KMJ travels

Today was our first big “game day” - Tachi and the Directors have arrived, and we met up with the Japanese delegation for a full day of meetings and site visits.  We began with breakfast presentations, then hopped into the vans to drive to the flour mill in Tema.  While the big wigs toured, Shelby & I hung out outside, stocking the vans with lunch and exploring the overloaded trucks parked nearby.  It was a hot day, but the group seemed to enjoy the tour.

Next stop was at the Noguchi Research Institute where our team has several projects we fund in progress.  The building was hot to walk around, but it was great to hear from the investigators.

 Back at the hotel, we had a short break before heading over to the Japanese ambassador’s residence for dinner.  Shelby, Rick and I accompanied the group, bu then set up shop in the sitting room adjacent to where the big group was meeting.  Heading into the evening, we were hopeful we would be fed but weren’t entirely positive.  As the time ticked by and courses passed through the hallway in front of us, hopes began to diminish, though they did bring us wine.  We looked out longingly as they began to gather around the sushi cart.  At that point Joe spotted us in our tiny room and dropped off his sushi plate when we said we hadn’t eaten yet.  I snapped up the salmon piece which was pretty good.  After they had all gotten their sushi, our fortune turned around.  Yoko (who we’ve been organizing the visits with) came in and invited us to get sushi as well.  So exciting to escape from our captivity!  At the sushi cart they had several different fish and seafood to choose from, and then the chef rolled them right there in front of you.  I chose salmon, shrimp, squid and octopus. 

Back at our table they also brought miso soup, a plate of tempura and a fruit plate for dessert.  We felt very priveleged to have received such a fine meal, even if we guilted them into it.