MFWI Extension Writing Class

I really enjoyed learning and shopping in Pasco and Oregon. I traveled by bus to Portland from November 9 to 12 with Extension students who are studying abroad together for 4 months. It took about 7 hours to get there. This drive was the longest hours for me and the last trip in this semester. I was quit looking forward to going in there. One of the reasons I enjoyed the trip is that Portland is urban city. There were three things that I enjoyed most on the trip. wonderful students at Columbia Basin College First of all, I really enjoyed visiting the Columbia Basin College in Pasco. I participated in Japanese class and taught the students about Japan. There are pretty people who are studying Japanese more than I expected. My partner was very interested in Japan. I taught her how to make  craft and kabuto which is a Japanese traditional hat. It was especially difficult to teach her the craft because it took a long time to finish completely.  I had problems with diff...

How much do you know about Japanese traditional toys? “Toys” are not only for playing but also for gifts and practical purposes. Piggy banks have different roots and original purpose depending on each country. In Japan, initially, the purpose of making piggy banks wasn’t to save money. Among the traditional Japanese toys developed in the past, there are many that are still loved in Japan, such as Ohajiki and Karuta. In fact, Ohajiki and Karuta are used not only for fun but also for a purpose of learning. Also, origami is used not only for playing, but also for healing. Origami has a deep history in Japan. The presenter will explain about history, origins and the role of toys.

What is your image of cherry blossoms? Cherry blossoms are surprisingly beautiful flowers. You can see cherry blossoms all over the world today. There are over 600 kinds of cherry blossoms in Japan. The Japanese word for "cherry blossom" is "sakura". SA means god of rice field, and KURA means pedestal. The Japanese thought the goddess of the rice field came down from a mountain. That's why they congratulated the goddess by offering her food and alcohol at a shrine where there were cherry blossom trees. Because of this celebration, there seems to be something appealing to the heart also in the small cherry blossoms. Japanese people treasure special food, drink, and festivals during cherry blossom season. Cherry blossoms are loved by many people. I hope you enjoy learning about the celebration and happiness of cherry blossoms throughout Japan.

I had a wonderful time taking a trip to the Southwest by an airplane on October 9 to 15 with students who are studying abroad together for four months. I visited Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Arizona, and the Grand Canyon to learn about the history and culture of the Southwest. It was my first time to go to such an amazing area. I actually have visited this area before so I was looking forward to going there again. There were three things that I enjoyed most on the trip. Beautiful Santa Fe First of all, the Plaza in Santa Fe was fabulous. I spent 2 days in Santa Fe so I was able to look around at everything. One of my goals was to communicate with Native people from Santa Fe because I am studying English. Surprisingly, before I went on this trip, I had thought anyone could sell jewelry in this area.  Although, only Native American can sell it. It is very traditional. I talked with a man who sells a lot of gorgeous jewelry about history of turquoise and stone. He talked me using eas...