Covert Farms chef Derek Uhlemann hams it up with some Bandai, Japan students during their recent cultural exchange trip to Oliver. Photo by Tony Munday
The Oliver Tourism Association, partnered with the Town of Oliver and the past sister city committee, was pleased to have the honour of hosting a student exchange delegation from our sister city, Bandai Japan.
Ten students and two adults (six girls, four boys, English teacher and school principal), arrived Sunday, Aug. 2 for a three-day whirlwind experience of our beautiful town.
The families of our Oliver students who travelled to Bandai last year billeted our guests in this cultural exchange.
As a large group of locals and delegates we had a great time experiencing our community.
We canoed Vaseux Lake, hiked to local pictographs, swam in the river, partied with a potluck dinner at River Stone Estate Winery, toured Covert Farms, picked fresh fruit and berries, visited the high school, played sports, jumped on trampolines and ate ice cream (lots of ice cream).
Tuesday night we celebrated with a farewell barbecue and pool party hosted by the Mattes family. We sang songs, shared gifts and listened to speeches in both English and Japanese.
“We have learned much about the similarities of our two cities and the differences between our cultures,” shared one of the Bandai students. “We will remember our experiences forever. Thank you.”
A huge thanks to everyone who helped make this exchange a success: The Gabriel-Baptiste family, McGibbon/Gale family, Harrington family, Abellan/Williams family, Podmorow family, Kane family, Jim Cade, Ron and Tara Hovanes, Terry Schafer, Ron and Diane Worth, Dave and Brenda Mattes, Tracy Harrington, River Stone Estate Winery, Covert Farms, Hoodoo Adventures and all who helped organize canoes.
Wednesday morning, the delegation and a new group of friends carried on to visit Vancouver and then home.
“We will share with our community the warm welcome and great experiences you have shared with us,” said Principal Machida. “We look forward to hosting our new Canadian friends in Bandai, Japan.”
By Tony Munday
