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On November 24, I teamed up with Shamayim Rose Gallery, located in the upscale area of Ashiya and the decorator of the Rose Christmas Tree in the lobby of the Ritz-Carlton Osaka, for a very intimate Thanksgiving & Christmas Party at the 36th floor presidential suite of the hotel. The night's festivities kicked off with the Director of the Western Japan office for Wall Street Associates and Kansai Representative for HOPE International Development Agency Japan, Paul Dupuis, speaking about the origin and meaning of Thanksgiving in addition to a brief explanation about HOPE and its charitable work.

While guests enjoyed the sumptuous feast prepared by the chefs at the Ritz-Carlton Osaka, a solo violinist and piano/vocal duo put on a performance like none other. To conclude the event, a prize raffle drawing was held to cap off a memorable evening.

On October 11, I held my 2009 Birthday & Halloween Party at the Ramada Osaka.  In total, more than 130 people came out for a night to remember with delicious food and free flowing drinks.  With many people dressed up in costumes and add to it my first attempt at being a geisha (please see the photo album for more clarity), the night was lively to say the least.  Now comes the hard part as to what to dress up as for next year?  Well, at least I have an entire year to contemplate...

Next up is my 2009 Xmas party in the beginning of December.  As always, there will be a Santa sighting on the night in Kobe.

From September 18 to September 24, I made my first visit to Singapore and Indonesia.  My reason for going to Singapore was to attend my friend from Ohio University, Angel Chan's wedding.  Since many of our other common friends were attending, the event marked a kind of reunion of sorts.  With everyone on vacation, the time spent in Singapore and Indonesia was very enjoyable.  As a must for everyone visiting Singapore, I visited the Night Safari and took a picture with the Merlion in the city center. 

After experiencing Singapore for a few days, we all got on a ferry and left for Bintan Island, Indonesia, which is located only 30 minutes away from Singapore.  Our place for relaxation was a private villa in the Bintan Lagoon Resort.  As we had the entire villa to ourselves, it was definitely an exciting time spent with everyone swimming, cooking on the grill, and catching up on what has been going on in each other's lives over the past few years.

As there was talk about getting together again, it may happen as soon as next year with the location possibly being Taiwan, a place I enjoyed when I was there in 2004.  With it being closer to Japan than Singapore, I will be sure to attend that reunion as well if it comes to form. 

On September 11, I went to the Moet & Chandon Party at Ashiya Garden Hills with four of my friends.  As I had not been to Ashiya, regarded as one of the most wealthiest places to live in Japan, in quite a long time, I was looking forward to the event.  I must say that Ashiya Garden Hills is a nicely laid out venue that has a very modern decor.  The slight issue that I have with the venue is that it takes a few minutes via taxi to get there from the nearest train station, but then again not all places can be located right next to the station.  As the venue is not only available for weddings but has a restaurant as well, I would be interested in visiting the place again to sample some of the food.

To say goodbye to Summer, I held the last yukata party of the year at one of the largest clubs in Osaka, Platinum.  After all was said and done, around 250 people came out on Sunday, September 6 for an enjoyable evening filled with an underwear fashion show produced by the brand Nigel Fever along with a special musical performance from the North American duo, Brent & Mike.  Also, a blackjack table was provided by Casino Dealers School to give the attendees a little taste of Las Vegas.

It is sad to see Summer go but I've got some things in store for Fall, so I, for one, am looking forward to the cooler temperatures and the changing colors of the tree leaves.