School Field trip Pt. 1

After a week long orientation to get ready for school in Japan, the end of the week was a field trip. Some parts were cultural, others just about experiencing the beauty of the area but the whole day was  wonderful. We began a the school where we all piled into two large charter buses.

Our first stop was a rest stop overlooking the ocean where we all posed for a group photo and to take pictures of our own. I really can't tell you how gorgeous Nagasaki is, but you can see for yourself. The air was fresh and moist and there were all kinds of birds singing and flying around.

After that we went to Satome where we toured Shitsu church which was built by a French priest, and a fantastic Museum of History and Folklore. The museum was filled with old tools, cooking implements, fishing gear and all kinds of other old household goods. There was also quite a few artifacts from Nagasaki's Christian past.  But my favorite part of the museum was the spinning wheels and looms and the different fibers that were used with them. It was very interesting.

Face of the Past

The Special Collections department the University of Nevada, Reno (the university I'm attending) is doing a really neat historical project with a modern twist. This year they launched Facebook sites for two UNR alumna Joe McDonald and Leola Lewis. They are approaching the project from the point of view of these two historical students using pictures and comments about the the early 20th century in Nevada. It's really exciting to see something as fun and quirky as this coming from a department you usually associate with just books and traditional research.

 

If you love learning from the past and you want to do it in a fun, modern way you should definitely check them out. There are some wonderful historic photos courtesy of Special Collections as well as the ability to have questions answered by knowledgeable people.

Joe McDonald's Facebook Page

Leola Lewis' Facebook Page