July 27, 2001

I can't believe the time is finally here...it's almost 11am and we'll be leaving in about 45 minutes for the airport to catch our 4pm flight. Hard to believe its time to head back...and go to work!

Here's just a few notes starting from Monday on:

On Monday, we went to JUSEC to meet w/ Kyoko about our experiences...everyone seemed to have a wonderful time and found it hard to leave. One of us, however, (Sean from Ohio) was stuck in a very bad housing situation. He didn't want to complain, but when another bill came in (on Wed.) he finally owned up to Kyoko about the conditions. (Now it appears that there may be some underhand dealings involving the BOE in his town and JUSEC and FMF is NOT happy!) Monday evening, I had dinner with Brenda (from Alabama and one of my Japanese lesson buddies) where we shared some of our experiences.

On Tuesday, our Japanese partners (in my case Yasau Koda) met w/Kyoko and we with Ed Jones at GLOCOM...about 5 hours of my life I will never get back! We then joined our partners at JUSEC, then Koda and I had dinner and returned to rest.

On Wednesday, our Japanese partners joined us and we went to the National Science Museum for a short presentation, then a group of us had lunch and we headed back to the hotel to make further plans. Just as we got off the subway, we were hit with a tremendous thunderstorm (sort of rare in Tokyo) so we all used it as an excuse to rest and nap! That night, there was a big reception at the top of the hotel for all of us, with outstanding food ranging from lobster to roast beef. Following that, a big group of us - including the Japanese language teachers and helpers from both Glocom and Jusec - went to a karaoke box and had a blast! Some of the Japanese people can sing very well...and I accomplished my mission for the night - to hook up Koda with Hara-san, my language teacher (I think they'd make a great couple) as they exchanged business cards and talked quite a bit that night.

FMF teachers and partners at Science Museum

Sean and Hara-san

Karoake box building...can you tell/

Enjoying the karoake box

I tried really hard to hook up Hara-san and Koda!

They have a sweet tooth!

The Japanese partners at Farewell dinner

Kyoko at Farewell dinner

Terri and her partner

Koda

Brenda at Farewell dinner

 

Thursday, I said goodbye to Koda - he talked more at that time than anytime I've ever been around him! - and went back to the electronic district with Sean and his mom & aunt who came from the States for the week. I then met Terri (From PA) and Karen (from the DC area) and we walked and shopped around the Ginza area. We were all drained when we got back - quite humid but cooler yesterday - so we rested then met another big group for dinner. As I was walking back, I ran back into Sean and then walked around with him, bought a few CD's, and began to relax in the cool breeze that was blowing. It was a great way to spend the final night.

3 of our guys left the party Wednesday night and climbed Mt. Fuji. Two safely made it up to the top to see sunrise, but the 3rd had problems with the oxygen and stopped at level 8. But, they've made it back and have lots of stories to share.

I saw Mt. Fuji when I flew in on Saturday, but it has been hazy and cloudy since. They say that if you see Fuji, you will return, so you can guess what I'm hoping for as we leave!

I talked to Yoshi last night by phone, to once again tell her and the others how much I appreciated all they did for me and how I will miss them. She was in Hokadate with her husband watching his track team compete for all Japan title...some made finals but no one had one yet. She was glad to hear from me and said that everyone cried after I left (had a few tears myself!) and that I must come back.

So, that is the latest up to date info. You're getting ready for bed and my day is just beginning. I have a layover in Denver for about an hour, then on to Tulsa for landing around 6pm. Look forward to seeing all of you soon!