KYAWT KAY KHAING

Hello everyone.

During spring break, we went on a two-day, one-night training trip to Okawa City in Kyushu as part of a school program. This training trip was a very interesting and enjoyable experience.

On the first day, we first observed how wood is cut and how fittings such as doors are made. We were able to learn what processes wood goes through before it is used and turned into finished products. I was very happy to learn things that I had never known before.

After that, we went to a place where kumiko is made and observed the process. It was very interesting to see how kumiko is made and to learn about its detailed techniques.

For lunch, we had karaage and sushi, which are famous foods in Okawa City. Both were very delicious and left a strong impression on me.

After lunch, we listened to an explanation about Okawa City. Then, we took part in woodworking activities, including making kumiko. There were activities such as making chairs, pen holders, and small kumiko pieces. Among them, I made a pen holder. It was very enjoyable to make something with my own hands.

After the activity, we went to the ryokan where we were staying. At around 6:00 p.m., we left the ryokan and went to the Chikugo River Lift Bridge, a famous landmark in Okawa City, to watch the sunset. The sunset was truly beautiful, and it made me want to come back and see it again someday.

After that, we returned to the ryokan and had dinner. The people at the ryokan were very kind, and the meal was very delicious.

The first place we visited on the second day was a historic old building.

There, we were able to learn about how to drink tea and about the Japanese tea ceremony. We could also see the structure of the building and how large pieces of wood were used, which was very interesting. When we visited, there were also decorations related to the five seasonal festivals. Learning about seasonal decorations was also a valuable experience.

Since it was raining on the second day, moving around was a little difficult. However, the guide was very kind and explained everything carefully. While walking through the old townscape, we also learned that this area was once divided between two towns, which I found very interesting.

We also had the opportunity to learn about the vinegar made in Okawa City. I was able to learn how vinegar is made, and it was a good experience.

For lunch, each group went to a restaurant of their choice and had a meal. I was able to talk with my group members while eating, and it was a very enjoyable time.

After lunch, we exchanged opinions with local people about what we had learned and felt during the two-day training trip, what we wanted to know more about, and what we hoped Okawa City would work on more in the future. It was a very meaningful time because we were able to share our own thoughts and listen to the opinions of local people.

This training trip to Okawa City was a very interesting and valuable experience, and I was able to learn many things.