Japan in Thirty Days

GSE Day 29

15 Nov 2010 Leave a Comment

by gbesses in Gerald/ジェラルド

GSE Day 29
Just had to take an elevator to meet the Team. Rotarians everywhere and I know many of them - Matsuhashi san, Yamaoka san, and Yoshi were all there at one time or another. Tom gathered us up and told the Team that they could listen to the speeches or just have free time. I had a front row seat with a large red-ribbon flower-like badge. seated next to me was a delightful woman [Shigemi Katsuhiko] representing the District from Tokyo who quietly translated much that was said.

[Sone san sat in back of me and filled in at some spots.] She had a card case that was similar to the small briefcase case that I carry, except hers had a mirror inside where her meishi were. Neither of us had ever seen another one of these. They carefully stuck to their pre-printed schedule and at 11:50, we were dismissed for lunch. The Team met again over a bento lunch on the 12th floor in the VIP lunch area. The outgoing Team with Sone san was introduced to us and I had a brief talk with each of the Team members. Their English will need improvement, except for Sone san and the one English translator. Like my Team, they are young and enthusiastic, but their travel experience is somewhat limited. They have six months for training.
We went onstage for introductions just after 2, the crowd laughed when I told them that Petaluma Valley RC is half women and my wife is president elect. Tom translated. Each of the Team gave their name and occupation and thanks. Then free until the post-conference party. The women changed into dressy cocktail dresses, which they had not had a chance to wear for the trip. They looked great. The party was hosted by about 50 young women, 30 in brief bunny outfits with ears and a fluff tail and high net stockings. I was told that the bunnies were the DGs idea to help enliven the party. There was some stage entertainment with Geisha dancers and some music. There was an incredibly noisy pre-party with a jazz singer. Later, I learned that many of the older men had only come to the post-conference party because of the women in skimpy outfits
Then Tom took Craig and me to a party; the gals didn’t want to go. Mostly men, some of whom I knew including two out-going Team guys, but a couple women, good food and drink, unintelligible talk. All fun. Finally Craig and I walked home, chatted for a bit and went to bed.
5673 steps, and we didn’t really go anywhere. I must pack in the morning and meet the Team in the lobby at 8:30 to catch the 9:10 Shinkansen.