Hi All

Sorry a little late posting...

So I am happy to report that I presented to our President last Friday- and it went really well- The first couple of minutes I was pretty shaky...In the Japanese culture the whole seating arrangements can be stressful (There is a formal protocol on where to sit)...he sat right in front of me so we were locked eye to eye....haha! But after a couple of minutes I settled in and did really well- I was prepared and knew my subject so that always makes things easier!

 So Saturday I was lazy a bum- I know I should have gone exploring but after my long week of preparing for my Friday meeting I was spent..So Netflix and napping it was!  Sunday I hung out with one of my co-workers and his family- He wanted his daughter to be able to practice English with me- She is 17 years old and goes to a private high school she travels 1.5 hours each way on a train- Can you imagine a child doing that in the U.S.?  She takes English at her school however, the instructor is Japanese..haha so they say she can’t learn it correctly “So insert me...” They treated me to a steak and some cheaper shopping letting me know the best places to get stuff.  It was a really fun day- We went to Korea town and when I tell you there are so many people here that is an understatement.  I mean there is people everywhere...sometimes it can be a tad bit overwhelming.  I also went to my first place in Japan that I was told not to go to by myself at night..I basically said I did not know places like that existed in Japan...So evidently it is an area run by the Yakuza (Japanese Mafia) and they can be pretty scary and when they come into a place they just lift up their sleeve and flash their tattoos on their arms and people know they are from the Yakuza.  This is one reason that tattoos are taboo here because they are associated with gangs.  I told TC we do not need to go to this area..I do not want people thinking he is in some kind of gang. 

 

So Monday - I was invited to another drinking party...after work.  The drinking party started at 6pm and I walked into my apartment at 11:25pm..did I mention this was on a MONDAY...guess I am not cut out for this.  I only had a 30 minute commute home from the Chinese restaurant..some people had over 1.5 hours...These people are troopers I am telling you!  So I have decided when I come home I will either be an alcoholic or a rock star because I will be able to survive on less sleep during the week...haha (just joking mom don't worry).  But it was so much fun and everyone was so nice and welcoming there was 14 of us total from all different departments.  Also it was really cool- it was all you wanted to order off menu (alot of food was ordered and drinks and it was just 2,000 Yen= $20 USD so very very affordable and it was really good)!  This is very common in Japan- many co-workers go out after work.  Also mid-way through everyone starts changing seats and takes their drinks with them so they can chat with other people..

 Also during this party I was invited to the Office Running Club on Wednesdays- they run 5K around the Emperors Palace which is close to our office- So stay tuned..I hope I don't die running in this heat and humidity- they also mentioned something about paying 800 Yen to shower afterwards-not sure I caught everything..not sure about all this so could be interesting.  They were kinda of surprised I agreed to go and told me they very much appreciated me trying to join in to everything..but I told them I want to experience everything and these types of relationships are so very important in the Japanese culture

 Couple other notable points for the week:

 

Japanese Women and High Heels- they wear 2-4 inch stilletots..in the office, to the train, on the weekend to the market.  Not me over here- flats all the way!  I mean I do not understand how they can even feel their feet at the end of the day...

Japanese women are also very elegant and when they go out they always look so nice and very put together.  In the U.S. you will go to the market or run an errand in your gym clothes (or at least I do)..you just do not see that over here.  I mean let’s be honest I am sure it is a huge culture shock to them when they come to U.S. and visit the local Wal-Mart..I would love to be a fly on the wall when they describe this to their family and friends living in Japan.  Also they all get ready when leaving office - the bathroom is full of people reapplying makeup- they just have such pride in their appearance.  Also something to mention is both men and women brush their teeth after lunch..you see them all headed to bathroom with their tooth brushes..I can appreciate this-maybe something we should think about adopting in the U.S.

Train Shovers- So I have now fully experienced this..so they wear White Gloves (I guess that makes it more sophisticated) and they gently push people in so more can fit and the doors can close.  If people did this in the U.S. there would be fights all the time- But it just works here- people understand that is the way it is

 

TC arrived the end of this week- So I will be writing more in a couple of days to get everyone up to speed- He is napping right now before dinner (jet lag stinks).  Much love to you all-

I will leave you with this- Was listening to music this week and heard this song and made me miss you all that are reading this blog… Give it a listen on YouTube if you get time this week- It will make you smile

 How Long Will I Love You

Ellie Goulding

How long will I love you
As long as stars are above you
And longer if I can
How long will I need you
As long as the seasons need to
Follow their plan

How long will I be with you
As long as the sea is bound to
Wash up on the sand

How long will I want you
As long as you want me to
And longer by far
How long will I hold you
As long as your father told you
As long as you can

How long will I give to you
As long as I live through you
However long you say

How long will I love you
As long as stars are above you
And longer if I may

How long will I love you
As long as stars are above you

 

 

 Pics from our Monday Night Drinking Party- Delicious Chinese Food and All you can drink for 3 hrs.- 2,000 Yen..

Popular Drink- Most people get milk tea with tapioca balls- I got mango juice..delicious

Last weekend- Hanging out with co-worker and his family.  This is his daughter...we were practicing English.  People here amaze me at learning a second language and studying so hard- She had a list of American words she learns every week and they were tough words!