Weekends

Sat., Feb 22nd
I went to the Muiseum of Glass with Alissa and Ralph. We watched artists making glass right in front of us. After that, we went to a Mexican restaurant . It was my first time trying authentic Mexican food.
When we got home, I made pasta noodles with Alissa. We ate pasta with Ralph's parents. After dinner, I went to a birthday party for a friend of Imogene's. The party had colorful decorations, just like the ones I've seen in American TV shows. I talked to some people and played a game using ping pong balls. I even sang one song I knew with a woman named Britney. It was a great experience.

Mexican Dishes	Birthday Party!

Sun., Feb 23rd
When I had breakfast, I saw a wild squirrelin the garden. I was surprised. We went to H-Mart, where I bought ingredients to make niku-jaga . I also found my favorite Korean ramen, and Alissa bought it for me. I had it for lunch and I felt happy.
In the evening, I volunteered at a local theater. The play was about Sherlock Holmes . I couldn't understand the lines, but it was a great chance to talk with local people through volunteering.
During dinner, I watched "Inside Out 2." It had subtitles , so it was easy to follow.

Lots of Sweet Potato

Sat., Mar 1st
I went to Seattle with Alissa and Ralph.
We went to Ivar's and ate fish & chips. It was my first time eating it. Even though I don't usually like fish, the fish there was delicious. I gave some of my french fries to wild birds. I was a little scared that they might bite my fingers!

I enjoyed the 4D attraction at a theme park. It was like traveling around the State of Washington. After that, we went the Gum Wall and Pike Place Market. I had always wanted to go there, so I was really happy. At Seattle Station, I met some Japanese students . They were staying a host families, too. We played rock-paper-scissors across the train tracks.
I had dinner with Alissa, Ralph, Remi, and her boyfriend, Ben.

Rooftop with Nice View	Seattle Station

Sun., Mar 2nd
I went skiing to the Summit at Snoqualmie with Alissa and Imogene. I hadn't skied in a long time. When I rented ski boots, I meant to ask for a smaller size, but they gave me a bigger one instead.
I rode the Magic Carpet for the first time. It was something we don't have it in Japan. I even had a little chat with a staff member. After that, I met up with Remi and Ben, and we all skied together. It was a great time, but I felt tired afterward.
 

Valuable Experience

Sat., Mar 8th
After I woke up, I made a cheese cake for dinner.
Then I went to Maury Island with Alissa and Ralph. I was hungry, so first we stopped at a restaurant. I ordered a hamburger and a Coke. They were so delicious, especially the beef in the hamburger.
After lunch, we went to see a statue called the Big Wooden Troll. While we were taking a walk, a woman said, "Your earrings are pretty."That made me happy, and I also found awonderful that American people often complement strangers.
That evening, Ralph's parents came for dinner. It was the last time I would see them, so we hugged good byed. Also, they had always been so kind to me. 

My Best Hamburger	Made of Wood

Sun., Mar 9th
It was the final weekend of my stay. When I woke up, Alissa said, "Today, it is one of those days that only comes twice a year, when the time jumps an hour." I had only read about Daylight Saving Time in textbooks, so I had astrange feeling about it . I ate waffles with whipped cream for breakfast. Sebastian came and the licked whipped cream off my finger. After that, I packed my suitcase. I testedweight, and i t was ok.
Later, we went to Winco and H-Mart. Winco was so big that I was excited, but Alissa said, "It's not fancy." I love dumplings, so we also went to a dumpling restaurant .
That night, I talked a lot with Imogene. Before going to bed, I wrote a letter to my host family. I already missed them andbfelt so lonely that I cried.

I Love Dumplings!