On Sep 12, 2009, I got the chance to make my new life wonderful with good memories and experiences in the USA thanks to Multicultural Student Association at OCU. The date was also an anniversary to celebrate my first month in the USA. As I spent a month in my new life at OCU, everything was absolutely new. Especially, Oklahoma City was a place that I hadn’t heard about before, nor could imagine staying to live and study. So, I was eager to know about my new place, and the OKC Day Tour was a great chance to quench my thirst, for sure!
For ONE day, we had a schedule to go to many great places in Oklahoma City; however, we were not really in a hurry or we weren’t forced to “Go, go, go!” as the group tours usually tell their tourists. It is true that at first I was suspicious that we would not visit all the places on schedule - which seemed like too many places for one day- but we really made it. We went to the following places in OKC: State Capitol, Oklahoma History Center, OKC National Memorial, Lake Hefner for lunch, Museum of Art, Petroleum Club, Myriad Botanical Gardens, and Bricktown Canal.
State Capitol
The best part of the State Capitol was the ceiling—dome-shaped with gorden-colored flowers. The ceiling was surrounded by the pictures which describe the history of Oklahoma, early settlement in the USA, and Indians – their spirits and their lives. The big pictures were hung all around the wall. The pictures showed a variety of Oklahoma scenery and its weather of each season. The famous one – the tornado—looked very scary to me, and also the painted clear deep blue sky and the scenery made me feel like I was there. I liked the Oklahoma sky- the dynamic and energetic characters.
Oklahoma History Center
We were definitely lucky to be there because it had been held in the September festival! We had some hands-on experiences. I tried to make a horse with paper and wooden sticks, I had a virtual fishing – I caught largemouth bass! - I wore a cowboy hat and gun, and especially, I met a Native American wearing his costume and playing a traditional musical instrument. Learning its unique history, I saw lots of the visual exhibits of Oklahoma’s history, spirit and challenges.
OKC National Memorial
It was very sad and shocking news that I had heard in OKC. I couldn’t believe that bombing happened there. We walked through the gates of time, field of empty chairs and the survivor tree. It started raining when we got there. I prayed for the innocent and for hope.
Lake Hefner for lunch
The OKC board members rocked! I had a good lunch – yummy Chinese lunch with snacks and drinks, enjoying the view of the lake!
Museum of Art
It was one of my favorite places as a person who does appreciate art. First, I was happy that there was an art galley in OKC! Yahoo~ Second, I really wanted to go to the Museum of Art to see the special exhibit, More than Impressionism: Turner to Cezanne, so it was a double pleasure for me to enjoy lots of exhibits. Furthermore, I was impressed by Oklahoma glass art which is famous nationwide in the USA. I will visit the museum next time spending more time to appreciate works of art. Thank you for the great art information, MSA! My spirit will not be drained any longer in OKC.
Petroleum Club
It is a unique place where people are allowed to enter only by group tours or special invitations for a party. I think it might be the highest place in OKC. In Seoul where I come from, we have a tower called Seoul Tower where we can enjoy the whole view of Seoul. The elevator was amazingly speedy to get to the top. At the top of the building, I could see the whole view of Oklahoma City. The weather was a bit cloudy, but I enjoyed seeing the streets, the buildings, and even the cloudy sky.
Myriad Botanical Gardens
I am a “nature-friendly” person. I love trees, plants, flowers and animals. For anyone who likes to see lots of beautiful tropical plants, I highly recommend Myriad Botanical Gardens. In Korea, we don’t have tropical plants. I was amazed by the exotic plants and flowers and also, the decorations on the wall were so pretty; I felt like I was in a magic land. It was raining outside, so unfortunately we couldn’t go to the outdoor gardens. I will go to Myriad Botanical Gardens again.
Bricktown Canal
I was very happy that we have Bricktown in OKC! It was such an exciting and romantic place. The reason why I say “romantic” is because of the Bricktown Canal. I really didn’t know there was such a beautiful canal in Bricktown. Along the stream, there were little paths where couples, families and friends were walking, enjoying the stream and sightseeing. Some places were decorated by pictures that reminded me of old European streets; some places had little waterfalls which were the perfect match with the canal. My favorite part was the huge statues which described chasing and being chased by horse-ridings. It looked so realistic-- urgent faces, traces of the hooves, and carriages; I enjoyed watching them with bated breath.
The OKC Day Tour Trip 2009 was an amazing experience for me. I had a good time learning about Oklahoma and its history, having pure fun and excitement, and making many good friends from many different countries. If you have a flyer about the OKC Day Tour Trip, you should have the time to gain multiple benefits in one day. I am sure you will like it!
Ellie Kim (TESOL Graduate Student)
MSA E-newsletter Coordinator
1 comment:
Thank you so much for your wonderful comments on the Oklahoma City Museum of Art! We are so glad you made us a stop on your tour. Leslie, Communications manager with the OKC Museum of Art
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