Events
Japanese Public Speaking Competition at Eton
In February last year, 2 sixth formers entered the annual International Japanese Speech competition organised by the Japan Centre. Both students continued OLC's tradition of success in competitions, which took place in the world-famous school in Eton, and featured many students from prestigious private schools across the country. Helen Nguyen spoke on the importance of education, and Hoai Lin Vu won first prize with her presentation on "the life and beliefs of a 16 year old". She wins a two-week, all expenses paid trip top Japan, where she is going to meet other winners from other countries, and attend an ICT course organised by Sony. Quite an achievement after only one year studying the language! Here is an account of her study tour:
Diary of a winner...
Monday 20th July: After several hours on the plane, I finally arrive at Mr Tatsumi's house. The following day, the weather is horrendous: heavy rain and wind, apparently there is a tornado on the way. I practiced finding my way around in Ikebukuro station, a bit like King's Cross, only bigger and more complicated... On Wednesday, we stayed in because of the tornado, and watched videos. But I made up for it on Thursday! First, I used the trains alone for the first time and got lost, then walked for ages, visited the science museum and the Tokyo National museum in Ueno, followed by shopping in Harakuju, a version of the "West-end".
The local Disney Land was fun! We went there on Friday with Mr Tatsumi's daughters and friends. I sat mesmerised by the Light Parade, gigantic dazzling floats with huge prancing Disney characters...
We spent the week-end in the mountains, in a hotel owned by Mr. Maruyama.
I ate some Japanese delicacies specially prepared for us. On Sunday, we went to a river festival and attended a concert, followed by a karaoke in the evening.
I had an embarrassing moment at school on Monday: I misread a sign on a door and mistakenly used the boys toilets... In the evening, I used the Onsen, a Japanese indoor spring. The rest of the week went by very quickly: school in the morning, visits and shopping in the afternoon. I was also given the opportunity of trying on some Japanese traditional garments, and slept in a traditional bedroom. Friday was fun: Nintendo SegaWorld, where Mr. Tatsumi caught a limited edition Winnie the Pooh toy with a UFO catcher...
On Saturday, I reluctantly departed for London at Tokyo Narita airport...
Hoah Lin
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