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| Huge Multnomah Falls |
First, I had a marvelous time at three universities, Columbia Basin College, Reed College and Portland State University. On the first day, I visited Columbia Basin College. I talked with my partner who is CBC student. She was really kind, so I could talk with her about a lot of topic, especially about my presentation topic, pilgrimage. I was preparing to talk about my pilgrimage topic, but it was not easy. She didn’t know the meaning of pilgrimage. Also, I couldn’t talk about all of my preparation. I felt that I need more practice, however she said my topic was interesting. I was so glad to hear that. Also, when I was talking, she reacted, so I could understand which part is good or bad. I had a good time. On second day, I visited Reed College. This school was similar to the Harry Potter school in the book. I was surprised at the inside walls. The walls were painted by students. They have Japanese animation art. Also, when I walked near the lake, I heard from a guide student that the students clean up the lake for animals or fish. I thought that it’s good system. Reed College has a lot of nature. On third day, I visited Portland State University, but it was a rainy day. I couldn’t go on the campus tour, but I could really enjoy watching a volleyball game. I was sitting the second row from the front, so it had a tremendous impact on me. I was excited about the game. Also, I was excited about the cheers from behind. The cheers also had a tremendous impact. A woman who was sitting behind me often said “Go! Viks! ,” “ Up! Up! Up! ,” “Come on! Viks! ,” “ Here we go! ,” and so on. I could enjoy not only the game but also the atmosphere. Every university has a different atmosphere. I had a wonderful time.
Next, I had a pleasant time at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. I learned a lot of interesting things about Lewis and Clark. One of them is about their health. They didn’t have a doctor during journey, so when they had a cavity, they pull out a bad tooth by themselves. I couldn’t believe it. I could feel it was really hard journey. Another of things I learned is about their burden. When I went around many articles of display, I found the barrels which I could try to lift. I tried to lift the barrels with my friends and the guide. The weight was 640 pounds. It was so heavy, but it was only one percent of total weight of everything they carried. I was really surprised. Last thing of things I learned is how to measure a distance. They used equipment called a sexton. It looks very useful, but they could measure the distance to North and South only with it. When they measured a distance to East and West, they used a watch called Chronometer. It was interesting for me to learn a lot about Lewis and Clark.
Finally, I could achieve three of my goals of this semester during the trip. One of this semester’s goals is “taking a lot of photos.” I could take many fantastic photos with landscape, my teachers, extension students, and students who I met in the university. They are my important treasures. Also, I really wanted to visit Multnomah Falls. When I researched some magnificent prospects of the world online, I found Multnomah Falls. That’s why I wanted to go there, however, it was a rainy day. We tried to climb a top of the falls, but the road was very dangerous because of a mud. We gave up on the way and we couldn’t go to the top. I felt really sad, but I could see the falls which I really wanted to see and a rainy day is also my memory. Third goal is about the books. Actually, I'm not good at reading a book and I don't like reading a book, but I want to become to like reading a book. During the trip, I went to the Powell. How large there was! Powell is the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world. I was really surprised and I felt like reading many books. It was rare and good for me, so I bought four books. I think that one of them is high level, but I want to try to read it. If I go back to Japan, I want to continue to read the books.
In conclusion, I had an irreplaceable time in Portland. The experience in Portland will be my treasure. I could make a lot of invaluable memories.