2011年7月5日火曜日

Thrills & ...err more Thrills @t BRITISH HILLS!

Hello folks. The 1st year International class just returned from our school trip to British Hills and a good time was had by all. Check it out here- http://www.british-hills.co.jp/ .
The bus ride was smooth all the way there, with no traffic problems and roads surprisingly free of earthquake-induced cracks and bumps. I was expecting to see some earthquake damage around the grounds but, unlike Sendai, very little seemed to be in need of repairs.
We were greeted by a large majority of the staff upon arrival and the girls went straight to work augmenting their English abilities.

Here's our first night's dinner in the Harry Potteresque Refectory. We were charmed and bewitched by its magic as we sat for a spell; and that's where my wizardy puns stop- promise.


Learning the finer points of Snooker on a beautiful table that cost more yen than I can count. Happy to report no injuries! One girl has possible pool shark potential if she can keep her constant giggle under wraps. 
Doing a very good `60s-girl-group-album-cover` impression.
 
Everyone was so happy until some weird guy jumped in front and ruined the picture.

Before the trip, I was checking the microseivert level daily and although they're based in Fukushima, the radiation level there has been lower than most major cities. Still, people get scared easily and B.H., like many businesses in the area, is feeling the pinch. Its another one of those 3-11 stories that don't get much press these days- the businesses that are trying to stay afloat but have the cards stacked against them. The first time I came here I thought to myself "What a wild dream made real!"; it didn't take long to realize it was also a top dream, as the goal of British Hills seems quite virtuous to me: a presentation of Britain's unique culture in an environment which seems to be designed to give language development a boost and most importantly- doesn't forget to leave the guests with  unforgettable memories. Thanks British Hills- you're quite the hosts.

...also they have Bass on tap- yippee!