2018.5.31

It was cloudy and became rain in the evening. It may be the beginning of the rainy season.

It is the end of May. How fast time flies!

Today three colleagues left the office and one from the counterpart left there too.

Tomorrow our office welcomes a new staff who will be in charge of the same program as mine. So I organize a welcome lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant. It must be delicious.

After work I went to the beauty salon to have my hair cut. I booked at 7 pm and it only took less than 40 minutes because it was just cut. If I can come by 6:30 pm, they say permanent is also possible. Maybe I'd better try next time to save my time.

2018.5.30

It was cloudy in the morning and became rain in the afternoon as the weather forecast said.
I felt lucky to have seen the beautiful fullmoon last night.

After work I went to see some friends in Shinagawa. It's been a while since I met two of them last. As usual I enjoyed eating a cake set. Today I chose chocolate cake which was very delicious. Last night I also had a small piece of chocolate cake as a part of dessert dishes, which was very tiny but very delicious too. It was so-called gateau au chocolat and very thick and rich. Today's cake was softer and smooth. I liked both of them. After all I love chocolates. 

2018.5.29

It was fine, but I am not yet, still coughing.

I walked to the station to drink tonight.

I had two meetings and one English seminar at daytime.

In the evening we had a kansogeikai (歓送迎会) farewell & welcome party for the directors of our division at an Italian restaurant at Ropongi Hills. 10 members
got together: 3 men and 7 women. 5 out of  7 are mothers.
There were 9 dishes with unlimited drinks for yen4,000 per person. They were delicious and very reasonable.

2018.5.28

It was fine but I am not. I still have a cold and sometimes cough a lot.

Today I attended an English seminar about describing people in the afternoon. We learned the differences between personality and characteristics. It was 90 minutes class but I could only stay for an hour to do another assignment.

After work I went to Fuji Film Square to get a birthday present and buy something, banks to withdraw and deposit, and Softbank to get a present and ask about the Softbank Air and ways to reduce monthly fee. There were some systems which I have not recognized and just been paying. I thought I should have cared more when we contract something.

I have a very busy week after work.

2018.5.27

It was fine but I am not. I have a cold, less running nose more coughs.

I went to Yokosuka chuo for shopping. I was going to attend a seminar in Tokyo in the afternoon, but I cough too much and decided to go home.
Besides grocery shopoing, I stayed at home.

I cooked butterbars from the garden for the first time. They were delicious. I should have cooked every year.

I got chopsticks as the gift of first 50 customers who visit the exhibitions of artisans at the department store.

I received the return goods from my ex-colleague whom I gave gifts to her baby boy the other day by post.

My neighbor gave me eggs which his hen laid, and butterbars he cooked.

It was a lucky day to get many gifts.

2018.5.26

It was cloudy.

I still have a cold: running nose became better, sore throat, and coughing.

I went to Boso Peninsula, Chiba with my friend from primary school. It is a one day trip by bus. It's been about a year since we went to Yamanashi one day tour last time.

Today's destination was Nomizonotaki (濃溝の滝),waterfall, where became very popular about three years ago.
I was very looking forward to eating gorgeous lunch but it was a bit disappointing.
Then we went to eat biwa (枇杷), loquat fruits. At first I thought we could eat them from treees, but they were already picked. There were two kinds of loquat fruits, Mizuho (瑞穂) and Ofusa (大房). Both were delicious. Time was limited for 30 minutes. I enjoyed eating 22 of them which would cost about yen5000.

The weather was not perfect, but we enjoyed the trip.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

2018.5.25

It was fine.

I still have a cold: running nose, sore throat, and sneezing.

In the morning I attended the lecture about Overview of Japanese Education by  a MEXT official who used to be our boss. It was the lecture for Thai officials therefore he gave it in English. Time was saved for two hours. The lecture lasted for less than one hour and there were so many questions and answers after that. Since I majored in comparative education at graduate school it was interesting to hear the lecture and questions.

At lunch time I went to a restaurant where I have been intetested in with a colleague who will leave the office at the end of this month. We have wanted to go out for lunch for two years, and finally we did today.
It was a Japanese buffet style restaurant and we took a lot and were enjoying eating. However I found a bug in the salad and felt so shocked. When I left there, I pointed it out and they offered free lunch for both of us.

I was surprised to find something common between my colleague. For example I lived in Seville, Spain and her best friend while she was in the US was from Seville.
I studied at Washington State University and have some friends in Spokane, WA. She had homestayed at a family in Spakane when she was young.
There are 50 States in the USA, but we have stayed in the same place.
We exchanged the phone number and email address, and promised to have dinner at China town using s coupon next time.

After work I visited the National Art Center, Tokyo to see my friend's picture at the 70th Sankiten (三軌展). He is a friend from the 44th peaceboat cruise and sent me the invitation.
On Fridays we can enter free after 5:00pm there. So I not only visited "Sankiten" but also "Taiheiyoten(太平洋展)" and enjoyed watching beautiful art works. Some were very impressive.

TGIF

2018.5.24

It was fine.

I still have a cold: running nose, sore throat and sneezing.

Today I asked the translation company to quote two documents. They sent me a combined quotation which was rather expensive than my expectation. Therefore I asked them to break them up. The shorter document cost more. So I asked them why. They found the mistake in counting the word numbers. Therefore it became about yen 70,000 less than the first quotation. If the shorter document was cheaper from the beginning, I would not have noticed their mistake and had to pay yen 70,000 more. I felt scared.

2018.5.23

It was cloudy in the morning and rain in the afternoon.

I have got a cold with running nose and sore throat. I ate a lot of throat candies and troche today.

It seems it will be hot tomorrow. We'd better be aware of changeable weather.

2018.5.22

It was fine.

There were two meetings at the office.

In the afternoon I had a chance to hear the lecture by a US bestseller writer. I knew about it in the morning. Since there was a group meeting I missed the first half part. But I am glad to attend to hear the situation of other countries.

After work I went to Daimon to see my friends and attended a meeting. I am glad to see my friend before she goes back to her home country.

After the meeting we went out for supper.
I ordered soup rice which seemed like Thai curry.

I had a good day to see many people.

2018.5.21

It was fine.

In the afternoon I attended an English seminar. It was fun to learn new words and expressions.

After work I went to the Fuji Film Square where I saw many beautiful pictures.

After that I happened to see a friend who came from Yokosuka. If I did not go to the Fuji Film Square, I would not have met her today. Everything is accumulation of miracles, isn't it?

While I was waiting for the train I almost dropped the battery charger and the connection cable was broken. Before I visit a kimono shop, I hoped to buy a cable for charger, but the shop was closed, and I decided to drop at Shioiri after visiting kimono shop to buy the cable. At tve kimomo shop I could try a kind of lottery for three times and got some candies for the 5th prizes. Fortunately I could buy the cable and start charging the smartphone. What.a release!

The Japanese film "Manbiki Kazoku(万引き家族), Shoplifters" directed by Mr.Hirokazu Koreeda got the Palme d'Or at Cannes International Film Festival. Congratulations!!

2018.5.20

It was fine.

In the morning I attended the event to clean the community, which is called "Clean Day." This happens twice a year in May and October. This is one of the events which neighbors can get together.

After that I went to Nagatacho to attend the World Invest Business Summit 2018. It started at 11:30 am and lasted until over 8 pm. Very long, isn't it? There were five speakers. I have known three of them, and two of them were very strangers for me.

To my lucky I got the autograph from Mr. Robert Allen on his book and $1000000 bill with autograph and date. It is his 70th birthday today. Happy Birthday!!

2018.5.19

It was cloudy.

I went to Hinodecho to get massage which is my once a month health maintenance event.

Then I went to Oimachi to attend a brain seminar.

After that I went to Yokosukachuo to attend the 3rd organizer's meeting of the grand reunion of the high school.There got together about 30 people from 10 classes.

2018.5.18

It was fine.

After work I went to Higashi Shinjuku to attend a farewell dinner for our counter part. Since I was the organizer I chose the restaurant from the coupon site.  It is called Live King Crab Kani no kuni (カニのくに), Crab country. There were many King crabs in the water tanks. Our main dish was Kegani (毛蟹), hairly crab.
We enjoyed the reunion after a year.

2018.5.17

It was fine.

I took a day off to attend the 9th Education IT Solution Expo at Tokyo Big Sight. There were so many booths that it was difficult to see all.
I happened to see the ex-chief director of the center I have worked before.

Then I moved to the next venue to attend the event. There were 200 participants. It was nice to hear the success stories.

After that I attended the dinner party. There were 80 people. There was a prize offered by the winner of the prize at the event, and we decided the winner by janken (じゃんけん) which is gu (ぐー): stone, choki (チョキ): scissors, pa (パー): paper. At first there was no winner and we tried again. There was a winner but she added the money and offered another prize. After all the person next to me became the winner. I have never seen such an exciting tournament decided by janken.

It was a nice day to learn many things.

2018.5.16

It was fine and rather hot though it is still middle of May.

In the morning I enjoyed talking with the best friend living in Florida to celebrate the birthday through Facebook. It is amazing. We talked looking at each other or showing where I was walking without paying anything. We used to pay for expensive fees to make international calls, but nowadays if we use the platform such as Facebook, Skype, What's App or Line, we can talk for nothing. How convenient it has become during the past 10 years or so!

From my impression, European and South American friends prefer What' App.  Japanese prefer Line. 
How about you? Regular phone?

2018.5.15

It was fine.

In the morning I visited two shrines, one near my house and the other near my office before going to the office as on the 15th day rituals.

At work I had a weekly meeting with team members in the morning.

In the afternoon
I attended an English seminar to introduce Japanese culture. It was interesting.

After work I went to Kojimachi to attend the study meeting of Cryptcurrency. It was very interesting to see the sending and receiving process. It is so easy and fast. I understand why these coins and / or tokens have become so popular in such a short time.

It is the new moon today.

Let's make wishes!

2018.5.14

It was fine.

In the afternoon I attended an English seminar.

After work I went to Shinagawa to see friends. As usual I ordered a cake set. The name of today's cake is "Very Special Time."  The reasons I chose it were: 1) there was only one left in the showcase and looked special, 2) the name of the cake was attractive, 3) it seemed I have eaten almost all other cakes.
I think it was a good selection because it tasted good, and I found it got an award at the contest.

2018.5.13

It was cloudy in the daytime but became rain in the evening.

After receiving two delivered goods, I went to Shinagawa to attend a seminar. It was informative and useful.

Then I went to Ginza to visit my friend's photo exhibitions. It is a group exhibition of Northern Lights. There were many beautiful pictures. I really want to take pictures of Northern Lights someday.

After that I went to Gotokuji to visit my friend's house to see a baby who was born in March. They will go back to New York soon, and I wanted to see them before their departure.

I was very busy today but it was a fruitful day to see many friends.

2018.5.12

It was fine.

I went to Morinda's monthly mweting in the morning.

After.having lunch I went to see a movie 'I,Tanya."

Then I went to Roppongi to see a friend from Dubai trip. Instead ofgoing to a restaurant, I bought something and visited her. We enjoyed a lot.

2018.5.11

It was fine after some cold rainy days.

I took a day off.

In the morning and afternoon, I attended the seminar at Yokohama after a long time. I could listen to the real story which I have heard many times from the other side.
I met friends and had lunch together.

After that I went to the Kimono-style Miya and got CDs of my kimono style pictures. There I happened to see my old friend whom I have not seen for a long time. What a nice surprise!

Then I went to Toritsudaigaku to attend Mr. Ken Honda's Commemorative lecture of publishing the new best seller book. It was full of people and it was hard to find a seat.  The lecture was very useful. At the last part his daughter who turned to be 20 on May 8 came up the stage and sang a beautiful song.  Her voice was so sweet.
Before closing he invited those whose birthday is from May 7 to 15 on the stage to celebrate their birthdays by song and present.  Fortunately I was one of them. This happened about four years ago during the Golden Life Program too. How lucky I am!
I believe this will be one of the best years of my life.

I met many people and became Facebook friends with some of them.

It was a very nice day.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

2018.5.10

It was cloudy in the morning, but in the afternoon there were many thunders. In the evening I saw the beautiful orange sunset far away.

It is my mother's meinichi (命日), death anniversary. She passed away on May 10, 2002. It's been 16 years but we count as 17th year anniversary in Buddhism.

In the afternoon I attended an English workshop regarding "Writing Good Paragraph." It was informative and I learned a lot.

2018.5.9

It was raining and cool this morning. My train delayed.

I got a belated birthday present from a colleague. Isn't it nice?

After work I went to attend an English trial lesson. It was a very nice experience. There were about 15 participants who wanted to improve their English skills and /or global business mindset.
I enjoyed a lot.

On my way back on the train I attended a webinar about mileage.

To learn is interesting.

2018.5.8

Happy Birthday to Me and my Friends!

It's my birthday again.
How fast time flies!
I have enjoyed many things for the last year. I am sure I will enjoy more this year.

Unfortunately it was cloudy and rainy and a bit chilly today.

I had two meetings this morning.

I got a half day off in the aftetnoon.

There is a colleague whose birthday is also May 8. Therefore we had a birthday lunch at a fancy restaurant which was very nice.

I visited the shrine near the office.

Then I attended the SRC Convention in Aoto where I only use to go to Narita airport and never got off.
It is very nice to be with the people with the same goal and intention. I met some friends and got new friends too.
We got a big gift today.

I had a good birthday.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

2018.5.7

It was a rainy day.

This was the first day after 11 days off.
I started the day early and have many things done.

Since today is the first day after four days off for many people, we got some souvenirs from the trips.

I've got some birthday messages and a card from England. Usually she sends me a present like accessory but this time it was different and I was surprised.

For some companies it is the time of general meeting for stockholders. And I got some gift too.

Tomorrow is my birthday. I will start a new year.

2018.5.6

The last day of the Golden Week.
How was your golden week?
I enjoyed traveling to Dubai and Malaysia by Dream Trips and meeting new friends, had a family event, and have got inspired by successful people.

It was fine today.
I slept as long as I wished, then went grocery shopping.

I did some paper works and went to see my friends in Shinagawa. It was nice to see them and listened to the successful person's story.

I got charged during this Golden Week.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

2018.5.5

It was fine.

It is a national holiday called Kodomo no hi (こどもの日), Children's Day. I saw many koinobori (鯉のぼり), Carp-shaped streamer at the beach, and yoroikabuto (鎧兜), armour and helmet at the temple.

My brother and I had my mother's17th death anniversary called jyunanakaiki(十七回忌) at the temple in the morning and went to the graveyard in the afternoon and had lunch together.

2018.5.4

It was fine but rather cool.

I was too tired to get up early as planned to receive the suitcase and needed to change the schedule of delivery.

In the afternoon I went to Kanda to attend the CEO's lecture and Suidobashi to attend the monthly meeting.

In between we had supper.

It was nice to see the club members who have the same goal.

We saw omikoshi(お神輿), the portable shrine on our way to go to the next venue. That means there is a festival. I felt lucky.

After the meeting we got the advice which was very useful.

2018.5.3

It is a national holiday called kenpo kinen bi (憲法記念日), Constitution Day and It's been 71 years since it was enfored.

This is the first day of the latter half of the Golden Week. Many people departed to  many places.

I came back from Kuala Lumpur and arrived at home around 11 am.
I took a bath and relaxed.

I am glad to have traveled to Dubai and Kuala Lumpur.

2018.5.2

It was fine in Dubai but rained in Kuala Lumpur.

I left Dubai at 3:10 in the morning by Emirates, and arrived at Kuala Lumpur at 2:25 pm in the local time.

Since I did not check-in from website, my seat was middle unfortunately. It was the upper floor in front of the Business class.
I watched a Japanese movie "Last Recepi"  which was very good.

After arriving at Kuala Lumpur, I exchanged some money. $50 was RM 180, and yen5000 was RM165.
Then I took KL Express Railway which cost RM55 and changed another rail way which cost RM2.40. Ticket Vending Machine only accepts small bills such as RM1 and RM5, and ticket was not a card but a plastic coin.

First I enjoyed taking pictures of the twin towers and watching the fountain.
I went to the Mandarine Oriental Hotel Lobby to see my friend from high school.
We had dinner at a local restaurant and went to see the beautiful night view.
I left there around 8:30pm for the airport by blue taxi which took about one hour and cost RM146.

At the airport I asked the seat change and fortunately I got the premier seat behind the business class without having anybody besides me.

I left Kuala Lumpur at 11:30 pm for Japan.

It was a nice short stay in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

2018.5.1

The new month has started. May is gogatsu (5月) or satsuki (皐月) in Japanese.

I am still in Dubai, and today is the last day here.

We checked out the hotel at 10 am and went to Ibn Battuta Mall to see the most beautiful Starbacks in the world. Indeed it was very beautiful and there were some exhibitions of the world traveler, Ibn Battuta. I really respect the world travelers of old ages. They are really adventurers.

After that we went to the Atlantis the Palm, the very famous hotel with amusement parks. There we enjoyed the afternoon tea.

After that we went to the Burj Kharifa, the tallest building in the world. My ticket was 17:00 but we could enter a bit earlier. There was a security check again. We went up to the top 148th floor observatory.  I saw day scene, sunset, and night view.
It is very expensive, but I really enjoyed being there taking pictures.

2018.4.30

It is the end of April. How fast time flies! The one third of 2018 was over.

I am now in Dubai, enjoying my Golden Week traveling to the Middle East.

Today we attended the one day tour to Musandam Peninsula, Oman which I booked from Japan.
We were asked to be at the lobby from 6:45 to and 7:30 but they came to pick up at 7:40.

It took three hours to go to the border and port by bus, and we changed to the boat. Cruising was about four hours long or so including lunch. Passengers came from various countries.

I saw big sea urchins and was surprised.

After coming back, we went out for dinner. The full moon was very beautiful.

It was another long day.