PATRICK GOOSSENS DROPS IN FOR A QUICK VISIT

We have not seen Patrick in Tokyo for at least a couple of years so when he sent a note to let us know he was coming we knew we had a great excuse to get the team together for an evening of beer drinking and nostalgia. Patrick was quick to remind us that it was just over 28 years ago that we all arrived in Japan as young men full of hope.

Well it seems our youth is gone and after a few beers we were looking pretty hopeless, but at least a happy bunch (..I hope!) And here's the photo to prove it.

In case anyone's memory is failing - here are the names of the 'old' boys
from L to R ...Eberhard, Patrick, Jos, David, Jean, Anthony & Dermot

Some lovely ladies joined us (they must have heard that Patrick was in town) and while they were most charming it seems they weren't buying any of the 'blarney' we were trying to spin such as we were all famous, rich foreign businessmen! (gee!! ...it seemed to have worked 28 years ago?).

Anyhow the expression on the faces of Noriko and Tomomi (below) clearly shows they saw through our stories but 'God bless' that wonderful Japanese female charm, ne!

So when is Patrick coming back, don't know ...he didn't say!
Hopefully, it will be soon as we really do enjoy the chance to see our overseas members of ETP IV whenever they have the chance to come over to Japan.

Patrick remarked that he was very happy not to see any 'nuclear glow' on this trip, but he did sense that there was a kind of 'energy spike' among the Tokyo ETP IV survivors. Not sure what he meant as Patrick often says cryptic things! - but speaking of energy - take a look at the following photo.

Yes, that's Jos and Anthony looking very pleased with themselves as they chat up the lovely Ayumi (..and she didn't believe a word they said either!). I overheard Jos promising her some flowers, but that's another story.

Despite the earnest attempts of these three to use their best 'ojisan' charm, it seems that this lady was having none of it and was only willing to give them a combined total of just two points (but, you've got to love them for trying!).

Oh and by the way, Jos has been in Japan on a bit of an extended trip. Hopefully before he leaves we'll get another night out with him and the chance to capture some more incriminating photos for this scandalous blog!!!!

A STARBUCK'S LUNCH IN OMOTESANDO

Earlier this week I got a call from Anthony Tully asking me to join him and Patrick Carroll for lunch in Omotsando. Luckily my schedule was free (these days it nearly always is..!  :-(

Nothing beats a relaxing outdoor lunch sipping a latte and observing the passing 'talent'.
There we were - Anthony, Patrick & myself (Dermot) chatting for hours and yet - none of us remembers any of the conversation.
Ah, the distractions of the mind!!

Patrick was on one of his brief stop overs in Japan (he lives in Beijing) and was visiting the Tokyo embassy of some African country to obtain visa for a temporary assignment in that country. I don't remember the details because like I say, there were distractions!

ERIC JORIS ARRIVES IN TOWN



After a very long absence, Eric arrived back in Japan and there to greet him were some of the usual suspects - Anthony, David, Dermot, Eberhard & Jean Barthelemy.

You may recall that Eric used to be associated with a family business building pleasure boats, but these days Eric is moving in a very unique and creative direction.


According to Eric's website he "operates on the border between art and science, between performance art and new technology".  Eric did try to explain to us what exactly it is that he does and it all sounded very 'futuristic', (but I don't think we actually got it!) as apparently it uses multiple cameras and needs special head-up displays to appreciate this new immersive media. 

Unfortunately none of this equipment was available - so for now Eric's special brand of performing art will continue to remain a bit of a mystery - at least that is until it becomes available as a downloadable app for your iPhone.

While we were enthralled to listen to Eric's enthusiastic explanations, we were fortunate that we were in a location that could sustain us all with copious amounts of chilled beers (and other adult beverages!) to fortify us against the very humid (..and possibly heavily contaminated! ) air of a Tokyo hot summer's night. Once again the 'Failte Pub' in Shibuya was our chosen location and it has now become the established meet-up place for ETP IV survivor get-togethers.

The attached photos are witness to the great fun and the exchange of amusing (and sometimes unbelievable!) 'Berlitz' war stories from our collective distant pasts and paths.
( mmmmnne!...did we really live through all that?  ;-)