After a delay of about an hour and a half, our Miura visitors arrived at the Warrnambool Railway Station to be met by their Home Hosts and friends. After brief formalities they were quickly whisked away to late lunches and the attractions of the South West.

For the next two days our guests visited places as far afield as Mount Gambier and The Twelve Apostles. It was not surprising to encounter them and their hosts at the various scenic attractions along the length of the Great Ocean Road and it was not uncommon to hear "Ah--- Sugoi" and "Kirei" coming from happy and excited visitors eager to capture every vista with the latest instant and disposable cameras.

The formal part of the tour started on Monday with a visit to Brauer College to meet with Assistant Principal Greg Allison, Staff, and students in classrooms. Many thanks to Brauer for their hospitality and friendship.

Lunch was hosted by Mayor David Atkinson and the Warrnambool City Council, followed by a tour of Flagstaff Hill and ten the "Long awaited" opportunity to have some "Free Time" in the CBD when numerous packets of Tim-Tams were purchased.

The day was completed with Dinner at the Mid-City with Members and Friends. Tuesday found us travelling to Ballarat to visit Sovereign Hill. With a Mine Tour, Gold pour, and Gold Panning together with a tour of the Gold Museum filling in the day. At the completion of the Museum tour the weather once again turned against us but only to produce a series of complete rainbows and for some of our group, the joy of seeing this phenomenon for the first time. The evening found our guests sharing dinner with New and Old friends at a variety of venues.

All too soon, the visit ended with Farewells at the Station and although parting has its sorrow, it was done in the knowledge that the memories of Fresh Abalone, Kangaroo, Hokkien Spiced Pork and the friendship forged over these dishes will long be remembered.

Thank you to all those who took part and contributed to make this visit a success.

I wanted to see if I could live in a culture so different from my own after retirement. Fortunately, JAPEP (Japan Australia Professional Exchange Program) accepted my application as a Japanese intern. I had never been abroad in my 60 years life. I was so excited to come to Australia in April of 1996. It was very different circumstances from living in busy Tokyo.

From the beginning, I met very kind people both on the street and in my host families. One day I lost my way back to my homestay house from the church. A lady took me to my host family by her car. At that time I did not own a car.

I have assisted in LOTE teaching in primary schools for one year. I found a couple of good schools in a lovely neighbourhood. Children were gentle and eager to learn Japanese culture including language. My first year's experience enhanced my decision to live in this lovely city of Warrnambool. Normally it would be hard to have a job as a teacher my age. Port Fairy Consolidated School hired me as a Japanese teacher from my second year. My wife and I are very glad to live in this calm and beautiful city.

It will be difficult to make any kind of general statement about education. I would like to say the high light of Australia's education is individuality. Children have different works even in one session and they have their own ideas in any discussions.

One of the interesting things that happened to me concerns people's name. Some children call me Mr. Mikuchi. It seems they have no 'K' sound after Mr.. From Grade 2 upwards children are able to say my name perfectly. At the same time, I have made some mistakes with children's names. The hardest name for me is a grade 6 boy called "Gwilym". These experiences opened my eyes to compose different plan for children's oral and reading activities.

Fishing is my favourite hobby. Currently I am very keen on ocean fishing. The Break Water and Port Fairy beach are beautiful fishing places. When I was in Japan it used to take me two hours to get to a good fishing point. It only takes 20 minutes here. My wife and I have enjoyed delicious salmon, both raw (sashimi) and grilled.

Eventhough my three children live far from here and two grand children also, I hope to live in Warrnambool as long as possible.