My First Experience

On April 25, we had Family Festival and I did tea ceremony. On that day, I wore a yukata. When I went to Commons, it was crowded with many American visitors. I was very surprised when I saw all of them. There were many cultural activities such as calligraphy, origami and so on. Though I had practiced tea ceremony with a teacher the day before, this was my first time to do tea ceremony alone. I was very nervous.

I was afraid of doing tea ceremony alone in front of many visitors. First I handed out a cup of green tea with some cookies and a slice of sweet bean jelly to the visitors. Some of the visitors who drank green tea liked it. Other visitors didn't like it. All of the children didn't like it. When I was young, I didn't like it either, because it was too bitter for me. On this day, this tea was made from more water than regular tea so it was weak. While I did tea ceremony, the visitors saw me all the time. I found that they curiously watched me so I was too nervous to do very well. I made many mistakes. My friend helped me with gesture from a far place and took a picture of me. Though I was ashamed to make green tea in front of the visitors, I enjoyed it. If I have a chance to do such as this festival again, I want to do it without fear.

I had a good experience on that day. This festival was interesting for both American people and Japanese people. I knew about Japanese culture and tea ceremony. I thought many American people are interested in Japanese culture. I saw them enjoying the activities, participating and listening to student's talking about Japanese culture. I was very glad to see these people because I want American people to learn about Japan. I want to learn about America more, too.