Thurs., Feb 20th
We arrived at Tacoma Airport at 9 a.m. and met our teacher guide, Laura. When we stepped outside, we met my host mother, Alissa, who came to pick us up as a driver. They were both energetic, so I was really looking forward to the next three weeks.

First, since we were hungry, we had lunch at Denny's. It was our first meal in America. After the meal, we went toBohem's Chocolate Factory , where I bought some souvenirs. Afterward, we went to Snoqualmie Falls . It was very tall. Laura said, "This place used to be a suicide spot." I was surprised, but it turned out to be a joke.

When we arrived at the study center, I met Alissa again.
At the host family's home, Alissa, Ralph, and Imogene gave me a tour of the house. All the appliances were so big. I found a handmade pouch with chocolate inside. It was made by Alissa. I was so happy.
I made cinnamon rolls with Imogene and Alissa. After having dinner, I gave them Japanese souvenirs. My host family tried the Japanese snacks right away and said they liked them.
I went to bed at 9:30 p.m. because I couldn't sleep on the airplane.

FirstMeal in America	Magnificent Snoqualmie Falls

Fri., Feb 21st
I overslept because of jet lag. I didn't have time for breakfast, so Ralph made me a slice of toast, and I ate it in the car on the way to the study center.
We learned how to protect ourselves and about American currency. After having lunch, we went to Target. It had a wide selection of items, from clothing to groceries. I was happy when someone I passed by said "Good morning" to us in Japanese. It made me fell like Japanese culture is well-known.

Back  at homes, I played table tennis with Ralph. Then we went to the study center for the welcome party . Alissa made a cake with a cherry blossom design. I was glad when a member of another host family said to me, "Your English is good."

Big Snacks Packs	Playing a Game

Mon., Feb 24th　
By then, I usually had yogurt and coffee with whipped cream for breakfast. That day, we went to Tacoma City. First, we visited Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, and we had some colorful doughnuts. My friends said, "They're too sweet." but I found them just right and really delicious. After that, we went toTacoma Mall with Imogene. I had a great time.

When I got home, my throat was a little sore and I had a runny nose, so Alissa gave me some cold medicine and throat lozenges. I made nikujaga (Japanese pork and potato dish)  for dinner. My host family said, "It's very good," which made me happy. I hadn't had Japanese food in a while, and it reminded me of my Japanese family.
 

Colorful Doughnuts	Cheeeeese

Tues., Feb 25th
In the morning, we practiced questions to ask at the fire station . I ate Korean spicy ramen for lunch, and Nao said,  "Your face is red." Laura thought I had a fever and told me to go home and rest, so I went home.
I didn't have a fever, but I took some medicine and slept all afternoon. I was disappointed that I couldn't go to the fire station. My host family was worried about me and kindly checked on me. I felt sorry for worrying them, but I was touched and grateful.

We had gumbo for dinner. Even though I had a cold, it was a bit spicy and so delicious that I had a second helping!

Gumbo with My Favorite Okra

Wed., Feb 26th
For breakfast, I made a bagel with salmon and cream cheese. It was delicious.
In the morning, I heard a story about the fire station. I asked my friends about the fire hose, and Laura said "It is a good question." I was glad I asked the question instead of just pretending to understand. 
In the afternoon, we visited Federal Way City Hall, which also included the police station and thecourt. We wore robes in the court room, and we talked with the mayor. They were very valuable experiences.

In the evening, I made cornbread with Alissa. We ate it with chili topped with cheese. It was so delicious. I had a second helping. After that, Ralph gave me my favorite drink, Coke. I talked with Ralph about his job and video games.

All Facilities in Here!	I'm a Judge.

Thurs., Feb 27th
We gathered at the study center at 6:30 a.m. and went to Leavenworth . We had lunch at McDonald's because Leavenworth's restaurants were expensive. At lunch, we shared root beer . It was my first time trying root beer, and  I was the only one who said it tasted good.
We visited many shops. My favorite was a Christmas ornament store, and they had so many pretty items. When I ordered a tapioca drink, I wanted a carbonated drink. However, I couldn't buy one. Leavenworth had so many great items that I didn't care about the price, and I bought a lot of souvenirs.
At dinner, I played the "one-word story" game with my host family. I used my brain a little, and I had a nice time. 

Spicy!	Big Horse

Fri., Feb 28th
It was American Holiday Activity Day. In the morning, we learned about American holidays.For lunch, we ate a delicious Thanksgiving-style meal. Each family brought a dish to share. After lunch, we wore costumes like people do on Halloween . I dressed as a mad scientist, and we tried an egg hunt. I had a great experience.
After that, we made egg noodles, from Laura's chickens. It was fun to try making noodles from scratch.

When I got home, I prepared dinner with Alisssa. I ate tacos and a burrito with sour cream and avocado sause for the first time. They were so delicious.

Trick or Treat!!	Shaking Egg Noodles

Mon., Mar 3rd
When I woke up in the morning, I had muscle soreness.
We visited Green River College . A student said "Hello" in Japanese, which made me happy.
The campus was really large, so I was excited. A student from Hong Kong showed us around the campus. His English was very good.

In the evening, we visited a senior care facility. We met an elderly Japanese woman named Chizuko. We taught the residents how to count from one to ten in Japanese, and we sang some Japanese songs , "Ame Ame FureFure," "Furusato," and "Kimigayo." After that, we talked about various things with the residents.

For dinner, I had chicken with jalapeno sauce . I love spicy food, so I asked Alissa to teach me how to make it.

Yeahhh	Talking with the Senior Residents.

Tues., Mar 4th
We went sighgtseeing in Seattle. First, we visited the University of Washington. The campus was even larger than Green River College. There was a big library, like Harry Potter's place.
Second, we went to the Space Needle and Pike Place Market . We couldn't see the famouis fish-throwing performance, but we took a photo with a cheerful shop clerk.

For dinner, I went to Burger Express with my host family because I wanted to try an American hamburger. The restaurant even had prizes. Their hamburger's beef flavor was very delicious, which was the best hamburger I've ever had. Imogene's favorite shake was delicious, too. I had told Laura that I was going to Burger Express, so she came and ate with us.

"Quiet Study Area"	(>_<)

Wed., Mar 5th
We spent the whole day making crafts at the study center. When I remembered my memories in America, I felt a little lonely. We also practiced our presentation for the elementary school visit the next day. Laura played the role of an elementary school student. She was funny.
For dinner, I made miso soup with red been paste, seaweed, and fu (dried wheat gluten.) I was worried about whether the host family would like it, but they enjoyed it, and I was very happy.
 

Completed

Thurs., Mar 6th
We visited an elementary school and taught the students how to count from one to ten in Japanese. We visited about ten classrooms. The students were listened us with interest. We had practiced a lot for the presentation, and I was happy we were able to do it as we had practiced. Some girls even invited me to have lunch together, so I was very happy. I also taught them rock-paper-scissors in Japanese. To be honest, I was a little tired, but I had a great time.
When I got home, I cooked focaccia and pasta with Alissa. We ate dinner together with Imogene's sister, Remi. 

Lunch Time	Energetic Children

Fri., Mar 7th
We went bowling in the afternoon . Laura is a really good bowler, and she coached us enthusiastically. When I knocked down the pins well, she was happy with me.
When I got home, I cooked macaroni and cheese and creme brulee with Alissa and her sister. The mac and cheese was very delicious, I liked it.
About ten people came for dinner, including Alissa's relatives. They talked a lot, and I felt a bit tired from listening to so much English. I enjoyed talking with a 21-year old woman studying Japanese. We talked about our favorite Japanese foods and singers.
It was the last time I saw Remi, so we hugged and parted ways. I felt lonely.

Strike!	I’m Beautiful.

Mon., Mar 10th
We made niku-jaga with Japanese dashi (soup stock) and consomme for lunch. It was the last day we spent time at the study center, and I felt a little sad in the morning. However, Laura was cheerful that day. I thought to myself, "I don't want to go back to Japan."

We dressed inyukata and looked beautiful . I was glad that the host families enjoyed our presentation about buckwheat noodles . I felt happy to have met a lot of kind people. I had a good time eating Alissa's delicious cakes.
On the way home, I felt as if I was with my real family.

I'm glad you're happy.	Alissa's Homemade Cakes

Go to the Next Page

Back to the Contents