By MAGGIE ISHINO
I lived in Washington, D.C., for almost three years, visited the World’s Fair in New York City in the early ’60s, had a two-week vacation to Mexico and a day “visit” to Acapulco, (a waste of hard-earned money), a delightful weekend visit to Oregon and a few wonderful weekends to Fresno.
I mention the preceding places because they were some of the traveling experiences I have had. I would like, however, to do and/or visit the following:
1. Auto Trip on the Coast of California
Take a trip on the coastline of California and see the many, many cities I have never seen or heard of and end up in Sacramento, the capital of California. I have a dear friend in Sacramento whom it would be a joy to visit. I would also like to visit the University of California at Davis, the very famous university for future veterinarians.
While in Seattle, I would like to visit the site where the 1962 World’s Fair was held and the famous Space Needle built for the fair. I would like to see the waterfront trees and the various facilities of the University of Washington. Of course, Seattle is famous for Puget Sound, the Sound Garden, the Cascades and other sites.
This is where I think can be considered the “home” of the Delicious apples. I met a lady in San Francisco who moved to Seattle. She sent me a dozen Delicious apples and to this day, I remember the enormous size of the apples and their crunchy, delicious taste. I wish I had one right now!
Speaking of apples, I read a laugher that I wish to share with you: The children were standing in line in a Catholic school’s cafeteria. At the beginning of the line, there was a bowl full of apples on the table and the nun wrote a note that said, “Take only one. God is watching.” At the end of the table, there was a tray full of chocolate chip cookies. One of the students wrote a note that said, “Take all you want. God is watching the apples.”
2. Billy Graham’s Library in North Carolina
Every time I watch the reruns of Dr. Graham’s Crusade on TV, flashes of his library are shown. I am very impressed with the cross carved in the door of the library, which is almost as tall and wide as the door, and the other interesting objects flashing on the screen. I would personally love to see such impressions.
3. Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore is named after Charles Rushmore, a New York City lawyer, and is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. There are carvings by Gutzon Borglum of four presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Even looking at pictures of this amazing “structure,” I keep thinking — If I could personally stand in front of this beautiful landmark, it would be with awe and admiration.
4. Fukuoka Prefecture
I would like to visit Fukuoka prefecture on the island of Kyushu in Japan, where both Papa and Mama were born, and meet my relatives, although I am sure only a few are living. Papa came to the United States in 1906 at the age of 19 and Mama came in 1920 as a “picture bride.” Papa had two brothers and four sisters. Mama had two younger brothers.
5. Massachusetts
Massachusetts is “loaded” with history. Harvard University is located in Cambridge. Since my older brother earned his Ph.D. at Harvard, I would like to visit this very famous university. My oldest niece was born in Cambridge.
I would like to dine at an eatery/restaurant where they serve the very famous New England lobster dinner. I have had this dinner three times in San Francisco and I believe I could have it for dinner at least once a week during the month.
6. Michigan State University
My brother was a professor of cultural anthropology at Michigan State University for many years until his retirement. I would like to visit their Anthropology Department and meet the professors with whom my brother associated.
7. Travel on a Cruise
I was employed for a short time at Nippon Yusen Kaisha, a Japanese steamship company. Every since working there I have had the desire of taking a cruise to Japan or Alaska. I have taken one-hour bay “rides” in San Diego and San Francisco and really enjoyed them. There is something so invigorating about the smell of the sea and the freshness of the salt air.
8. The Country of Germany
My younger brother was in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. He had a “sideline” as a photographer and took many pictures. He said Germany is a beautiful country with so much natural beauty. There are many scenes in “The Sound of Music” that were filmed in Bavaria in Germany, and it gives an example of the natural beauty of the country.
9. Lake Louise in Canada
I am told Lake Louise is a very beautiful lake and I would like to see what makes it so beautiful. Since I would be in Canada, I would like to take the opportunity to visit the capital of Canada, which is Ottawa. Perhaps I could visit my niece who lives in Canada.
In closing, may I say since I am no longer young and somewhat physically handicapped, I know I will not fulfill my desires, but I can still dream, can’t I? Perhaps I should spend some time in the public library and travel to the above places through books. One part of Maggie’s philosophy is: If you can’t use your feet, use your head!
I wish those who read this column a happy traveling experience should you wish to “go places.” Traveling is really an education in itself and one can sometimes meet and gain new friends.
AMEN
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Maggie Ishino is a Rafu typist and can be reached at mishino@rafu.com. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of The Rafu Shimpo.