PORT TOWNSEND — A delegation of students is visiting Port Townsend as part of a sister-city exchange with Ichikawa, a Japanese town of about 473,000 near Tokyo.
“This is a wonderful experience,” said Catherine McNabb, a Port Townsend city employee who is involved with the program.
“We get to experience each other’s cultures.”
The delegation includes nine students, seven girls and two boys who are 13 and 14, along with two chaperones.
The students will return to Japan on Tuesday.
They have followed an active schedule, attending a gathering at the Cotton Building on Thursday and on Friday visiting Grant Street Elementary School, Blue Heron Middle School and the Port Townsend Marine Science Center.
Plans included a visit to Seattle on Saturday and nature excursions today and Monday, said James Roberts, who is managing the visit under the auspices of the Expedition Club.
The sister-city program began in 2002. Visits generally are twice a year: in the spring and fall.
“When our kids go to Ichikawa in the fall, they learn a sense of respect for their elders that doesn’t happen here,” Roberts said.
“After 10 days in that environment, they learn a lot about another culture.”
“When we go over there, they really treat us well,” McNabb said.
“They roll out the red carpet and treat us like celebrities.
“When they come here, it’s a bit different. We are more informal and have less ceremony.
“But it’s good for them to learn about us.”
McNabb said another difference between the two cities is that Ichikawa is allowed to spend city funds to host exchange students while the host funds for Port Townsend must be privately raised.
Roberts said eight families are hosting the nine students.
“It wasn’t as weird as I thought it would be,” said Mia Nebel, 13, of the hosting experience.
“I thought it would be awkward, but it really wasn’t. Communication is easier than I imagined.”
Much of that communication, Nebel said, is accomplished with hand gestures instead of speech.
For more information about the Expedition Club or to apply for an exchange program, go to www.expeditionclub.org, email roberts@olympus.net or call 360-774-2677.
________
Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
