Bon Voyage
Tonight marks my last in Chicago. I have been staying with my fellow Japan America Student Conference Amedeles (American Delegates) at the North Central College Campus in Naperville, which I must say is quite a lovely place. We have been welcomed with a barbeque with the school's president and they have been quite kind to us all.
I just arrived back at the dorms (yeah, talk about a time warp - it has not been that bad actually, the facilities and food much nicer than my alma mater Colorado State) from the Consul General's home in Evansville, another suburb of Chicago. Consul General Shinoda's house was extraordinary! It was a huge mansion decorated with the finest Japanese art. A Consul General functions much like an Ambassador, and Consul General Shinoda is a particularly distinguished one, in charge of ten states. Needless to say, it was a huge honor for him to invite us. There were several speeches, in which the Consul, one of the heads of Mitsubishi, and the Executive Director of JASC reminded us how prestigious this group is and the legacy it has in both countries. For more details, Google "Japan America Student Society." Honestly, I did not know what I was getting into, but it kinda feels like a big deal now!
We have been escorted in limos and stretch SUV's dressed as young professionals. The reception at the Consul's house was quite the experience as well. We were served cocktails and wine before the speeches, then came the most extravagant tables of food I've seen! *Thanks to the Japanese government! We had beautiful sushi trays, prosciutto with figs and melon, racks of lamb, delicious beef skewers, pork, chicken, caprese salads - it was really over the top! That was only the main course - the dessert was just as wonderful (my favorite was the mango and coconut custard in little martini looking glasses).
This being my first reception, it was a little nerve racking. My less-than-perfect Japanese was really put to the test, and with such high up figures nonetheless. I think I did alright, though, since some of my colleagues here speak no Japanese or are too shy to even greet people. You know me, though, I exchanged business cards (meishi they call them in Japanese - it is a very important custom) and introduced myself to everyone there! I came back with a pile of business cards, an invitation to assist and attend a conference on "Global Citizenship" in Chicago next summer, and several warm smiles from people wanting to keep in touch. I suppose they were able to get past my "wasureta nihongo" (forgotten Japanese) and still enjoy my company!
I am stuffed now ("gochisosamadeshita") and will relax before rising far too early to board a plane for 11 hours. Our schedule beginning in Tokyo is packed, but I think I am ready!
Much love, I will write again soon after the long journey! Sayonara!!
I just arrived back at the dorms (yeah, talk about a time warp - it has not been that bad actually, the facilities and food much nicer than my alma mater Colorado State) from the Consul General's home in Evansville, another suburb of Chicago. Consul General Shinoda's house was extraordinary! It was a huge mansion decorated with the finest Japanese art. A Consul General functions much like an Ambassador, and Consul General Shinoda is a particularly distinguished one, in charge of ten states. Needless to say, it was a huge honor for him to invite us. There were several speeches, in which the Consul, one of the heads of Mitsubishi, and the Executive Director of JASC reminded us how prestigious this group is and the legacy it has in both countries. For more details, Google "Japan America Student Society." Honestly, I did not know what I was getting into, but it kinda feels like a big deal now!
We have been escorted in limos and stretch SUV's dressed as young professionals. The reception at the Consul's house was quite the experience as well. We were served cocktails and wine before the speeches, then came the most extravagant tables of food I've seen! *Thanks to the Japanese government! We had beautiful sushi trays, prosciutto with figs and melon, racks of lamb, delicious beef skewers, pork, chicken, caprese salads - it was really over the top! That was only the main course - the dessert was just as wonderful (my favorite was the mango and coconut custard in little martini looking glasses).
This being my first reception, it was a little nerve racking. My less-than-perfect Japanese was really put to the test, and with such high up figures nonetheless. I think I did alright, though, since some of my colleagues here speak no Japanese or are too shy to even greet people. You know me, though, I exchanged business cards (meishi they call them in Japanese - it is a very important custom) and introduced myself to everyone there! I came back with a pile of business cards, an invitation to assist and attend a conference on "Global Citizenship" in Chicago next summer, and several warm smiles from people wanting to keep in touch. I suppose they were able to get past my "wasureta nihongo" (forgotten Japanese) and still enjoy my company!
I am stuffed now ("gochisosamadeshita") and will relax before rising far too early to board a plane for 11 hours. Our schedule beginning in Tokyo is packed, but I think I am ready!
Much love, I will write again soon after the long journey! Sayonara!!
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