The Shikaoi Visitors have left the Building

Its an odd situation to hear that the Shikaoi delegation has left Stony Plain but are not yet back in Japan as I write this. By all estimations the visit went off without a hitch and everyone will come back tired but with a slightly small conception of the world in their heads. I am happy also; my supply of fall peanut butter being restored.

I`m off to the High School soon, in about 20 min, to do a presentation on me and Stony Plain to the grade 10 students that will be coming to Stony Plain in October. The students have also written some questions, which I have received an advance copy of, to put to a real Stony Plain person. Some of the questions are easy, such as what is a popular food in Canada (pizza), and what is my favorite food (sandwiches). Other questions are more difficult because the countries are so different and have different cultural barometers. Such as; what is a popular trend in Canada? I will say Ipod (am I right Sean?) but this question illustrates a couple of interesting points if you have some context. In Japan, a national focus is seen in all national media. Tokyo, and with in that, a small area of Tokyo, is credited with perhaps, most - if not all - modern cultural generation. Simply put; they made all the trends (for various reason on how the media is structured). In Canada, quite the opposite is true, with a strong value placed on individuality. This leads to deeper questions of "why", which I think I have some insights into (rooted in an extremely high population density), but I will have to leave shortly and so will pass over the details today. Regardless, I am looking forward to making a good early impression of Stony Plain as AETs Jeff and Chris have.

Tonite, I think Kevin and I are going out for dinner. BBQ I think. Should be a good unwinding. (for a Tuesday?)