Splendid Travel

We Extension students had wonderful travel in Portland. Recently, we are thinking about our presentation on December all the time, so it was good chance for us to relax.

First, I was so impressed by amazing bookstore, Powell's in Portland. Marvelously, it is the largest independent bookstore which sell new and used books in the world. It also buys around 3000 used books a day and more surprisingly, it is opened 365 days a year. When I entered to the building, I said "Wow!" unconsciously and I was overpowered by huge amounts of books and crowed. The height of shelves were so tall like people should get on the box to take books of the highest line. Although the stories of the building is just 2, but the structure of it is wide levelly. We had to look at the map to find places where we want to go. As looking for books I wanted to buy, I found many used books and I calmed and relaxed by the peculiar atmosphere. Actually, the used books are old, yellow, and sometimes dirty, but I discovered that it can be happened if people cherish books. I thought how nice it is that people has succeeded those books over generation. I found many books which I was interested in, but finally, I bought 4 books such as American literature and children book. Especially, I was so satisfied to get one children book named "Snow man", which I really loved when I was a little kid. My mother used to read the book for me before going to bed. The memory came back to my mind suddenly, and my mind was filled with warmth. We had 2 hours to look around here, but I wished we could stay there more. Powell is the great book store I've ever been.

Wonderful Reed College

Second, I spend meaningful time to visit 3 universities during this trip. Each of them has individual character. The first one, Columbia Basin College has very flat buildings and my most impression was it has one greenhouse which is so beautiful. There are artificial and small river, several benches which students can use to relax, and lovely flowers to the utmost limit in the house. The second one was Reed college which has brilliant atmosphere as if it was national park somewhere. I was shocked to know the university has honor system which means the teachers trust the students entirely. For example, students there can take tests anywhere they want such as in the cafeteria, in their own dormitory, and in the bathroom. Have you ever seen such a this school? I had never seen and even heard before. Additionally, it has creative way to study. The students don't compete, study together and help each other. It is because they want to learn. Their goal is not to gain perfect score on their tests, to acquire broad and profound knowledge. Therefore, this university has no grade, the students were returned their sheet of tests with abundant comment from their teachers and a word, "satisfaction," not A, B and C. I thought their original tradition and the students who can follow those rules are extremely enthusiasm for learning. The last one, Portland State University is also great university. The service for students is absolutely perfect such as gym which students don't need to pay costs, enormous music hall, cafeteria which has massive choice and computer room which is available for 24 hours! Moreover, this university corporates with Portland city to reduce using electrical energy. Therefore, there is just one heater which is connected with all of the buildings and surprisingly when students use machines in gym to run, it products energy. It is absolutely fantastic system. In addition, students of each university were all wonderful because they all have their opinions, and dreams. Through meeting new places and people, I was incentive.

Finally, I was delighted to touch beautiful nature in Oregon. The way to Portland, we saw field which expands so far, magnificent Columbia river, and harsh mountain covered with snow. The last day of this travel, we visited Multnomah Falls which is second tallest one in the United States. I have been to some spots which have famous water fall in Japan, but those can't be compere at all with Multhnomah Falls which towers so highly and is sophisticated. We were exhausted with hiking to the top on the water fall, but when we arrived there, how splendid view there was! Looking into down, I found myself on so high place and realized we achieved to be in the goal finally. The water is very clean. I was very glad to find the salmon swimming the river. I was moved when I thought about people who journeyed around here looking for their promising future like Lewis and Clark. I thought I want to acclaimed them as the braves spend hard time in such a severe place. Again, I realized that America is huge. I will never forget beautiful view which I saw with my lovely friends and teachers.

I had met many wonderful places and people before such as visiting universities as a class, South west trip and so on, and then, I spend amazing time during this trip, too. I want to keep those all memories in my life as much as I can.