True Asian Palace

I first have to thank my friend, Paul, for helping me set up this blog. I don't know where he got the Suntory whiskey picture, but I like it and I will keep it for a while.

I arrived in Japan on Feb 6, 2008 for a 2 month short-term work assignment at the Japanese affiliate of my company. I think I have to maintain a certain level of privacy about my company and work colleagues - that is a big deal with my company.

The second day I was here, I went around with a local crew that helps to relocate foreign workers in this area. That was helpful because I am essentially illiterate here. Can't even write my own name in Japanese! I had to register as an "alien worker" and they helped me fill in the forms. Anyway, a couple days later, a coworker brought me this thing that looks like a large pen. She explained that this was my seal. So I am supposed to use this to sign official documents. I was so happy! She explained that the 3 figures on the seal are "True," "Asian," and "Palace." She said if someone looks it this they will think "Oh, his name is Mark." I don't know how that works, but I trust her. So, my blog is "True Asian Palace." I hope that is odd enough that it will not be hard to find with various search engines. I will show the symbols on the seal some day when I can start uploading pictures. Next weekend I hope to buy a flash drive adapter that will work with the memory card in my camera.