Sunday, November 12th - The Journey Begins

Sunday morning I went to bed at 2:00 AM having finished last minute packing, updating of technology and retailoring a suit. All too early, my alarm clock went off at 5:30 AM. Although my flight to San Francisco wasn't due to leave until 8:00 AM, I had to be at the airport no later than 6:30AM. Since 9/11, security clearance at the airport has been greatly tightened. To go through security, I had to:
- take out my computer,
- remove my shoes, belt, watch and pocket change
- remove all liquids (hand lotion, bottled water)
- have my cane x-rayed (it's solid wood!)
- have my purse and brief case x-rayed
Having done all that I got to my gate just 10 minutes before boarding began.

The flight to San Francisco was uneventful. I spent my time getting to know my fellow JFMFers as we are called and trying to sneak in a nap. We were met at the luggage carousel in SF and loaded onto buses to our hotel. There was just enough time to drop my bag in my room before heading to lunch and the orientation sessions.

In the sessions we were given some basic rules about cultural differences and a plea to be respectful of those differences.

There are 200 of us going to Japan. At the second session we broke into small groups of 20. Each group is going to a different prefecture. I am going to Hiroshima. After introductions we headed to the third session which was a panel discusson by former JFMFers. They answered questions about their experiences. Following the panel we were given 20 minutes to change clothes for the big event of the day.

JFMF is celebrating its 10th anniversary so there are a number of special events to celebrate the occasion. The first event was a reception hosted by the Consul General of Japan. (In the picture I'm the tall one on the right.) It was held at the Consul's home, a beautiful Italianate mansion in the Pacific Heights neighborhood. Along with the champagne, there was fabulous sushi, dim sum, sashimi and for some strange reason-potato salad. (I have since come to learn that potato salad is hugely popular in Japan. It has shown up at every meal.) To see more photos of the reception, go to http://www.sf.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/photo/2006/1112.htm

We returned to the hotel at 9:30 PM local time- 11:00 PM by my body clock. I gratefully fell in bed.