Category: Photo

A Halloween party was held in TRU on October 31st. And we had to dress up for Halloween. I asked my host family what should wear for Halloween. After that, They brought a lot of Halloween costumes and goods. I was surprised because in Japan there is no custom to change a costume. Finally, I decided to be a cowboy. However, I thought it was not fun just to change a costume so I tried to do face paint. Every house was decorated as Halloween got closer. It also was surprising for me.
That day everyone changed their costumes such as Maleficent and Chucky. We enjoyed taking pictures and playing the game while eating snacks. In Japan, my university held a school festival. I have never participated in it because of COVID-19 also my favorite Japanese band came to our university. So I missed Japan. However, I could spend a great time thanks to my classmates. Also, I could have a conversation with Toyo- university students.
After school, Nanase and I went back home and took pictures with our host family.
I never forgot this day!!

Nanase’s birthday is October 24th, and this was her 20th birthday. My host family, Nanase, and I went to Frick & Frack Tap House for supper. And suddenly, a writer brought a birthday cake for Nanase. And we sang a birthday song. I could spend a great time there.
I tried to give her a birthday surprise because she always helps me, so I want to express my gratitude. However, my room is next to her room, so I worried that she noticed the surprise. Fortunately, she was insensitive, so she never noticed it. Finally, I succeed in it!! And I saw her big smile so I was happy.

We went to Bailey’s Pub in North Shore on October 21st. I felt nervous before went to there because I had never been to a Pub in Canada. Also, When I drink alcohol, I cannot control myself. In Japan, I often order highball which is a whisky with soda. I think there is no highball in Canada, but the Pub has highball!! I was impressed. We talked about each other, I could spend a great time there. Also, we went there during happy hour, so we didn’t have to pay a lot. It makes me happy. Natsuki and Keito were drunk too

much, and everyone was getting tipsy. It was chaos. Natsuki and I started

crying, Keito went back home, Koto forgot her credit number and Mizuho spilled

her water bottle in her backpack. After leaving the restaurant, we went to

Seven-eleven and I bought ice cream. I gave Natsuki a bite, but he ate half of

my ice cream!!! I never forget this memory!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Through this pub, we

became closer.

I went to a movie theater with Nanase in Aberdeen mall. We didn’t make up our minds between Smile and Top Gun. We finally decided to watch Smile! The reason why we chose Smile was we could not watch it in Japan. Smile was a horror movie. By the way, I don’t like watching horror movies because I cannot sleep at night.
Before watching Smile, we bought a large size of popcorn. But it was so big! So we couldn’t eat all of the popcorn. While watching the movie, everyone takes reactions such as screaming and talking with a friend. It was surprising for me because, in Japan, everyone is quiet while watching a movie. So I screamed.

I went to Vancouver with Nanase and Mami from September 29th to Octorber 1st. After school, we took an E-bus. We spent 4 hours on it. Almost time, I watched movies. We arrived at Pacific station in Vancouver at 10:00 p.m. We caught a taxi. It was for the first time for me to catch a taxi. So I was nervous a little bit, however, the taxi driver likes Japan. So we were really into talking about Japanese culture. When we arrived at the hotel, we faced two problems. First, we booked a room which had one big bed. It was too small for all of us, so we ordered one extra bed, whereas there was only one bed when we arrived. So we asked a worker where was our extra bed. He brought an extra bed. But it looked like a hospital bed and looked so cheap. So we gave up using an extra bed and we slept together. Another problem was the deposit. I did not know about the deposit, so I thought my credit card was used by someone!! I asked him and he answered that it was the deposit. Our room was on the 27th floor, so the view was so beautiful.

On the second day, we went to Granville Island. Granville Island is surrounded by sea, so We rode an aqua bus. It was so nice. We ate clam chowder pot pie, and it was too hot to eat so my tongue was burnt. But, the taste was so nice. After eating the pie, we enjoyed shopping in the market. Surprisingly, there is a fish dealer which is operated by Japanese people. Next, we went to McArthur Glen Designer Outlet. This is a huge mall and looks like a castle, also, we enjoyed shopping. We went to a night market that was held in Richmond. There were many people so we waited for one hour to join the market. Also, there were many Japanese food stalls, and sadly, all of them were operated by Chinese people. But the taste was good.

On the third day, we went to Gas town. On this day we went along with not only Nanase and Mami but also Mizuho and Koto. We ate croissants in the morning. It was crispy. After that we when to see the steam clock. It was so chic and we heard nice music. There was a funny thing happening. While enjoying shopping, suddenly, water was dripping on our heads. And the water’s smell was so bad!! We escaped this place immediately. Also, the smell of Gus town was sometimes but. I did not why I smelled bad. but Koto said this smell comes from drag! We went to the Vancouver fish company. And I ate seafood pasta. It was delicious!

Last day, we went to Stanley Park. We lent a bicycle and enjoyed riding a bicycle. Also, I saw totem poles! Then, I asked a man to take some pictures with totem poles, however, his finger ended up in the picture!!

I never forget this trip!!

On September 10^th, I left Japan. It was the first time for me to leave Japan for a long time. So I was really nerves and sad,because I missed my family and friends. I was not confident with my English skills. Also I was worried about culture gaps. In addition, we had to get on an airplane by ourselves. It made me anxious.

My final dish which eaten in Japan was ramen in Ippūdō. It was so delicious. But I didn’t have enough time to enjoy eating it, so I finished to eat it about in 10 minutes.

We had to transfer in Vancouver, also we had to stay there for 6 hours. It was so boring for I spent time talking to Koto and Mami.

Finally, we arrived at Kamloops!! My first impression of Kamloops that it was huge and there were many big mountains. After got off the airplane, my host father was waiting for us his name is Thomos. I was surprised because Tom drove a BMW! In Japan, it is an expensive car. Also, my house is huge. There are many rooms and a basement. They were so kind to us, so I relieved and was excited.

My birthday is September 27th. I turned 21years old. There is a 16-hour time difference between Japan and Kamloops. So there were 40 hours in my birthday! My Japanese friends sent me a video and message. They made me happy and wanted to go back Japan a little.
But, my classmate said to me Happy birthday, and in a lunch time, Alexis brought a Oreo cake for Yuki, Keito and me. I was happy. And I realized if I didn’t come to Canada, I didn’t celebrate this member.
After school, my host family held Tacos party at supper. So I invited Mami, Mizuho and Koto. I spent a great time and they gave me a message card and some presents such as rip and cream. I was happy!! I think I was a happiest girl in the world at that time.