Back in the USA

Not too much to report. Just happy to be back in the US. Flights were all fine.

Maybe I am growing out of the travel drama??!!??

Tomorrow is conferencing, include a talk early tomorrow morning. FUN!

Banquets and swords

Greetings,

Things are going well here in Japan, but I am finding these types of conferences (e.g., international agencies and politicians) are very different from academic conferences. There has been very little substance and lots of speeches. The speech from the WHO Regional Director had the most substance and was quite interesting. Most of the other speeches were very formal greetings from the govenor of the prefecture, the mayor, the union head, the ministry of foreign affairs, this ministry, that university, the head of this committee, the vice mayor of that foreign city.... Then there were some reports from half a dozen cities.

Last night, at the banquet, is a good example. The banquet started at 6pm, but there were two hours of awards and speeches until we were served.

I am hopeful for today's "academic" sessions. I really want to know what programs people are doing, if/how they are evaluating them, and if any of the interventions will be useful in our work.

On the other hand, people have been warm and friendly. I have now been adopted by the delegates from two Philippino cities who are just tickled that I am 25% Filipino. They keep asking if any of the men are available. This guy from Saudi Arabia keeps raising his hand. At the banquet (remember we are focused on health) they were passing around chicharon they had brought from home.

I have been on a quest to find some Japanese swords like my mom bought me in Okinawa. I have been to three malls around the hotel and haven't been able to find them. I am hopeful that I can find something at the airport. You know me, always trying to bring something back.

Greetings from Ichikawa

Hello friends and family....

Helminth girl is back. I arrived at Narita Airport (Tokyo) yesterday after a delayed 14 hour flight from DC. The flight was supposed to be 13 hours, but the satellite navigation crapped out and we had to take a different route. The good news is I finally saw Baby Mama, Hancock and Then She Found Me.

Today, I went on a technical visit for health and wellness in Ichikawa (which is part of the Alliance for Healthy Cities). It included a visit to an elder rehabilitation clinic and a child development clinic.

After the tour, we were free. So, I joined several women from Tagaytay in the Philippines. In fact, one was a city councilor and one was the mayor's wife. They were all quite amused that I was 25% Filipino. So where did we go????

Tokyo Disneyland!





As my cousin Paula can attest, I am not a big fan of Disneyland. All the screaming kids drive me nuts. But I thought, "What the hell!"

We did the train through Adventureland, the Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean. we also saw a Lilo and Stitch show. It was kinda cute...

But, the prices were outrageous. So if you were hoping for a gift... sorry Charlie. Sweatshirts were ¥5900 (~$59 USD) and pens were ¥800 (~$8USD). They are totally getting over. The recession hasn't hit the Magic Kingdom, let me tell you.

OK, that's it for now. No drama, I know. But I don't leave Japan until Sunday (11/26) and still have San Diego and Vancouver to go.

Sayonara people....