Photo Credit: GeorgianRecipes.net

Have you ever heard of Armenia? 

It is a small country that sits between Europe and Asia, with a very long and interesting history. Here are a few fun facts that might surprise you. An Old and Special Country Armenia is one of the oldest countries in the world. In the year 301, Armenia became the first country to make Christianity its official state religion, according to historical records. Because Armenia sits between Europe and Asia, its culture blends elements of both regions, which you can see in its food, music, and daily life.

A Sweet Surprise: Walnut Jam

Look at the photo above. Do you know what it is? It is walnut jam, a traditional Armenian treat. People pick green walnuts before they get hard, then cook them slowly with sugar and spices. The result tastes sweet, with a flavor a little like chocolate. You can find it in local markets across Armenia, spread on bread or served with cheese. Many visitors are surprised the first time they try it, and some even ask for the recipe to bring home.

A Unique Alphabet

Armenian people write with their own alphabet, not the Roman alphabet that English uses. The Armenian alphabet has about 38 letters, roughly 12 more than the Roman alphabet. A scholar named Mesrop Mashtots created it around 405 AD, and the first Armenian translation of a well-known text was published that same year. If you like languages, learning even a few Armenian letters can be a fun challenge.

Dancing Together

Armenian folk dance is also special. In dances like Kochari, people stand in a line or circle, hold hands, or hook their little fingers together, then move their feet in matching steps. Many Armenians learn these dances as children, at family weddings and festivals, so the steps get passed down for generations. Kochari is so important to Armenian culture that UNESCO added it to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017.

Want to Learn More? If Armenia sounds interesting to you, check out these webpages:

Armenian alphabet up close: Omniglot's Armenian page https://omniglot.com/writing/armenian.htm

How Kochari is danced: UNESCO's Kochari page https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/kochari-traditional-group-dance-01295

Why not try learning a few Armenian letters, or look up a walnut jam recipe this weekend? Which of these facts surprised you the most?

 

Blog Quiz:

1. What is walnut jam made from?

a. Ripe, hard walnuts

b. Green walnuts picked before they get hard

c. Walnut shells

d.Walnut oil

 

2. About how many more letters does the Armenian alphabet have than the Roman alphabet?

a. About 5

b. About 8

c. About 12

d. About 20

 

3. How do people often dance in Armenia?

a. Alone, without touching anyone

b. Holding hands or linking little fingers, moving together

c. Sitting down

d. Only with music from other countries

 

Scroll down for answers

Quiz Answers:

Q1.  b

Q2.  c

Q3.  b

Photo Credit: The Author

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit one of my favorite places in Southeast Asia; Con Dao island in southern Vietnam. This wild, beautiful island is not as internationally famous or popular as the nearby Vietnamese resort island of Phu Quoc, but Con Dau is a place of great natural, historical, and cultural significance to the Vietnamese people.

 

Con Dao has breathtaking nature, and much of the island is a designated national park. Most of Con Dao consists of wild, spectacular mountains covered with jungle. There is only one road that goes around the island. Monkeys and colorful birds are frequently spotted, and the waters around the island have the best scuba diving and snorkeling in Vietnam, with beautiful coral reefs, sea turtles, and schools of tropical fish. The ocean is very clean and the beaches are stunning.

 

Con Dao has a complex, somewhat dark history. The island was controlled by the French during the colonial era (1858-1954), and the French built several prisons to keep prisoners from mainland Vietnam. After the French left, the prisons were used by the Vietnamese government until they were all closed in 1975. These prisons are still standing today, and several have been converted into museums where visitors can learn about the island's history firsthand. Additionally, the main town has many beautiful French colonial buildings that evoke the history of the island.

 

Nowadays, the island is an increasingly popular tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors. The main town is peaceful, attractive, compact and clean, and there are great beaches for swimming. The numerous fresh seafood restaurants are excellent, and there are many budget and mid-range hotels and resorts for tourists. Con Dao can be easily reached by a short flight from Ho Chi Minh city, or, for the more adventurous, by a longer boat trip from the mainland.

 

Con Dao is well worth a visit for those travellers seeking a relaxing, less developed beach holiday destination with fascinating natural, historical and cultural attractions.

 

Blog Quiz:

 

Q1. What are Con Dao's natural attractions?

         A. Mountains, jungle and ocean.

         B. Animals, birds and sea life.

         C. Both A & B.

 

Q2. What are Con Dao's historical attractions?

         A. Animals and birds.

         B. Museums and colonial buildings.

         C. Restaurants and hotels.

 

Q3. How can you go to Con Dao island?

         A. By airplane.

         B. By boat.

         C. Both A and B.

 Scroll down for answers

 

Answers:

 

Q1. C

Q2. B

Q3. C

Photo Credit: The Author

 

What’s ASEP?

ASEP (Asian Student Exchange Program) has been held in Kaohsiung in Taiwan since the year 2000. Students from Asian countries such as Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines gather and give a presentation in English about ‘Human Rights’ in reference to SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). Each presentation team is organized by students in two schools/universities from different countries. They work together online during the semester. In December, they finally meet each other in Taiwan and present their research findings and action plans for the better world. It is a great cross-cultural experience.

We joined ASEP!

I had opportunities to lead and guide several groups of students to ASEP in 2023 and 2024 through one of ‘Liberal Arts Seminar’ classes open to most students at Ritsumeikan University. We had some challenging facts but were able to overcome them. We felt our bond became stronger and gained the confidence to get along with people from different backgrounds, language and culture.

What were the challenging facts?

In both 2023 and 2024, Ritsumeikan University students worked together with peers from a university in Taiwan. The biggest problem was understanding each other to work collaboratively. Their common language was English, and all the meetings were done online. It seemed to be more difficult to talk online than face-to-face, especially in a foreign language. It was also challenging to share the common goal because their expectations toward the projects were different. Besides, students’ English proficiency levels and backgrounds were diverse. Some were very shy and not confident enough to speak up in English. Some were more active and demanded higher performance for others.

How did we overcome the difficulties?

It was not easy to proceed with the projects. However, thanks to the patience and hard work by both my students and Taiwanese professors and students, we were able to complete the projects. The key was communication. It really took time to get to know each other online. Also, we needed to consider time difference, language barriers and cultural elements. So, what did they do to solve the problems? As a principle, they did not forget to respect their peers at any moment and tried their best to cooperate with their partners. Before the meeting, each group created the meeting agenda, asked questions and sent them to the other party. After the meeting, they made a summary of the discussion to share, which helped all the participants understand what was going on in the meeting.

At the end…

Communicating patiently helped us understand each other better week by week, and when we met our Taiwan partners in Kaohsiung Airport in December, we felt as if we were visiting our old friends. At the end, communicating in person accelerated our friendship tremendously and brought success for ASEP.

I am sure that my students were able to develop their intercultural communication skills and collaborative problem-solving skills through the ASEP projects. I hope more students will have this kind of experience and grow as global citizens.

 

Blog Quiz:

Q1. What is ASEP? It’s       .

a. a students’ union  

b. a volunteer group 

c. an intercultural student exchange program

 

Q2. What was one of the challenging facts to proceed with the projects for ASEP? It was challenging because       .

a. everyone was busy with their part-time jobs

b. every meeting was online

c. everyone was fluent in Japanese

 

Q3. How did they overcome the difficulty?

a. They communicated patiently.

b. They asked their professors for help.

c. They stopped working as a team.

 

Scroll down for answers

Quiz Answers:

Q1.  c

Q2.  b

Q3.  a

Photo credit: The BBP Staff

 

 

BKC is renowned for its sprawling grounds and lush natural surroundings. Among the many elements that brighten students’ lives, food trucks stand out as a unique and delightful feature. Stationed around campus, these mobile eateries, wafting tantalizing aromas each day, feel like protagonists in the small adventures of our everyday lives.

 

1. The Diverse World of Food Trucks

The colorful food trucks scattered across campus offer an enticing variety of dishes: warm, homemade bento boxes, spicy curries, freshly baked bread, and more. But they provide more than just food—they invite you on a journey through different cultures and flavors.

 

Imagine a student stopping by a Thai food truck and saying, “I’m not a big fan of cilantro, but I’ll give it a shot.” That small act of bravery could open the door to new culinary horizons, perhaps sparking a deeper appreciation for international cuisine. These food trucks don’t just serve meals—they deliver cultural adventures in bite-sized portions.

 

2. What Does It Mean to "Enrich" Lunchtime?

Does "enriching" your lunchtime simply mean satisfying your hunger? More than that, it’s about what lingers in your heart after the meal. Picture yourself sharing food truck fare with friends under the open sky. In such moments, the meal transcends sustenance, creating connections and memories.

 

For example, when a new food truck appears on campus, there’s a buzz of excitement—“Where should we try today?” That sense of anticipation adds a touch of specialness to an otherwise routine day. And when you find your favorite dish, its flavors can become a cherished part of your university experience, forever tied to memories of campus life.

 

3. Food Trucks and Campus Life

The food trucks at BKC are more than just convenient meal options—they’re small engines of joy and discovery in students’ daily lives. They offer not only nourishment but also opportunities for new encounters, fresh experiences, and moments of quiet or shared reflection. Whether you enjoy your meal in lively conversation with friends or in peaceful solitude, a food truck lunch is sure to add a layer of richness to your time on campus.

 

 

4. In Closing

The next time you find yourself in front of a food truck, pause for a moment to savor the aromas, take in the vibrant colors, and enjoy a conversation with the vendor. Think about the story behind each dish, and let it be an opportunity to discover something new about yourself. At BKC, lunchtime isn’t just a time to eat—it’s the start of a small, enriching story for your heart and soul.

 

Questions:

1.    What can happen when a student tries food they are not familiar with?

2.    What does the passage say about finding a favorite dish at a food truck?

3.    Why should you take a moment to think about the food from a truck?

 

 

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Answers:

1.     When a student tries unfamiliar food, they might discover new tastes and develop a greater appreciation for other cultures.

2.     Finding a favorite dish at a food truck can create special memories and become part of your university experience.

3.     You should take a moment to think about the food because each dish has a story, and it can be a chance to learn something new about yourself.

Photo credit: Marina Endzhirgli @Pexels.com

 

 

Every language is strongly connected to its culture. Therefore, you find some words and expressions difficult to translate into other languages. For example, when we Japanese meet someone for the first time or when you ask someone to do something for you, we use the phrase, “Yoroshiku onegai shimasu,” which is hard to translate into English. For the first situation, you might be able to say, “Please accept my regards;” and for the latter, “Please do it nicely.” However, both of these translations are not very natural in the English language. In English, for the first situation, you might want to say “Nice to meet you,” or “I’m looking forward to working with you,” and for the latter, “Thank you, in advance, “ or “Thank you for your cooperation.”

 

It is especially challenging when the other culture doesn’t have the same custom as yours such as saying “Itadaki masu” before eating meals in Japan. You could translate it by saying, “I humbly partake,” but nobody says that in the U.S. . The followings are some Japanese phrases that you can’t directly translate into English:

 

1. 行ってきます ( See you./ I’m leaving.)

2. 行ってらっしゃい ( Have a nice day.)

3. お疲れ様です (Good job./ See you tomorrow.)

4. お世話になっています (Thank you for your kindness.)

 

One solution to this problem is for other languages to borrow such words, as is the case with “もったいない.” One dictionary translates it as “too good to waste.” I think that’s the concept that we all should remember. This is an example of the fact that it is important to learn about other cultures when you study a foreign language.

 

Questions:

1.    Why is it sometimes difficult to translate some words into other languages?

2.    What might be a good translation of the Japanese phrase: "よろしくお願いします”？

3.    What are some foreign languages doing with some Japanese culturally unique words?

 

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Answers:

1.     Some words are difficult to translate into other languages because they are unique to a culture.

2.     Good translations of a the Japanese phrase: "よろしくお願いします” are “nice meeting you”, or “I'm lookimg forward to working with you”.

3.     If the foreign language does not have a good translation for the Japanese word, it will sometimes import the Japanese word, like "もったにない.”

Photo credit: Funkecines Terapijos Centras @Pexels.com

 

 

One winter vacation, I was suddenly injured while preparing for a competition, and this injury required surgery to repair. As an athlete, I had been lucky not to have needed surgery before, but the challenges that having surgery present are unique and can transfer to other aspects of life. These challenges were starting over, making small goals and relying on others.

 

Whenever you have surgery on a part of your body that you use everyday, you are presented with the fact that you cannot do simple everyday things anymore. In my case, I had surgery on my knee so the very first thing I could not do was walk. For one month, I was unable to put any weight on my leg, so I had to use crutches or a wheelchair. It is a very humbling experience and it helps teach us humility.

 

The second lesson was making small goals. Before my injury, I had been a world champion weightlifter but now I was training just to be able to bend my knee. I had to start by making very small improvements every week in order to bring my full abilities back. I think this is true with all things that we are learning: we must break them down into small steps to achieve bigger goals.

 

Lastly, I had to learn to rely on others. I am a very independent person and I don’t like asking for help, but I had no choice. This started several hours after the surgery when I needed help just getting to the bathroom and continued for months with having to rely on a physical therapist to teach me how to recover best. Even if you are independent, it is important to rely on others.

 

I hope that these small lessons can help you with some struggles you are going through or with other challenges you are trying to achieve.

 

Questions:

1.    What kind of injury did the author have?

2.    What three lessons did the expereince teach the author?

3.    What was the activity the author needed to relearn?

 

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Answers:

1.     He injured his knee.

2.     The author learned the importance of starting over, making small goals, and relying on others.

3.     He had to relearn how to walk.

Photo credit: Pipe Vasquez @Pexels.com

 

 

In our current day and age, we are surrounded by many ways to make our lives more convenient. Many of these tools have improved our quality of life but have deprived us of a valuable lesson. While not the most important thing in life, it is only through challenging ourselves that we can grow as people and enrich our lives with a sense of meaningful accomplishment.

 

As university students, you are at a turning point in your lives. You probably realized quite quickly that many things are different from your high school life and more responsibility is put in your hands. While this can be frightening, it is actually an enormous gift that you are given. You are able to choose what kind of life you are going to lead. This could be in the classes you choose, the knowledge you gain, the efforts you give, the friends you make or the challenges you accept. It is the last that will prove to be your greatest asset. Challenging yourself to do something outside of your comfort zone will always teach you something about yourself. This could be finding inner strength to overcome or it could be finding a weak point that you can improve. Developing this kind of strength and awareness can help create an important sense of self confidence that will help you in the future.

 

Challenges are what define us. If we live a life of convenience and fear to challenge ourselves, then we will never know who we really are. Also, without challenges, we run the risk of living a life that is not truly our own. Over many years, I have heard students say many times that they want to live a life that is worth living because they only have one life. If you feel the same way, I encourage you to challenge yourself. Even if it is a small challenge, it will be worth it.

 

Questions:

1.    What is a benefit of challenges?

2.    When is the best time to challenge yourself?

3.    What do students say about the type of life they want to have?

 

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Answers:

1.     You can learn about yourself.

2.     Now is the best time to challenge yourself.

3.     Students say that they want to live a full life because they only have one.

Photo credit: A125.Studio Studio @Pexels.com

 

In America, celebrating your birthday is “a must”. Everyone I know goes all out to mark their special day, and this tradition carries on from childhood to the more sophisticated celebrations of adulthood.

 

As a child, my parents made my birthday an exciting event each year. One memorable celebration took place at McDonald's, where we invited friends to eat “Happy Meals” in a corner of the restaurant. The highlight was a delicious rectangular sheet cake that we all gathered around for dessert.

 

Another year, in kindergarten, I hosted a pool party at my grandmother's house. While my friends splashed and laughed in the water and enjoyed popsicles on the deck, I was unfortunately stuck inside with a cold, peering out through the bedroom window. I watched them having a blast while I dreamed of playing with my favorite gift from that year—a beautiful Barbie doll. I loved those dolls!

 

When I became a junior high schooler, the celebrations transformed. Sleepover parties became the norm, where I’d invite two or three friends to spend the night. We spread sleeping bags across the living room floor, munched on pizza my parents ordered, and stayed up late, watching movies and chatting until early morning. One particularly fun birthday took place at Champs Rollerdome, a roller skating rink pumping with upbeat popular music on the radio. I’ll never forget watching one friend glide effortlessly backwards on skates—a talent that amazed us all!

 

But birthday parties aren’t just about activities like swimming and skating; they often have creative themes. For my daughter’s second birthday, I decided to throw a Minnie Mouse-themed bash. The house sparkled with pink and red decorations, and I baked a delightful cake shaped like Minnie’s head. My daughter wore a Minnie Mouse costume, and many of her friends joined in the fun, dressed in their own themed outfits!

 

Gift-giving is a common tradition at these celebrations. Each guest arrives with a brightly wrapped present, and at the end of the festivities, everyone leaves with a small token known as a ‘party favor.’ For my daughter’s birthday, we gave out little containers of bubbles and wands, sending each child home with a bit of bubbly magic.

 

As you can see, birthday celebrations in America are filled with joy and excitement, especially for children! But the fun doesn’t stop as we grow older. Adults often indulge in special meals or weekend getaways to commemorate their birthdays. Milestone birthdays, like “the big 4-0” or “the grand 8-0”, often call for larger gatherings with family and friends joining in the festivities.

Questions:

 

1.    What fast-food restaurant was the site of one of the author’s early birthday parties?

2.    Why was the pool party not much fun for the author?

3.    What was the theme if the party that the author threw for her daughter?

 

 

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Answers:

1.     McDonald’s

2.     She had a cold, so she had to stay isolated and could only watch her friends playing.

3.     Minnie Mouse

Photo credit: The author

 

 

The following day brought a new adventure: dog sledding. My team of eager dogs pulled the sled with incredible energy, speeding through the snow-covered landscape as the wind rushed past. It was exhilarating. In the evening, we enjoyed another sauna session and attempted to see the Northern Lights, but they remained elusive.

 

In the morning, we went ice fishing. After drilling a hole in the thick ice and lowering our fishing lines, I accidentally hit my head on the roof of a small shelter and had to go to the hospital for stitches. Four stitches later, I returned, disappointed to have missed the eagerly anticipated sauna palace excursion.

 

On the last day, I experienced a reindeer ride. Unlike dog sledding, this ride allowed me to sit back and take in the surroundings as the reindeer pulled the sled at a gentle pace. It was serene and calming. Later, I visited an ice museum inspired by the tv series "Game of Thrones." The intricate and beautifully crafted ice sculptures showcased the artistry that thrives in this frozen land.

 

After my time in Lapland, I took a ferry back to Estonia to see my friend before returning to Osaka. Reflecting on my trip, I felt a deep sense of contentment. Even without seeing the Northern Lights, the journey was filled with unforgettable experiences that left a lasting impression.

 

Lapland’s charm lies in its diverse activities. Snowshoeing connected me with nature’s tranquility, while the saunas offered a soothing retreat from the cold. Though the Northern Lights eluded me, the thrill of anticipation added to the adventure.

 

Lapland taught me to appreciate the raw beauty of nature and the resilience of life in the Arctic. The untouched wilderness, vibrant cultural traditions, and elusive beauty of the Northern Lights deepened my respect for the environment.

 

In conclusion, visiting Lapland is extraordinary. It offers the thrill of snowshoeing, the relaxation of saunas, and the hope of seeing the Northern Lights. This trip invites travelers to immerse themselves in the Arctic and create lasting memories in the snowy landscapes of Lapland. One day, I will return and search for the Northern Lights again.

Questions:

1. What happened to the author during the ice fishing trip?

A) Caught a big fish

B) Saw the Northern Lights

C) Hit his head and had to get stitches

D) Got lost in the snow

 

2. How did the reindeer ride differ from dog sledding?

A) It was faster

B) It was more thrilling

C) It was a serene and calming experience

D) It was indoors

 

3. What inspired the ice museum the author visited?

A) Finnish folklore

B) "Game of Thrones"

C) The Northern Lights

D) Traditional Lapland art

 

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Answers:

1.     C) He hit his head and had to get stitches

2.     C) It was a serene and calming experience

3.     B) The tv show, "Game of Thrones"