In the botanical garden, I enjoyed a scenic walk on a winding path in the lush woods. I saw some squirrels nimbly running around and woodpeckers busily pecking. There were benches here and there. How wonderful it would be to read a book sitting on a bench under a tree!

The path led me to a pretty garden, where the garden staff were planting young pansies. Near this garden, I found an elegant hand-carved gazebo built as early as the 19th century.

I found autumn decorations made of natural materials around the carriage house. The last time I came here in December 2017, it was freezing cold. I remember drinking hot chocolate, which warmed me up, and having a nice conversation with a staff member there. In autumn, the atmosphere was very different with colored leaves. The garden in autumn was warm, pleasant, and graceful.

It was also nice to walk around the lake. The lake was picturesque from any viewpoint, but I especially liked the view with a tree house. There was also a Japanese garden by the lake. I imagined how wonderful it would be if my BFF visited Japan someday and we could explore Japanese gardens together.

(To be continued…)

That evening, my BFF and I visited her friend’s home. She welcomed us in a very friendly and warm-hearted manner. I met her sweet children, too. While I was staying with them, I learned many important things, which would influence my view of life and career in the future. I will never forget her warm hospitality.

The next morning, I wanted to bring stuff back to my friends in Japan, so I went on a shopping spree at Kroger, a US grocery store. I bought some soap bars, wax melts, scent bags, as well as some Halloween and Thanksgiving cards. The soap smelled like shea butter and vanilla; and the wax melts and scent bags had vanilla and cinnamon scents. I really like spicy American fragrances, so I wanted to take them back home. No wonder my suitcase was full of American fragrances!

After that, I went to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. First, I had a salad out on the patio of the café. The weather was nice and perfect for an outdoor lunch.

After lunch, I enjoyed strolling around the garden and taking pictures of flowers. I explored, while looking at the map. I liked walking through the rose garden, the serene woods, and along the lake. I saw some schoolchildren led by their teachers. In some areas, I saw older people once in a while, and we said hello to each other. I could tell how much the botanical garden was loved by people of all ages. In other areas, I was alone. I sometimes felt as if I had the garden to myself. What a luxurious time it was!

The way leading to the conservatory was full of pink and purple flowers.

I finally reached the conservatory. At the entrance, there was a small lotus pond. Inside the building, there were various cacti and orchids, which were all well maintained.

Walking through the conservatory door, I stepped onto a walkway where some inspiring words were engraved. I liked every word. These were words I really wanted to cherish in my life.

Now I came to a rose garden. It had more than 1,500 roses. They were just in full bloom!

(To be continued…)

After leaving the farm,  my BFF’s family and I accompanied Mr. and Mrs. R to their house. Puppy was with us, too! Miss Fairy gave me a house tour. Starting with a Halloween candy bucket hanging from a tree, I saw many Halloween decorations here and there. I loved the American country-style decorations. I was very happy to be with Mr. and Mrs. R. I was also delighted to see C&M (a dog and a cat) again! They were very kind to me.

Mr. and Mrs. R were planning to have a picnic in their yard for us and had prepared a lot for it. However, it was a little chilly outside, so we had an indoor picnic. Mrs. R served a delicious hearty meal. The table was full of fabulous dishes and sweets.

This is how I made my turkey sandwich. The tomato was fresh from their garden!

I loved her brownies, too. I remember it was 23 years ago that I ate brownies for the first time in my life. It was actually her brownies!

After the indoor picnic, we stepped outside and walked around the house. I truly enjoyed the scenic beauty. In the yard, flowers were blooming, and butterflies were flying around them. What a peaceful world!

The butterflies were happy, too!

The nature brought me peace of mind. At the same time, I was touched by the thoughtfulness and kindness Mr. and Mrs. R and their pets showed me. Back in my country, I can still imagine the beautiful home and their warm smiles vividly. I want to go back!

On Indigenous Peoples’ Day,  my BFF’s family and I went to Holly Fork Farm to pick up pumpkins for Halloween decorations. Puppy was with us, too! We met up with my BFF’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. R there and had a fun time together.

I liked the farm very much. Everything was peaceful and pleasant to look at. Every animal looked happy. I especially liked the handwritten signs, which were cute and sometimes humorous. They were conveying the owner’s love to their animals and guests.

They were offering different types of games, such as a hay maze, Punkin Chunkin, and hayrides.

We had some unique, exciting experiences. First, we ate delicious homemade kettle corn. Second, we tried to launch pumpkins with a slingshot to see how far we could launch them. Miss Fairy and Luca did very well. (I was the worst.)

Third, we went on a hayride. We rode in a wagon pulled by a farm tractor. Our seats were made of blocks of hay. We went around the farm leisurely. Puppy enjoyed the hayride, too.

Finally, we looked for good, large pumpkins for Halloween decorations on the farm. We found some good ones.

Holly Fork Farm grows and sells a wide variety of agricultural produce.

I had a lot of fun. I will never forget the thrilling experience on the beautiful farm.

(To be continued…)

After breakfast, Miss Fairy, Luca, and I played with Puppy. Then, we left for downtown Richmond to see the Richmond Folk Festival.

We took the bus to the venue. There were many food stalls selling both international and local foods. I was attracted to an extremely colorful stall and ordered a cheeseburger there.

After grabbing our food, we went to the Dance Pavilion. There were musicians playing blues and oldies on the stage. Their performances were superb! In the audience area, I was introduced to my BFF’s friend, who had visited Japan more than 30 years ago. It was very interesting and inspiring to talk with him. After that, he suggested we dance together. He, my BFF, and Miss Fairy went to the dance area. At first, I would rather have remained in my seat. However, when I saw them dancing joyfully, I could not resist joining them! We danced to the great American music together.  (He said I was “shaking it!”)

The venue was on Brown’s Island between the James River and the Haxall Canal. After leaving the venue, we walked along the canal and across the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge, which commands a magnificent view of the James River.

Richmond was the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War. There were relics of old bridge posts sticking out of the James River. The lost bridges had been used as evacuation routes during  the Civil War.

I had a fulfilling day, appreciating American music and thinking about American history.

(To be continued…)

We finally arrived at my BFF’s house in Virginia and saw the rest of her family – her husband, son (let me call him Luca), and dog, “Puppy.” I was delighted to see them after almost two years’ absence! Strangely enough, everything felt the same as the last time. I felt as if I had just come home! I was given a very comfortable room with an elegant bed. I was very grateful.

Afterwards, we went to a fancy restaurant called Sedona Taphouse for dinner. I savored the delicious food and the nice atmosphere. I was very happy there with the family – so happy that everything seemed like a dream.

After coming home again, I was relaxing in the living room, when I was called to the dining room. As I entered the room, I got a surprise! The whole family started to sing Happy Birthday for me. There was a fabulous birthday cake on the table with candles lit. There was also a Happy Birthday balloon floating in the air. Their kindness and ingenuity warmed my heart. I felt as if I were still dreaming.

My BFF and her family always show me what love is. What they do for me is always surprising. When I am around them, I feel fully replenished with love.

The next day began with a scrumptious breakfast. My BFF baked chocolate chip muffins, which smelled and tasted so good.

(To be continued…)

After visiting the Lincoln Memorial, we strolled in Constitution Gardens. We enjoyed the pleasant autumn weather. We sometimes found trees with colored leaves and took pictures of each other under them. We saw many squirrels scurrying up and down trees.

Walking through the gardens, we made our way to the White House.

Passing by the White House, we entered a busy district. In this district, there were many massive government buildings characterized by fluted Greek columns. The commercial buildings were also sophisticated and had interesting architectural features.

We dropped by Corner Bakery Café on F Street NW. The Uptown Turkey Avocado sandwich was out-of-this-world delicious!

After fully enjoying D.C., we took the subway at Metro Center Station and left for Virginia.

(To be continued…)

I arrived at the hotel. The hotel was very comfortable. I enjoyed the view from the window.

I took a nap and woke up, when my BFF and her daughter texted me, “We are getting ready to knock.” I was thrilled to think that we were about to meet for the first time in almost two years!

Finally, the time came! I was delighted to see them – so delighted that I felt as if it were a dream. They were as kind, loving, and caring as always. We had a lot of things to talk about, so we went to a restaurant downstairs and caught up with each other.

The next morning, we ate a delicious American breakfast. Particularly, I liked the pancakes.

We left the hotel and took the metro at Franconia-Springfield.

On the way to Washington D.C., there was a station called Crystal City. I liked the name. It was the most intriguing name I had ever heard!

Getting off at Smithsonian, we strolled along the National Mall. It was my second visit there. The last time was with my BFF in 1997. I never imagined that I would be able to come back again with the sweet lady, my BFF’s daughter! (From now on, let me call her Miss Fairy.)

You can see several national museums on both sides of the National Mall.

Walking down the Mall past the Arts and Industries Building, we caught sight of a historic carousel. According to the sign, the carousel was part of a victory for Civil Rights. Miss Fairy suggested we ride it together and we gave it a try. It was indeed a fun ride! It was the most unforgettable experience in Washington D.C.

On finding Capitol Hill at the end, we turned back towards the Washington Monument.

We walked past the Washington Monument towards the Lincoln Memorial. We made a detour to see the Potomac River and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

Near the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, we found a good place to take a rest. We sat on a bench and ate PBJ (Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwiches) for lunch. Feeling energized, we continued walking.

We arrived at the Lincoln Memorial at last! It was a long walk, but it was worth it. At the building, we were talking about history and wondered when it had been built. That was when a tourist passed by us. His souvenir bag said “Built in 1922.” What a coincidence!

(To be continued…)

The most impressive exhibit in the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, was the space shuttle Discovery. It boasts of having been the longest-serving spacecraft. It flew as many as 39 times from 1984 to 2011.

I was overwhelmed by its size. It was much larger than I had expected. Also, I was especially interested in the tiles, partly because I had worked for a tile manufacturer before. Different tiles were used for the spacecraft.

The black tiles protect the spacecraft against temperatures of up to 1,260 degrees Celsius, while the white tiles resist temperatures up to 649 degrees Celsius.

I saw some other interesting artifacts, too.

This is a mobile quarantine facility used for astronauts who returned from the Moon. It was intended to prevent the spread of lunar contagions by isolating the astronauts from other people.  This facility was used by Apollo 11 astronauts. They stayed in it for 88 hours immediately after returning to Earth.

These are Mars Pathfinder (right) and Sojourner (left). They are full-scale engineering prototypes for the spacecraft that were launched and landed on Mars between 1996 and 1997.

The Agena-B upper stage was used to launch different satellites and space probes during the 1960s.

The museum has an observation tower. I went up the tower and saw “real” airplanes approaching the Dulles Airport. Thus, I saw many airplanes both inside and outside the museum on that day.

With my curiosity fully satisfied, I left the museum for the hotel.

(To be continued…)

At the airport, I took a taxi to the hotel which my BFF had reserved for us. I checked in earlier and soon headed for the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. I took an Uber there.

The museum consists of three sections: military aviation, commercial aviation, and space artifacts.

The military aviation section displays fighters that were actually used in wartime. I had mixed feelings facing them. I did not take many photos. Instead, I took a close look at each airplane to burn their images into my brain.

I moved on to the commercial aviation section, which looked very colorful.

This is Boeing 367-80, which is a prototype of 707. It was the first commercial jet transport airplane in the U.S.

This is Boeing 307 Stratoliner, Clipper Flying Cloud. It was the first commercial airplane with a pressurized cabin.

Next to it is Air France Concorde, the first successful commercial supersonic transport airplane. The powerful engines carried the airplane at 2,173 km per hour, which is twice the speed of sound.

There are old airplanes, too. This is the Langley Aerodrome A developed in 1903, which Langley designed as a manned airplane after his two successful unmanned ones. Unfortunately, this one was not successful.

I was able to learn the mechanisms of early turbojet engines with cutaways. These displays helped me with my studies for the coming engineering exam.

After looking at the aviation sections, I went to the space artifacts section.

(To be continued…)

I went on a trip to the U.S. this month. The purposes of the trip were to get immersed in American life and brush up on my English, to do some research related to my business, and, most excitingly, to see my BFF and her family. It was a great trip!

My trip began with a flight from Osaka.

I like flying. I enjoy looking out the window and checking how the wing, including the flaps, spoilers and ailerons, works especially during take-off and landing.　

After a short flight, I landed at Narita. 

Then I flew from Narita to Washington D.C. (Dulles).

At first, I enjoyed looking out the window, but the night came quickly. So I closed the window shade and watched some movies. After a while, I tried opening the window shade without expecting to see anything. This was when I saw countless stars twinkling out there. I was delighted! The Big Dipper was just beside me. As the airplane moved forward, it always followed me (at least until I fell asleep).

Finally, the morning came.

After eating an American breakfast, the airplane started descending. The farm landscape looked very similar to that of Hokkaido.

After a long flight, I finally arrived in America!

(To be continued…)