October 28th, 2006:

· Halloween activities with Professor Paul’s Tama University Students.

o Ice Breakers, discussion on Halloween traditions around the world, and costume making for the Tama festival.

· Hippo club meeting with Kristina and my host families. This is an interesting concept. Though very confusing for outsiders, members of this club learn up to 19 (?) languages as a child would by listening to foreign languages and mimicking them. There are no tests nor grammer lessons, just repetition of CDs and activities designed to teach basic language. Honestly, this is probably the best way to learn a language if you can’t afford to plop yourself in the middle of a foreign country.

· Great conversations and MANY beers with my hostparents Reiko and Norifumi