Last Stop – Tokyo!

All,

Got to spend the last two days here in Tokyo. Believe it or not, Tokyo is the largest city in the world, with a metropolitan population of approximately 37 million people.

But, as you would probably expect if you have been reading any of my blogs from Japan, it is an incredibly clean, friendly, and well-organized city. No horns honking. No chaos on the sidewalks or streets. Beautiful to look at and seemingly run with incredible efficiency.

This has been a great trip. Hong Kong, Taipei, and half a dozen Japanese cities. All of them interesting and well worth seeing. (And Viking does a GREAT job on these cruises. Always enjoyable.)

I would say, though, that the highlight of our trip was the day we got to spend with Take Hosomi and his wonderful girlfriend, Asuka.

They had planned to take us to see some Tokyo temples and shrines (Buddhist temples/Shinto shrines : ), but I suggested we just “hang out.” We had already seen lots of temples and shrines and really just wanted to experience the non-touristy parts of Tokyo. (And, honestly, I think Take was a bit relieved as well 😉)

So that is what we did. We wandered around, ate at some street vendors, and while Asuka and Hallie did some shopping, Take and I spent time just talking about work, life, and things in general.

I LOVE that the relationships I have always had with our country leaders and colleagues around the world have felt more like friendships than business relationships.

As Take said during our conversation, when you are lucky enough to work with people you genuinely like, it does not feel too much like work.

A thoroughly enjoyable day and, honestly, the highlight of our trip.

We look forward to repaying their hospitality someday when Take and Asuka are able to visit us in Erie or Long Island.

Thank you both.