<< Report on UMEX Bus Trip to Kanazawa>>

Umidjon Vokhidov from Uzbekistan

March 29 year 2003 early 5:30 o'clock in the morningc.All IUJ students are resting in a very short spring breaks after hard winter term. They have already changed their schedule and the earliest time they get up from their warm bed is only 12 noon. However this day was the special for those who applied for Kanazawa trip organized by UMEX. At the main entrance of the IUJ, bus and the organizers of the trip were patiently waiting for the chain of sleepy students coming out from their dorms. When the last member of the chain got in the bus the first part of interesting day had already started. Jokes, coming from different parts of the bus, didn't let anyone to complete their half-cut sleeping. After several short stops the group of explorers from IUJ reached Ninja Dera. The temple which was full of traps and labyrinths, was sharing all its secrets with explorers, surprising them more and more. All group members had a great opportunity to travel back to the Japanese history and enrich their knowledge by observing the secrets inside the temple. After feeling themselves in the Samurai era for a while, expedition continued to explore the other typical and historical sights of Kanazawa. So the next stop was Ohmimachi market. Everyone was expecting to see the usual modern market, fixed and unreachable prices. However, they found themselves in a very traditional Asian market, and after spending a couple of hours in the market area and warming themselves by traditional beers and Japanese sake, explorers started bargaining insistently with sellers. The expedition had discovered that its possible to buy strawberry quite cheaper than in our beloved shopping center JUCSO and Kupitto. Even the head of expedition was carrying very heavy box full of sea foods.(that made me think that I will be offered to taste it). After greeting everyone with usual kind Japanese expression "okaerinasay", expedition continued its trip. Last destination was the Garden of the six sublimities-"Kenroku-en Garden." The beautiful garden full of blooming trees which was privately owned by the Maeda Clan in the Samurai era was showing off the real beauty of the traditional Japanese gardening. Especially in the spring, Kenrokuen offers typical scenic beauty with its 400 cherry trees in bloom. Unforgettable views of the garden: old trees, ponds, winding streams, waterfalls, fountains, stone bridges, various shaped stone lanterns were attracting all members so that they were about to miss the bus. Everyone left the garden with the desire of coming back. Although the day was very long, on the way back no one seemed to get tired, all explorers were still joking, laughing and hoping to participate in the next trips organized by UMEX.