If Only

I went to a symposium all afternoon about the new English language curriculum coming into schools here in Kurobe. (My personal translator, Gillian, helped me out.) They stressed the need to begin teaching English at an early age, and talked about why English is an important language to learn. What really impressed me was how many of the speakers pointed out the importance of learning more about other cultures in order to avoid further misunderstandings that lead to things like war. I can't help but think how many Americans could benefit from a similar attitude. I guess that's partly why I don't live there anymore.