Every day, a lot of snow has been accumulating everywhere. I had a lot of wonderful memories during winter vacation. I was looking forward to spending this winter vacation because it’s the first time for me to spend Christmas Day overseas, so I was excited. Before Christmas Day, I took trip to Montreal and Quebec City with my friend. These cities are part of Canada; however, I felt like I visited France because almost of people speak French as first language, and a lot of things which I saw were written in French. When I entered each restaurants and shops, staffs said us “Bonjour” instead of “Hello.” Temperature in Montreal and Quebec City was around minus twenty degrees Celsius each day when I visited there. Even if I wore warm clothes and 3 pair of socks, I still couldn’t stand the cold. I little bit regretted visiting there in winter. But I really enjoyed staying there and going sightseeing, especially Basilique Notre-Dame in Montreal was so magnificent that I couldn’t describe it, and I like the atmosphere of Quebec City. There are many cute and antique buildings and streets. It was like I was inside the world of fairy tale. And I went to Christmas Market at Montreal and Quebec City that I craved; however, they were smaller than I expected. Toronto Christmas Market was bigger than them, so I couldn’t show around there at once when I went to Toronto. At night, we rode ferry to see night view, and it was awesome. I want to go there again in spring. We might enjoy different sites in spring.

       On Christmas Day, I went to my host family’s friend’s house. They prepared special dinner, I brought cookies which I made with my roommate. A man who I met at his house is interested in Japan, so I talked about Japan with him. But at the time, I felt my lack of information about Japan. He asked me the population of Japan and my hometown, but I couldn’t answer. On the other hand, he knows how many people in Kingston and Canada. I thought I should know about Japan much more as a Japanese. Anyway, I enjoyed talking with many people and Christmas in Canada. Fortunately, I got presents from my host family and friends.

       By the way, I sent Christmas cards to my family and friends, and they got them in good condition, so I was happy. The last thing which I want to tell you is that I made Japanese dishes for my host family and friends at dinner time. In addition, my Chinese friends made some Chinese dishes for us, so we enjoyed eating Asian foods together. During the dinner, we had a lively conversation. I’d been happy spend time such my host family and friends. And I felt it is important to talk with people in English actively. Of course, reading and writing are important, but I think talking is more important. Through conversations, I think I can learn natural and practical English. In addition, it makes me want to study English more; therefore, I want to value time I spend with people who I speak with me in English. It was a lot of fun for me to spend winter vacation, but I haven’t been exciting recently, so I’ve put on fat around my waist and cheeks. I need to go to gym to get rid of their fat.