This week, for 52 Photos, the prompt was On My Way.
One of the things I observed during my trip to Japan was the groups of school children taking trips. We often came across them in the train stations, where they would sit quietly in the middle of the floor. Sometimes we saw them on the platforms, waiting for a train. There was even a group of high school students at the airport the day I left. Turned out, they were on my flight!
But my favorite picture that I snapped was this group of children with their bright yellow hats the day we went to Miyajima. They all had buddies and walked in neat rows. This small bunch had gotten separated, and they looked like ducklings to me. They were on their way.
I thought I’d throw in some actual ducklings:
And the famous Make Way for Ducklings in Boston:
Your photo of the Japanese school children brought back memories of the four years I lived in Main Land Japan. I lived on the Marine Air Base in Iwakuni and every day I would pass by school children on my way to the vegetable stand, or plant nursery. Their backpacks have changed in the last thirteen years. They use to be all black and not much smaller than the children carrying them. I can still hear them whispering “Gaijin” which means foreigner as they passed me by while I was exploring their country. Thanks for posting your photo and bringing back wonderful memories. Where you able to speak with any of them? They always seemed to want to say hello and goodbye 🙂
Hi Debbie,
Thanks for coming by and sharing your story! I love that. We didn’t hear anyone saying “gaijin” although I did know what that meant. One day when we were in Takayama we passed a group of school kids (older than the ones in this picture). They were on the opposite side of the road, and when they saw us they started calling out, “Hello!” I didn’t interact much with the children, other than to just say “konichiwa,” but my mom was a little more bold and brave.
Glad I could bring up such a wonderful memory.
Loving these. The photo from Japan is just so moving.. and the ducks! We’ve been there and I have a similar photo. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Bella!
My husband was stationed in Okinawa, Japan back in the early 90s. I was fortunate to land a position as an English conversation teacher in a nearby middle school. The picture of the children bring back so many wonderful memories. Thank you for warming my heart,.
Thanks for sharing your experiences, Shelley. I’m glad I could contribute to bringing back a sweet memory :0.