Misaki Takeji was supposed to arrive in Quesnel on Nov. 4 in time for our monthly Quesnel Shiraoi Twinning Society (QSTS) meeting, or so we thought.
However, she was detained at 70 Mile House because the bus had problems and couldn’t continue to Quesnel.
Misaki’s host family, Charles and Chris Webster, drove to rescue Misaki. Subsequently, they couldn’t bring our newest visitor until much later than planned, but, eventually, Misaki and the Websters made it safely to Quesnel.
It was so nice to finally meet Misaki and we all helped her celebrate her 28th birthday on Dec. 9 – the evening of our QSTS Christmas dinner.
The Websters brought a delicious chocolate birthday cake to share with our group.
Misaki is from the west side of Tomakomia, Hokkaido, Japan.
Tomakomia is about 25 minutes from Misaki’s home to the city centre of Shiraoi.
She told me she was born in Shiraoi and has lived there her whole life.
Her family of five include her father, Kazuhiko, mother, Yuka, younger sister, Minori, and her younger brother, Kazushi.
They also have a pet, an eight-year-old Pomeranian named Puck.
Her parents both work – Kazuhiko is a janitor at one of the schools, and Yuka works at a water purification plant.
Misaki graduated from Tomakomai Sougou Keizai Commercial Economy School.
For the past nine years, she has worked at Tomakomai, Sangyo Co. Ltd., which is a heavy-duty machinery construction company.
Since, Misaki learned about Quesnel from her English teacher, who spoke to her many times about our city, she has wanted to come and is so delighted she was finally able to be here.
Her hobbies are gardening, travelling, taking photos, singing songs, shopping and watching ice hockey.
Since, Misaki likes travelling, I asked her where else has she travelled.
“I travelled to Taiwan in April of 2017, Singapore three years ago, Guam five years ago, and to South Korea many times.”
I asked what her favourite times here were and Misaki said she likes watching Vancouver Canucks games on TV.
She added this was her first time celebrating Christmas away from home.
Misaki says she would like to go to a Vancouver Canucks game in person, as well as see the Northern Lights.
Misaki has been going over to Andrea Sturt’s home every Wednesday.
Andrea said Misaki likes spending time with her three young daughters, playing with them, painting pictures, drinking green tea and watching a kid’s TV program Paw Patrol.
She also helped Andrea making Christmas cookies.
I know from experience, watching TV programs in English helps with learning a new language, as does living with a family four months.
Our twinning society wishes Misaki all the best for her future.
Diane Graham is a member of the Quesnel Shiraoi Twinning Society.