On Thursday, June 17th at 11:30 I had an interview with Mr. Kenji Okada, the Counsel General of Japan at Chicago. The Counsel General is located in the heart of downtown Chicago – I drove on my own there. I kept the speed limit (70 MPH) on the Interstate and with cautious driving I arrived in about an hour. Bought a cup of coffee at Starbucks, and took a breath in front of the Water Tower Place which is right in front of the Office. (kind of elegant…) Now to the Counsel.
I reported my activities of the past 2 months in his office as well as the status of the VISA. His words were “Let me know if there’s anything I can do. I know that GKJN is contributing to the US-Japan cultural relationship – I will do anything that our Counsel can do” This gave me strength and hope moving forward.
After the interview which made me a bit nervous, I became hungry. Mr. Okada noticed that and invited me to Gino’s East, a famous Chicago “Deep Dish” Pizza. My first Chicago Pizza I honestly though that it tastes good!! But HUGE!! I was stuffed with just one slice. My first Chicago Pizza with Counsel General Okada and Counsel Shibata was a memorable moment for me.
I am grateful for the time that the staff at the Counsel spent with me!!
