We took the Portland trip for 4 days. It was the last trip that we were supposed to take here, and it was totally enjoyable one. I especially enjoyed at 3 places, Lewis and Clark at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, Powell's City of Books, and Portland English Language Academy.
First, I learned about Lewis and Clark at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. We had a demonstration of a rifle which is the same type Lewis and Clark actually used. It was the first time I saw a rifle. I was amazed at the sounds because it was much louder than I expected. After that, I walked around to see exhibition. We were able to follow detailed history of Lewis and Clark and they were very amusing.
Second, Powell's City of Books was a book store that I really felt pleasant to be in. I saw many people, from small children to elderly people enjoyed reading books there. Some people talked about books cheerfully, others were reading quietly I think it is kind of a style that we can experience only in the United States. Of course we have some big book stores in my country, Japan, but I think it cannot be like Powell's City of Books, because Japanese people tend to be quiet, so even it is a book store, nobody talked about books actively. I really enjoyed American attractive book store style.
Third, I had a good time at Portland English Language Academy. I had an opportunity to talk with people from various countries. For example, they are from Taiwan, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Thailand. We enjoyed some games, and activities. During the time, I was able to think about languages deeply, and I think some of them might be an idea which I had never considered before. Actually, I couldn't catch what they were saying several times because of their pronunciation, and then I realized my English also have strong Japanese accent. Usually, I'm not so conscious about these kind of problem because there're tons of Japanese English speakers around me. I learned that it is very important to talk with people who use different sort of English. I heard that it was the first time to visit this school and I'm glad to be a part of the first students.
In conclusion, I really enjoyed this trip. I experienced a lot of things about this country including studying history, touching new things and getting cultural exchanges. I'm sure that these experiences are good for my future. They were very beneficial for me and I'll never forget this trip.
First, I learned about Lewis and Clark at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. We had a demonstration of a rifle which is the same type Lewis and Clark actually used. It was the first time I saw a rifle. I was amazed at the sounds because it was much louder than I expected. After that, I walked around to see exhibition. We were able to follow detailed history of Lewis and Clark and they were very amusing.
Second, Powell's City of Books was a book store that I really felt pleasant to be in. I saw many people, from small children to elderly people enjoyed reading books there. Some people talked about books cheerfully, others were reading quietly I think it is kind of a style that we can experience only in the United States. Of course we have some big book stores in my country, Japan, but I think it cannot be like Powell's City of Books, because Japanese people tend to be quiet, so even it is a book store, nobody talked about books actively. I really enjoyed American attractive book store style.
Third, I had a good time at Portland English Language Academy. I had an opportunity to talk with people from various countries. For example, they are from Taiwan, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Thailand. We enjoyed some games, and activities. During the time, I was able to think about languages deeply, and I think some of them might be an idea which I had never considered before. Actually, I couldn't catch what they were saying several times because of their pronunciation, and then I realized my English also have strong Japanese accent. Usually, I'm not so conscious about these kind of problem because there're tons of Japanese English speakers around me. I learned that it is very important to talk with people who use different sort of English. I heard that it was the first time to visit this school and I'm glad to be a part of the first students.
In conclusion, I really enjoyed this trip. I experienced a lot of things about this country including studying history, touching new things and getting cultural exchanges. I'm sure that these experiences are good for my future. They were very beneficial for me and I'll never forget this trip.