Japan

has been one of my best trips so far. The people here are awesome. When I happened to mention that, they say since the community is small there is no unnecessary ego-plays or negativities. There is no one-upmanship either. Found a wonderfully integrated positive group of people. The show will be one of my memorable ones.
Once in Japan we landed at Mrs Valli's home and she is one of the most brilliant hosts that I have ever seen. Warm and compassionate. The apartment right below us is where the organizer of this show Mr.HariNarayanan and his family lives. And his wife Radhika is one of the most brilliank cooks. The warmth and honesty in these two families, I have moved with them most in these three days is amazing. their children grow up like siblings, take turns in taking care of them. Wow.
The day after we landed in Japan, Gajalakshmi, who travelled with us and works at Japan took us to have a look at Mount Fuji. She gave me a total crash course of the people, culture and language of Japan. She was also the presenter of the show here. And we were told that the Fuji does not reveal itself all that very easily and prefers being under the veil of the clouds. And we had such a wonderful view of the volcano in all its magnificence. And I have never seen such clean snow. Japan by itself is impeccably clean, no dust, no smoke, no vehicluar emissions that are visible. I am told this is near zero pollution. If one country, especially after the devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki could literally rise from the ashes to be this, I do not see why India could not. Yes, I do know the reasons myself. And I wonder whether our people are really patriotic. If they were perhaps our country would have progressed far more, because in more cases that one, I think our country`s strength lies in the population. On the way back from Fuji there was a temporary halt at a lake for lunch and thereafter we proceeded to a dinner at one Mr & Mrs. Jeeva's place. he has been stationed in Japan for about 22 years +.
Day 2 we headed to a temple here Asakusa, rehearsal and dinner at Mr Mani's place. He is a Pravasiya Bharatiya Samman awardee and has been here for about 32+ years. I hear Mr Mani and Mr Jeeva somehow keep the community together and if the newcomers here feel lonely or homesick thats the place everyone has headed to.
Day 3 Day of the show. It started at 11 here with the local Indian and Japanese artistes displaying their talent and found that the children here were brilliant dancers. I also happened to sing along with Mr Srivatsan who should have taken singing seriously. He has a wonderful voice. Somehow I also feel that a whole lot of intelligent and talented population does not reside in India.
There was a one hour lunch break and resuming at 3 PM the show was wound up at about 6:45. Ever since I stepped foot in Japan, I had one agenda, of getting an acupuncture session. I kept asking around and then finally we found a place which was literally stone's throw from the civic hall where we performed. We walked up to the clinic and Mrs Chitra Govind played the interpreter.
I was amazed at the skill of the doctor and was amazed how I did not feel the needles getting inserted unless he told me. After a blissful 45 minutes I woke up new. And I have rarely come across such caring doctors. Turns out Mrs Chitra is related to me. If not for that couple, I guess I would never have gotten a session of acupuncture, at least not this time. They stayed along for an hour and a half and took us back home. Though the fact remains that one is dependant on those who know the language and the way around this has been a beautifully serene trip. All those I have moved with here, Hari and his family, Valli Murali and family, Gajalakshmi, the Govinds, the veterans of Japan and all those we met at the two dinner-dos and more importantly the audience came across as sincere people. No put-ons no cloaks. i wish I cold be more eloquent but I really do hope you, the reader, has the good fortune to come across such selfless beautiful people.
In a couple of hours I board the plane to Chennai.
They say Fuji calls you twice, if you have seen it. If that rings true - I hope it does, but for now, I wish I can store the positivity that envelops me right now, forever.