "Ni-hon Di-Skee" Japan is the best!! Lotsa laughs and giggles.

Happy travels!!