Weekends during Study Abroad

Students can enjoy weekends (Sat & Sun) by themselves. Some want to:
*just spend some time alone somewhere.
*explorer alone to extended areas in Kyoto or nearby cities.
*meet people in various places to apply acquired language skills.
*meet with other participants to enjoy day-off together.
Weekend is also good for some distant over-night trips: by bullet trains, long distance bus, by boat, by trains, by bicycle, etc. Students are REQUIRED to report any over-night weekend trips to the Director, GTS.
There are also default plans prepared by the Director and any students are welcomed to participate at their own expense. (Often cheaper as a group!)
During the program 2008, there are 5 weekends:
1st weekend (6/21-22) --- Students should learn rules of the host family and how to commute to KIA. There is a tentative meeting scheduled by the director on Sunday (6/22)
The default plan is: (only happening on Saturdays and TBA on Sundays)
2nd weekend (6/28-29) --- Osaka South Port Area (Japan's largest aquarium, etc)
3rd weekend (7/5-6) --- Universal Studio Japan in Osaka
4th weekend (7/12-13) --- Professional Baseball in Osaka (Tigers vs. Carp)
5th long-weekend (7/19-20-21) --- Lake Biwa Trip in Shiga (7/21 is the national Ocean Day holiday)
Most famous summer festival in Kyoto is 7/14~17: 14th~16th can be enjoyed at night in the city, the big float-parade is on 17th.
Any default plans have not planned any Sundays yet. Student can suggest some ideas and get the director's wise support for it!