The record heat and haze didn’t do anything to dampen the spirits of the 2017 Edmonds Sister City Delegation as they pulled in at Edmonds City Hall from Hekinan, Japan on Friday afternoon. But with temperatures in Hekinan this week in the 90s — with humidity to match — Edmonds felt like a refreshing break.
After a short visit with host families to get settled, the delegates came back downtown to the Brackett Room for an American comfort food dinner of meatballs, spaghetti, salad, garlic bread and apple pie — just the ticket after passing many hours and time zones on their flight from Japan.
This year’s delegation comprises 15 students and two chaperones, who will be in town through Aug. 16. Their busy schedule includes a full menu of activities ranging from a low tide walk and Petanque instruction to a State Capitol tour and a Mariners game.
Delegation members will be staying with local host families, and between organized activities are eager to get out to see and meet folks in Edmonds.
So if you see a group of Japanese young people on the street, smile and give them a warm konnichiwa — “good day” in Japanese. You’ll get a big smile back!
Learn more about the Edmonds-Hekinan sister city relationship at the Edmonds Sister City Commission web page here.
— Story and photos by Larry Vogel
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