Playing host to Mariko

Last August (5th to 25th) we once again play host to a foreign youth, this time a 19 year old Japanese youth who is studying in Munich Germany. During the 21 days Mariko Teshima stayed with us, she participated in many of our family activities.

These included visits to places of interest like KLCC, Batu Caves, Putrajaya, Sunway Lagoon theme park, historical Melaka, and activities like shopping, canoeing, cycling, swimming, badminton, basketball and singing. She also joined the group of 20 other visiting youths in a 3-day leadership camp specially organized by the District 308B2 YE Chairperson Lion Irene and her committee at Selesa Resort.

Mariko enjoyed local food and was introduced to many Malaysian favourites including Bak Kut Teh and satay. She also tried Durian and especially liked mangosteen. She also cooked a delicious German and Japanese dish for the family.

Mariko is well brought up and her good character endeared herself easily to our family and friends. An avid violinist who aspires to be a professional, Mariko performed a violin rendition of the Hungarian Dance No. 5 during the farewell dinner organised for the youths. She has performed as a member of the local orchestra in various parts of Europe and the US. She will be having a debut solo performance next March in Germany.

When asked about her experience in Malaysia, she spoke fondly of the friendliness and kind hospitality of Malaysians. She looked forward to visiting the country again and also invited the us to visit her in Germany.

To make her stay more memorable, we invited The Star, a local daily to interview her and a copy of the write up is available at the following link: http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/8/28/central/1883369&sec=central

Upon her return, Mariko and her father wrote separate letters to thank the our family and the Lions Club which were very thoughtful and commendable gestures.
This is the second time we have hosted a Japanese youth; the last in 2006. Youth exchanges enrich one’s experience, and the time spent together helped in promoting better international understanding between people of different culture and nationalities. Almost inevitably the host family and the youths befriend each other which continue even after their return to their country.