Smithsonian Folk-life Festival

     Last week, we went to Smithsonian Folk-life Festival as our field trip. We are studying American culture and conversation, so we go on a field trip, like the zoo, museums, and Botanic garden, to learn about the U.S. every week. This field trip was about Basque and Sounds of California, so we could enjoy a lot of traditional Basque culture and various music of California. Many people came to see the festival and share the special culture. It was a good opportunity to learn about Smithsonian Folk-life Festival, traditional cultures, and immigration from other countries.

     Smithsonian Institute holds the Folk-life Festival every year on the National Mall. It is conducted by the people from different countries to share their tradition and culture. People can get involved and learn about their food, dance, songs and hand crafts. These things help us understand different cultures which is very important to tie people together. For this reason, Smithsonian Institute has tried to introduce cultural variety and encouraged people to learn about different things and new places since 1967.

     This year, the topic of Smithsonian Folk-life Festival is "Basque: Innovation by culture and Sounds of California." Basque country is a small place between Spain and France, and it has a unique tradition and culture. Because there were many special booths which showed their lives, music, dance, costumes, food and art, we could see, experience and learn about the Basque. In addition, many musicians sang and played instruments in the booth related to Sound of California. California is the most famous melting pot in the U.S., so cultural diversity has affected people's lives and music as well. It is a good chance to think about how music reflects and connects different people together. Also, this festival reminded us of that immigration is a very important part of the U.S. culture and history

     These events, which are held to celebrate different cultures and countries, are one of the reasons why people come to the U.S. Every year, people from all over the world immigrate here for education, technology, and freedom. The education in the U.S. system is more practical. As the technology is very developed, people can utilize their skills and talents to achieve their goals. Each and everyone has their own individual right, so they can feel free to do anything.

   

What is about America that attracts immigration?

     Nowadays, many people from different counties first choice or dream country for immigration is America. I am also a immigrant to complete my bachelor's degree. So, in my opinion, education, technology and freedom are the main factors for immigration.  

     First, education is one of the most important factors that attracts many foreign students. In the US, quality teaching with strong practical skills helps students to be perfect in both theoretical and practical knowledge. In this competitive world education plays a vital role in building a foundation for your bright future. For instance, I came to America to upgrade my skills and knowledge. This will be accepted all over the world.  Moreover, I can learn English which is an international language from native English speakers.

     Secondly, the US is well known all over the world due to its powerful technology. America is one of the best places to utilize your talent and skills to achieve your goals using advance technology. For example, America was able to set foot on the moon. Increasing development of technology has made peoples lives more comfortable, easier and faster.

     Finally, the US stands for liberty, peace and individual rights.  Each and everyone has equal human rights to live how they want in most circumstances. One can speak in front of the White house anything he likes because of the freedom of speech. There isn't any discrimination and laws are equal for everyone from any culture, country, religion and custom. So, America is the best choice for the young generation to build up their future however they like.

     In conclusion, the United States of America is one of the best choices for people who want quality education,  advanced technology and the freedom to express yourself.

Friday Assignment - Smithsonian FolkLife Festival Reflection

For Monday, each of you should be ready with a 5-minute oral report discussing what you saw, heard and learned on yesterday's field trip to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

Here are some questions to consider :

• In the United States, how do immigrants from different countries and people of different ethnicities get along together?

• What is it about America that attracts immigration?

• Why does the Smithsonian Institute have a festival like this every year?

• What was this festival celebrating? 

Busboys and Poets

    

     Last week, we went to the famous restaurant Busboys and Poets. We met at U St metro station and walked from there. While we were walking, we saw beautiful spray paintings made on the wall of the Ben's Chili bowl. We took some pictures and videos. Then we went inside the Busboys and Poets which was interesting. We saw a small book store where there were a lot of author signed books about famous personalities. For example, Barack Obama and Micheal Jackson. Then we booked one big table and sat around with big menu and ordered some coffee and juice. We had some conversation which helps me to know more about American culture. We had a lot of fun over there and after few hours we went back to the metro station.

     I liked this field trip because it helped me to find out about a well known place and the traditions from generation to generation.  I liked the way they use the paintings to reflect the importance of famous people. The place was colorful so I enjoyed it a lot and felt at home there. This place was really good to learn about the past history of America. The restaurant was so clean. I can read, eat, and enjoy the music all in one place, which was great.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival Field Trip

Tomorrow, July 7, 2016, we are going to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall.  The festival opens at 11am, so we'll meet at 10:30 at the Smithsonian Metro station on the Orange, Blue and Silver lines and walk from there.  Be sure to exit the station toward the Mall, not toward the Department of Agriculture.  There should be a lot for us to learn!

Busboy and Poets

     Have you ever been to Busboy and Poets? If you have not been there, you should visit it because it is a nice place to enjoy delicious food and spend time with your friends and family. We went there last Thursday as our field trip. We met at U St Metro Station where there are a lot of beautiful old buildings and interesting graffiti. While we were walking along the U Street, we saw Ben's Chill Bowl, a famous hot dog restaurant, and some murals which make the place more colorful and exciting. We heard historical stories about some buildings and murals from our instructor who has a lot of information about Washington D.C. He helped us easily understand what the buildings are and what happened there.

     When we entered Busboy and Poets, we could see the small bookstore and the nice restaurant. Even though the book store is not big, it is well organized and has many interesting books. I read some photo books about Muhammad Ali, First ladies, and Johnny Depp who I like. After looking around the book store, we sat at a table in the restaurant and ordered some drinks. We did not eat food there, but it seemed to have reasonable prices. Also, the waiter who served us told that food is really good, so we should try eating. We had a fun time although we were only there about one and half hour. Someday, I would like to visit Busboy and Poets again with my family and will enjoy food and special events which are sometimes held there.