once in awhile, i’m offered the opportunity to go on an international trip for work. the last one was to Beijing, China and previously it was Tokyo, Japan.

even though these were work related travels, they were both a blast! my colleagues in our regional offices took some time to show me around. i didn’t have a lot of time for sightseeing, so it was wonderful having someone show me some key points in each area.

Beijing has wonderful sights like the Summer Place, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and Tiananmen Square. so much good food i can’t even begin to tell you. the best meal i had was with my friend and her husband in a little restaurant close to where he grew up. no idea the name of it, or where it was, but it was super tasty!

Tokyo offered up more group entertainment as there were a couple of us on that trip, and we traveled together. Motown for many a drink, Bic Camera & Akihabara for electronics shopping, street performances in the evening, and starting each day with Western breakfast + an extra bowl of corn flakes. people watching at the Ginz and Shinjuku, a tea ceremony in a stunning garden and watching a wedding ceremony from afar.

i’m really thankful i had the chance to see both places, and was able to spend some wonderful times with my friends from work!