A GREAT HONOR!

Dora and I were deeply honored to be invited to the home of Junko & Iwatsu Yosuke for a 'Yaki' evening. We have been friends for almost 20 years through the Sister Club arrangements between the Rotary Club of Mido-suji in Osaka, and the Rotary Club of Hong Kong Northeast where I was a Charter Member.

It was an eye opener for us. We have never been to a vintage Japanese home, complete with a small zen garden that only shows up in Samurai movies. It is a grand family home in a quiet suburb of the city, one that oozes tradition and history. The formal portrait of the Emperor & Empress of Japan reminds one of a Thai family, where the monarchy is held in high regards. The home may have served 3 generations but it is immaculately kept, as expected. I particularly like the space called 'tokonoma' which in Chinese character means 'bed space'. I believe this is where beddings are kept during the day, to be lay-out on the 'tatami' at night for sleeping, a pragmatic Japanese approach to maximize use of limited space in any household, big or small. The house has 2 storeys, their married children used to occupy the rooms upstairs. Like us Junko & Iwatsu are empty nesters who now cherish their life with each other, and who long to see their faraway grand kids in Hokkaido. Perhaps it is my own sentiments at work again but there is an unspoken sense of melancholy here, one only parents with grown up children who are not nearby can identify. That said, even if your children are 'nearby', proximity does not mean in any way they are 'close to you', which is a different definition altogether. To all you loving parents, I am sure this will ring a bell. Such is life, what can I say?

Arigato .... our very dear friends, for such a privilege. We are forever grateful, and look forward to reciprocate at our humble B&B in Hong Kong, come visit soon!