Feeling like a true Hot Dog Queen I gave my best regal waves to the bemused and amused gathering. I was sitting in the carriage box on a Danish Christiana bicycle pedaled around by the Danish Ambassador Franz Michael. Fukushima is about 250 km. north of Tokyo and by comparison a small town, just one tenth of the size at 300 thousand inhabitants. It was late afternoon in Fukushima the 25th of May and though the event area was slowing down, with true style, dressed in red and white livery, Søren Hot Dog Agent continued heroically handing out hot dogs. Meanwhile, the Mayor of Fukushima and the Vice Governor took to the stage to talk about the importance of bicycle culture and the forthcoming UN Climate meeting.
Once the applause had died down, Hottie was on hand to show these dignitaries a bite of Denmark and some danish coziness alongside the Ambassador, while the flashes popped and the motors whirred on the press photographers cameras. No doubt this was the first time they’d tasted a Danish hot dog. The Mayor kindly wrote his hopes for the future in the book of dreams before they very politely, bowed and exited the event in elegant Japanese Style.
Hottie in the countryside
The following day Hottie and the team went to the countryside and were surrounded, 360 degrees, by green green mountains peppered with glittering snow at the very top. The beautiful scenery a perfect backdrop for Hottie to serve hot dogs to famished cyclists, including the superfit Ambassador!
A more genteel event but all in all a very cozy day with about 150 hot dogs served. Again the Japanese took it with a big smile and a bow, while they donated money for the orphanage. Hottie was loaded onto the truck. Hanging in the crane with air under the tires and with a secure hand it was fastened safely. The cameraman ,Michael Colville, always on hand to film the Japanese Style, again with everything under control.
Donations
For the first time we counted the donated money with a little help from the embassies friendly soul Kenneth Tollund, who speaks Japanese. A necessity in a country where most people don’t speak English and most signs are written in Japanese.
All in all we have now collected Yen 162.570 and Euros 15. That converts to about DKR 9.345. Our hope is DKR 13.000 and judging by the generosity of the Japanese people to date, we should reach that amount in Kyoto.
Tomorrow, Friday the 29th of May the Hot Dog Team will join the stage in Hiroshima and Saturday in Imabari. Meanwhile Hottie is on its way to Kyoto to meet us there for the Grand Final. I wonder if I can beat the Ambassador (give him ‘backwheel’ as we say in Denmark) or if all I will give him is Hot Dogs.
At times, I feel overwhelmed that Hottie is in Japan and furthermore getting loads of amazing positive response, its really fantastic and slightly unreal. Thanks again to all the sponsors – Especially Påskebrød, Tulip and DSV, who have delivered so generously and on time.
Over and out fra Hiroshima, Japan.
Bai bai Fanny PølseWoman
Hottie in Japan is supported by the following:
