'The Friendliness of the Americans'

By Itsuki Aida

What surprised me the most about this program was the friendliness of the Americans. There were aspects that were a little different from Japan, such as how everyone took the initiative to help if someone was in trouble.

It was my first time going to America. Everything was different from what I had in Japan, it was big and artistic. There were no small cars like in Japan, and I think everything was about 2 to 3 times larger than what we have in Japan.

The Yosemite National Park that I visited on my trip to America was so beautiful that it cannot be expressed in words, with a kind of fantasy that is far removed from the Japanese mountains. The temperature was also comfortable for me, and everything there was beautiful and amazing. I strongly felt that I wanted to go again.

The Japanese food that I made and ate with my buddy and buddies’ family on host day had a special feeling different from what I experienced in Japan. Even though it’s something I usually make and eat by myself, I was a little surprised to realize how much it changes just by having a different place and different people to eat with. My buddy and buddies’ family also happily ate the dishes I made, and I was glad.

I also visited world-famous companies like Google and NVIDIA. The buildings were futuristic, and the structures were interesting.

​I love my family very much, who accepted me even though I am someone from another country of a different race. They treated me like a real son. I was full of anxiety in America for the first time, but everyone supported me emotionally, and that first experience turned out to be a very good one.

I want to visit Palo Alto again. I want to do the things I couldn't do, eat the things I couldn't eat, and have the experiences I missed out on at that time. Also, I want to visit my second family, who warmly welcomed me with lots of Japanese souvenirs.

I believe this experience will be one I never forget for the rest of my life. It was my first time in America, and I got to go with friends. The place we stayed was great, making it the best first experience. I don't think I'll be scared anymore when I go to America next time. Finally, I cannot thank enough those involved who made this experience possible. Thank you very much.

Lastly, I have one thing I want to say.
I will say it many times. I really love my Buddies!!