'My First Trip Abroad'

​By Aoi Koizumi

It was my first trip abroad, so I was both excited and anxious. When I first met my buddy, we hugged each other. She and her family made me feel so welcome. And she asked me, “What do you want to do?” So, I told her, “I want to be your bestie.” 

On my first day in America, I had a hamburger for dinner at Gott's. The fries were so crispy…!!

I’m into hamburgers!!!!

On a holiday, I made stuffed animals with my buddy at BUILD-A-BEAR. I chose which character I wanted to make a stuffed animal of and stuffed it with cotton. And I put my heart inside a stuffed animal. It was interesting because it was like they were really coming to life!

In America, there were many stores where we could make and experience things ourselves! I was so excited to be able to make one myself. It will be my precious memory.

On the way home, I was curious about why the traffic lights were vertical while I was in a car.

After visiting school, my host mother played music on the record for me. The music was "Feeling Good." That became my favorite music. It makes me relax! My host family and I love music, so I'm very happy to have found them.

And I went to Yosemite. Before going to Yosemite, my host father had told me that Yosemite was very beautiful, so I was looking forward to seeing it there!

Actually, it was very beautiful!! I saw huge trees and great nature. 

I could visit El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, and Yosemite Fall. The most impressive thing is Half Dome! The cross section is cool. I was surprised to hear that the host mother had climbed there. I understand that it is also known as a climbing spot.

Before I came back to Japan, my host mother bought me cookies. The people in Palo Alto were very nice, and I was comfortable.

I will never forget my experience in Palo Alto!

I am most happy to have made friends and family in other countries. I hope to go back to the U.S. someday and express my gratitude to them. 

And I love Palo Alto.