Yesterday we traveled by train to Nagoya, 220 miles southwest of Tokyo, to spend the day with our friend Yumiko and her daughter Mariko. On the way we were treated to a view of Mt. Fuji, the tallest and most beautiful mountian in Japan. On most days the summit is obstructed by clouds, but for about five minutes on this day, we were able to enjoy the view; and then it was hidden again.

Yumiko treated us with a tour of the Toyota Kaikan. Outside of the Toyota headquarters there is a rock wall where all the countries, with manufacturing ties to Toyota, are represented by a rock from that country.

It was exciting to see the rock that represented the manufacturing plant located in Georgetown. This rock was taken from the Kentucky Horse Park.

Inside we witnessed an amazing demonstration of Toyota's "i-car" of the future; remarkable! We were ready to put in our order!

Yumiko had also arranged for us a personal tour "for two" of the plant in Tahara, the sister city to Georgetown. It was definitely the "red carpet" treatment that made for a very special day that we will always remember.

You can imagine our surprise to have our names written on the marquee; it is written in Japanese Katakana.

Lastly we went to the Tahara Matsuri Kaikan (kite festival museum). Georgetown recently had their kite festival and a contingency from Tahara was just there. The guide at the museum was excited when he learned that we were from Georgetown. There were so many Georgetown connections all day! It was such a special time; Thank you,Yumiko!