My Asian Treat

My Asian Treat

As an executive my work requires me to travel all over the world. And with the rigorous schedule I am usually out of the US for 300 days out of the year. So having a personal life is not very sustainable. But surprises come in many forms, and usually from where you least expect it.
My latest assignment took me to Japan where I was to meet with a new international client. I have always enjoyed the orient, but this trip was going to top the charts. In setting up my travel I arranged to stay with an old college buddy who lived just outside of Tokyo. With the close location to the business district, commuting would be as easy as a train ride and maybe a taxi from the station, and it would give me the chance to catch up with an old friend. So it was done.

Hirito met me at the airport on the day of my arrival. It was good to see him again. As we drove to his home we chatted about the events in our lives since we last saw each other 5 years earlier when we graduated from Stanford. It was going to be nice having a familiar face around, not to mention a guide, and a place to stay for free even though money was not a factor. As we pulled into his driveway after a 30 minute drive I was already envious. His house was beautiful. Sitting on what I guessed was about three quarters of an acre, his house and grounds looked like a picture postcard of what most Americans consider to be the traditional Japanese home. It had beautifully trimmed ornate trees, stone walkways, and a traditional dwelling with sweeping roof lines and carved accents. I was impressed. One day I hope to have something this nice.

After unloading from the car Hirito lead me to a smaller house located at the rear of the main house. “This is the guest house,” he said as he gestured toward the smaller building and bowing his head, “I hope it is acceptable.” My jaw dropped. It was equally as beautiful and ornate as the main house surrounded by an exquisite garden and a small pond with goldfish. “Hirito, my friend,” I said as I gave him a small pat on the shoulder, “You overwhelm me. This will be just fine,” and I returned his bow.

After removing our shoes at the front door we proceeded inside and Hirito gave me a quick tour. There was virtually no furniture at all. There were large pillows in a closet for sitting, and a rolled up mat for sleeping. There was, however, a desk and chair in the office which was equipped with a computer and printer, high speed internet, and a fax machine. And on the opposite wall was a big 50 inch plasma screen TV. Everything I needed. “We will have dinner at 5,” Hirito explained as we walked back toward the front door, “but for now I imagine you might want some rest.” He was right. If you have ever flown to the Far East than you know what the jet lag is like. And seeing as how it was my middle of the night, I was really suffering. With a bow, Hirito excused himself and headed off toward the main house.

The only down side to traveling is putting you stuff away when you get to your destination. After a 13 hour flight and customs, you simply don’t feel like messing with anything, you just want to lie down and slip into a coma for about 10 hours. But in the business world, if you want to succeed, you have to pay attention to details. So with a quick and steady pace I was done. My clothes were hung up, brief case on the desk, and a change into leisure clothes laid out on the sleeping mat. As I was finishing my task I heard a light shuffle near the door. I turned around and stood dumbfounded.