Testimonials
Hiroshima Homestay
2006
(Impressions from the KOH FAMILY)
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Hiroshima is a beautiful
city with mountains as backdrop, peaceful and most
importantly no congestions (especially horns blasting
or irate motorists). She can beat Tokyo hands down
anytime.
Talks that Japanese are xenophobia or
insular are truly stereotypical and even incorrect
from my contacts and interaction with host families,
Hippo Family Club members and activities filled with
interest in other countries and languages. The fact
that they open their hearts and homes to us is a true
testimony of their sincerity and interest.
Our Christmas makan session where I
prepared Singapore foods – Chicken Rice, Bah
Kut Teh, Laksa and Satay were a hit with both host
families. Most of all, this homestay was a great opportunity
to understand each other’s styles / differences
in food preparation and culture.
- Then Lee Mee (Mrs Koh) (Hiroshima 2006
Participant)
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This is my first homestay organised
by Joo Chiat CC Youth Group together with Hippo Family
Club, Japan and Hippo Exchange Club, Singapore. I think
this is one of the good ways to exchange culture, interests
and social activities between two countries.
During the homestay and Hippo activities,
we had the opportunity to get to know each other from
different family background. The most interesting part
of the homestay was for us to adjust to their family’s
daily lifestyle which is different back home, such as
taking dinner, breakfast and their “extensive”
Japanese greeting each other, being at home, on the
road, shopping centre and train station etc.
Our host family – Mr Yokota and
Mdm Sae, both of them being very busy with their work,
still managed to take time to prepare breakfast and
lunch for us, spent time with us, guided us on how and
where to get our things and places to go. They were
very considerate and caring. We can’t forget what
they have done for us during our homestay. I can say
that this homestay is the most memorable experience
for us so far.
- Koh Lian Soon (Hiroshima
2006 Participant)
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I would like to share my experience during this homestay
with everybody. Firstly, on Sunday we had a Christmas
dinner at my mother’s host family house. My mother
cooked chicken rice, nasi lemak and bah kut teh soup.
My mother’s host family members consists of HADA
san (Husband), Jasmine san (Wife) and Takuma (Son). After
the dinner, Takuma and I played a simulation racing car
game. I had a lot of fun playing it.
Secondly, after my host family and their friends came
back from a park in the mountains, we went to a Ramen
restaurant. Then a wood splinter got stuck in my left
leg. My host family drove me to the A&E. The doctor
pulled out the splinter easily. I got a chance to go to
a Japanese hospital and see the doctors! I had a wonderful
time and I would like to come back to Hiroshima again.
-Tristan Koh (Hiroshima 2006 Participant)
(Youngest Homestay Participant)
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