Haiku

Summer has come
Girls are drinking and swimmimg
It's so hot

Writing

Kohei Hisayama

Class 29 No. 21618528

English Seminar

July 10, 2017

The History of Thames River

      The civilization has been born and grown by the river from ancient times. For example, everyone must know biggest four civilizations: Indus Valley, Egypt, Mesopotamia and Yellow River.  People grew crops along the river and these became bigger by the big river. In London England, River Thames is flowing in the town and country. This river has the very old history with London. I think that the history of Thames is it of London. I am going to write about the history of River Thames.

      First of all, I am going to explain the information of River Thames. River Thames is flowing in the south of England. The source of the river is Thames Head of the village Kemble, it is flowing to the North Sea. The length of the river is about 346 kilometers, and it is the longest river in England. Second to River Severn, it is the longest in All England. In London, the color of the river is dark black because it is mixed with ocean water of the North Sea. There are many popular sightseeing spots along Thames. For example, Big Ben, St. Paul, London Eye, Tower Bridge and Millennium Bridge etc. In central of London, high buildings and historic buildings are standing by the river, the River Thames cruising tour is popular with tourists.

   

      Second, I am going to explain the interesting past of River Thames. From 16^th century to 17^th century, the Thames was the main traffic river between London and West Minister.The ferryman Guild was the only transportation of London people. Many ferries came and went in the river. The popular poet John Tyler called “the Water Poet” wrote about River Thames when he went on the trip from London to Oxford by the boat. From the 17^th century to 18^th century, Thames often frozen because of the little ice age. In 1607, the first frost fair was held on frozen river, and people enjoyed the entertainment; ice skating or bowling. But the average temperature of London got higher after that, and Thames never has been frozen from 1814.

      Next, I am going to write about the worst history of Thames. Into 19^th, London became to main spot of the trade, and many ferries came to London. Therefore, Thames was the most traffic volume in the world in that times. Because the river was so crowded that the accident occurred in 1878. The sightseeing boat Princess Alice hit to the carrier boat Bayer Castle, many people were killed in this accident. Further, Thames was very polluted by the wastewater from factory or the sewage as the society became more urban. It was said that anybody could not forget the Thames because of the worst smell. Especially in that summer the smell was bad, and Thames was called “the Monster Soup” and “the Great Stink”.  And Cholera was spread in London, it influenced people. But the government changed the water and sewage system, now it become the pretty beautiful river. Although various creatures was once died by the pollution, they is back to Thames in recent years. Tents were lined on the frozen river, and various entertainments were offered to bowling and ice skating.

Finally, I am going to write about the ford. In England there are many fords by River Thames. For example, we know Oxford, Stafford, Hereford and Stratford. The "Ford" means the shallow place in the river or lake. People and ox crossed River Thames by walking on the ford when they had no bridges.  In the case of Oxford, it named from the shallow place that ox can across the river on there. Because these villages and towns are important for the life without bridges, so people gathered to the ford and it became the big city. Now Oxford is one of the most popular city as the university town in the world from these backgrounds. The "Ford" means the shallow place in the river or lake. People crossed River Thames by walking on the ford when they had no bridges.

      In conclusion, I explained about the history of River Thames. First I explained about the information, second explained about the interesting history, third explained about the worst history, finally explained about the ford.  Thames has been watching England from the ancient times. It has different histories, and it frozen or it was polluted. From these histories, I think that the history of Thames is life of people, it is good and bad memories for people in London. And Thames must be watching London in the future. I hope to visit to Thames and look at the cityscape of London.

References

l  “The River Thames”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/articles/2009/03/17/river_thames_facts_feature.shtml

l  “Thames River Cruise London"

    https://www.londonpass.com/london-attractions/thames-river-boat-cruise.html

l  “the Thames guide”

    http://www.riverthames.co.uk/

Thames Walk

I write about River Thames. The river is running in South England. The length is 346 km. River Thames  was polluted by sewage or industrial wastewater in 19th century. But now, it become to clean because of different cleaning projects. In England many places have "ford" in their names. For example, we know Oxford and Stafford. The "Ford" means the shallow place in the river or lake. People crossed River Thames by walking on the ford when they had no bridges. From this background, people gather near the ford and it became the big city.

Weekly Journal 10

This weekend I participated in Japan student surfing championship. The conditions was bad , it was cloudy or rainy. I lost at semifinal and got the 6th place. Because I am really frustrated, I practice hard and I will win next time. I am looking forward to summer vacation.

Music and Theatre

I want to write about Amy Winehouse.  She is a singer songwriter  of jazz and R&B.  She was born in 1983 in London, England. She sung about love, sadness and anger with very passionate lyrics. I like her husky voice and romantic melody.  A lot of her songs is listened to all over the world. But she died for only 27 years because of drug and alcohol addiction. Many popular singer died at 27 years old. The strange death is  called "the 27 club" and feared. Unfortunately, she became the member of the club. I hope that many people keep to remember her and listen to her songs.

Weekly Journal 9

Last sunday, I went to enoshima with my friend. Enoshima was very crowed because of holiday. Because the weather was pretty good, I swam in the sea with only shorts. Many people looked fun at the beach. At the evening, the sunset was vey beautiful.

Football Commentaly

This is the final race of mens 100 meter breast stroke in Atene Olympic.
the battle start finally. In 5 lane, Japanese Kosuke Kitajima  started very nice and quickly. It was  fast reaction.
He is leading the race and turn at 1 place now. He is good position at the first 50m.
In 4 lane, Brendan Hansen is catching up. Kitajima is swimming with strong stroke.
Last 5 meter, it is dead heat. ....
Kitajima finished 1st place!!! It is amazing.  Congratulations!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITQXiO1nfto

Weekly Journal 8

My feel good song is " kiseki" by GReeeeN. This song was released in 2008. At that time, I was 11 years old. This song was used as the thema song of the drama and movie "rookies". It got the first place at the Oricon chart. It have catchy melody and very impressive lyrics. I often listen to this song when I want to cheer up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwTinTO0o9I

Weekly Journal 7

Three weeks ago, I went to Hakone with my friends. In the morning, I have classes at Hiyoshi. So I arrived at Hakone Yumoto station in the afternoon. I had lunch in soba shop. After lunch, I bathed in hot spring and took a sauna for a hour. I sweat much and refreshed. I ate sushi at dinner. It was the great trip!

Weekly Journal 6

 I had nothing to do this week and  a lot of free time because I can not exercise for recovery. That's why I read many comics at home. I read Space Brothers. I felt strong family ties from the comics and I was very moved. I value the time I spend with my family.

Weekly Journal 5

I had a surgery to get my appendix removed few days ago. I went into hospital for a week after the operation. there were many old people in the hospital  and it is very boring. I am resting at home for a while.