The guests of today’s Chat Café  were Kansai International Center trainees Amer (Libya) and Siam (Bangladesh). Twenty participants listened to the stories they shared.

Amer introduced Libya’s religion, tourist attractions, and cuisine. Among Libya’s many dishes, Amer said that he likes to cook with large chunks of lamb. He said that this Libyan lamb is cheap and tasty.

Amer recommended the visiting the Jebel Akhdar region, a tourist attraction. The climate is cool and the area is known for its natural spaces and its delicious honey. There are also historical ruins from the Greek and Roman periods, which have been designated a World Heritage Site.

Bangladesh has deep ties with Japan. Bangladesh is about 40% the size of Japan, but has about 1.4 times the population of Japan!

Sundarbans, which has the world’s largest natural mangrove forest, is a habitat for Bengal tigers, and there are also many wild animals such as crocodiles, deer, monkeys, and otters. Siam recommended taking a river cruise.

Siam also introduced the audience to some of the festivals. Boat races, kite flying festivals, and a fireworks festivals are popular among young people. At the fireworks festival, you often can see performers blowing fire from their mouths. Mr. Siam also said, “I can do it too!” he said.”

Saturday, March 2, Kansai International Center

Hinamatsuri Event (Girls’ Festival) was held at the Kansai International Center. A total of 125 people, including 47 foreign residents (25 of whom were trainees), participated in the event. The venue was decorated with hina dolls and everyone enjoyed traditional Japanese games and a tea ceremony.

Saturday, December 9, Izumisano Cross-cultural Association

Ninety-six people, including 34 foreigners, attended the End-of-the-year Gaya Gaya Party. Many families attended, and people of various ages and nationalities enjoyed dancing, games, and chatting.

Summer Festival in Izumisano
Saturday, September 2, Rinku Open-Air Cultural and Music Hall

The 46th Izumisano Local Performing Arts Gathering was held, and the ica booth sold “lemonade with a message” (see below). Foreigners including 6 men, 7 women, and 4 children, were dressed in yukata. Thirty-eight people turned out for the event making it a great success.

Participants’ Comments

• When I wear a yukata, I can’t extend my legs. So when I walk I naturally walk in a graceful manner. (China)
• At first I had the obi loosely tied, and when I ran after my child, it came loose and fell off. I thought I should have had it tied tighter. After tightening the obi, I felt my back being straightened and felt I became more beautiful. My child was happy to wear a yukata for the first time. (Mongolia)