The encounter with the unknown in Denver!
I participated in the ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) conference which was held in Denver for 5 days, from 11/17. So, I was very surprised by the differences, such as ways of communication, culture and food. Especially, culture and food were the more impressive.
First of all, the culture. I went to an ice hockey game, and it was AVALUNCHE (Denver) vs STARS (Canada). I have never watched an ice hockey games in my life, and it was very exciting! The game itself was exciting, and the public marriage proposal during the intermission made it even more!! During the intermission, audiences’ faces were projected on the scoreboard screen. Suddenly 1 couple was projected on the screen and they kissed. And the man handed her an engagement ring, and she accepted it. People around them including me were filled with joy. Before this couple, several couples were projected on the screen, and they also kissed. If these couples were Japanese, I don’t think they would have kissed or proposed in public. I admire foreign people who can express their feelings in public! By the way, AVALUNCHE won the game 3-0!:D
Next, the food. I ate hamburger, French fries, salad and omelet, and all of them were in very large in quantity! I finally understand what my friends were telling me, small size in America is large size in Japan!! That is why I gained weight from this trip!! :< By the way, my very first experience of eating vegetarian food was at the final dinner prior to departure. I ordered “Egg rolls”, which is similar to “HARUMAKI” in Chinese food, and the ingredients were vegetables and beans. Because of the beans, my stomach was filled up quickly. It tastes good and it’s also very healthy! There were other dishes that look like meat but were made from beans. I thought vegetarian restaurant only has vegetable dishes, but there were variety of choices. For examples, vegetables, beans, rice, egg, wine and beer! I was able to understand a little about vegetarian diet because I ate the dish, which I could seldom experience in Japan.
Although there are more to talk about in this trip, I would like to end it here.
These were 5 very exciting days, and I am glad that I had participated! Thank you!:D