ハワイの「2017 HIBISCUS」参加学生から、イオラニ宮殿見学と、ホノルル・ハーフマラソンにボランティアスタッフとして参加した体験レポートが届きました。

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Iolani Palace

Nana Matsuoka

We went on the field trip to Iolani Palace, which is the only palace in the United States. I have learned that IOLANI means `bird in heaven`. We looked inside with a self-tour audio guide. We could choose a language and I listened to the Japanese explanation, sorry! When I entered the palace, I was surprised at the most conspicuous stairs built of the Hawaiian tree Mosquito Mani and a walnut tree with beautiful ornament which is very valuable in Hawaii. It has a lot of rooms such as Blue room, Throne room, State Dining Room with other luxurious rooms. The history after Hawaiian Kingdom collapsed also tells many things in this palace. There is a gallery to show jewels and crowns in the basement. It was used to many functions as a center of Hawaiian politics and culture. However, the history of Hawaiian dynasty was left sad by a coup in 1893. When learning Hawaiian history, this is a necessary place to visit. I could feel what kind of country this Hawaii was once more, too.

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Hapalua　Hawaii's half marathon
Marina Waguri

On Sunday, April 9, I served at Honolulu half marathon which was held in Waikiki. I did this volunteer work at the medical aid station. I stood in front of the medical aid station and when Japanese runners came there, I translated their physical condition to doctors. I also asked their condition for pleasant running or their request or favour. I thought this service learning was difficult because people with bad physical condition spoke very fast and I had to listen to them correctly without misunderstandings because their physical condition must be taken care of correctly. I did my best. When runners with bad physical condition said to me, ` thank you` in going back to the race, I felt so happy. I was able to speak English a lot during this service learning, but I was not able to speak frequently or well. I have to practice English more for the future opportunity. I could make friends in this service learning. It is not only for practicing English but also getting opportunities to meet new people.

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Hapalua Hawaii's Half Marathon

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