Travel is Absolutely My Treasure
What is the purpose of travels? We just enjoy traveling? I thought so before I came here. However, I could learn tons of historical things, cultural observations, and good friends from this trip. I especially like Columbia Basin College, a Japanese American Memorial, and Portland State University.
First, I could make awesome friends at Columbia Basin College. I always feel nervous before I enter a class because my pronunciation is not good and I’m not good at talking with people I don’t know. However, they were very kind and talkative so I had a good time with them. Also, I talked two people, they were interested in Japanese culture so I could teach our culture and get American cultures. Moreover, I could present my topic. They told to me a lot of new information. For instance, they knew about American Symbols so we could compare Japanese symbols with American Symbols. It was very enjoyable. Also, Japanese people don’t say some words in front of a flag when we are elementary school students but Americans say some word in front of the flag when they are elementary school students. I got a lot of information which can compare with Japanese symbols. Therefore, I want to use the information in my presentation. Also, their Japanese was pretty good so we could talk not only in English, but also in Japanese so I could have a good time and get a new friend.
Second, I was really impressed by sad and happy poems at a Japanese American Memorial These poems were written by Japanese Americans during World War Ⅱ. Now, we can live peacefully because we can do everything freely. However, the people who lived in a camp could have done anything. During that time, they expressed their feeling for writing poems. I found 2 kinds of poems. One of them was sorrowful, the other one was little delightful. The sorrowful poem made me sad because they had to leave without emotions. I can’t believe it. On the other hand, the delightful poem was about a hope after the war finished. So I have to be grateful such a normal life. Also, I found Japanese poem which was just written about information but letters were very powerful. So I could comprehend the things they wanted to say. The war is significant for Japan and America so we have to think more deeply about our history. I was very touched by these poems.
Finally, I enjoyed watching a volleyball game at PSU because I was looking forward to watching it before I went to Portland. Actually, I was a volleyball player so I could understand the rules. However, I have never watched another country’s volleyball game. I experienced cultural observations. First, we can't wear high-heeled shoes in the gymnasium so I was very surprised that this situation. Second, we have an award ceremony but we don't celebrate with our family. Our family just stays at their seat so we don’t go to a court. Also, they took pictures. I felt very happy because the family is extremely important to Americans. We are also important our family but I have never kissed my father and mother especially in front of many people. Therefore, I enjoyed watching the volleyball game but also I found a lot of cultural observations.
In conclusion, this trip was not only awesome, but also I could get millions of things. Through this trip, I grew up as people because I could see another view. I will not forget these experiences. Therefore, the purpose of travel is that I can have a broad outlook on life.