hello Japan

there was a long day of traveling and staying up late and not sleeping much and drinking a lot of water - in the hope of minimizing jet-lag.  this actually worked reasonably well.  the only side-effect being i'm waking up around 5 am instead of 7 when my alarm is set for.  i can't say i'm unhappy with that situation!

Sunrise over Lake Ponchartrain

i've been in orientation with our fellowship program so far.  its only my third day here, and already it feels like weeks instead of days - each day is so full. wonderful people and so encouraging to meet so many scientists and scholars.  we had the absolutely incredible honor to be welcomed to Japan by their majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan.  i am still speechless and breathless when i think of it.  we weren't informed until the day of the event, and even then, we weren't allowed to change clothes or prepare really (probably for security reasons).  we were thus incredibly casual in dress - but we were assured this was ok.  the royal couple arrived to a reception before dinner, and spent about 40 minutes talking with the students and honoring us with their presence.  it was really the chance of a lifetime, and i am humbled beyond words by this extraordinary visit.  

more, soon.