Elements were delighted to host 35 Japanese home stay students for an afternoon filled with laughter, scones, timtams, origami, bingo and fabulous cross culture hospitality. The students from Nara Gakuen Tomigaoka High School in Nara (next to Osaka and Kyoto) were in Australia for a 14 day visit coordinated by Home Stay Australasia.
Elements were delighted to host 35 Japanese home stay students for an afternoon filled with laughter, scones, timtams, origami, bingo and fabulous cross culture hospitality. The students from Nara Gakuen Tomigaoka High School in Nara (next to Osaka and Kyoto) were in Australia for a 14 day visit coordinated by Home Stay Australasia.On a wet and drizzly Queen’s Birthday public holiday, the students and supervisors arrived from their host school John Paul College, and were cordially greeted by Elements residents and taken on a tour of our Zen garden, display home and village surrounds. Fortunately there were enough umbrellas to go around, with two students and one resident huddling under each as they made their way around.
The students felt a strong affinity with Elements’ “Garden of Hana”, our very own Zen Garden. Elements’ managing Director Chiou See Anderson explained to the students “We secured the services of four Japanese garden specialists direct from Japan to build our garden. Having visited gardens in China and Japan, I felt the Japanese style of gardens were inspirational and the perfect fit for the calm tranquil natural environment of Elements.”
The students moved on to the display home stating how very impressed they were with the design and fitout, with several commenting that they did not want to leave and would love to move in with the residents! On completion of the site tour, we all adjourned to Club Elements for afternoon tea and entertainment.
All the residents were seated in the community clubhouse and were treated to an engaging and lively performance of Japanese song, dance and bingo. Any barriers from language were easily dismantled as students, residents, supervisors and staff engaged in much laughter and conversation and were thoroughly enjoying each other’s company.
Residents Lois, Dorothy and Sel prepared traditional Aussie scones with jam and cream. It was interesting to note a lovely aspect of the Japanese culture when, despite an enticing spread of scones, timtams, lamingtons and soft drink being laid out for the students, each and every one of them waited patiently for the adults to be served first before they commenced their afternoon tea. Wonderful manners indeed!
The afternoon concluded with origami then gracious farewells and thanks you’s between the residents, students and organisers. A group photo further etched the occasion into our memories. On behalf of the residents and Elements team, thank you to the students and supervisors from Nara Gakuen Tomigaoka High School. We hope to see another cohort of students again next year! You’re welcome anytime.
pop in and see us!
pop in and see us!Like Joe and June did, enjoy a pleasant, leisurely tour at our retirement village, including our tranquil zen garden, Club Elements and browse through a variety of home designs. Its easy and we’d love to show you around. Just drop in to our display centre open six days or contact us at anytime.
A beautiful, easy living retirement village nestled in the Daisy Hill State Forest, Springwood, Brisbane, Queensland. Our stylish 2 or 3 bedroom apartments, including garden option, offer single level access and luxury retirement communities with neighbours close by but with privacy assured.
Join Elements Newsletter