First, I expanded my knowledge at the Columbia George Discovery Center. One of the interesting things which I learned about there is Lewis and Clark. Although I had studied it before the trip in American West class, I got new interesting information about them. For example, Lewis and Clark had no doctor on their journey. I saw some tools to cure disease and injury. I was astonished that the ways to cure them were risky and painful. I realized how hard their journey was. Another new discovery of mine is the Great Horned Owl. A woman explained distinctive features of the owl. Surprisingly, they don't have any skills to build their nests. They steal nests from other kinds of birds instead. In addition, they turn their heads because they don't move their eyes. I knew fascinating points of learning animals. I also took an interest in old towns in America. In the center, there was a room like a town in the ninteenth century in America. The buildings had some colors, and there were some shops. I felt I was at the old time so I could imagine easily. I understood what the town was like. I also liked the atmosphere. Thus, I enjoyed learning a lot at the Columbia George Discovery Center.
Second, I found out that the Japanese-American Memorial is a very important place. Before I read "Weedflower", I didn't know about Japanese Americans in World War II well. I learned it at the memorial plus "Weedflower" and a lecture. It showed me about their rights at the time. I was impressed by Japanese American faces which were drawn on two tall stones. The faces looked very hopeless. I realized they had a very hard time. Moreover, poems told me their feelings. Many unhappy poems were carved on stones. My most most shocking poem said "Going home, Feeling cheated Gripping my daughter's hand I tell her we're leaving without emotion". I felt very sad reading it. Then, I saw many broken stones under the poem stones. It represented their broken dreams. I thought they didn't expect their futures because they didn't have rights like white people. Therefore, I learned important things at the Japanese-American Memorial. Many Japanese don't know about it. It is essential for Japanese people to know the truth of Japanese Americans.
Third, I got a new experience at PSU volleyball game. It was my first time to watch a live game.
I enjoyed the atmosphere a lot. I was surprised at the enthusiasm of the spectators. To cheer for PSU team, they made big sounds not only by their voices and hands, but also by their feet. I felt more excited to imitate them. It was also fun. In addition, match time was enjoyable. The spectators stood up when the match time came. I think it made players more energetic. Furthermore, there were many people who wore something green. Green is the PSU color. They seemed to cheer for the team with eagerness. The PSU team finally won. Accordingly, I had a good time sharing strong feelings with other people at the game. I want to go to a volleyball game in Japan to observe diffrences between America and Japan.Consequently, I had splendid experiences at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, Japanese-American Memorial and PSU volleyball game. All I learned and felt were very interesting for me. Through the trip, I saw Ameican culture and history from an other side. The trip was a good opportunities to hear and see new things.