Some thoughts about the trip.

We all had a great time! (Student '05 trip)

• As a Comparative Religion major, I found the trip to be extremely valuable as
  far as helping to understand Japanese Buddhism and Shinto in a very real way.
  Nothing could compare to the opportunity we had to spend time with the people
  in their spaces and around Tokyo. (Student '05 trip)
• Despite the culture shock the seminar was quite wonderful.  The people of Taisho University, Nishi-Sugamo, were amongst the most welcoming and helping individuals I’ve ever known.  I feel that I will never be able to repay the kindness shown to me by Dr. Saito and Mr. Goto. (Student '05 trip)
• This trip is an adventure that, thanks to the relationships Dr. Covell has established in Japan, offers the opportunity to see and do things that one would never be able to experience outside this specific trip. (Student '05 trip)

At Zojoji Temple (where we stayed for 4 nights)

Leah and Kevin showing us there hand-copied images of the bodhisattva of compassion done at Manganji

(photo by Aaron Smith)

At Sensjoji temple

Nothing like a little dental hygiene while riding the bus down the mountain

Sadly, all we were fed in Japan was tiny bits of crackers and day old tea

About the town in Tokyo at night

If you do have the luck of going on this trip, you'll have to keep in mind that Dr.Covell is dreadfully tall and consequently he never quite fits into the furniture, or the slippers.

Here is the whole lot of us at Manganji temple posing with the Head Abbot (in orange if you couldn't spot him).

Here is the Abbot again performing the Goma ceremony. Lots of fire and drums, very exciting and truly a captivating moment.

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