The 26th meeting of the IWA

The26th Meeting of the IWA was a FUN DAY and enjoyed by 8 members and friends. Apologies accepted from Mrs K/S/N/K/K/T. IWA again thanks the Treasurer for all her hard work and congratulates the family on the arrival of their new baby girl. A wonderful occasion with representation from England, Thailand, America, Korea and Japan. Not meeting since July we all enjoyed renewing friendships and exchanging information, which is what it’s all about. The Nail Demonstration was really lovely to watch and the techniques used fascinating! The professional Nail Artist is from Fukushima, where the devastating earthquake and tsunami took place but her family now lives in Akita. I feel that IWA perhaps helped to give her some hospitality, support and encouragement for the future. As you will see from the photos all the dishes for the POTLUCK were really delicious. Thank you to all ladies for all their preparation, hard work and generosity. Please enjoy the photos. See you all next time.

Nail Art for members / Wednesday 10th October

NAIL ART for members and friends of IWA on Wednesday 10th October 2012 at 7-7-11 Motomachi from 11 a.m. Followed by a POTLUCK lunch. Please R.S.V.P. asap (reply as soon as possible). A demonstration on NAIL ART and also the chance to have one or two art nails of your own! PLEASE COME AND EXCHANGE IDEAS AND INFORMATION. By the way we do now have a room cooler!!!!!

JANE EYRE

Dear IWA members and friends, July 2012 Just a short note to tell you that the move JANE EYRE has finally come to Akita City, Forus Cinema. It will be showing from Saturday 18 August to Friday 31st August. This is a new take on the old story written by Charlotte Bronte. It was directed by Mr Cari Joji Fukunaga. Starring Mia Wasikowska as Jane Eyre, Michael Fassbender as Mr Rochester and Judi Dench as the Housekeeper. This is a beautifully produced film and I am sure all members will love it! Since this is a very short window at the cinema for viewing and as many of our members are away on holiday, I am suggesting that later on in October we have a film afternoon with Potluck lunch and enjoy this film together with a background presentation by myself. Please check the IWA blog later on for further information and dates. Thank you.

talk on Rwanda 25th Meetng of IWA

The 25th Meeting on Friday 6th July 2012, of the International Women’s Association was attended by 9 members and guests. Mrs Morizono’s talk on RWANDA was most informative and the computer photographs were wonderful. Mrs Morizono explained that she was not too keen on visiting Rwanda after hearing negative stories of genocide and seeing the movie ‘Hotel Rwanda’. Also, Mrs M wondered if she would be able to endure the travelling time to this central African country. Travelling from Japan to Amsterdam first and then taking a 9 hour direct flight. There was also the question of the vaccinations that were needed for the trip. Hepatitis A/Yellow Fever and because of the side effects from the Malaria vaccine she and her husband declined that one. However, whilst seriously considering this journey of a life time…their friends and connection in Rwanda had bought them 2 tickets for the Gorilla Mountain National Park. (Each ticket costing US$500). So, after a visit to the Rwanda Embassy in Setagaya, Tokyo…they were off! It was February 2012 and quite cold on arrival at the capital Kigali, Rwanda airport. Being a very small central country of 10 million, 60% are Catholic/Protestant and 1% Islam and other native religions. Tea and Coffee is produced and exported widely. The eco-tourist Industry is growing and there are so many visitors now to visit the Gorillas at the Gorilla Park, that only 80 visitors are allowed each day in parties of 10 each and only in the mornings for 1 ½ hours for each group. There are now 700 Gorillas living in the Volanos area between Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. There were certain rules to observe during the visiting time 1. No eye contact 2. No flash photography 3. No coughing to keep germs at bay 4. Should the Gorillas approach, quietly walk away. It seems that through DNA research these Mountain Gorillas are 97% from the same route as human beings, which separated 8 million years ago. Mrs M explained that during the tour one of the baby Gorillas came down from the bamboo trees and came right up to touch her knee. She was so moved by this act that she felt like it was being with her own grandson! A most wonderful experience. The Silverback Gorillas were so fascinating to watch and be with. In 1994 1 million people 10% of the population were massacred using axes, knives over a period of 100 days of ethnic cleansing. Tensions between the Tutsi clan who were the minority and the Hutu, the majority clan, who came to power in the rebellion in 1958-62. It is now very peaceful and very safe to walk out alone at night. The cities are very clean and the climate is very temperate with little humidity. The infrastructural investment is made by China. There are many varieties of vegetables like beans, potatoes, river fish, beef and lots of bananas. Each day was spent enjoying the amazing countryside and the safari viewing elephants, zebra, giraffe and many more fantastic animals. IWA thanked Mrs M for her wonderful talk and a very delicious potluck supper was enjoyed by all afterwards.

the 25th meeting on RWANDA

Dear members and friends of the International Women’s Association in Akita, it is wonderful news that our speaker will be available for her talk on RWANDA on FRIDAY 6th JULY at 7 p.m. at 7-7-11 Motomachi, Goshono. This will be the 25th meeting of the IWA. We hope to get together after such a long absence and enjoy a pot luck supper together. I do hope we shall have a good following for this very unique talk by one of our very own members. Looking forward to seeing you all very soon.