And for a Friday arriving into Tokyo for some Speaking Assignments and family Diwali get-together, some thoughts….. some musings…..
Japan always impresses me. Every trip, there is something unique; this time invited to the Miraikan – National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. Spread over 7 floors, every visitor can experience cutting-edge science and technology of the future that impacts our life. Hands on participation, all computer applications are so user friendly and need no special skills. Fantastic concept of AI and robotics, encourages every visitor to resolve to make our planet a safer place; be it climate change, global warming, poverty reduction or societal well being. The most impressive was the number of school and college children attending. It sure sensitises them to understand and develop a scientific temper. Truly remarkable, the Japanese way of life, a passion for perfection, cleanliness personified.
Post Covid there is a deluge of tourists into Japan. Ofcourse the Americans may be the largest visitors but for Indians too there is a big shift. Not just the HNIs, but now we see a lot of the Big Indian Tourist groups. It is rumoured that some strict vegetarian Indian groups, even travel with their own cooks and the entire tour layout is made to suit the “Value-Budgeting” concept. But, that aside, Tokyo is a foodie’s paradise with variety of cuisines and the thousands of bars, some specialising in exclusive and focused drinks, like I was taken to a small Whisky joint. The owners, for four generations have been serving the choicest Whiskies from all over the Globe. Nothing else in the bar but Whiskies. Like vintage wines the bartender pulls out whiskies across decades, oops, another level of experience. But, honestly you must like Non-Veg food and capacity to experiment with alcohol to enjoy Japanese hospitality. Wonderful, enjoyable times.
Compared to the many official visits during my working days, this post retirement trip is truly enjoyable, the relaxed way, the uncaring way, the SEEGOS way.