Sugoi, Subarashii …. Our expedition to the Mt. Fuji summit was an awesome experience, an extreme physical, mental and emotional challenge.  We did it!

Frankly, I am exhausted and have simply posted a few photos.  More to come later.

An emotional evening to remember –– 55 men and women who were responsible for the great success of Avaya’s 2002 FIFA World Cup project coming together after 10 years to share friendships and memories.

More than 70% of the team had left Avaya and had not seen each other in many years. Thanks to FaceBook and the efforts of everyone to reach out and spread the word about the event, it was a most successful and enjoyable gathering of the dedicated team that brought great honor to Japan and Avaya.

Thanks to all who attended and special thanks to Kase, Chiho, Yoshi, Nobuteru, and Keiko for attending to the place and details for the event.

More event photos will be posted to the FaceBook event page.

Your past support, continuing friendship and kind words were deeply appreciated.

Today was set aside for rest.  We will be attending a gathering of former Avaya World Cup team members to celebrate the 10th year anniversary of a powerfully successful global marketing event.  Without question, the impact in Japan was awesome and brought great credit and honor to the Japanese men and women who worked with me and made it possible.  Over 50 people will be gathering later tonight.  I am excited too see old friends and share memories of that time we spent together.

A posting and photos will follow the event.

We are also regaining the strength we will need to climb to Mt. Fuji’s summit over the weekend.

Keiko made arrangements her to visit with friends from her elementary school days.  She had a wonderful time renewing friendships and sharing memories and stories.

Me? I was off by myself in Tokyo for the day!? Perhaps it was a combined test she planned of my survival skills and ability to navigate the complexity of the Tokyo rail system. In any event, I didn’t get lost until trying to find her parent’s office in Akasuka.  After leaving the Akasuka station I made a wrong turn and needed to take a taxi.

During my great Tokyo adventure, I visited many old and new districts of the city.  Ueno Park where I spent time at the Tokyo National Museum and other sites and the Ginza for more shopping (and a visit to the Apple store to get e-mail).  I even found my way back to the “discount” area to purchase a pair of high-tech sunglasses for the Mt. Fuji trip.

Interestingly, I found myself walking much of the route I traversed during the 2010 Tokyo Marathon. It sparked many memories of the emotions and joy (yes, some pain) I experienced in completing the race.

Dinner was indeed a very special treat.  Sachiko invited us to a small Tokyo neighborhood place where she had taken cooking lessons from the owner-chef.  A unique menu just for us was prepared and served. I cannot recall many meals anywhere in the world that approached the combined taste, aroma, texture and presentation of the food.  Absolutely magnificent. The sake accompanying the meal is also worth noting.  It had a mellow, smooth taste and bouquet.  I had never had such an excellent sake ….. and I consumed a considerable quantity to be sure I was not mistaken.