Today, a friend of mine handed this gift to me, telling me that it was from the manager of their team. I was actually surprised at how random this gift was, but at the same time it made me really happy.
Before leaving for work later, I went to the manager's desk to thank him for the gift. He told me that the reason for this is that in Japan, March 3 is the day for the Hinamatsuri, also called Doll's Day or Girl's Day.
This was nothing grand or extravagant, but it was enough to make me happy and love Japan and my work even more.
Actually, just last month (January 31), while I was changing in the women's dressing room, one co-worker of mine noticed that my feet were small and she gave me her shoes saying she "only used it once" and it doesn't fit her so I can have it.
I really love how thoughtful the Japanese people are and I just can't help but admire them more and more as these little acts of kindness take place. Japan's captivating landscapes and architecture are not the only reason it's so damn beautiful, but its people contribute to it the most after all.
Last Sunday was my first time to write a Japanese business letter. I have emailed my Japanese employers before, but only in English. I finally decided that day that it was about time I up my game and show my employers the progress I have been making ever since the start of the training. To my dismay, I only found out how I have yet to learn many things regarding the Japanese culture and language. Good thing our Nihongo sensei Miss Glaiza helped me out.
The letter was about me asking for permission to take a leave for a day in October because my thesis has been accepted in a competition. YES, A COMPETITION in Busan, South Korea - YES, KOREA.
I was too hopeful and too excited to go to Korea to talk about the thesis I have worked so hard during the last year of my undergraduate life. But later that day, the HR emailed me saying that I may not.
Well, I guess it's okay. You can't always have everything you want in life... :) good thing my thesis adviser said he could go on behalf of me. At the end of the day, our paper would still be published in a journal. Hence, would be MY FIRST ACADEMIC PUBLICATION. It still something to be proud and thankful for. :)
Here's the letter:
