PEN-INTERNATIONAL


-My introduction-

I am Yoko Tanaka, a sophomore student at TCT. I major in Architectural Engineering. I come from Japan. There is a small city in the south island; this is Nagasaki. I think I am an easy going person. My hobby is taking a walk and reading. I also love making bread and sweets. I have been looking forward to seeing all of you from China and in America. I would like to make friends with you. I hope we will be able to know each other more deeply through this program.
(As she wrote it before leaving for the States, she says "from China and in America".But some changes might be needed if the message is put up on the WEB .)


-Diary-

April 30.@(In Narita Airport -- Chinese welcoming --)

I met the foreigners who had a hearing handicap for the first time. Communication was somehow taken by making full use of our sign language, a little English and a Chinese characters. Since CSL was similar to JSL to some extent, it was rather easy to memorize CSL.

May 1. (The visiting to the Japan Foundation (The Nippon Foundation of Japan) and Asakusa visits and the Tokyo Tower)

In Asakusa visits, the atmosphere of Japanese tradition was strong. I think that Chinese tasted a thing called Japan and had an enjoyable time there. It was cloudy when we were at the observation platform at Tokyo Tower.

May 2. (The Chinese visited TCT and the welcome party was given)

The Japanese ambassador attended the classes as usual. The Chinese group had a tour around the whole TCT. Since the welcome party began behind schedule, the first event was not quite satisfactory. However, the last part got into swing because Chinese presented a dance.

May 3. (NASDA inspection and tea party)

Inspecting the Space Development Center, we had Chinese lunch. I think that it pleased Chinese people. It was especially egg soup. In a tea party, I made a bowl of tea in front of the guest. Although I failed, I think that I was able to do calmly to the last. Understanding of communication has increased taking supper together.

May 4. (Start for the United States): Japan

We were on an airplane all the day. The meal at the airport was a remarkable volume. We transited at the Chicago airport.

May 4. (Arrived at Rochester and Walking aroound NTID.) : United States

We arrived in Rochester at 2:00p.m. After we took supper, we went to take a walk. Even if it was over 8:00 p.m, it was as bright as in daytime. Since it is located in the north, the sun dose not sink until late.

May 5. (Peter Pan plays going and welcome meeting)

I experienced the dining room in the United States for the first time. It is quite big-scale and it was completely different from a dining room in Japan. The taste was greasy and wonderful. Since Peter Pan was using ASL, I did not catch the contents well. I was surprised that the souvenir of NTID was full at the welcome party. At this time I used ASL with the foreigners for the first time.

May 6.@(At the NTID)

There was an orientation and a panel discussion in night at the NTID. I was not so tense at the presentation. However, I should have memorized sign language more.

May 7. (RIT inspection was performed in 2 steps. The first part)

On that day there was an inspection of a dormitory, a bookstore, etc. I was glad to have found the book by a favorite picture-book writer. I have never seen it at a bookstore in Japan. ART inspection was wonderful. Each student's individuality had overflowed. Also at the intramural dining room near there the food was the most delicious. It is especially Wrap Paper. In the evening, we went to a shopping mall. I was surprised at the two-step merry-go-round of at the entrance.

May 8. (RIT inspection: The second part)

Microelectronics inspection was pleasant. Is it because of a white dress? I feel like becoming a researcher completely.

May 9. (The Rochester city inspection)

Museum was very pleasant! Since I am a fan of a SESAME STREET, when the dolls were seen, I was impressed. The playground for children was really dear and pretty! I got used to the fortunate feeling only by seeing it. When precious things (such as tin toys and a dolls at the second floor) were seen, I was very glad! We went shopping at the big supermarket. I was able to buy a souvenir for everybody. There was sushi and it was the taste of Japan for the first time in the U.S.

May 10. (U.S. exploration museum inspections)

I was pleased to see the houses of the country tone. When I was a child, I love country tone. The food of this day was most delicious that I have ever eaten!! All were made by hand of the nature group. I was glad to have eaten the home made American cookies!

May 11. (Niagara Falls, baseball inspection, and send-off party)

There were three rainbows Under Niagara Falls, and it was dear and beautiful! I was glad to see that much favorite meples were sold. I was really glad to be given an umbrella in the baseball field. Incidentally we ate hamburgers for lunch and for supperc. Of night on that day -- I was surprised at the size of the birthday cake for Kichizima who is my friend, in a farewell party -- Finally there was an amusement park and fireworks on campus. I was very excited!!

May 12. (A homecoming)

I did cooperation of drug criminal investigation in Narita Airport. The black dog was much dear. It was a good labor -- all were really pleasant at one experience.

END

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