21 November 2010: Japan,

21 November 2010

Hello everyone from cold, foggy, rainy Shenyang!

I guess the salutation says a lot today!  As I said in last week's update, I was in Japan this past week.  Professionally, it was a good trip, but like most business trips somewhat exhausting!  When I go to Japan, I'm not in a big metropolis like Tokyo..although that is where I fly into, then take a 3 hour bus ride to a town called Ohta.  If you Googleearth to Ohta Japan, you'll see it's just south of Tokyo..looks close on the map, and from what I understand, it takes about 1 hour on the highspeed train.  The hotel I stayed at is very close to the bus station and train station and has a western style breakfast.  It's name is the Grand Hotel Ohta..name sounds great right?  Well, the name is about the only thing grand about the hotel.  The rooms are tiny...and the bathroom is even smaller.  Here's a picture!

The complete bathroom in the "Grand Hotel", Ota, Japan

 Notice the shower water suppy comes directly out of the sink faucet. The tub is about as big around as a small individual shower (which it also serves for).  The toilet, like every toilet I used in Japan has a heated seat and several other functions to spray, blow air etc...you know you are really getting the inside scoop when I tell you about toilets!!

The highlight of the trip was going to a nice Kobe Steakhouse.  I don't know the entire story about Kobe steaks, but suffice to say there is a unique way to raise these beef cattle such that they are fed corn and beer and get massaged in order to make sure their meet will be tender.  And it was very tender!  Expensive, but very good!

Sitting at the Kobe steakhouse in Ohta, Japan with the chef...really good steaks!

Eating at a Japanese restaurant in Ota, Japan

Rod and I have started going to the Catholic Church here in Shenyang.  We are not Catholics, but when it's the only Christian church in town, it's going to do!  It's a small congregation made up of Chinese and Expatriots like Rod and myself.  The Priests are very nice, one Chinese who has studied in Boston and speaks very good English, and an American who is from Pittsburgh.  We don't go every Sunday, but it's a nice respite when we do go.  The service is in English and the songs are a mixture.  There is a large cathedral, but it's not used for a church service...it's rented out and used for a "photo-op" location for weddings.  The actual congregation meets in a small chapel on the grounds.  Rod and I went last Sunday..we were over dressed, but got out picture taken here in the hotel lobby before we left.

Sarah & Rod Miller, November 2010

Sarah & Rod Miller in Shenyang, China, November, 2010. going to Catholic Church.

Today here in Shenyang, we had the official Cornerstone ceremony for the new plant.  It was quite a big deal with a lot of government officials.  One of the necessary things to do at a ceremony like this is to have a dragon and Lion dance ceremony.  I got the following explanation off of the internet about this ceremony:  "It has been believed that dragons are to bring good luck to many people and this is reflected in their characteristics which include great power -- dignity -- fertility -- wisdom and auspiciousness.  Lion dances are usually enacted to bring good luck and to ward off evil spirits--as with the beginning of the Lunar New Year and grand opening of businesses --- weddings and even red egg and ginger parties -- celebrating a newly born baby."

Dragons and Lions at the Cornerstone ceremony for the new Michelin plant

Sarah Miller and some of the China Leadership team

Sarah Miller moving sand at the cornerstone celebration

The ceremony also included the more traditional golden shovel and dirt around the cornerstone of the new plant.  I took my hand at the shovel too!

Sarah Miller with the cornerstone of the new Michelin plant in Shenyang, China

So that's about it for today.  Take care ya'll and keep those emails coming!!

Sarah & Rod