If the Mountain Wouldn't Come to Masako...

Posted on 2006/08/30 03:45:11 (August 2006).

[Tuesday 29th August]
It was another crappy day at work, and I felt I needed to cool off before going home so popped into the little bar next to one of our two nearest stations. I had a chat with Masako-san, the woman who runs it, which was very nice. She seems to really like foreigners - she told me all about all the different nationalities of customers that come to her bar, and said it all with a constant smile and a sort of sense of wonder. Whilst the Japanese are among the world's most prolific tourists, there are also a lot of people that have never left the country. For us Europeans it is so easy to just "pop across the border" to visit our neighbouring countries, but partly because of distance, and perhaps partly because of strained relations, it doesn't seem so common for Japanese to go to Korea, China etc. Europe and the US seem to be more popular destinations, but they are of course both quite a distance away and Japanese companies don't seem to give their employees a lot of holidays.

So it seemed to me that Masako-san was quite delighted at the prospect that without her having to go anywhere but her own bar, the whole world would come to her. This was very nice to hear.

When I got back to the apartment, feeling in a somewhat better state of mind, Yuka (Chie's sister) had come to visit. The three of us had dinner together - a fairly mixed bag Japanese type of meal.

After dinner I spent a long time on the phone to my Mum. I think I have now more or less made up my mind about my plans for the future, but I have a few more people I'd like to discuss it with before I feel it's appropriate to write about it here. Maybe in a week or so.

Incidentally I am comning to Tokyo this weekend (no joking) I am landing on Sunday and leaving on the 8th (Friday)... Do you think that we can meet?

Posted by Lox at 2006/08/30 08:54:23.

Lox: yep I'm definitely in Tokyo that week, although there may be one or two nights I can't manage during that time as my manager will be in town.

Probably Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday ought to be completely clear for me though.

Posted by John at 2006/08/30 14:21:37.

Of course I have to understand what they want me to do, since this time I'll be signing contracts and so on it might be possible that I have to spend more time with them than normal... Anyways I'll call you as soon as I know!

Posted by Lox at 2006/08/30 19:47:27.

Great you two guys can meet up again! :)

And then, of course, we are all now wondering what your "future plans" are to be John!!

And funnily enough - maybe it's the weather - I've been doing a large amount of introspection recently... (not a pretty sight!) I have no plans yet... that I am still working on...

Posted by Nigel at 2006/08/30 22:06:38.

Post a comment