It was an awesome time as if I were in another world. Actually, when I saw the guide book first time, I just thought that we will take a trip for shopping because of no tax, but I was wrong. There were many things to learn in Portland and Oregon, such as school, nature and unique shopping experiences.
First of all, I could learn culture by visiting three schools, such as Columbia Basin College (CBC), Reed College and Portland States University (PSU). At each school, I could have a conversation with students who study Japanese. I still didn’t think Japanese is so popular or famous, so I was happy to know that; also it was very comfortable for me to exchange information each other. At the CBC, we taught a slang word each other, it was very interesting for us because I’m curious about English and they are curious about Japan. Then I visited Reed College. The college was very unique; the teachers never give grades to their students, and instead of that, they will give long comments. I had never heard about such a system, so I was really surprised, but it is a great system. At the PSU, I was really impressed by the equipment. There were many exercise machines and the energy generated from the students exercising will become electricity like the lights; also there were many windows because on the sunny days, they don’t have to turn on the light. It was a first time to face such a wonderful system. I could learn many new things in the three schools.
In addition, nature made me relax very much, such as colored leaves and the falls. Actually, I had given up to feel fall this year because I left Japan before it fall and it come winter soon in Spokane; however there are the beautiful scenery of colored leaves in Portland. I was so happy to see that and it made me relax. Moreover, I went hiking at Multnomah Falls. Multnomah Falls was really huge and I was overwhelmed. It took a long time and I was a little tired, but when I saw the scenery from the top of the mountain, I was moved. In addition, we do our homework or study all the time, so we don’t have a time for such an exercise. It was a very nice time for us to touch nature.
Finally, I absolutely enjoyed shopping. There were lot of opportunities to go shopping, such as in Uwajimaya, Saturday Market and Powell’s Book Store. First, it was a first time to go such a big Japanese supermarket, so I was so excited, at the same time, I was so surprised at the price. In Japan, we can buy many snacks cost about $1.00, but it cost $3.00 in the US. It showed that process of import. In the Saturday Market, people were very friendly and because all goods were handmade, I could trust the quality and tender of them. As their concept said, “From our hand to your heart” it was the very warm market. Also, Powell’s Book Store was the enormous book world. I was lost and it was very hard to select the best book for me because all books fascinated me. I proud of myself that I could go a largest book store in the world.
I’m sure that I could learn many cultural differences and grow up through this trip. I was really impressed by the wonderful school visit, unique shopping experiences and beautiful nature. The Portland Tour was the deep, valuable and unforgettable trip for me.