Getting to Japan, Sat 8/17 & Sunday August 18th

August 18 (Sun) 

So getting to Japan is going to be interesting, lots of excitement from all of the kids. We have 2 Flights and 2 bus rides to catch. 

Here are our Flights: 
Arrive Tokyo/Narita NRT at 4:50 PM

Depart Tokyo/Haneda HND on Japan Airlines #1285 at 7:55 PM

arrive Komatsu KMQ at 8:55 PM

Here we are at LAX airport about to leave. We are the young ambassadors for this group among ~20 other countries bound to meet up with us in Tsuruga, Japan in the Fukui Prefecture. 

Figuring out passports as we get ready to check our bags. 

The parents say goodbye at the security gate, such a brave group of people that have allowed their children to embark on a journey they will undoubtedly never forget. Kudos to them!

Here we are on the plane on the way to Japan, needless to say it was a restless flight but these kids are great! 

On our first bus trip from the Tokyo Airport to the Haneda Airport, one hour of loud rambunctious American kids, making children from the Netherlands and Germany wonder if we are sane. The quiet game proved to solve this problem soon after. Here is a picture of Mary, Emma, and Ryan having a good time. 

The flight from Haneda to Komatsu was only an hour but it took the most out of everyone. 

Here's how Mary was holding up after the 2nd flight, good thing she had some good friends along the way to help her cope. We got our luggage including the two extra boxes and headed for our next bus ride, which was 2 more hours until we would finally reach our destination in Tsuruga. 

Finally, we  reached our destination, the Tsuruga Youth Nature Center, where were met by a crowd of applauding Japanese people to welcome us to the center. Here's how the group looked after seeing the warm welcome the WCBF staff had for them.