Amazing Memories in Portland

I had a great time during the Portland trip. I could experience many things which I couldn’t do in Spokane from this trip. I was impressed by three main things. There are learning curious things, visiting college and university, and my favorite times.


Cute Owl!

First of all, I learned three curious things. To begin with, I was surprised at an owl. When we went to Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, we saw an owl. It was the first time for me to see a real owl, so I was excited. As I listened to the explanation from the guide, I learned a lot of new information about owls. For example, the position of ears is different between left and right. Also, I didn’t know that owls were related to Lewis and Clark. Owls were one of the animals for which Lewis and Clark looked. Second, I saw many interesting things at McLoughlin House. It is Dr. John McLoughlin's house. He is calles "the father of Oregon". There was a beaver’s fur, Mr. McLoughlin’s office, sewing room for his wife, and so on. I was surprised at their life. There was no bathroom, and no electricity in their house. I couldn’t believe it. Lastly, I was excited at the size of Multnomah Falls. It was amazing. I have never seen such a large falls, so I felt how big nature is. I knew the size of nature in America. Those three incidents were new experiences for me in America.

Interesting Reed University

Second, I had a valuable time when I visited a college and university. When I went to Columbia Basin College, I could communicate with an American student. Then I told him about my presentation topic. I was very nervous, but he listened to my explanation seriously. Also, he gave me some advise, so I was happy. It will continue to improve my presentation more. Next, I was surprised at Reed University because it was very unique. This university has many differences from other university. For example, Reed doesn’t have a grade system. Instead of that, teachers give students long comments. Another different point is to have nuclear power on their campus. Lastly, I enjoyed the volleyball game at Portland State University. It was the first time for me to watch a real volleyball game. Of course, the game was good. It was fun to hear that “Go Viks!” Those opportunities effected my life, so it is very interesting for me.




Fun Shopping with My Friends in Portland!

Finally, I had some amazing time for shopping. I was surprised at Uwajimaya. It is a Japanese food store. Actually, I was not interested in it before I went there because I thought it was just small Japanese food shop. However my feeling changed. The store had tons of Japanese food! I didn’t expect that, so I was very excited. I could feel like I was in Japan. Then, I enjoyed shopping at shopping malls. We went to two malls. They are Washington Square Mall and Pioneer Place Mall. Both malls are big. I was happy to buy souvenirs for my family, but it was too short a time to go to a lot of stores. Lastly, I couldn’t believe the size of Powell’s City of Books. It was so spacious. I have never seen such a big book store. I was satisfied with the shopping in Spokane because I could buy many things which I couldn’t buy in Japan.

I felt that this trip was short a little bit. However, I could experience a lot of new things. Also I could make great memories with my group members. All in all, I had a wonderful time during Portland trip.