Work Your World: Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Alejandra Lee, Manager, Paid Social

This past April and May, I participated in Publicis’s Work Your World program in Japan—just in time for cherry blossom season!

I grew up in Mexico City and moved to the U.S. when I was a teenager. During this time, I developed a fascination for different cultures as I found myself adjusting to a new life at an early age. Traveling has always felt comfortable, even when traveling far away from home.

Japan has a special place in my heart. Growing up in Mexico City, I attended a Japanese-Mexican school, which introduced me to not only to the language, but to the culture as well.  I just couldn’t let the opportunity pass me by to reconnect with the culture I (sort of) grew up with!

The most surprising aspect about my time abroad in Japan was experiencing a completely different way of being. The Japanese society is so different to what I have experienced in both the U.S. and Mexico. The respect Japanese people have for each other and their environment was the most incredible thing.

I couldn’t write about my experience in Japan without discussing the food! As a Japanese food enthusiast, I couldn’t find one thing I did not like. The ramen was hands down my favorite meal, and I am not ashamed to say I ate it almost every day! 

This foodie exploration led me to find my newfound love for Soba noodles. This traditional Japanese dish of cold noodles dipped in different sauces was so refreshing and tasty. When I ate this dish at restaurants, they would pour the soba noodle broth over the remaining dipping sauce to enjoy after I finished the noodles as a “digestif”. What an amazing experience.

This is called Work Your World, right? So, let’s talk about the work! Given the ~14hr difference to my home office, I worked 6pm-2am Japan time while I was abroad. This allowed me to explore during the day, while also being able to connect for a couple hours with my team. Sometimes, I would trade some of mornings to focus my brainpower on my most demanding work, allowing me to explore a little more in the evenings before I got online to connect with my coworkers at night. Working from the hotels in Japan was surprisingly easy and the accommodations in Japan were very accessible and affordable.

I encourage every PHM employee to take advantage of the opportunity to Work Your World. Getting to experience a new reality and “way of being” translated to me having a different perspective on life. My paradigm on reality has definitely shifted, and I hope I get to retain a little bit of Japanese culture as I am back in the States. (P.S. I’m still looking for the best soba noodles in Texas!)

Connect with Alejandra on LinkedIn.

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