So here's a summary:
Day 1 - 5th Dec
Arrived at Narita Airport. Passed Customs and took a bus ride to Prince Sakura Tower Hotel, an hour-plus away. Upon arrival, we deposited our bags started a 'recce' of our hotel area. There was Shinagawa (Train) Station nearby. We had our lunch where I had Omelette Rice with Mushrooms.
Rice Omelette with Mushrooms
Went for a quick tour again before I rushed to Hotel Pacific for my rehearsal. I was to be one of the emcees for the KAO Conference on the next day. After the rehearsal, went out again.
Day 2 - 6th Dec
The KAO Conference started. Ly and I were the emcees for the segments between 1030am to 3pm. Everything went as planned and on schedule. The President of Kumon Group Worldwide was also present and delivered a speech. It was so cool to see him in person. After the conference, a few people came up to me to say that I did a good job. I couldn't help but smile at them.
In the evening, the KAO Conference Dinner Party started. Though I can't say the food was superb, I am amazed that they managed to make something edible for us who needed Halal meals. I feel that they did their best to accomodate everyone's requests. The evening ended with a lot of photo-taking.
Conference stage set in place
Delegates from Singapore (Not all in the picture)
With some colleagues after the dinner
Day 3 - 7th Dec
All of us took buses that ferried us to Tokyo Dome. It was a sight to behold when we arrived. There were roller-coasters and rides. There were many people who were queuing to take the rides even though it was only 10am (9am Singapore time). The 50th anniversary celebration took place in the Tokyo Dome itself. With more than 16, 000 people, you cannot get any less than a stadium.
After the celebration, staff went for a session on "the Origin of the Kumon Method". Later in the evening, we met back with everyone for the Networking Dinner in Four Seasons Hotel, Chinzan-so.
Oldest serving Instructor - 49 years in Kumon!
YL, Wendy, Jean and Me
Me, Alex and Noah
Carol, Me, Lauren and Jeniel
Tokyo Dome, Japan
Day 4 - 9th Dec
It was Hari Raya Haji and for the first time in my life, I wasn't with my loved ones. But it was a rushing time ala Amazing Race for me.
Lauren and I went to 3 places within the span of 5 hours. The first stop was Asakusa where the Sensoji and tourist shops with nice souvenirs were located.
The next stop was Ueno. There Lauren went shopping like she was doing her weekend grocery shopping. She just bought and bought while I just watched. I bought a bag while I was there as I doubt my luggage had space for the souvenirs I bought. I also bought a bottle of Blue Mountain Coffee.
The last of 3 stops was Shinjuku. There, I couldn't take it anymore to run around. I told Lauren to go ahead with her shopping at Odakyu while I waited for her at a cafe where I had a cup of coffee. I did people-watching while waiting.
So that was how I spend my days in Japan. If you want to see more pics, go to my Multiply page.
