Tokyo, Japan

From 2012 to 2013, I had the honor of being a guest at the Cyber Interfaces Lab directed by Pr. Hirose. At some point that year, our whole lab was invited to Pr. Hirose’s house for an absolutely wonderful meal, a look at his impressive train collection, and (due to my curiosity when stumbling upon a tea room) a chance to practice a tea ceremony with Pr. Hirose’s wife who is a teacher in the matter!
I retain fond memories of the event, of cultural differences that are as fun as they might sometimes be challenging, and of my ability to sit in seiza better than most grad students! (But nowhere near the talent of Dr. Sato, who kindly invited me to help with some interesting work that year)