Dinner with the Ambassador of Poland

I was honored to have the opportunity to have dinner with Ambassador Jadwiga Maria Rodowicz-Czechowska and her husband, film director, Waldemar Csechowski at the New Otani Friday. It was such a pleasant evening and very emotional for me as memories of Pope John Paul II kept coming to my mind. Unfortunately I forgot to take photos so I have none to share with you. 

More gifts?!?

My favorite. Thanks, Hirose-san!

Another favorite: Swarovski crystals. 

The box said, "Lucky You." and I certainly feel so.

Made in Hungaria

Director Gergely Fonyo of Made in Hungaria came to JIU on Friday. Our faculty and students had the honor of watching the film with him in the Mizuta Memorial Hall and afterwards ask him questions. This was another great opportunity for us all to learn more about Hungary. 

Pleasant Surprise Friday Morning

The students from the Faculty of Nursing surprised me Friday morning when they came to my office with flowers and a card. It was a great way to start a busy day. I appreciate their thoughtfulness. 

Prince Takamado Memorial Sports Park

The opening ceremony of the Prince Takamado Memorial Sports Park at JIU was held on Tuesday.  Princess Hisako Takamado gave us the honor of her presence at the ceremony and at the reception. 

Seminar Presentations Started

 Seniors started giving their "business" presentations on Wednesday. Hanako, Hitomi and Go were the first presenters. 

Back to Chiba

There was no time to deal with jet lag or anything like that. I had to go back to teaching on Monday. Many people remembered my birthday so it was in a way strange and good to receive birthday greetings a week late. Thank you, all, for the gifts and hugs!

Last Supper

We had our last meal in Riverside Friday night. It was such a pleasant evening so we decided to eat outside. 

We left LAX Saturday afternoon.

Certificate Ceremony

All 119 students received a certificate on the last day of their studies at UC Riverside. 

Students expressing their gratitude with gifts and flowers.

Chancellor White

Dean Iida and I were able to see Chancellor White in his office on Friday. 

Riverside Community College

I was able to meet my friend Ed Potter in the morning and he was so kind to bring a candle and sing happy birthday to me. Unfortunately we didn't have much time as I was supposed to go to the Riverside Community College with the students. 

JIU and RCC Nursing students.

Saying good-bye at RCC.

With Ed in front of a beautiful Jacarandá tree.

One of my favorites: shredded beef tostadas. 

A Very Special Birthday in California

Great lemon bars with Sheila.

Invitation to dinner at the Highland Resort.

My rich birthday cake.

A fun gift from John and Sharon--a very long straw.

Santa Monica

We made a brief stop in Santa Monica where we had dinner and then arrived back in Riverside a bit before 9 PM. 

UCLA Medical Center

Today Group A went to the UCLA Medical Center and Group B to Riverside Community College. We are not allowed to take any photos inside the hospital so I don't have much to share with you.

With Salpy Akaragian who gave a talk about the Center.

Group A in front of the UCLA Medical Center.

Manhatan

We went to the beach for dinner after the visit to the hospital.

St. Francis Medical Center

The Faculty of Nursing visited St. Francis Medical Center on Monday. They received a very warm welcome by President Kozai and were able to learn from nurses during the hospital visit. 

Dean Iida with the President of the Medical Center. 

There was also a short talk about the US Health Care system.

Sunday afternoon in LA

After leaving Little Tokyo, we went to the Kodak Theater in Hollywood and after that to the Griffith Observatory Park. Both places were more crowded than I expected. Even more crowded was the Brazilian place at the Grove where we had dinner. 

Visit to the Japanese American National Museum

On Sunday we went to Los Angeles. We started with an educational visit to the Japanese American National Museum where kind docents gave talks and took the students around explaining the important facts about the Japanese immigrants in the United States. 

A student saying thank you to the docents who spent the morning with the group.

Dinner at the Mission Inn

Good friends from UC Riverside. 

Good Ceviche.

What a pleasant way to start our week in Riverside: good Mexican food with good company.