Weekdays

Thurs., Feb 19
Laura, our teacher guide, met us at the airport and took us to Denny's for a meal. Since the portions were quite large, Miyu and I shared one dish. After that, she took us to Boehm's Chocolate Factory, where we bought some souvenirs. We also visited Snoqualmie Falls, one of Washington's most popular natural attractions, and The Outlet Collection, a large shopping mall.

　 　

My first taste of American food at Denny's!

　Nice to meet you!
　 　



Fri., Feb 20

We gathered at the Study Center this morning. Laura taught us how to protect ourselves and the difference between the pronunciations of “R” and “L.” That day, I ate the sandwiches I’d made with Abbie the night before. In the afternoon, I went to a discount store called Target. It’s like Musashi or Aeon Mall in Japan—a store that sells all kinds of things. I mainly bought food as souvenirs.

In the evening, we all got together for a welcome party . We ate dishes prepared by each of our host families. After dinner, we played a “Yes/No” question game. It was fun getting to talk with the other host families, too.

　Assorted Chocolates

　Question Time !




Mon., Feb 23

In the morning, Laura taught me about American money at the Study Center. In the afternoon, we first went to a donut shop called Krispy Kreme and shared some donuts together. We actually got to watch them making the donuts. They were very sweet and delicious. Next, we went to a large shopping mall called Tacoma Mall . Since we had free time, I went to various shops. I was surprised to find a Kura Sushi there.

Before dinner, Arthur brought me a book, so we read it together. I was happy to be able to eat rice for the first time in a while at dinner.

　Sweet Donut

　Tacoma Mall



Tues., Feb 24

In the morning, we went over the questions we would ask at the fire station . In the afternoon, we went to the fire station. First, we asked the questions we had prepared. It was hard to understand. After that, they let me try on a firefighter’s uniform, put on an air tank, and ride in a fire truck. I also got to try spraying water. I thought the firefighters were amazing. It was a lot of fun.

　It's heavy!

　Fire extinguishing with a handsome guy



Wed., Feb 25

We visited the police station and Federal Way City Hall . A staff member gave us a tour of the facility. I was able to understand what they were saying better than I did at the fire station. We were shown an actual holding cell and even got to ride in a police car. It was a valuable experience.

When we got back to the study center, Laura gave me some bread.

Before dinner, I showed my host family the souvenirs I’d brought for them. We talked about Japanese characters and foods. I was happy to see the kids playing with the stickers. After dinner, Abbie gave me some strawberry ice cream. It was delicious.

　Photo with our guide

Got Arrested!


Thurs., Feb 26

We left early in the morning because it took about three hours to get to Leavenworth, a German-style village. First, we visited a glass studio and looked at many beautiful glass products. For lunch, we ate McDonald’s, which tasted almost the same as in Japan and was delicious.

In Leavenworth, we visited many shops. I especially loved the Christmas ornament shop because it was so cute and exciting. I found a sweatshirt I wanted to buy, but it was too expensive, so I decided not to get it. I bought some accessories and cookies as gifts to thank my host family. Since there were many cute items and many high-end stores, I think it is better to bring extra money. In this town, if your total purchase amount is over $100, you can receive a free gift. However, Miu and I did not spend over $100, so we couldn’t get one.

　Many beautiful glass pieces

　Spicy and delicious

　With a horse



 Fri., Feb 27

At the study center, we learned about American holidays. For Easter, I experienced an activity where we searched for hidden candies around the room. For Halloween, everyone changed into costumes, went trick-or-treating, and received candy. I dressed up as Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz” in a costume borrowed from my host family.

For lunch, we ate Thanksgiving dishes made by each host family. Everything was delicious, but my favorite was the mashed potatoes. The host families also gathered together, and we enjoyed eating and talking with everyone.

In the afternoon, we had some free time, so Laura took me to Target. I was happy because I had wanted to visit there again.

After having lunch with us, Eloise and Chris went to their grandparents’ house in Idaho, the neighboring state. I was surprised to hear that they went there by plane and realized once again how big America is.

When I got home, I played with Arthur and Lydia while Abbie was making dinner. After their bath, I helped them get dressed. I had a headache all day, and at night I felt like I had a fever. My temperature was 37.9℃, so I went to bed early.

　Trick or treat!

　Everything was delicious



Mon., Mar 2

In the morning, we visited Green River College. It was amazing because the campus was much larger than Japanese universities, and there were many college goods available. I was impressed by the different scale and atmosphere.In the afternoon, we went back to the study center and practiced my presentation.

After returning home, I played with the kids in the backyard. We enjoyed playing on the swings and playing in the sandbox.

　Clothing items

　Which book should I choose?




Tues., Mar 3

I visited an elementary school for one day. I gave six presentations in total. I was a little nervous and worried before my first presentation. However, the students talked with me and listened happily, so I enjoyed giving all of my presentations.After the presentations, I taught the students how to write their names in katakana. They were friendly and energetic, so it was easy to talk with them.I ate lunch with the students, and we played together during lunch break. I was happy because many students talked to me and held my hand. It was a very fun day, but I was very tired.

On the way home, I went to H-MART, a supermarket that sells foods from Japan, Korea, and other countries. I bought Japanese ingredients there and made rice ball for my host family. I made three kinds: tuna mayonnaise, pickled plum, and salmon seasoning.It took more time than I expected because it was difficult to make and explain onigiri. I asked Eloise to try making onigiri, but it was not easy for her. I learned that some people from other countries do not like seaweed because Eloise, the twins, and my host mother did not like it very much.Eloise said, “The tuna mayonnaise one is delicious,” and she put the leftover tuna mayonnaise onigiri in her lunch for the next day. I was very happy.

　Egg hatching

　Everyone held hands

　A goodbye hug

It’s not easy.

　A lot of onigiri




Wed., Mar 4

I spent the whole day making a booklet and a photo frame for my host family. I used Abbie’s favorite flowers and made the photo frame with my host family in mind. I was happy because I made a cute photo frame that I liked.

For dinner, I made Japanese curry that I brought from Japan. Abbie helped me cut the ingredients, and we made curry together. Chris said, “It’s delicious,” and ate more curry, so I was happy. I also enjoyed eating curry because I had not eaten it for a long time. It was so good that I had more curry two or three times.

　Completed

　The curry rice was very delicious.




Thurs., Mar 5

I went sightseeing in Seattle, which I had been looking forward to for a long time. First, I went to the University of Washington. I was surprised because the library was very big. After that, I saw the troll and went to the Space Needle. I bought some souvenirs there.

For lunch, I ate clam chowder and white fish. They were very delicious. I was happy because I could eat famous clam chowder in Seattle.In the afternoon, I went to Pike Place Market, a big market in Seattle. I also visited the famous Gum Wall and the first Starbucks store. I bought many souvenirs there, so I was very happy. I bought the most souvenirs there during my trip.

I had a great time and want to go there again.After that, I went to Uwajimaya, an Asian food store. I was happy because I met Japanese staff there and talked with them.


　The troll statue

　Clam chowder

The first Starbucks store　


Fri., Mar 6

In the morning, I continued making my journal at the study center, but I could not finish it because I only made a little progress.

After lunch, I went bowling. Laura was very good at bowling. Thanks to Laura, my score was better in the second game than in the first game. When I got a strike, she was happy with me, and I was very happy. It was a very fun bowling experience.

　Coaching me

High-fiving with Laura　



Mon., Mar 9

In the morning, I finished my journal. I was worried that I could not finish it, but I was happy because I was able to make it cute.After practicing my final presentation, we ate pizza together before the presentation. After 6 p.m., my host family all came together, and we had a goodbye party.

Denise helped me put on my yukata for my presentation. I was nervous about my presentation about Sado, but everyone enjoyed it, so I also enjoyed giving my presentation.

After the presentation, I gave presents to my host family, Laura, and my teachers. We took pictures together. Alissa made a cake, and we ate it together. It was delicious. I was also happy because I received a present from the Nutt family.I realized that my homestay was ending soon, and I felt sad.

　Presentation

　A present for Laura

　Open wide!


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