Portland

The Portland tour was great. I was crazy for shopping as if being enchanted by no-tax-magic. I was so happy to get a lot of stuff that I wanted in these days.

Also I learned many about Oregon like the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery, the history of Japanese-Americans during WWⅡ, nature, or important people who lived while the Oregon trail was used.

One of my favorite stories in this trip was about Mr.Mcloughlin. He was one of important people who lived while the oregon trail was used. He was a doctor, rich, and helped many pioneers on the trail with his kindness besides his spooky appearance.

The interesting story for me is his removal style.

One time, he moved to the top of the hill... I don't know why. When he moved his house, he carried not only his funiture or clothes, but also his house and all.  I didn't know why the moving was so important when our guide talked about it.  He was such a novel person. It was very unusual, and so funny.

I had had such an idea in my childhood, but I didn't think there is a person who had the same stupid idea. He should have transfered only his funiture like now. Poor horse had to pull such a huge house in a small street. It was very surprising and unbelievable for me.

Portland Trip

I went to Portland on an education trip. I have been to LA, San Diego, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Boston, Washington D.C., Some cities in the South West until now. I have been to many cities in U.S.A but it was first time for me to go Oregon state and I didn't know there is no sale tax! It is fabulous for girl's. We went to 2 college, Lewis and Clark Museum, McLoughlin House, Pioneer Cemetery, Uwajimaya (Asian supermarket), Japanese American Memorial et cetra.

At first, I went to the Columbia Basin College and I talked with three students who study Japanese. I sometimes spoke Japanese to them and they understood the meaning. We talked about many things but the best conversation topic was "Pokemon". We talked about Pokemon's name, some kinds of Pokemon's game software and Pokemon's song. It was very fun. After talking, I want to get a brand new Pokemon's game software. This is one of my good memory of trip.

Moreover, visiting the biggest book store all over the world, Powell's City of Books was very exciting because I had never visited such a big book store. I got 4 books which are for young people, so probably it is easy to read and understand. After I go back to Japan, I hope that I will start to read those books. I promise to keep reading English book after I return to Japan. While I chose these books, I thought that if we have like this book store in Japan, I would spend all of the day in the book store! I want to go the biggest book store in Japan. However, I enjoyed visiting Powell's City of book store. It was like a city of books!

During this trip, I could learn about a sad history of Japanese Americans. I couldn't believe that story, but it is real. If I didn't go to the Japanese American Memorial, I couldn't know the thing. Although I was not interested in world history before I studied about history in U.S.A, I think that we should know about world history when I studied it because they have a lot of stories that it shouldn't be forgotten forever.

After came back to Spokane , I noticed the trip was the last trip in this program. I felt sad; ( However, I was glad to go to Portland with great friends, teachers and an adviser. I had a wonderful time the trip with them;)

Portland Trip

Portland Trip

Last week I went to Portland. It was a great trip. I studied a lot of things about American history university life, and I also enjoyed shopping.

On the first day, we rode on the bus for a very long time. Jill introduced us to one of the Japanese-American movies. I was interested in the movie very much, so I tried to watch it, but I couldn't stay awake because we woke up very early. After we took a short rest Jill taught the story and I tried to watch the continuation again, but I couldn't stay awake again! It was the only time on this trip.

We went Columbia Basin College. We could talk to students. Many of them were still 17 or 18 years old. We could talk to them in Japanese a little. We also talked about our presentation topic. I've never met people who know my topic in America. It was very difficult to explain clearly, but when they listened to me and they were surprised at the story about Ooku I was glad. It was a good experience for me.

We also enjoyed shopping. I think I'm crazy about cosmetics. I had many cosmetics what I wanted to buy. I could buy all of them. It was wonderful. I also went to the Cheesecake Factory. When we went to the East Coast Trip, I didn't have time to go there, so I was very happy and it was wonderful!

The most impressive part of this trip was Japanese-American memorial. On the way to Portland, Jill told us about them. It was very sad. I was impressed with the wards on the memorial.  I thought people should not repeat again. I learned one of the important parts of American history.

We went many places in America. During the last semester, we went to Seattle and East Coast. We learned about many people who came from another country, and about the war in America. In this Extension program, we went to the Southwest and Portland. I could see the beauty of nature and learn American History more deeply. All of them were wonderful. I learned a lot of things and shared the wonderful memory with my friends!

Wonderful Portland!

Our exchange students went to Portland last week, and stayed there for 3 days.

We went to some universities, memorials, cemeteries, and a hockey game!

Here are my wonderful experiences at Portland.

I was very surprised at Reed college because their structures were really beautiful! It looks like British style. I also was surprised at the school system. They look like they have no rules. Actually, they don't have rules, but they have responsibilities instead of rules. Therefore they seemed individualistic. I want to enter this college, but the tuition is $50,000 a year! I couldn't believe it. Another thing that I was surprised are museum and shopping!

First, the museum was awesome! The museum that I went to is not only to look, but also touch and experience. A guide showed us how to use a rifle from a long time ago, and it was interesting! When the guide shot, the sound was really great. The guide also showed us how to make a fire. I touched a flint and tried, but it was difficult for me. Any way, this museum was very interesting.

Second, I was really excited about shopping, because in Portland, there is no tax! I really enjoyed shopping. Some of my friends spent a lot of money. I enjoyed this trip very much, and I heard that there are a lot of Asians, including Japanese also. I want to go there again!

Portland Trip

November, 19th, 2009

Portland Trip

I traveled in Portland for 4 days. This trip was great for me because I learned a lot of American history, I went shopping, and I ate delicious food. I could do many new experiences.

We went to a hockey game on the 3rd night. I had never watched a hockey game, so before going to the hockey game, I was very interested in watching it. When I arrived there, there were 5 cheerleaders. They warmly welcomed us at the entrance while good smiling. Then the game started.

It was a close game, so I was really excited! Suddenly, 2 players started a fight on the way. I was very surprised because all spectators cheered them.In the hockey game, to do a fight is allowed. It is interesting. Finally, a team that we were cheering won! After the game, I got a Turckey Free Ticket! I was very happy.

I had a lot of good opportunities during this trip, so it was wonderful! If I can do it, I want to watch the hockey game again. I really recommend you to watch it. I had a great time! Thank you.

Wonderful Trip!

We went on a Portland tour from on Nov 12 to 15th.
My favorite places are Powell's bookstore, Multnomah Falls and the Ice Hockey game.

First, Powell's bookstore is enormous. There are many kinds of books in there. I have never gone to such an enormous bookstore. I was fascinated there. I bought "The Little Prince" and "Howl's Moving Castle". I was satisfied to buy them.

Second, Multonomah Falls are very powerful and strong. When I saw it , I was impressed. I could arrive at the top of the mountain. The view was so beautiful. I felt the beauty of nature.

Third, Ice Hockey game was so exciting for me. I have no opportunity to see the game, so I couldn't imagine so much. While they were playing the game, sometimes they argued and the audience cheered them. After they played it, we tried to shoot to the goal. If I were to shoot to the goal, I could get a Turkey coupon. Unfortunately, I couldn't get it.

Through this trip, I could make nice memory and had a great time!

Portland Trip

Hello. We went to Portland on November 12 to the 15. I like it there very much. There are many people who are running with their dog or baby to exercise and be surrounded by a lot of nature. These leaves are turning yellow or red and the glow of lawn. There are beautiful colors. People are fashionable like a movie star.

We went to Powell's City of Books. It is absolutely enormous! I was excited. I had never experienced such a good time in a book store. I could see only one zone. I really wanted to see another places. There are used books. It is kind for students to buy books. It was impossible to chose some books there in few hours. I could buy these books cheap. I bought 4 books. One of them is pop up picture book. I had wanted to buy it for long time. Finally, I could buy, so I am happy.

After going to the book store, we watched a hockey game. I don't know the rule but I became a hockey fan. It was exciting, powerful and cool! It was my first time to watch a hockey game. There are nice performances. During the game, they made some smashing tackles. At first it was a surprise to me, but it makes the game more interesting and exciting. Before the game, we watched cheerleaders dancing. They are cute and beautiful. I want to be like them. I enjoyed the game very much.

There is a Japanese food supermarket in Portland. We went there, and then I feel I am in Japan. I bought some snacks and Nimono. It was delicious so, I miss Japanese food especially handmade food. On the bus my friends gave me some snacks. I don't eat rice crackers very much in Japan however, I feel it is more delicious in the USA.

Through the trip I bought a lot of souvenirs. I appreciate that there is no tax in Portland. I really enjoyed this trip. It is fabulous and Portland is one of my favorite places.

My Portland Trip

I had lot of fun in this trip because I could learn many things about American culture. The most impressive memory for me was to be able to see the library at Reed College which has the British style, and it looked like the library in Harry Potter:) I really long for the students who can go to this college.  In the library, the students can't speak at all, but they can talk and eat if they are in the lobby of the library. I was astonished at the time that the library opens. It opens by 2:00am at the earliest, and it opens even on Sunday, so according to our guide, most students tend to spend a lot of their time in the library at evening.

I thought they seemed to be genuine students, because I felt as if they already knew true students should be. I really admired "Honor Principle" that this school has as a system instead of rules. I think almost all of the students live their lives being bound with many rules. It is just passive for them, so it's good system for them to improve themselves and their independent personalities by themselves.

It is said that teaching everything to students is not only education, so this is one of the good points in Reed to replace this idea with its rules.

I was also attracted by the Japanese American memorial in this trip. I could not believe that Jill hadn't studied about it in her school days. It might be natural, because it will be disadvantage for American government to make students learn about it, but it apologized to the people all over the world, especially Japanese Americans, for what the government did.

Jill also said this incident was rare, because it is generally believed that governments seldom apologize what they did in the history, so it's sorrowful story, but I felt relieved a little bit.

Our Rare Experience

I think I could feel the excellence of America.

For example, some of you may not be able to believe it, there is no sales tax in Oregon. All of us really enjoyed shopping. On the other hand, we have to pay 5% sales tax in Japan wherever we go. Some rules depend on each state in America. It was so interesting.

I also liked Mountain View Cemetery. In Japan there are lots of regulations of the tomb and funeral. When we went to the cemetery, we soon found that the American cemetery was very different from Japanese.  Teachers explained that American people build their tombs freely. Japanese people also can choose their gravestone's color and shape, but they tend to be similar to each other. However, American cemetery's atmosphere was super different from Japanese. First, there was no unity with each other. All gravestones were very individualistic. Second, there were some artificial flowers instead of real flowers. It made sense, because American people don't visit their family's grave many times, so they don't clean up the graves by themselves. I think this is the biggest difference between Japanese and American.

Reed college is my favorite American college I've ever visited. Its tuition was soooooo expensive, but some students pay their tuition by themselves. They are very hardworking. The library was so cute! My guide described it like Harry Potter. I really agreed with her. I must be able to live at the library. She told us that Reed students write more than 100 pages graduation thesis every year. Can I write a 100 page thesis? Of course not.

When we visited Multnomah Falls, it rained. However, we saw many travelers who were very energetic and passed us. The salmon which swam back in the river were also energetic. I felt a lack of exercise because I'm younger than them. I walked along 11 switchbacks for the first time in my life. The summit had a fine view. I was so exhausted, so when I returned to the start by myself, I was happy.


This was our last trip in America. I feel a little lonely , but I hope I could learn a lot about America.

My Dearest Mother

Today, November 22nd is one of my friends, Misako's birthday! We went to Disney On Ice. When I arrived there and saw the ice, I recalled the other Disney On Ice that I went to with my mother when I was young in Japan. I still remember how excited I was at that time, and today also I was excited as if I went back to my childhood. Disney is very fantastic. I could dream. However, I became sleepy during the show because my group mates and I stayed up late and talked a lot last night, so I decided to sleep well before the day when I go to Disney On Ice next time. I hope she had a happy birthday with a lot of cute Disney characters.

Recently, I often think of plans for my mother. Today, I made a new plan; some day I will go to Disney On Ice with her again and enjoy a lot together like children wearing Mickey Mouse ears, eating popcorn, or ice! I have many other plans for her; some day I will move to a house with her where we can have pets and give her a small dog that is very very cute for her birthday or Mother's Day. I will travel many places with her. I will go to an amusement park with her that we often go to in Japan and ride a corkscrew that we've never tried before because we, especially I, don't like it. I will see many beautiful things, eat a lot of delicious food, and experience many funny things with her.

I'm still child, and I don't have money, so many of my plans will take much time to achieve. However, I will be adult as soon as possible and achieve all my plans some day. I want her to be happier than any other people. Her happiness is my happiness. Not anyone else but I will make her laugh always and happiest in the world.

A Warm Personality

I missed the Portland trip because of sickness. Since I was looking forward to going to Portland, this accident made me sad and mad. I was disappointed about my weekend, but I had a great weekend because of my teacher's sympathies. If they hadn't invited me, I would have killed the time no pleasure. I had a great time with Fumie, Anikke and Christopher's family. Anikke took us to many places, and we enjoyed shopping. After that, she invited us to her apartment. I had never been to teacher's house, so I was surprised her kindness. Her apartment's atmosphere relaxed me, So I could feel comfortable. After we enjoyed talking, Fumie and I celebrated her birthday!! I was very happy because we could see her happy face. And we went to downtown to watch a movie. It was such a pretty movie, but sometimes I couldn't understand their English because their English was so fast for me. Since Anikke taught us the summary of story, I could guess their dialogue. After we enjoyed the movie a lot, Fumie and I went to Christpher's house. I was looking forward to meeting his family, especially his daughters because I have met them once in class. His family was absolutely marvelous!! I wasn't nervous because his family was so friendly for us. I learned many thing from his family. His daughters taught me about American high school. Their story was interesting. I enjoyed taiking with his family. They took us to Christopher's parent's house. His parent was so kind to us. I played billiards. It was my first time but I could enjoy the game because they taught us how to play it so clearly. After we went back to home, Fumie and his daughters and I kept talking until midnight. It was good memory for me. My boring weekend turned excellent weekend because of my teacher's kindness. I appreciate their kindness. I can't express this my feeling. Thank you for everything.

Disney on Ice

I went to Disney on Ice at Spokane Arena.

It was wonderful. Especially I liked the Lion King, so I'm really looking forward to seeing the Lion King's musical!! Most of American children got the goods. Then I remembered my childhood. When I was young, I went to the Wizard of OZ on Ice once in Japan. I wanted the goods, and I asked my mother about it. She said, "I don't think you really need it" and she didn't accept my request. Probably she thought that it was not good to buy easily something to me. If she didn't care about it, I might have been a wasteful person. It's usual way of thinking in Japan. Japanese parents train strictly their children from childhood sometimes. I understand that, but I was a little sad. It compared Japan and America. American parents don't care about it like Japanese so much. It's one of the differences between Japan and America.

I don't know which way is the best yet. Maybe it depends on the children's characters, but I want to buy something for my children on some special day when I will be a mother.

How do we spend the rest with good way?

　　　↓　３ months

Did you know we can spend only less than one month here. The three months that we have spent was very fast for me. I felt more enjoyable this semester better than before definitely. What is the difference? One is we had many kinds of opportunities much more than before. Another is we are comfortable to be here in America, or American custom, character, culture, food, and so on. I love America very much. However, I have a problem because I became being like American. I have spent here about for 7 months, so I change my value, thinking, view points, and dreams. I am going to go back to Japan. It means I have to be back to Japanese. Unfortunately, Japan doesn’t make us dream. It’s difficult that we dream something in Japan. Changing own mind is good, but I will live in Japan. When in America do as the Americans do. When in Japan do as the Japanese do. I dreamed too much. I have to look real world, and I have to remind Japanese style, culture, custom, and manner until I go back.

G13

We have only 1 month to stay in America. I had a lot of things to do and I was very busy everyday, but I had a wonderful life with my housemates.

First, everyone laughs everyday in my house. We really enjoy our dormitry life because they are funny and they make me comfortable. We often eat lunch ,dinner or something together, and we watch DVD when we have a free time. It's one of the my favorite times.

Second, we help each other. For example, we gather and teach or ask questions each other before a test. I can remember easily and it's very helpful, but I also enjoyed studying because I was fun to talk with them.

The biggest thing is that we decided to speak English in my house. At first, we couldn't keep it but one day, everyone tried to speak English hard even if it's difficult to tell something. We made rule to speak English at least until 8 p.m. After that, I learned a lot of conversation words from my housemates and everyone can speak more naturally now.

We have enthusiasm and we improve each other.

I'm a lucky girl to live with this member and I want to make more precious memories in this group.

My Special Time❤

Recently, I had two things that I really enjoyed.
First, I went to Adams Elementary school for volunteer.

My activity was Japanese game or dance, so we decided to teach them to Bon dance, sumo and snow man game. At first, we worried about our activity because we had very short time. We thought very difficult to tell them these activity such a short time. But we tried to do our best.

They were so sweet and they showed interest in everything that we taught even though

our explanation was so bad. I was very happy to see their cute smile. I felt this volunteer is very

awsome because I could make students very hapy and fun. What's more, I could enjoy it with

them. I want to do volunteer more and more if I can. I had a great time with students.

The next thing that I really enjoyed is I went to Barbara's house. She invited all of extension

students and November 19th was our group's turn. At first, we went to Sushi yama.

It was the Japanese restaurant and I went there for the first time. Surprisingly, when we

arrived there, I found a car that looks like Anikke's car and there was Anikke!!!!

I was so happy that she joined us. We orderd Japanese delicious box meal. It was almost

like Japanese food!!! I was so excited. We talked many topic such as Japanese custom

or Japanese food. I was very surprised because my family' s custom is different from

other families. My family always eat Osechi on December 31st. I thought it is

natural. But I noticed it is wrong. Japanese usually eat them on January 1st. I couldn't

believe it. My family was wrong!!!! It' s too late to notice. But we usually eat Ozouni on

January 1st but another friend's family eat it December 1st, so we thought we have

own custom in our house. I enjoyed talking very much!!!! After that, we went to

Barbara's house. Her house was very pretty!!!! I love her house. I saw real fireplace

for the first time. It was very warm!!! I was very happy that I could see it, and she

made us chocolatecake^^ It was so delicious!! We were the happiest girls in the world.

The day was like dream. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you Barbara!!!

The Countdown in MFWI

The time when I can be here, MFWI, is only a month. It is snowing outside. It will be December soon. I have to spend the rest of the time doing my best. First, I really have to practice my presentation. I would like to regard this event as one of my best memories. It is sometimes difficult to communicate with my partners, but the more I talk with them, the much better presentation I can do. Also, we can become even closer friends. To do something with my friends makes me learn the important things. They are the importance of cooperation and discussion why I can become stronger and have my opinion. Secondly, I have to talk more with native English speakers such as teachers, RAs, my host family, and so on. This experience in MFWI is very precious, because I am in not in Japan but America. There are tons of American people, which is the chance to improve my English skill. I have to effectively use the chance whenever I can talk with native English speakers. Finally, I have to treasure the new meeting with someone, because I can discover new things, thinkings, and hobbies. On the last semester, I saw my high school pen pal who was very attractive. He is a good runner, and he talked why he likes running when there was a twinkle in his eyes. I noticed that I have to find out my hobby. After seeing him, I began running, that is one of my hobbies now.

The countdown here is already starting. 5,4,3,2,1, ready go!!

★Portland★

I went to Portloand from 12 to 15 November. My favorite places are Reed College and downtown and the ice hockey stadium. Reed college has a retro and cute campus. I like these buildings. One of the billdings was built 100 years ago. When I went there, one student gave us a campus tour. During this tour, I heard a lot of surprising information. First, the library is open until 2:00 a.m. It was impossible thing! I really impressed this thing.Students do their essays and assignments. Then, inside of library was so cool!! It seemed to appear in Harry Potter's movie. If I can do my assignment there, I'll be well forward with my work. Second, the school expenses. It cost fifty thousand dollars a year. It is so expensive!!! So, 50 percent of students get a scholarship. Down town was similar to Seattle, but I think Downtown of Seattle is cleaner than Portland's. There are a lot of people and shops. It was thriving and fashionable place. I liked the atmosphere. On this day, I bought some stuff for only myself. I was so satisfied!! Then, I saw a strange man. This man's face was painted silver. And all his clothes and shoes were silver. He had glass ball and maneuvered these ball. He looked like robot. Ice Hockey game was so exciting!! I have never seen ice hocky game before, so I didn't know the rules. And Ice hockey game is more violent than I imagined. We boosted the team that is named Winter Hawxs. After a couple of minutes later the game started, two player started the fight. But judge person didn't stop the fight. Then, audience kindled the fight and shouted. I was very surprised!! As I went to the home studium of this team, so When the player goaled, audience's response was so nice!! Then, my team won finally. As I watched the ice hockey game for the first time, I became fan of ice hockey. Anyway, I really had a good time at Portland★

My Precious Friends★13

We are absolutely fabulous friends!!! Yukino, Yuka, Yui and I graduated from same middle school, and Honami, Tomomi and I graduated from same high school! Actually, we didn't know each other. We just know faces and names. Yukino,Tomomi, Yui, Honami and I were in the same class in senior year, but until senior year, we didn't know each other. We were friends, but actually not the same as now.



First, once I and Yukino quarrelled at the beginning of senior year, because we couldn't understand each other. However now we have good relationship. I don't remember how we made up our relationship, but now we are good friends!:D And she is my roommate now!haha When we were deciding extension roommates, everyone said "You guys should separate! Absolutely you'll quarrel!!!" all of our ex-housemates said it. but somehow, we had confidence that we won't quarrel. After decide roomie, I was kind of nervous, because I thought I would mess our room, and I had no idea to live with her. Now I'm living with her, but we have never quarrelled!! She is so kind for me and she understand me. Also, I understand her. That's why we have good relationship now!:D I love my roomie, Yukino★

Second, I was in the group which is Tomomi, Honami, Yui and some members in. However, I couldn't talk well with them by graduation because they were so cute and they had sense of fashion!haha I longed for them:D I was so nervous to talk with them! I was like a chicken boy! After graduating from high school, we entered MWU, and we were in the same group. After entering MWU, I could talk with them without nervousness. We became better friends than before. They were so funny!! I didn't know they were so funny.


I and Yuka became friends after we graduated high school. We just knew each other, but we had never talked even we graduated from same high school. She also so funny and thoughtful!!


Third, our group, Tomomi, Yuka, Yui, Honami, Yukino and I met Saori and Riyo at MFWI. We didn't know each other by the meeting of extension housemates. First, I was so shy and couldn't speak, but now we have good relationship! They are also funny. First, I concerned about living together, because we didn't know each other. We didn't know their character and lifestyle. However, Saori and Riyo also didn't know each other. I think they were also worried about same things and it is hard to into our group, because we were all together after entered university. However, they accustomed to live with us, and we are enjoying our life now.


In conclusion, now we are good friends!!! We are enjoying living together! we help each other, watch movies, eat something at kitchen together and talk a lot!!!!! No life, no G13. They are part of me! I met wonderful friends. I want to stay with them! I don't want to leave them. I love them so much★　I want to make a lot of memory as much as we can!! We'll enjoy our MFWI life!!!!!♪♪

Marvelous Weekend!!!

When I heard that I couldn't go to Portland trip, I was really shocked and embarrassed, but I spend delightful time with Yuka, Anikke, and Christopher's family. It's one of the happiest memories for me, and I appreciate them so much. If I had been alone in the house, I must have sunk in sorrow.

Anikke picked us up on Friday morning, and we went shopping. The store we went to was very charming. One of the specific reason I like the shop was pretty decorations. Fashionable Christmas made me excited. I feel happy whenever I see Christmas decorations in the stores, towns, and streets. I think Christmas gives a lot of children dreams, and I was also given dreams when I was a child, so Christmas is the most favorable event for me in a year. I found some Japanese snacks in the store, and I felt as if I were in Japan. I especially missed Japanese snacks, cookies, and candies. After that, happily, Anikke chose a nice movie, Christmas Carol, and it was very exciting. It was snowy outside, so it was the most suitable climate! I think Christmas and snow are a good match. It was 3D movie, and character sprang out suddenly; I thought it was more powerful than ordinary movies. It was not easy to understand for me because English was so fast!!! I think I need to practice listening;-) Anyway, I enjoyed watching movies.

After we depart from Anikke, we went to Christopher's house. I was very happy because we were warmly welcomed. I was nervous when I saw them, but his daughters spoke to us, thus I could be relax. After we reached to his house, we went to his parents' house. It was graceful and splendid. We had dinner together, and it was very delicious! I enjoyed talking about in the future, school, and so on. I felt his family is genial and kind, and it's my ideal family. After I went back to his house, Yuka and I talked to his family. I could have good conversation with them, and at night, the conversation with his daughters grew more lively; therefore we overslept. The next day, we got up around 10 o'clock, and we went shopping with his daughters. I bought body creams and a teddy bear. I thought these body creams were suitable for souvenir! I like fragrance, so I'm collecting perfumes. I bought a teddy bear for the reason that I live in my room alone, and I sometimes feel sad and lonely. I was so happy because I could buy my favorite things. After shopping, Christopher, Yuka and I went to symphony. I heard beautiful sound, and I was very comfortable. The players were absolutely glorious. I like to play music, so it was very fantastic time. I felt as if I were in my dream! Thank you for special weekend!

Happy Halloween!

On Oct. 29th, it was the Halloween party day. From the morning, I saw many costumes because teachers wore costumes in the classes. There are Aladin, E.O. Superman, Minnie Mouse and so on. I had been excited since the morning. However, when I went back home after finishing lunch, it turned out that my roommate, Aki, had fever and had to move to the Whitman Hall, a sick house, right now till she got better. Our group had prepared hard together for this day since a few weeks ago in spite of a lot of homework. She looked very sad, so I was also sad. I just hoped she will feel better soon.

After all classes were finished, we prepared for the party. At the party, there are many cute costumes, but no one wore scary costumes... except for us! Everyone looked at us, and some were scared. We were asked to take pictures of us or with us many times. Many people said to us "Good job!" We danced thriller. I'm a bad dancer, so it took me much more time to remember the dance than any other group mates. Actually, I made mistakes in dancing, but it was successful. I really enjoyed it, so it's OK! I had a wonderful night. It was the first and maybe the last day that I 'm that popular!

When I was young and in America, I experienced Halloween with my family, and when I visited houses saying "Trick or treat!" after the party, it reminded me the memories; my brother wore Ninja turtle costume, and my sister was Donald duck. I was so happy that I could experience Halloween in America again. I think it's one of the greatest American cultures. We should do that in Japan also! However, I was sad to hear that one day a child was killed when he or she visited a house to get some treat on Halloween. It must not happen! I want everyone all over the world to have a happy Halloween. We celebrate Halloween for people who died in the past. We mustn't have more dead people on Halloween.

Happy Halloween!

The Attractive Classes

We went to many schools this semester. There were a lot of differences between American and Japanese schools.

The students, who were active and lively, were really good . Some students discussed their essays with the teacher or students in the class. It was the same attitude in almost all of the schools that we went to. It was really interesting for me because Japanese schools are different. There are many shy students in Japan who don't ask questions or have discussions with teachers. When we went to the American classes for the first time, I was impressed by the American students. I liked the attitude of American students because it was good for improving our conversation and English skills.

Classroom Observations

One of my favorite parts of Extension program is classroom observations. I am always surprised at many things and learn a lot all the time.

First of all, I feel super happy because surprisingly, I can understand the classes a lot more than I had been thinking. I am sure that I understand them much better than my French class in Japan. I like lively interactions between the professors and the students, which I've never seen in Japan, because it help students to understand all the time. Also American colleges have many students who have different backgrounds, so everyone can learn about different cultures and the way of thinking which I really think is interesting. Students can open their world.

The other reason I like American education is the friendliness of the professor. I saw many students asking them questions. When I went to SFCC last week, I myself tried to ask the professor about the topic, and we had a great discussion.

I want to observe more about American universities because they are interesting, and I can learn a lot through observations.

School Visits

We have visited many universities during this term: Gonzaga University, Washington State University, Eastern Washington University, Spokane Falls Community College and New Mexico State University. We learned and felt many things at all visits. Universities in America are really different from universities in Japan.

First, I felt like American university students were more energetic than Japanese students. We attended some classes and observed them. American students frequently asked questions or gave their opinions to teachers. When the teachers asked, “ Do you have any questions?” many students asked questions. I think this doesn’t often happen in classes in Japan. Many students are quiet and seem not to be interested in class. American university students attend classes more eagerly than Japanese university students.

Second, American university students are energetic, but American university teachers are also energetic. Many teachers often asked questions of the students and they tried to get students to understand clearly. They didn't only teach their subject. They asked many questions and requested interesting answers. They seemed to need student’s opinions to continue the class. I thought the relationship between American students and teachers was better than between Japanese students and teachers.

Finally, I felt comfortable in the classes I attended. I attended an Intercultural Communication class at SFCC. It was the first time for me to attend the class, but many students spoke to me. There was even a student who spoke to me in Japanese. I was really nervous and I think I actually looked nervous. They removed my nervous feelings and tried to help me understand the class clearly and enjoy the class. They were really friendly and kind.

I discovered many things in all visits. Every single time I visited a university, I discovered and noticed something. These things make me more energetic.

Class Observations

It has been very interesting and fresh for me to visit American universities. I have found a lot of new things and had great experiences!

We visited Eastern Washington University. I observed a writing class. I joined students and sat in a seat as they do. I was very nervous because it was the first time that I took a class in the U.S. I just observed the class and felt the atmosphere. In the class, some students had grammar presentations. During those, some students who had questions asked them and sometimes they laughed. It was not cheerful but it was a very good atmosphere. I didn't have opportunities to say anything, but I really enjoyed it.

We also have had class observations at Spokane Fall Community College. I observed a Social Psychology class. It was very interesting. The teacher was great and often gave students opportunities to talk. Also, I was surprised because students were very active. In addition to asking questions, when they had something they wanted to say, they raised their hands and talked one after another. It was a lecture, but like a discussion. I thought I should have understood all they talked about! It was difficult for me to understand the content, but it was a very valuable experience.

Class observations are really exciting and I'm lucky to have had such great experiences!

Class Observation

This semester, we have a lot of opportunities to attend to the class of university. I was surprised because American classes are very active. When the teacher ask students something, students say their opinion one another after. Conversation between teacher and students didn't stop for beginning of the class to the end of the class. The most interesting class that I have visited was general physiology. It was about human's feeling emotion. Teacher explained very clearly, so I could understand partly. I liked atmosphere of this class because teacher and students gave their examples each other a lot, and then, we could understand what the teacher wants to say. It was very hard to listen to they are speaking for me, but I thought the communication between teacher and students is very important thing!

Trick or Treat★

Halloween was one precious memories for me. I was looking forward to coming Halloween, so when I was a child, I envied American children because they have Halloween. I enjoyed everything. At first, I bought my costume in North town. There are many costumes, so I was excited to choose my costume. I tried many costumes on in the fitting room but I couldn't choose one of them. Finally, I decided my costume. It is a Snow White costume. It is a so pretty and a fantasy costume!! I like it. My host family invited me to their house on Halloween. I have three host sisters. Only one of them wore a Halloween costume. It made me surprised because I thought every child will wear their original costumes. When I asked them about it, they taught me many children wear their costume but it is not everyone. Almost all of the Americans don't wear Halloween costumes. So when I went to trick or treat with my host sisters I was a little embarrassed because there were only children except us. but I didn't care about it. If I missed this oppotunity, I wouldn't get the oppotunity forever. My host sisters are full of energy, so they ran all over during trick or treating. Since I had to catch up with them, I was so tired. But I had a great experience because of them. I will never forget this memory.

First Halloween★

Happy Halloween!!!


How was your Halloween?：D

It was the first time to participate in American Halloween party! I really wanted to experience American Halloween.


Japanese people know Halloween ,but there is not home party and trick or treat. We just know the day. That's why I really wanted to participate in American Halloween!! I wish Halloween was in Japan.


Actually, I participated in 2 parties, because parties were held at MFWI and my host family's house.

On November 29th, the Halloween party was held at MFWI campus. After class, most students went back to their dorm quickly.

At 7 p.m, When I reached to the party hall, I was surprised because everybody changed nicely!!

During the party, some groups performed great dance!! We enjoyed the party dancing and eating and taking so many pictures. Also, RA start the dance that most of them know! I don't know the dance, but I could join it easily. the dance like, listen the song and it said "step forward","clap hands!""jump!"or something like this. I guess it was not the Halloween dance, but many people enjoyed the dance!!

After the party, we did trick or treat:D I was so happy, because I wanted to do that!! Maybe I was like a little kid:)haha

Another party was absolutely awesome!!! One of my friends Yuka invited me to the party that held by her host family because I met them twice in last semester: ) Also Yuka's roommate Tomomi was invited the party. I was so happy because it was great opportunity to experience a real American Halloween party!!



Host Mother Teri cooked Big Pumpkin Pot. It was hollowed inside, and there is a minced meat, pumpkin, onion and cream sauce. We made faces on the pumpkin by using carrot and one of spice. It looks so cute and it was so delicious. I don't know that is traditional food or not, but it looks like traditional food. One of Teri's friend made snacks, it looks like bone!! She made it by marshmallows and thin pretzels and white chocolate! It was so delicious! Yuka, Tomomi and I couldn't stop eating! We ate lots of Halloween foods:)



During the party, there were trick or treaters:) We gave them some snacks when they said "Trick or Treat." When kids didn't say it, we said "What do you say:D" and then, they said it★ they were so cute!!! They brought pillowcase instead of the basket!!!haha I just heard some children bring pillowcase, but I didn't expect. However, I saw some kids brought pillowcase and I was knocked out by cute pillowcase and the kids!haha They were sooooooo cute!!:D



Then, We played the game. It was like, get the marbles by using own fingers of foot. The marble were in the super cold water!! There were so many ices in the water. We had to grab the marbles from the water as much as we can! All of visitors did it, but they couldn't grab many marbles because of cold!! Finally, a girl won. She got 82 marbles within 40sec!haha

After the game, we watched "Thriller." It seems custom of their Halloween!:D

I really enjoyed real American Halloween party!!! I Could experience a lot. We prepared for the party, ate Halloween food, Felt atmosphere. I appreciate Yuka's host family and this opportunity!



Thanks★★

The First Halloween!

I experienced this Halloween twice. This Halloween was the first time for me.

The first Halloween was at Commons last Thursday. I was Little Red Riding Hood. I took a long time to memorize the name... It's a long name! It means AKAZUKIN in Japanese.

Anyway, I had never gone to a Halloween party, so I was very excited!

Attendees costumes were really nice. I wanted to be more gorgeous like them.

One group members were zombies and they danced with Thriller song. It was great!!! I wanted to give them a prize! They really looked like Zombies.

I really enjoyed the party.

The second one was with Yoshimi, my host mother, her children and her brother's family.

I wore a Pikachu costume because it's popular for children.

Although I went to trick or treat with them, Yoshimi and I didn't join them. We just watched with their parents. We thought Halloween was only for children and we were too old!!

That's why we couldn't get candies and chocolates. After that, the children shared their chocolates with us.

Recently, we don't know about our neighborhoods very well. I thought Halloween was a good opportunity to communicate with them.

However, I was surprised and a little shocked on this Halloween.

Their parents started checking their candies. At first, I didn't understand.

Then my parents told us the reason that someone put bad things into children's candies before, so checking them was a very imortant job for them.

I understood parents also was important for their children.

They were very kind and also their parents were kind and polite.

My host mother often said be nice and share with Yuko and Yoshimi and often talked to us. She was a good mother.

Anyway, I enjoyed this Halloween heartily! However, I was shocked! When I came back to my house, my group member also went to trick or treat and got many many chocolates and candies.

If I can go to trick or treat again, I will try to get them!!

The Creepy Doraemon Was Coming to Your House!

I wanted to be born as an American child because of Halloween. We can get many candies, wear unique costumes every year, and it is the special day once a year.

I went to home stay on Halloweekend for 3 days. On Friday night, my host family held a party at my host father's company. Many people was coming there, so it was very big party. On Sunday, Halloween, I experienced a real trick or treating. Then, I had kid's spirit during it.

Please look at the picture. A blue person that faced the bottom is me. It's so strange. I am only 152 cm tall, so I'm small, but the me of the picture looks so big and like an old strange man. Perhaps, many people that were trick or treating thought strange about me. It was kind of embarrassing even childish of me.

I asked for my host mother "how old are people when they stop trick or treating?". She answered that aroud 14 years old. Then, she said that definetely I was kind of childish for American usual 19 year-old girl, but also I was innocent. In fact, Mukogawa girls was excited trick or treating as if they are children. Maybe, our behavour is too strange for American, but also we don't forget kid's spirit and are innocent.

Ties by Halloween

Halloween is the important day in America. First, many people dress up. That is like a big festival. Many American people, not only children but also adults, enjoy this day. They connect with each other. Secondly, many children walk around neighbors to get many candies. That makes good friendship. Many American people are very friendly, because this festival makes them closer to each other. The neighbors welcome children very warmly. That makes ties or trust between them. Also, the children can become more pure, because they can enjoy trick or treat sincerely. Also, I enjoyed trick or treat as if I were a little child. I got many chocolates. Finally, many houses are decorated. They are perfect. Many people get down to preparing Halloween seriously, as if they told the tradition to people in the future. Some people prepare for Halloween from one months ago. Each country is made by the tradition. People must contine to tell it endlessly.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween!!!

Our group's theme was Thriller of Michel Jackson!!

We talked which is the best group costumes or personal

costumes. We thought group costume can show our

coopration,so we decided to wear group costumes.

And we wanted to dance thriller.

Then Zombie is very fun and cool. That's why we decided on this costume.

My friend Takako was Michael Jackson and others were Zombies. We took a

long time to be Zombies because we had to tear our costumes and we had to make up our faces.

What's more, we practiced Thriller many times. It was very hard for us. But we enjoyed

to dance. When I went to the common's hall, I was really surprised because there were

only people who wearing cute or sexy clothes. I thought there are many people who

wore costumes of Zombies or scary clothes,so we were distinguished very much!! At first, I felt ashamed

because my face was terrible and many students looked at us. I was jealous of them because they wore

very cute costumes. But gradually, we began to have confidence because no one wore such scary

clothes and make up, so we are special!!! I thought it is a very good oppotunity because maybe I have

no oppotunity to wear like this costume any more, so I didn't regret to wear this costume. Of course, all

of my group mate thought same things.Many junior colleges or education students asked me to

take picture with them.I felt like a star!!! This is one of the reasons why I could have confidence

about my face and costume. When our dance started, I was really surprised because I didn't think

we will dance such a big stage. I was very confused and as I expected, I made some mistakes in our dance.

But it is ok because I could enjoy a lot. I think enjoying something is the most important thing.

After finished the party, we did trick or treat!!! It was the first time that I did it, so I was

very excited. I thought I love American culture afresh because there is no Halloween

in Japan. That's boring. I want to do it in Japan, so I decided to start to do Halloween

party in Japan. I enjoyed very much.

Midnight Story

It was after midnight, and I was alone in the house, when suddenly...

I heard strange sounds like laughing, so I went to the place where the sounds happened.  It was too quiet to go alone, so I brought a light.  I heard a strong window's sound and on the way I met a girl.  I wondered why she was there alone.  She kept quiet and then, she disappeared!  She went upstairs where I had never seen before.  I had just moved into the house yesterday, so I didn't really know about the place very much.  I thought she was going to the bathroom and I wanted to talk with her because I didn't have any friends in this town, yet.  If she is kind, I thought we could be friends, so I waited for her.  However, she never came back down the stairs.  The next day, I told my family about the mystery, but they didn't believe me.  My sister said, "Maybe you were half asleep."  But I was really awake.  The next day I heard a rumor about the house.  Before, a rich person owned it, but his company went bankrupt, so he sold the house and moved.  Only the daughter didn't want to move.  She stayed in that big, old house until finally, it fell into ruin.  Nobody knows what happened to her.  This is a very old story, so if the girl I saw was the daughter, she must not be human any longer.  I tried to meet her again, but I still haven't seen her.  In my opinion she must be married to the house, and appears on her anniversary once a year.


I couldn't sleep, so I went downstairs to get some coffee.  Only I was in the house, so it was very silent.  I was drinking coffee when someone rang the doorbell.  It was after midnight, so I wondered who would come and visit.  I went to the entry, but no one was there.  Only a box was on the floor.  I checked the box carefully and slowly opened it.  In the box was a sad looking and old doll with a letter inside.  The letter said,  "Hello.  I want to meet you.  Maybe you are drinking coffee now.  I know everything about you.  Do you know who I am?  I am not a person, but I have watched and loved you for many years."  The letter ended here.  I couldn't remember this old doll at all.  I have no memory to play with this doll because my family was poor, so they never bought me any toys.  Moreover, I have no siblings, so I was confused.  I went into my house again, but there was no light.  I felt very scared and went into the livingroom.  Suddenly, I heard a big 'crack'!  The room became very bright and I heard, "Happy Birthday!"  There were my parents and they were smiling.  "Are you surprised?  Go back to the entrance and check again."  I went back and there was another box with another doll.  This one was cute and new.  It was a birthday present from my parents.


I remembered that I didn't finish my homework.  I had to hand it in the next day, but I had misunderstood the deadline.  I was upset.  What should I do?  I was still in bed.  It is winter now, so I didn't want to get out of my bed.  It was too comfortable.  However, I want to keep being a good student, so I decided to do my homework.  I had to take my notebook from my bg but it's very troublesome, so I decided to use the ruler which was on the table near my bed to grab the notebook.  However, my arms are too short to get it even if I used the ruler, so I tried to change something longer.  Then I heard a voice, but it was too weak a voice, so it was difficult to hear it.  What I could catch was just, "No...Help....Kill..."  I was so upset, and I couldn't stay in my bed.  I jumped up and ran to my parents' room.  They were not there, so I ran to my brother's room.  But he wasn't there, either!  I became really scared.  I went to the living room to find my family.  Suddenly, all the electrical appiances went off, so it was really dark.  I really paniced!  Then the livingroom door opened and I heard, "Happy Halloween!"  All of my family said to me, and they brought a nice cake.  The had planned it that they would surprise me.  I was very scared, but now it is a good memory.

I became hungry, so I went to the kitchen to get some snacks.  When I got a piece of cake, the TV turned on, and the screen on the TV was just snow.  I was surprised and I screamed.  I wanted to turn off the the TV and I looked for the remote, then suddenly the lights started flickering.  I couldn't move because I was so scared.  Then the refridgereator door opened and closed , the knife and forks made sounds, also some books.

Cultural Observation

The Southwest trip was awesome!I ate lots of Mexican foods especially vegetables or cheese. What Christopher said Native Americana foods are healthy was right I think.

Altough too much is always not good for us.

Anyway, the most impressive thing for me was the languages we heard these days. Some students might recognize though, I could hear Spanish somewhere each day. I was very surprised.  Since I have come to America, I had never heard it anywhere.  I learned about Hispanic in junior high school "They are many and speak Spanish." I had thought it was a wrong information, but it was not.

I could hear Spanish from a radios, TVs, and many people live in Southwest. It was when I thought this was we were eating lunch at the University of New Mexico. Did you hear what clerk was saying? They were speaking Spanish! We never hear Spanish or the other language except English or Japanese in Japan, so I felt great difference between America and Japan, and also Washington and Southwest. Timothy said he was in California, so he could hear and see many Spanish word at advertisement or commercial. Then I imagined it was like English in Japan. However it was not, because America has mixed culture. It means there are many kinds of native speakers in a country. It is not like English which has subject in Japan. Complete sentences as a native speaker has were around there.

It was amazing!

Bunkanohi

November 3rd is Culture Day.

This day was established as the national holiday Bunka no hi. The meaning is " the love of freedom, peace and the promotion of culture." It was also on the day that the Japanese constitution was proclaimed, so we celebrate the day.

Do you do something on the day?

I don't do special things in Japan on the Bunkanohi, but now, I am in America.

To use this opportunity, I'll teach Kendo,which is Japanese traditional swordplay to American children in this year. I'm looking forward to teaching because it is a good chance to communicate with people who are from other countries. Actually, even if I am Japanese I have a lot of things I don't know about Japanese culture. I think it's also a good time to learn my country's culture well.

I want people to know what is Japanese culture. For example, Kendo needs a lot of concentration. They have to gather when their opponent comes or when they should go. Some Japanese get endurance from Kendo.

I'll try to tell the Japanese culuture to children and I'm glad if they will be interested in Japan.