Highlight of the week

This week, I was invited to a dinner party at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence. A very high-ranking official from the self-dense was visiting the country (they sent some personnel to monitor the post conflict peace agreement.) The Ambassador invited several UN staff along with some others.

I was very nervous. I always feel a bit self conscious around Japanese people abroad anyways (because I feel like I may not be behaving right sometimes..), but this was a real official thing. Seats were pre-arranged, and the ambassador asked each invitee to talk about the work, our views on the government etc (within 3-4 minutes to be precise). As you know, my Japanese has gotten a little rusty these days, so imagine being especially in such a formal setting. I was so afraid that I would make stupid mistakes. I couldn't taste the food until my turn was over!!

The gathering was very nice and interesting. I was very nervous, but I found it helpful to talk about my work. It almost feels like the more you talk about it, the more you understand your job (in a process of formulating what to say etc..). Besides, it is interesting that after only a few months of joining, I already feel that I am representing the agency in an informal way, when I talk about the work we do to others. 

To be frank, I did not realize how senior this guest of honor was until I went home and checked their website. (Yes, I should have researched before...) If I am in Japan, I will never have a chance to meet with such a high level person (off course not to mention dining with an ambassador!). I really appreciated the occasion. It made me think also that I am working for the (UN) agency really as Japanese this time, and this comes with a set of certain responsibilities and expectations, and I need to be mindful of that. The food was delicious and I also had some sake!! Gochosou sama deshita.