Happy and reborn!

It was Christmas and time to celebrate. I'm living in an Islamic country now, but I had a very special event that I can celebrate. As of 9:10AM (JST), I'm not a bachelor any more! I had some congratulations calls and e-mails and though it's really hard to feel that I'm not single any more as my belle is still in Tokyo and she will not make it to Tehran until April at the earliest, but it has become a day I will never forget!

Today was also exactly 5 years from the earthquake that shook Bam located in southeastern Iran. I went to cover an earthquake drill held in central Tehran from the morning. This country is very vulnerable to quakes and I hope that everybody will become more aware of the situation. I know the upgrading of life is more important in everyday life, but you will lose everything if you're not prepared for a major disaster!

The drill was held by the Tehran municipality with the support of JICA and it was nice to know that the Japanese philosophy of disaster management is being infused into the minds of Iranian people. I know diplomacy and financial assistance is important, but to me, such cooperation that could very well lead to saving thousands of lives is more valuable!


fire extinguishing drills!

I felt the existence of God today when it was so warm that the temperature rose to around 14 degrees. It even rained last night and there were rumors that snow could return to the city, but the weather was so nice that I really wanted to take a nap in the park where the drill was held!