UK Trip Diary     Yoko Sako and Yui Miyaichi
Winners of ESUJ University Debating Competition 2008, Keio Univ.

Last As winners of last year's ESUJ University Debate Competition, our prize was a trip to the UK from August 8-14. We had planned to do a tour of the country by British Rail, starting from London. We arrived at night and departed the following morning for the Lake District. Our first day, we took a cruise on Lake Windermere and walked in the surrounding area. The next day, we went on a minivan tour of the lakes and waterfalls and valleys of the region. Since neither of us had ever traveled in England except for visiting London, we were very impressed by the endless beauty of the scenery and magnificent nature and the tranquil ambience of sheep wandering about.

On the fourth day of our trip we set off for Scotland, arriving in Scotland's biggest city, Glasgow. For lunch, we tasted real British fare, fish and chips, and enjoyed visiting churches and a museum of religious art and life. The following day we went to Stirling, which is exactly halfway between Glasgow and Edinburgh. We were very interested in the old town jail. An actor dressed as a jailer guided us around the museum. It was scary, and we quite enjoyed ourselves crying out and clinging together. After visiting Stirling Castle, we headed for Edinburgh. We spent two days there and found it to be a really fantastic city. The scenery and townscape are wonderful, and we thought it was the finest European city we'd ever visited. Not only is the scenery great but in Main Street various entertainments take place such as street performances of singing and dancing on a stage all day in a festival-like atmosphere.

On our seventh day we took the Caledonia Sleeper to London. It was the first time for us to experience an overnight sleeper train. In the big seats we were able to get over our travel weariness and we slept soundly until our arrival in London the following morning. Here, we headed for our main goal, ESU Headquarters. We had heard about ESU's gorgeous historical building but it was much more than we had imagined and we were dwarfed by it. We were guided around the building by Andrew, who came to Japan for last year's ESUJ tournament, and Jason, who will come to Japan this year in October. Afterward, we enjoyed a cup of tea with them and conversation on the terrace. Both Andrew and Jason are very pleasant and easy to talk to. As we had not yet been to a British pub, they took us to one in the neighborhood where we enjoyed the local beer. After our visit to ESU we departed for Heathrow Airport and our flight home.

When it became time to leave, we were really sorry to go. We very much appreciate the warm welcome at ESU, the wonderful opportunities and experiences provided us by ESUJ. Thank you so much! When we graduate, we want to save up to go again to the UK!

On the evening of September 10, H.E. Mr. John Fritz, Ambassador of the Federated States of Micronesia to Japan and a 35-year resident of Japan, spoke enthusiastically about the future of Micronesia at a lecture in English at Club 21 in Marunouchi, and gave a visual presentation sprinkled liberally with images of the beautiful oceanic nature and the unspoiled people of his country.

Stretching east from the Philippines toward Hawaii along an east-west axis, Micronesia is made up of more than 600 islands whose total area is less than that of Amami Oshima. Its unsophisticated people make their living from selling fishing rights and ocean tourism, including "stone money", which still remains today. The country has had experience of being governed by Spain, Germany, America and, during the war, Japan. There are Micronesians of Japanese blood, and many Japanese nouns exist. Feelings toward Japan are extremely cordial. To ensure the nation's prosperity hereafter and sustain economic development and environment, Japanese wisdom and capabilities are desired, among which is the beginning of construction on an international airport with Japanese economic cooperation, at which large aircraft can take off and land. Given the expectation that there will be direct flights from Japan, Micronesia is grappling with the question of what sort of tourism and economic traffic back and forth will be suitable.

The youthful ambassador expressed his hope that Japan and Micronesia would forge a bridge to continue to protect the earth's environment together and thrive. The audience responded to his enthusiasm with a positive exchange of opinions for a warm and lively session.

A new pamphlet has been created in connection with ESUJ becoming an incorporated association. In a compact fold-out format, the A4 pamphlet introduces ESUJ activities with many photos.

A copy will be sent to all ESUJ members. Please take a look at it. We request your cooperation in using the pamphlet to introduce ESUJ's activities and its aims and objectives to anyone who might be interested. We wish to enlist your help to make ESUJ known to as many people as possible and gradually broaden our circle of people and field of activities. If you would like to receive several or a specific number of copies of the pamphlet, please contact the ESUJ office and we will provide them.