I will have traveled foreign countries 11 times when I visit Finland next January since I started to get involved in the company where I am working at now. When young, I had some experiences to trip around Asian countries such as China, Tibet, India, Nepal and Thailand. I also have an experience of working in France as an assistant manager of Food and Beverages at a hotel franchise as well. But traveling overseas on business was the first time for me when I went to Czech Rep. in March 2010 due to my translating job at an Agricultural machinery exhibition.
I had taught everyday English to people for over two decades then I met my current boss, Kazuo Oshima who came to my class with his wife and daughter.
Last year, I changed my job and moved to this company. Since then, I have traveled in UK, France, and Germany. Accompany and I extended our trip to Austria, Switzerland and Luxemburg last month. It was amazing for us Japanese that one can get across the border of 5 nations by car during that 3-day-trip!
Being away from home for 7 to 10 days every other month, I got used to flying long time but the degree of jet lad I suffer is getting severer. Actually I got a serious cold while I was staying in Germany last month and it was really tough for me to travel around those European countries. It took me 2 weeks to get over the cold and fatigue from the jet-lag I was suffering.
I think everyone who travels abroad should have extraordinary experiences in the unknown countries and this is why I love travelling. It’s obviously better than sitting at a desk in front of the computer screen. Stunning sceneries, tasty local food and drinks, fresh air and feeling those distinct cultures are the best part of travelling even though the trip is on a business and the schedules are tight.
I’m a little excited with visiting Finland and Denmark for the first time and the trip will be from 23rd January to 10th of February. It will be the longest business trip for me.
What will I miss the most when I am away from Japan?
Yes. They are miso-soup, rice, sake and my 9 year-old daughter.
ok4bx
December 26, 2011
Ahoj Leo, it is great you can join work and joy of traveling. Wish you nice stay in northern eu and good recovery when you return back home !
Leo JJ8KGZ
December 27, 2011
Ahoj Tomas!
Thank you.
I may call you again from somewhere in Europe!
Good DXing!
John K3TN
December 26, 2011
Hi, Leo – I have a friend Jukka OH6LI in Finland, outside of Helsinki. He stayed with me a few years ago when he was visiting the US. Would you like me to introduce you to Jukka over email?
73, John K3TN
Leo JJ8KGZ
December 27, 2011
Hi John. It is good to hear from you!
It’s very nice if I can meet Jukka while I am in Finland but I am not sure that he and I will be able to spare time to have a chance of the eye-ball session. I have to visit the area located far north of Helsinki and I will be with my client this time. After Finland I am flying to Denmark and Holland. And then I will drive up to Germany. Staying 4 days in Germany, I will fly to Helsinki again to catch a flight to Japan. so if I could have a chance to see him, the last two days of my trip would be the best. Does he live near Helsinki? If so, I would like to ask him whether we can meet each other. Looking forward to having his e-mail address.
I appreciate your offer.
73 de JJ8KGZ
Odd-Egil Heradstveit
December 28, 2011
Leo,
Looks like you miss Norway on your next trip to Scandinavia.
If you ever come to the south west coast of Norway, please get in touch.
I live at a place called Kverneland. Since you work in the agriculture business maybe that name is familiar to you?
It looks like Kubota is buying http://www.kvernelandgroup.com/welcome
The factories is just down the road from my QTH.
I’m a CW only guy as well
73 de LA8AW – Odd-Egil
Leo JJ8KGZ
December 28, 2011
Dear Odd-Egil
Thanks for your comment.
It’s good to know you resids in Kverneland.
Of course I know that company’s name and also know that it is bought by Kubota.
That is a very big news for us.
I think I will have a chance to visit Norway and meet you there in the near future.
Enjoy your DXing and CW.
73 de JJ8KGZ Leo