Manami Matsunaga 

My name is Manami Matsunaga. I live in Kanaya. It is small town, but I like it there, because I can see many stars which I like the best. I like singing songs and playing with children, so my dream is become an English teacher. Recently I'm interested in the culture of foreign countries. I want to go many countries where I've never been. For that reason, now I'm saving money by my part-time job. In CEP I made a lot of nice friends. They're also interested in foreign countries. Thanks to them, I can study new things. We are good company.

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Japanese Culture: Summer Festivals

We have many traditions. I like summer festivals the best of all. In summer we have many festivals in many places. There are many people and shops called “YOMISE”. Then my heart is so exited. I always think, “What should I buy today?” When I was a child, I often joined “BON-DANCE”. It is a traditional Japanese dance. I never heard the music without dancing. And I sometimes wore “YUKATA”. It's like a “KIMONO”. It's made of thin cloth for summer. I love the flower patterns on it. YUKATA is Japanese traditional clothes, too, but recently we seldom wear it. This summer I wore it after a long time with my friend at fireworks display. I was so happy. I think all Japanese girls love YUKATA. Nowadays summer festivals are decreasing, especially in small towns. I'm sorry about that. I hope summer festivals will never disappear.

Africa: Kenyan Foods Maandazi and Chapati

I'll tell you about Kenyan food, MAANDAZI and CHAPATI. MAANDAZI and CHAPATI are very popular foods in Kenya. They're served on any occasion. They are not only a snack but also a meal.

MAANDAZI is like a doughnut. There are many families who eat CHAPATI in the morning as a breakfast. Then some families especially children like them sweet rather than salty. Besides they love to eat either MAANDAZI or CHAPATI with "chai" which takes much sugar. Chai is tea, in which spices are added, with milk. Both taste best when they are warm.

First, I'll explain how to cook MAANDAZI.

• Combine 4 cups of flour and one half cup of sugar and one half teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of active dry yeast in a mixing bowl.
• Pour one half cup of water and 4 tablespoons of oil into the center of the flour mixture, and mix thoroughly.
• Knead dough 15-20 minutes.
• Divide into 6 large balls.
• Roll each ball out into circles.
• Cut each circle into four pieces.
• Deep fry until brown.

Next, I'll explain how to cook CHAPATI.

• Mix five cups of flour and one quarter cup of water and a little oil in a mixing bowl.
• Knead them by hand thoroughly
• Cover with a damp cloth and set aside 30 minutes or more.
• Cut them into the size of a golf ball.
• Roll out into circles to make CHAPATIS.
• Put them on heated fry pan and cook for a few minutes until they change color.
• Turn over and cook the other side.

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