The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens has been a source of Japanese culture in South Florida since its opening in 1977. Functioning as a historical garden, the Museum has seen travelers and natives alike, greeting many students visiting on field trips.
“Everybody from all over visits, [from] every country, people on vacation,” volunteer Elaine Wishna said. “I hope that [visitors] learn more about Japan. ”
On February 13, sociology and AP Psychology students took the second annual trip to Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens along with select Interact members. The purpose of the outing being to provide students with the opportunity to observe Japanese culture and how it compares to American culture.
“I had a student who would always ask about Japanese culture,” teacher Stephen Franzone said. “I was thinking of field trips that we could use to expand on that topic so I came up with the idea of visiting the Murakami Gardens.”
The trip was also open to Franzone’s students who had been switched out in order to take dual enrollment classes.
“I had a student who would always ask about Japanese culture,” teacher Stephen Franzone said. “I was thinking of field trips that we could use to expand on that topic so I came up with the idea of visiting the Murakami Gardens.”
“I didn’t want anybody to be excluded,” Franzone said. “It was a trip I would have liked to have done sooner in the year when they were in the class. I didn’t want to do something that we had talked about doing and have them not available to go because they were pulled out.”
PHOTO BY ALEXANDRA SANSONE
Students were called down to the cafeteria during fifth period to finalize bus seating arrangements and were surprised with breakfast. After complications with buses, the coordinators had money left over that went towards providing students with doughnuts, bagels and coffee.
“Rather than try to refund everybody two bucks I thought we could just go and buy breakfast,” Franzone said. “I figured that would keep everyone busy while we were organizing everyone’s information.”
Upon arriving at the museum, students split into small groups to explore the entirety of the garden. As students followed the path, they circled the grounds observing the flora, fauna and cultural exhibits.
“It was really pretty [at the garden],” sophomore Sarah Cowart said. “I was able to see how different Japanese culture was because of the gardens.”
“It was really pretty [at the garden],” sophomore Sarah Cowart said. “I was able to see how different Japanese culture was because of the gardens.”
After spending a couple hours at the museum, students were bussed over to Japan Inn, a popular Japanese Hibachi restaurant, for lunch. Students enjoyed the lively atmosphere created by the chefs who created their meals before at the table.
“Everyone loves Japan Inn,” senior Brooke Dominguez said. “It was the perfect place to go for the field trip. It has to do with the Japanese culture and a lot of people like to go. It was a nice way to end the trip.”
Returning to school just in time to hear the ring of the final bell, studmoents had experienced a glimpse of new culture without going too far from home.
“One thing I wish I did when I was younger was experience other cultures,” Franzone said. “It is nice to see and experience other things.”
Photo by Alexandra Sansone
