Saying goodbye now, looking at friends

So here comes part II of the JRP story. As in Osaka, I also helped out at the Tokyo Summit. I didn't take pictures at the actual summit, or the day after where I went for a walk with some panelist and old panelist. But the last day before the panelist go home we usually have a party at Ikezaki sensei's house. It's a special mood there, as the panelists are beginning to realize that they have to say goodbye, after being together every single moment for 5 weeks. You don't think much about it before, as you're stressed out about writing and memorizing speeches for the summits. Once the last summit is over, and there's nothing left on the program, you have 1 or 2 days left together.

 Koike-san, a JRP staff member. They work extremely hard to keep the programme going.

 Timothy.

 Keisuke, an "old panelist," or OP as we're called.

 NHK cameraman Naiki-san. He was there last year too, and filmed me and fellow panelist Manar cooking for our host family.

 OP Juhyun from Korea.

 2011 panelist Ahmad, Hyunwoo and Sato.

 OP Helios, panelist Hana and OP Olim.

 Olim and I looking fierce!

 Ahmad, or Hama-chan, frowning.

Staff, OP and panelist talking.

The following day they went home. I'm kinda sad I couldn't go. I picked them up at the airport when they arrived, so it would've been nice to finish the circle. On the other hand, I'm not good at goodbyes. So I kind of preferred waving goodbye to the taxis that took them back to the Olympic Center where they where staying. All at once.

A week or so after the summit I met up with fellow 2010 panelist Michael, who was visiting with his family from Hong Kong. We went to the JRP office and talked to the staff, and then I was invited to dinner with him and his parents. We actually talked in English, which felt kind of strange. The JRP panelist take a strict vow only to communicate in Japanese. It was a really cozy evening and I enjoyed myself a lot. It was great to get to spend a little time with Michael, since it has been a year. I didn't have that privilege with Marta and Elmira in Osaka, as I was leaving the next day. They have probably left Japan now. Michael has. I hope I'll be able to see them again soon. For all the blood, sweat and tears, it was a good thing I joined the JRP.