BR2-08: The Hare and the Tortoise ( - :

This book is at the level 4 in USBORNE FIRST READING.

The book says in its ending, 'The moral of the story about the hare and the tortoise is: Slow and steady wins the race.' Actually, however, I wondered whether it is right the tortoise won, who had not been training at all.

The hare was keeping training to run fast, and it was a great thing. However, the pride and confidence about himself prevented him from finishing what he had to do. I thought I should keep trying to the end in my university life and of course, after that. Anyway, I have to try learning English!

[108 words]
The total of September = 3237 words

BR2-07: The Fox and the Crow ( -- :

This book is also one of series of USBORNE FIRST READING. It was so easy that I thought I made a wrong choice.

This story is one of Aesop's Fables. This book says about them, 'a collection of stories first told in Ancient Greece around 4,000 years ago.' Besides, 'the stories always have a "moral"(a message or lesson) at the end.' That is a good thing. I like stories with lessons.

The lesson in "The fox and the Crow" is 'Don't always believe people who say nice things', it says. That is important for us not to be deceived. However, I want to believe my friends and stay happy.
(The mark('') means that I quoted the sentences from this book. )

[124 words]

BR2-06: The Three Little Pigs （－：

I read a book of USBORNE FIRST READING for the first time. It has pretty pictures.

As to the story plot of Three Little Pigs, there are so many kinds of plots, because the story is so famous in the world, I think. In this book, three pigs have their own names, Pinky, Percy and Poppy. The youngest one is a female.

The last page of it says "The Three Little Pigs is a very old story. It was first written down around two hundred years ago, but people were telling it to each other long before then." It gives an interesting information, don't you think so?

[108 words]

BR2-05: Flood! ) -:

I got interested in this title and picture on it, because I just came back from USA. During my way, I watched the news of hurricanes. I saw shots of terrible floods in Texas... Florida? sorry, I'm not sure. Anyway, I had not seen such conditions so many time in Japan's news. The name of the hurricane was Ike. I got the knowledge that hurricanes hit Southern East area of USA. For example, Florida and Texas. I was staying in California, and they didn't come there. I heard that there are some people who don't evacuate, and it will be deadly.

After I came back, I chose this book. I thought it must be so tough to clean up the house after flooding. The smell of bad water, wet floors, left dust on the floors... Ooh, I am really realistic. It is because I went to USA.

[151 words]

Website Review: Let's take in Fresh English！

Hi, everyone in the Foreign Languages Department! Are you trying hard to learn English? I know, of course, you are trying. How do you study English, then? Recently, I had been thinking about how to learn English, though that is just my intimate affair. I was anxious about my learning English, because some of my friends are to go study abroad next year, but I’m not. I found the good materials in the BBC’s web site, so I would like to introduce it this time.

BBC stands for British Broadcasting Corporation. My favorite point about this web site is that it has English learning program. There are so many sites just with English games on the Internet. This site also has many games for kids, but not only that. At the bottom of the page, it has a corner that “Explore the BBC”. You can choose a link, “Learning English” in it. If you click on it, it shows lists with many items, like “NEWS ENGLISH”, “QUIZZES AND EXAMS”, “GRAMMER & VOCABULARY”, and “BUSINESS ENGLISH”.

This time, I will recommend you to use the part of “GRAMMER & VOCABULARY”. You will find an item, “Pronunciation>>”. It has video with a native English speaker. She explained what the good pronunciation is and why we need to learn such a kind of pronunciation. Her British English is so nice and clear, and her advice becomes a good encouragement for us. It must be inducements to you to learn English and make your pronunciation better and clearer.

It will help you to learn modern and practical English! Besides, you might want to get knowledge about world news. You can also listen to the English news stories with video and audio. It makes it possible for you to learn how to express new things in English, that is, new coinages which are used in the modern world.

I am thinking of making use of this site too. We need to take in fresh English in order to communicate in this modern and global society. You agree with it, don’t you? I want to keep trying to make a progress in English like everyone. I will show the address of this web site below, so please check it out! You won’t regret it.

[380 words]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/

♪ A Good Sound ♪

Diary 29: Tue, September 16th = Travel Review 2-01

Now, I am on a plane bound to Narita airport in Japan. I had been staying with a Japanese woman for these 4 weeks, and she saw me off at LA airport. I had been thinking that it would be a good-by with tears, but actually, with great smiles. It was because we talked about next plan last night. Next time, I will go to some language school. I'm not sure when it'll be, but I'm sure I will do! That's why I didn't cry at the moment of the farewell. We did never say good bye, because I was already looking forward next time. I was thinking of backing there and staying again!

Remembering this stay, I'm really satisfied. I enjoyed! I stayed at the city near to San Diego. It is placed on the west coast. I was fascinated with a wide view of Pacific Ocean from beaches every time. CA is the place where blue sky and ocean are beautiful. It is a kingdom of the sun! I think I have sunburned. I may dislike it in Japan, but now I like it as the mark of coming to CA. I love it, because it is also a California color! Ha ha!

Although there is not a great progress in English, one of the important points I got this time is the change of my way of thinking. I learned the importance of positive thinking through meetings with new friends here. I had been always brooding on my failures, but it was only the wasting of time!

Besides, it gave me a confidence that I could come far by myself. I would like to challenge various things from today! Besides, my sense to living in other country have changed. I had had some idea that it is the best thing for me to live in Japan, although I like traveling to other countries. However, I had lived a normal life there for a month, and now I think it great to live here. Anyway, my view has become wider than before.

Also, I felt I had to change my way of learning English. By next time for going back, I'll try my limit!! This stay taught me many important things, and it has a great meaning to my life!

I think I could enjoy it because of my new friends. I 'm most grateful to those friends, and I will keep in touch!

　[414 words]

Total here = 2366 words

Diary 28: Mon, September 15th

Ooh~ this is my last day here!

Today, I cleaned up my room with my appreciation. I packed my suitcase and cleaned inside of every shelf. We had a nice dinner made by her. The main dish is delicious bacon! I loved it!

After that, one of my American friends came and presented me two T-shirts! One of them was a navy one with logos of "SAN DIEGO", and the other was a beige one with the logos of "Oceanside". I was really glad!

At night, my host mother and I visited the PIER of Oceanside again, wearing the navy one. I visited there at night for the first time, and it was really beautiful. The ocean was dark, but the light from street lamps was so memorable for me. It was the great night as the last day of this stay.

[143 words]

Diary 27: Sun, September 14th

Today, I tried Thai cuisine with my American friend. I think I had not tried Thai dishes before. This might be my first time, but I liked it. It was a good choice. I also had a glass of cranberry juice, but it was too sweet for me. As to dishes, however, I ordered the rice, soup, and fried pork with garlic and basil. I thought Thai cuisine is good for Japanese people. Please try it! You will like it. I had good chances to challenge dishes from various countries. It might be one of good points in this stay.

[100 words]

Diary 26: Sat, September 13th

I went LA JOLLA and Coronado island again with my friends this time. At first, we had lunch at Hodad's. It is a hamburger shop with energy and big sounds! The wall is covered with many number plates of cars! Its hamburger is really big and heavy! Even French fries are so thick! Ooh~~~what a BIG lunch!!

After that, we walked on a PIER of the ocean in LA JOLLA. The time for sunset was coming, and my friends showed me a great view from the top of a cliff. It was a little cloudy, but it was a great view!

After the sunset, we moved to night's Coronado island. Last time I visited there was daytime, so it is my first time to visit the night's Coronado island. It was a nice night scene so that I was fascinated.

At last, before we went back home, we dropped by Rubios and had Mexican foods. It was dinner, though it was almost 10:00 p.m. Anyway, I really enjoyed my friends' company this time too.

[180 words]

Diary 25: Fri, September 12th

I will talk about the restaurant in Coronado island♪ It was a great experience for me.

What a nice view and What nice dishes! I was impressed! We ordered a tortilla of chicken and a dish of Angel hair(spaghetti). My order was angel hair, and it was with so much tomatoes and cheese. What a surprise, she told me that I can order more extra cheese. Of course, I did it. A waitress brought heaped cupful cheese! (I tipped the waitress.) I really enjoyed angel hair with rich cheese. Her tortilla came with french fries, and they were different from those of other fast food's restaurant. Really crispy. How delicious everything was! I want to go there again next time!

[122 words]

Diary 24: Thu, September 11th

My host mother and I started in early morning today. It was a sightseeing day that we were looking forward! We visited SAN DIEGO. At first, we used a COASTER about an hour, and it was a really comfortable ride. We got off it and bought one-day tickets for the trolley. The fare was 32 dollars per person. Using the trolley, we go around SAN DIEGO. Its root was a one-way traffic, and it caused a problem, but we could visit Old town, Seaport Village, Horton Plaza, Coronado island and Balboa Park. We just went through in front of SAN DIEGO ZOO, which is famous world wide. It was an interesting sightseeing. I especially enjoyed Coronado island with lunch. I will talk about the restaurant on next post.

[130 words]

Diary 23: Wed, September 10th

＊Today's notice＊

I found that Japanese dishes are also popular in USA. For example, some of my American friends love sushi. The word "sushi" is said to be used in the world. Of course, I think sushi is delicious, but I wonder why sushi is so popular especially. What do you think, everyone? I sometimes see shop signs of sushi. It is interesting. I hope more and more people enjoy Japanese dishes!

[73 words]

Diary 22: Tue, September 9th

＊Today's notice＊

I'll talk about the difference of the basic road system between Japan and USA. At first, I wasn't used to sense of finding where I want to go in maps made in USA and think with the units of streets and drives. Now I feel, however, it is really rational and practical. In Japan, we have to find some landmark and count the number of streets, like "the first, second, third...oh, please turn at the third intersection". In here, we can go to the place where we have never been before. Don't you think it is useful?

[104 words]

Diary 21: Mon, September 8th

Today, I went to WAL MART★ and enjoyed shopping a little bit. It is a chain store, and it has sundry goods in much lower price than other stores. I bought in chewing gum, snacks and thank you cards. Chewing gum is for my friends and me, and I bought thank you cards so that I can leave messages to my new friends when I leave here. I think it is important to express my appreciation, but even just I think about leaving here, I feel... I want to stay here more longer! I thought. Anyway, there is one week left. I 'll enjoy and make great use of this stay!

[111 words]

Diary 20: Sun, September 7th

I forgot talking about hamburgers of IN-N-OUT! I tried there at the first time the day before yesterday. Its hamburgers and french fries are natural taste, and they use fresh potatoes for the french fries. I am sure that Japan should introduce this hamburger chain! They have only three kinds of hamburgers, that is, Hamburger, Cheese burger, Double hamburger. However, it has a supreme popularity in CA! In the long run, I had the hamburger twice in this stay. If you visit CA, you had better try IN-N-OUT! I am sure that I will have it again next time too.

[104 words]

Total here= 989 words

Diary 19: Sat, September 6th

I went to Six Flags with my friends today! How exciting! When I remember that day, I get excited even now! It was a three- hours drive from my home, so we started at 6:30 in early morning. We(12 people) really enjoyed coasters and screaming☆ There are many roller coasters in 'Six Flags', and most people who visit there are teenagers. We tried all of scaring ones. "GOLIATH" is said to be scary, but we rode it many times. We stayed there at the time for close, 10:00 p.m. We dropped by a McDonald, and we went back home. I got back at around 2:20 a.m.! I would never do such a thing in Japan! But, there was CA! I was really excited, so I couldn't fall asleep. Even on the bed, I felt as I still on a coaster. Strange, but enjoyable feelings. I'll never forget this exciting leisure!

[158 words]

Diary 18: Fri, September 5th

＊Today's notice＊

I think I talked to you about my bus trip to LA JOLLA. Now, I would like to share the information about the fare system. Where I was staying is called "North county", and there are excellent transportations, like BREEZE(buses) and COASTERs. I used buses when I visited LA JOLLA. The fare for one way is 2 dollars, so if I just go and back, it costs 4 dollars, you know. However, a one-day pass is only 4.50 dollars, and this is so reasonable. I bought a one-day pass, and I could get off the bus at places where I want to visit. I think the fare system in a regular price was very helpful and practical for me.

[126 words]

Diary 17: Thu, September 4th

＊Today's notice＊

One of my friend and I had tacos for lunch today. TACO BELL is a chain restaurant of Mexican foods. I tried taco, and I loved it! Its spicy taste must be loved by so many people. I really enjoyed "each bites"!

Here are a lot of chain stores and fast foods restaurants. I found KFCs, McDonalds, Starbucks coffees, Family marts, Seven Elevens, and so on. However, I'm sorry that we don't have TACO BELL in Japan. I also hope that we will have IN-N-OUT, a hamburger chains, in Japan. I will share about the hamburger after a while.

[106 words]

Diary 16: Wed, September 3rd

＊Today's notice＊

I think I have to talk about the wide roads here! That point is also a bug difference from Japan. The roads and high ways has a few lanes and are really wide. There are so many free ways too, and it means there are not traffic signal on free ways and people do not have to stop. Those free ways have many lanes from 4 to 6. Anyway, my impression is... "How wide!" Besides, cars run with 55 miles, that is, about 90 kilo meter, but I did not feel the high speed, because the ways are so wide.


On wide roads, cars run fast, but we do not feel the high speed. Because of it, the sense of distance does never work rightly. At first, I was surprised with the long distance on foot, which takes only a few minutes in a car.


American people often use free ways, and they are essential for American life. I feel how large USA is!

[167 words]

Diary 15: Tue, September 2nd

I visited LA JOLLA again, but with my host mother this time. We went up to a hill and had a panorama. It was an excellent view point. LA JOLLA is said to be a high-grade resort. I could see San Diego far away and west coast. Every time I see the ocean in CA, I can have wide views, because here is the west coast of USA. How wide, how lovely! We had a dinner at WEST BUFFET. We ate too much!! I got really stuffed! It was good evening.



＊Today's notice＊

I had heard about the importance of carpooling in USA in the speaking class, and our teacher said there are lanes for people who carpool. Today, I found it! I saw it in a moment on a free way, a road sign said, 'EXPRESS LANES CARPOOLS ONLY'. Seeing is believing! Of course, I didn't doubt at all, but to see in my own eyes is really important and exciting! CARPOOL LANES are really there!

Besides, I knew that a person who violates the rule for carpool lanes will be fined. The amount of the fine I found was 341 dollars!

[196 words]

Diary 14: Mon, September 1st

＊Today's notice＊

My new friends often use the word, "Cool". I didn't know that it is a so useful word. At first, I felt it didn't make sense. It is because I had thought it is used about nice looking guys or girls. Actually, however, my friends use it even when we talk about a good schedule and things that make us excited. I asked what they meant with "Cool". They frowned a little and thought in a silence. They said it has a near meaning with "neat"... It seemed a little tough that they explain the meaning. Finally, I understand it doesn't have so deep meanings. However, it must be impossible to know these things and the timing for using this word, if I stayed in Japan.

[132 words]

Diary 13: Sun, August 31st

＊Today's notice＊

I feel people here have their own opinions. Many Japanese people do not say their real opinion clearly, and it is because of Japanese culture, I think. Many people in CA often say what they think and even try to persuade others with logical discussions. Besides, many of them put a lot of comments to others' comments. I felt I should train myself in order to express how I feel and think. It is important to live in this internationalized society, right? I thought it is boring if each person doesn't have each opinions. I have to try!

[102 words]

Total of August = 3206 words

Diary 12: Sat, August 30th

I left at 9 o'clock with eagerness for a trip in the morning. I got on a bus and change buses, and I visited Encinitas and UTC(United town center) in LA JOLLA. Especially as to LA JOLLA, it is really famous and high-grade place. It was really far, but unfortunately I couldn't enjoy the trip so much. It maybe because anyone wasn't with me, and I am not used to going out by myself in a foreign country. Once I get used to, I must really enjoy my unrestrained trip. I must keep challenging! I understand that I need to learn a way of enjoying the sightseeing by myself. I'll try.

[117 words]

Diary 11: Fri, August 29th

＊Today's notice＊

'Shopping center' or 'shopping mall'? These two words don't make a big difference for Japanese people, right? It was the same about me. After I came here, I could understand the difference. The point is whether various store there are in one building or not. Shopping centers are consisted of various stores in each building, and shopping mall is a building. There are so many shopping centers in CA, but on the other hand, there are lots of shopping mall in Japan. That's why I hadn't heard the words 'shopping center' in my country. I felt it is interesting and important to know differences of meanings and use those words properly. This is one of the good examples.

[124 words]

Diary 10: Thu, August 28th

I went to a little adventure by myself in the afternoon. I got on a bus(BREEZE) for the first time. I knew where was the bus bound to, but I didn't know how much was the fare or whether I could get a transfer ticket. I had not been used to asking questions to people who I don't know. However, I encouraged myself, and I tried to ask in poor English. In cases like that, I always get nervous and lose English words. Only I can is put English words in front of people. But, I could barely communicate with bus drivers. Now, good for you, Jam! I think I need to say to myself. Ha ha!

After I got off the bus, I couldn't find the store I wanted to go. Then, an old woman came to me and said, "Are you lost?" She was really kind and told me where it was. Her help was really helpful for me. I felt, "I have to talk to foreign people, when I see them in Japan too." In a store, I wanted some bagels, but I couldn't find how to buy them. I asked a woman who was working there. She also explained in detail kindly. I want around two shopping centers and enjoyed shopping.

Asking a favor to someone makes me nervous and is difficult, but it is really important, right? I will be so glad if I can cultivate such a mental strength and bring it to my life in Japan.

[258 words]

Diary 9: Wed, August 27th

＊Today's notice＊

It's a real first name society! I had thought it is natural that exchange students tell us(students) their first name. However, I realized here is a real first name society. It is because all of people who I meet for the first time tell only their first name. In Japan, we tell our last name or full name, you know. That is a polite manner for us. In USA, it seems that it is polite to be friendly and companionable.What is more, the age doesn't matter at all. They tell their first name without regard to age or sex. I really felt how this society regards each individual is important.

[117 words]

Diary 8: Tue, August 26th

＊Today's notice＊

When I talk with people here, I often realize that my custom in Japanese makes some great influence on my English. For example, a person asks me, "Are you going to a school here?" Actually, I don't go to any language school this time, so I answer to her, "No." There is no problem at all. However, when she says a few comments to my answer, I say automatically, "Yes." Have you found the problem here? Then, she gets a little confused and asks me with a laugh, "Yes? You go to a school?" or "Yes or no?" My 'yes' in this case means 'hai' in Japanese, not 'yes' in English. Can you tell the difference between their meanings? I mean what she just said(a few comments of her) is right. This is a Japanese favorite phrase, I guess. I realized my Japanese custom by speaking English. That's interesting, isn't it?

[158 words]