Good Morning Vietnam!

We docked in Ho Chi Min City (or Saigon as it is still called here) at around 9 AM on Friday, Feb. 26. It was a five-hour sail up the Saigon river to the port. The first thing everyone noticed was the drastic change in temperature...it's been 100 degrees the past couple of days!

My first stop was the Chi Cu Tunnels, which were tunnels used by the North Vietnamese during the war. They hid here to avoid US forces and stay safe during aid raids. The tunnel network expands hundreds of miles over the countryside. It was really strange to be walking around the location and just thinking that the Vietnam War actually took place right here. Bombs were dropped, soldiers died, and so many other terrible thing happened right here. I actually got the chance to crawl through the tunnels. I don't know how the soldiers did it. It's crazy. The tunnels were just about 2 ft by 2 ft. We literally were crawling on our hands and knees through the system. I only went about 30 meters before I had to get out because it was just too small. I can't imagine how the North Vietnamese lived inside. They had everything in these tunnels- kitchens, living areas- and babies were even born inside. The tunnels also have a shooting range that really adds to the overall experience. You're walking around getting the tour and there are gunshots going off. Pretty realistic. We did the shooting range and I shot an AK-47.

That night we went out for some Vietnamese food. I have to say that so far Vietnamese food has been my least favorite. The meals we've had so far have been hit or miss. The meals that "missed" have some weird flavor in them that is very minty. I don't know what it is. The food also is sooo cheap compared to home. A meal for eight people was just around $30.
We also went to the night market. It was crazy. I thought China's markets were good, but I couldn't believe how much stuff they had for sale. The sellers LOVE US dollars (actually everyone in town does) but you show them dollars and they're willing to sell you almost anything. I got a nice polo shirt for $5. Sorry Mom, even Khol's doesn't have that kind of discount. I also got many, many more DVDs for $.50 each. They have everything!

The next day we had plans to go to the beach, but the ferry was sold out and the wait was too long so we decided to explore more of Saigon. We ended up buying even more DVDs and getting massages. I actually got a massage from a blind man. There's this place here that has blind masseuses. The massage was excellent, and I really have to give this guy (and everyone there) credit. Very impressive. The massage also cost $2 for an hour. We regrouped back at the ship and then got another, pretty good dinner and then got massages again. I mean when else will I ever get a massage for $5 an hour? It's crazy. Back home a good massage is like $85 an hour.

Crossing the street here also takes some getting used to. The drivers just don't stop. During our pre-port, we were told to just walk across the street and the cars will move with you. There actually are very few cars. It's mostly motorcycles. The first time crossing was crazy. It's scary! I'm a pro at it now and you really just have to be confident and not stop because they do move with you. So keep that in mind if you ever head to Saigon. The motorcyclists are also friendly and for $4 they will pretty much take you anywhere. So in Saigon I accomplished two "firsts": shooting a gun and riding a motorcycle.

On Sunday, we went to the Vietnam War Remnant Museum. This was probably the most depressing aspect of my trip so far. The museum is all from the Vietnamese side, obviously, and really paints a different portrait of the war. We also had a really emotional Global Studies class on the Vietnam War (the day before we berthed in Saigon) and that combined with the museum was a lot to take in. During class, two vets spoke about the war and their feelings on it. We also heard from two people who were heavily involved in the anti-War movement in the US. The veterans were both in tears (and so was pretty much everyone). Their stories were absolutely heart wrenching, I can't think what it must be like for them to be here in Vietnam now after having been through the War. It was also heart wrenching to be in the museum and see the Vietnamese kids' pictures who were affected by Agent Orange. So definitely a different side and perspective. As I was watching the ship sail into Saigon, I was just thinking what it would have been like if I'd come here just about forty years ago at age 19. I would have had a totally different experience (to say the least) in Vietnam then I'm having now.

So we still have two more days in Vietnam. I'm going to the MeKong Delta and I'm going to visit an Elementary School, which both should be really fun. I'm also definitely down for another massage and some more DVDs!

Hong Kong!

We got back to the ship at around 1:30 PM on Sunday, February 21 and getting back and seeing “home” was such a good feeling.  It was really nice to be back in my little cabin and just back on the ship.  We didn’t spend too much time on the ship though.  The ship was berthed at mall, which also was the pier…it was a very different harbor then any of the previous ones.   The mall was very, very Americanized.  We went to lunch at California Pizza Kitchen.  It was nice to have American food again, especially pizza.  (I’m very excited to have a cheese steak again on May 6.) 

That night we saw the Hong Kong light show right out on the pier.  It was awesome; all the skyscrapers light up…it’s really neat.  It made me feel like I was in Disney World for some reason.  It probably was the change in temperature; Shanghai was about 35 degrees and Hong Kong was 75.  Afterwards, we took a ferry (very Disney World-ish also) to the main island and walked around downtown Hong Kong.   We didn’t really have any aim or purpose so we decided to head to Victoria Peak, a mountain which overlooks the city. 

We took a tram up to the top of the mountain and found a great spot off the walkway to just sit and take in the view.  You could see all of Hong Kong Island from the top and just like the view from the financial center everything looked miniature.   After that we headed back to the ship and got so much needed rest. 

The next day we just went over to Hong Kong and took a double-decker tramcar across the entire city.  It was really cool because it was the first time I took a double-decker anything.  The city was neat, just different from Shanghai.  I can’t really explain it.   You could definitely see the British influence on the island.  They drive on the opposite of the roads and there are British flags everywhere.   We also went to a really neat computer store.  It was actually about fifty computer stores crammed into three stories.  It was total insanity and awesomeness.  We got a great lunch at a little, local restaurant and then headed back to the ship early because everyone wanted to got use the mall’s free Wifi.  I uploaded lots of pictures…check them out!!  The link’s below!

For dinner that evening, we went to a floating restaurant called Jumbos.  It was really neat- you had to take a ferry to get out to it after a pretty long bus ride from the city.  The island it was located off of was called Aberdeen.  It was a little pricey (by HK standards…what you’d pay for a meal at Olive Garden), but the atmosphere was definitely worth the extra money.  
My final day I spent in Hong Kong I went to Lantau Island.  It was about a thirty-minute drive from Hong Kong city and is the least populated island that is under Hong Kong control.   The drive was beautiful.  We went through a very mountainous region and the view was so picturesque.  We stopped at a beach and I put my feet in the South China Sea!  There also was a funny sign at the beach that read: “The sharp trap nets are temporarily out of order.  Sorry for the inconvenience.”   I guess sharks are a problem.  After the beach was a stop at the Tai O fishing village.  The village was really cool.  The way of life in this village is completely different from life back home or any kind of life I’ve ever seen.  It made me really excited to see what life’s going to be like in places like Vietnam and India.   We took a ferryboat ride through the village and saw pink dolphins! 

After the fishing village, we went to the Buddhist Monastery on the island and also at the top of a mountain.  The monastery, Po Lin, is the center of Buddhism in Hong Kong.  The world’s largest outdoor Buddha (85 feet tall) is on top of the monastery.  It was an awesome sight.   We walked around the monastery, and even got a chance to see some monks.  After the monastery, we took a five mile cable car right down from the monastery.  It was really neat to go over the mountains and see the view of the island, the bays, and even the HK airport.  Definitely a great trip!

So now I’m off to Vietnam, the first non-developed country on the trip.  I’m excited to see the history that’s there, and really just see what life’s like in a country that’s not as well off as China, Japan or the U.S.  Definitely going to be a little shocking.  I mean just to hear the words “cars are rare in the streets of Ho Chi Minh” is strange.  We get into Vietnam on Friday, February 26.   It’s going to be over 100 degrees…don’t know if I’m excited yet for that.  India’s going to be worse.

I also realized as I was crossing off days on my calendar that my trip is already 1/3 over!  Where did the time go???       

China Is Incredible

I have a lot of catching up to do…the time in Shanghai/ Hong Kong just flew by and now I’m off to Vietnam.  Crazy.
The ship departed for Hong Kong on 2/19/10 and my friend Ben and I had decided to not sail with it (you always have that option in countries where the ship berths at multiple ports) and spend a few extra days in Shanghai. I’m glad we did because the city it awesome and there’s so much to do. 

We stumbled upon the “E-Best Shanghai Hotel” during our hotel search (we tried the Marriot but it was $250 a night) and it was only about $7 a night.  This was an unbelievable price for a pretty decent hotel (it definitely wasn’t the Ritz) but it was about as nice as a Holiday Inn.   Our accommodation expenses for the three extra nights in Shanghai were only $21, not bad.
As I said above, there’s so much to do in Shanghai.  Our first night there we went out with two of the SAS Chinese exchange students.  One, Maz, was from Shanghai and it was awesome having him with us.  He took us to a mall near his home and we had a nice dinner with about six other SASers.  The district we were in was really nice, and it had a totally different feel from the places I’d been in Shanghai so far.  

One thing I thought was really interesting was the questions Max was asking me about life in the U.S.  He was under the impression that the police would just come to your house for really trivial things, such as stealing music from the Internet.  It was really interesting to talk to him about life in the U.S. 

After dinner we went to a very, very inexpensive karaoke bar (compared to Japan) and then headed back to the hotel.  Our primary method of transportation around Hong Kong was taxis.  A thirty-minute cab ride cost about $12.  It was really good because the subway system in Shanghai was awful.   We always end up taking a taxi to the station or having to take a taxi to our destination from the station.  I was surprised for such a developed city that the subway system was so inefficient. 

Our next day away from the ship was probably my favorite.  We went to the Shanghai World Financial Center, the third tallest building in the world, but it has the highest observation deck.  We were 492 meters up.  The view from the top was insane.  The other skyscrapers were literally dwarfed and looked miniature from the observation deck.   Something that was interesting to note was that the majority of the skyscrapers and buildings we were in are only about ten years old.  From what different locals and tour guides said, the city is constantly under construction.  I’d definitely agree with that statement.  The city is gearing up for the 2010 World Expo, which begins in May, and construction is everywhere.  Another skyscraper is also being built, one that will be taller then the SWFC.  There were constructios crews everywhere and everything is scheduled to be done by May, when the Expo begins, and China is once again on the world stage.  One of my tour guides earlier in the week said that in Shanghai construction always ends when they say it will end.  A little different from construction jobs back home. 

That night we went to dinner in a district near the Shanghai Times Square and the district, for some reason, reminded me of Stone Harbor, but really, really cold.   The shops, restaurants and overall atmosphere just made me think of Stone Harbor.  It was weird.  The dinner was great.  The restaurant seemed like a nice middle-class restaurant you’d fine in the U.S., like Ruby Tuesday, but for the price of a value meal at McDonalds. Afterwards we walked around a little and just took more of the city in. 
On our third and final day away from the ship we headed to the Shanghai Zoo.  There were so many animals!  We saw tigers, lions, all kinds of monkeys, polar bears, black bears, sun bears, giraffes, jackass penguins (that’s their real name), wildebeest, foxes, and PANDAS!!  The pandas were my favorite part.  The zoo was really big and really nice, much nicer then Philadelphia’s. 
The rest of the day we spent on Nanjing Road getting some more not-needed trinkets from the sellers there.  I love how the people haggle with you!  I got a pair of really nice Oakley sunglasses and a Gucci wallet (both are definitely real ha). 

The next morning we had a 7:45 AM flight to Shenzhen, just to the north of Hong Kong.   The flight was only about two hours and then another two for the bus ride into Hong Kong.  The actual time on the bus was only about forty-five minutes but clearing customs in Hong Kong took forever.

China really is an amazing country.  Before going in, I definitely had a preconceived notion of this country.  Now I did just see Shanghai, which is one of their most developed cities, but it wasn’t anything like I thought China was like going in.  There were so many stores, hotels, and restaurants you’d never know it wasn’t a capitalist country.  I really don’t know what I was expecting in China, but it definitely wasn’t this.   The only time I felt like it was a communist nation was when I couldn’t get onto Facebook & YouTue (they really do block both sites) and seeing the guys in green uniforms everywhere at night.  They just stand on street corners and look like classic communists, but are surprisingly pretty friendly.   We also got a chance to watch some Chinese world news (in English) on the hotel’s television.  It was interesting to see the news and what the Chinese perspective on the different issues were, especially the Dali Lama.  The Chinese have very unfavorable views about Obama’s meeting (and pretty much every other President’s  meeting), but one of the clips we watched was very, very interesting.  It was a talk show type deal with a host, and then the issue and some commentators.   There were three people speaking on the issue and one of them was a younger guy, only about thrity or so, and he was the “voice of the new generation.”  His stance on the issue was this: both nations should just forget about the Dali Lama.  China should just let the U.S. meet with him and the U.S. should not make such a big deal about it and both countries should work out the bigger, more important issues, like world energy problems, the environment…the list goes on and on.  I have to say I agree with him; compared to the problems the world has the Dali Lama seems so insignificant.  It’s a surprising view for a Chinese citizen to have and even more surprising to be on television, because all Chinese television has to be pre-approved by the government.

I also really see how important it is for the U.S. to have good relations with this country, something that is continually being stressed in Global Studies on the ship.  Just thinking of Shanghai and how the majority of the city developed in ten years, you can see China’s power and economic growth.  I mean they pretty much built Philadelphia in ten years.   The people also love Americans!  We had three people just randomly start talking to us and ask us how their English was.  Little kids would just look at us and say “hello.”  If we said “hello” back they’d giggle and be in shock that they said it right!

I would definitely advise going to China and checking this incredible nation out and seeing for yourself what I mean about everything.  There’s really no words that can adequately describe what I mean.  When I return (I definitely am), I want to see Beijing and the Great Wall.  Hong Kong had an entirely different feel, but I’ll save that for tomorrow!

More Pictures

I uploaded some China pictures: :
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3514937&l=b65f8bc7a4&id=602112687 (just copy and paste...don't know why the link isn't working)

I will get a good post about the rest of my Shanghai adventures soon!

More China...

Today we went to the city of Suzhou, China.  It was about an hour and a half drive from Shanghai.  One thing I noticed about the drive was how similar the highways in China are to those in the U.S.   If I didn’t know I was in China and had just woken up on the highway, I could’ve been on any old highway in the U.S.A.  It really just speaks to how globalized the world is. 

The city of Suzhou was nothing like anywhere in the U.S.  The city is nicknamed “the Venice of China.”   Canals run through most of the city.  We got an awesome canal ride through the streets and also some more amazing gardens.  The canal ride was interesting- I’ve never seen so many boats in one little area.  I also can’t imagine living right on the river.  The whole canal experience really made me want to get to Venice ASAP.  (I do think the entire SAS experience is going to give me the travel bug.) 
Another really fun thing we did in Suzhou was visit a silk factory.  We were able to see silk being made from start to finish.  We saw the silk worms, the cocoons, the threading process, and then finally the coloring/adding details.  There is so much work that goes into to making anything silk.  I don’t think I’ve ever going to be able to look at it the same.  I got a silk tie, and I was really tempted to but a silk shirt, but I held back. 

However, I did do a lot of shopping.  I got tons of really neat stuff for just about $45.  In the U.S. everything would have ran me about $150.  The best thing is the merchants haggle with you, and you can get them to go about 80 Yuan lower then the original price.  (The exchange rate is roughly $1= 7 Yuan).  The best tactic I found is to just walk away, or only have a certain amount of money in your hand.  I can’t wait to hit the CDs/DVDs (Avatar is a $1) tomorrow on Nanjing Road…

I’m really glad I’m spending a few more days in Shanghai.  There’s so much to do in the city- it’s incredible.  The Chinese New Year is also right now, which makes it 10x better.  This past night was the “Night of Wealth”   (or something similar) and the Chinese set off fireworks in hopes of appeasing the gods.  The belief is that one of the fireworks will be caught by a god and the person who se it off will be blessed with a year of wealth.  The fireworks we saw this past evening were simply amazing, puts Disney World to shame. 

The tour guide told us the information about the wealth tradition, and she also told us some really interesting things about the Chinese way of life, particularly about the one child policy.  A married couple may have one child, really one free child.  Any child after one you have to pay a fee for.  The rules do differ from ethnic group to ethnic group.  Certain ethnicities may have as many as they want, while others just have to stick to one.  Basically, the rule isn’t as black and white as many Americans perceive it to be.  It’s rarely ever just one child.   There are loopholes and numerous ways around it. 

I also realized today while walking around how much of a melting pot the U.S. is.  Everyone in China is, for lack of a better word, the same.   I really never thought much about the whole “melting pot” aspect of the U.S., even though I’ve been learning about it since I was in grade school.   The people here are all Chinese; they may have different Chinese backgrounds, but if asked their nationality, they’d say “Chinese.”  You wouldn’t hear, “Irish,” “Italian,” or “German,” which is commonplace in the U.S.  

I still have three more days in Shanghai and then off to Hong Kong…

1.3 Billion and Me

We were pulling into Shanghai by 1 AM on Tuesday, February 16.  Getting into the city we have to go through a river, which leads to the port.  It was strange sailing to Shanghai because of the number of other ships we saw out on the ocean;  at one point there were four visible.  The area we were sailing through (the East China Sea/ Yellow Sea) is second busiest shipping area in the world. (I believe the first is in the Middle East). 

It took awhile to get through customs in China and we also had our first diplomatic briefing from the U.S. Consulate.  A U.S. diplomat came on to tell us just some things about China and how we should handle ourselves in the country.  His basic message was: don’t get arrested.  He also noted that the climate in China is a little less welcoming towards Americans at the moment because of good old Obama’s plans on meeting with the Dali Lama and selling arms to Taiwan.  I believe this is the reason Chinese Immigration/Customs took so long clearing our ship. 

My day consisted of a tour through Shanghai, which really is an incredible city.  It has a Western and Eastern feel at the same time.  We stopped at the Yu Gardens/ Bazaar and I’ve never seen as many people as I did today.  It was like swimming through the people.  The Chinese have no problem pushing past their fellow countrymen.  You really have to assert yourself to just walk.  The gardens we saw were beautiful.  The building was really something out of Disney World, but real.  The rock formations, the buildings, the bridges, the water, the doorways, and the walls were simply gorgeous. 

After this was a stop at the Shanghai Museum.  Inside there were artifacts from every time period of Chinese history.  It was so strange to be staring at a dagger, a plate, a coin, or a painting and see 1000 AD on the label.   It was incomprehensible.    The Chinese truly have artistic talent.  The paintings and artifacts were nothing like you’d see in a museum in the West.  

The day ended with an acrobatic show, which was also incomprehensible.  The way of these teenagers (the tour guide said that most of the acrobats were around high school age) moved was amazing.  The stood on each other, threw each other, climbed poles, balanced glass castles, and rode unicycles with such agility and grace I couldn’t believe it.   The way they handled one another you would have thought that the other person was as light as air.  The magic act was also incredible.   From this show, I really can tell how hardworking the Chinese are.  I’ve never seen anything like this performance in the United States.  These young men and women were simply amazing. 

I took plenty of pictures/videos.   (I should be able to do a massive picture upload in Hong Kong, as our ship is docked at a mall which has free WiFi…I can’t wait!!!!!!)  I also got my first taste of real Chinese food today.  It’s a lot better then the Chinese restaurants in Andorra/Roxborough.

I still have four more days in Shanghai and then I’m off to Hong Kong…so much to do in both cities.  You really need two weeks or more to do everything China has to offer.

More Japan!!

After my much needed day of rest sailing to Kobe, I was ready to explore more of Japan.  We arrived in Kobe on Friday February 12, at around 7 AM.  Our plans for the day were to go to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan.  One thing I noticed about Kyoto is that if you rearrange the letters it spells Tokyo, the current capital of Japan.  Was that on purpose? 

The train ride from Kobe to Kyoto was about an hour.  Our first historical site was the Kiyomizu Temple.  It was breathtaking.  You entered under a traditional “gate” with statues of different gods on either side.  From there you walked up steps and saw more religious buildings, all with different statues.   Regardless of what religion you believe in, you could feel the reverence radiating everywhere.   The tranquility, statues, incense (I was surprised to smell incense), and beauty just stunned me.  There was a huge balcony and from there you could see the actual temple.  It was seated high on a hill overlooking Kyoto, again adding to the majesty of the temple.  Only pre-booked tours were allowed in so we just could look and walk around the grounds.  The grounds were also amazing.  There were trees, gardens, and ponds all adding to the reverence and awesomeness of the place.   We spent a good two hours walking around the temple, taking pictures (we got a few with geisha), going in and out of the gift shops and then stopped for lunch.  The restaurant (like every other one in Japan) was delicious.    

We tried to go to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, but it was closed to visitors when we got there.  We just spent a good deal of time walking around Kyoto, going in and out of stores, and just taking the city in.  It had a more laid back feeling then Tokyo.  The transportation system also wasn’t as great as Tokyo.  We mostly took buses around, but they were much slower.  We headed back to Kobe and the ship around 5 PM. 

We went to dinner in Kobe, but it wasn’t Kobe beef.  Once we saw the prices everyone was pretty much like “no.”  (Japan was more expensive then Hawaii!)  Dinner was great.  I still can’t get over the food in Japan- it’s amazing.  The restaurants, street vendors, pasty shops, and sushi places…it’s all so good!!  I also went to a McDonalds while in Kobe, and their portions are much smaller then back home.  A large in Japan is a medium in the U.S.  I also was disappointed in their coffee sizes.  The most I could get to go from a Japanese place was a 12-ounce cup.  I had to go to Starbucks for my 20-ounce java fix.    Starbucks, Seven-Eleven (surprised at this one) and McDonalds were everywhere in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Kobe. 

After dinner in Kobe, we went to a 5-story building with bars on all five stories (I thought it was funny).  They were all local Japanese bars and I got to have to really good conversations with the few people inside who spoke English.  They were very interested about life in the U.S.,  and just about America in general.  I also really liked how my group didn’t go to the bar that was being advertised outside the ship (SAS special; drinks half off) because going to the local bars I really got the feel of the city, and it’s still a Japanese bar.   If you put all SAS students in a bar, it’s not a Japanese bar.  It’s a bar off of any college campus in the U.S. I really think the only way to really experience these countries is to interact and spend time with the locals.

I don’t just mean interacting with locals at bars…anywhere.  At the train station in Kyoto one guy ran up to us and shook all of our hands saying “Welcome to Japan!”  He talked to us about some places we should go to and then asked us questions about the U.S.  When I told him I was from Philly, he said “Liberty Bell.”  He knew a lot about the U.S. (could name all five boroughs of New York) and asked questions about the English language.  He was a character.   At some of the restaurants I was in, random customers would just ask our table questions like: “Where are you from?” “Why are you in Japan?”   They didn’t seem angry or annoyed we were there, just curious.  It was surprising because tourists in the U.S. are mostly ignored/ laughed at.   It was also really neat to be coming up with creative ways to communicate with the waiters, shop owners, and others.   My friend Ben and I had a hilarious conversation with a Japanese shop owner trying to figure out if the stamps he was selling us would get mail to the U.S. (hand gestures, pointing at the post cards, writing…crazy!).  (We also sang the song Down (by Jay Sean) to one of the bar owners trying to get him to play it.  The Japanese people inside probably thought we were nuts) The thing that surprised me the most was how helpful and willing to help the locals were.  Several people ran out of their restaurant/store and showed us exactly were we trying to go!  So different from the U.S. where people seem annoyed at lost tourists.  

Another thing I was surprised at was the prominence of English.   I don’t mean spoken English, but written.  Starbucks, for example, has everything in English on the menu above the counter and then Japanese writing on the menu on the counter.  Everywhere I went, I heard English music.  Starbucks were all playing Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Buble, and the like, and most stores we entered were playing English music.   I just found it surprising because very few people could speak English fluently. 

I also now consider myself a pro navigating city transportation systems (I’ll be able to test this theory in 7 more countries).  Growing up in the suburbs and driving everywhere, the subway and bus seemed so confusing.  After navigating through Tokyo, Kyoto, and Kobe (we only took one Taxi and the driver didn’t speak English) it’s going to be a joke navigating Philadelphia subway/bus system.  I mean the whole map will be in English!  Like I said, I have a lot more chances to test this theory. 

I truly loved Japan.  It was an amazing country.  History, great food, friendly people- it has it all.  If I ever get the chance to come back, I still have plenty of it left to see! I now have two class days and then eight days of China! Still can’t believe this is really happening…I was just in effing JAPAN!!!   I also put more pictures up: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3514937&l=b65f8bc7a4&id=602112687  (you don’t need a Facebook to view)!

Japan at last!

The rough seas we were experiencing almost made us late getting into Japan.  Originally we were supposed to get there at 7am on Tuesday, February 9, but we were dockside (in Yokohama) at 9:30 and we were unable to get off the ship until about 11:30.  Customs and immigration took awhile, and it was a strange feeling to step onto land after almost 10 days sailing.   It was also very bizarre to think: “I’m in Asia.”

We headed straight to Tokyo from Yokohama.  Surprisingly the subway and trains to get there were very easy to navigate, and I think my group got an A+ for navigating our way around Tokyo.  Living home, I’ve definitely gotten spoiled driving my car around, and at first taking the subway everywhere was strange.  The subways (and trains) are so efficient and clean.  I was very, very impressed by the Tokyo subway system.  We were able to get all over the city with absolutely no problem.  We only once got off at the wrong station, and realized our mistake while still in the platform.  
From Yokohama our first stop was the Ritz Carlton, located in Tokyo Midtown.  The Ritz in Tokyo is the tallest building in Tokyo and it’s amazing.  There really are no words to describe the view from our room on the 53rd floor.  You really have to be there.  There also are no words to describe the Ritz.  It is by far the most amazing hotel I’ve ever stayed in.   My time was truly something out of a movie.   As soon as we got into our rooms we began screaming in excitement.  Amazing, spectacular, astounding- every adjective you can think of- describes the Ritz. 

My friend on board’s contact at the hotel (who got us the deal) was the Director of Public Relations and we got a personalized tour of Tokyo Midtown, which is practically a city in itself.   Because of this contact, I was able to get an interview with the Assistant General Manager of the hotel for Global Studies, a class I’m taking on board.  My group is making a documentary about whether or not foreigners are more or less educated about global environmental problems then the average United States citizen.   The interview went well, and while sitting in the lobby with the Assistant General Manager and the Director of Public Relations, the General Manager of the Ritz came over to me and said: “You’re sitting with the two most important women in the hotel, you must be important.”  I thought it was hilarious.

Okay, enough about the Ritz.  From the Ritz we went to the Senso-ji Temple, about a twenty-minute subway ride.  This temple is the oldest temple in Japan (parts of it were built in the 600s).    The temple was amazing.  The architecture was made me finally realize I’m in Asia.  Tokyo really is a globalized city, walking around, taking the subway, and seeing the skyscrapers made me think I was in a city like New York.  Seeing this temple, (and the Imperial Palace) really made me think I was in Asia.  
The Imperial Palace also was incredible.  When I was young I was really into castles and I felt like a little kid walking around the Imperial Palace’s grounds.  I don’t see how any army could have invaded the Imperial Palace; it truly is an impregnable fortress.   Another thing about the historical sites in Japan is the age of these sites.  Historical sites in the US are only a few hundred years old.  These sites were literally thousands of years old, and the awesomeness of that really stuck with me.  

We didn’t just spend our time checking out historical Tokyo though.  We also experienced a great nightlife.  Our first stop was a karaoke bar a few minutes from the Ritz.  It was fun, but very expensive.  We also went to a club in Tokyo Midtown, and ended up having a great time with the Japanese who were there.  The drink menus in Tokyo are the same as those in the US, only more expensive.  You would not believe the prices of drinks and food at the Ritz.  We all got a drink there before we headed out and a Mango Mojito cost 25000 yen, which is about $25.  A bottle of coke cost about $10.  Thank God every other port we are headed to is so much cheaper than Japan and Hawaii…

We also stopped in the Electric District in Tokyo.  Imagine Best Buy x 10.  Stores with nothing but shelves and shelves of computers, DVS players, video game machines, cameras, DVDS, CDS, toy cars, and every other electronic gadget you can think of.  It was insane.   I hope Ho Chi Min is the same way but with much, much lower prices.  I’ve heard from past SASers that it is. 

I wouldn’t say the people of Tokyo weren’t friendly, but they weren’t mean or hostile either.  They simply didn’t seem to care about a group of American’s, or they were immune to foreigners.  I think the latter is more likely.  Tokyo is such a globalized city that we seemed to just blend in.  I also have a new deal of respect for tourists.  Now, I really know the problems they experience while getting around the US. 

Even though I was in Tokyo, it was surprising to see how much a like people are.  People in Tokyo were glued to their cell phones, reading the newspaper, honking at other drivers, and just, well, being people.  I do have to say that the Japanese are much more quieter than Americans.  Even on a street packed with bars and nightclubs, it was still very quiet.   While on the subway, I only encountered one person talking on their cell phone, much different then the US. 

Well, now we’re to Kobe, Japan.  Let’s see if Kobe and Kyoto are as much fun as Tokyo.   I’ll try to get some pictures up in Kobe. 

Also, congratulations are in order for my sister, Joanna, who officially chose where she is going to college in the fall.  She’ll be attending Gettysburg College!  Congrats on your decision! Love you!

A few pictures of Japan uploaded on my phone:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=137358&id=602112687&l=9d79f6041d

Enjoy and you do not need a facebook to view!

Rough, Rough Seas

While everyone back home is telling me about all of the snow they're getting, the middle of the Pacific is experiencing crazy, crazy, seas.  They waves are 15-20 footers and unlike the voyage from Mexico to Hawaii, we are sailing straight into them.  So the ship is rocking back and forth, not from side to side.  If you look towards the front of the boat from any deck, you can see the ship riding the waves.    The lowest deck passengers are allowed outside on is deck 5, but if we were allowed outside on deck 4 (the crew's deck) you could pretty much reach down and touch the water.  I got a couple of good pictures!

Because of all this weather, the Captain's had to slow down, and we'll be getting into Japan later then expected.  We don't know how much later though...hopefully only a couple of hours.  Cross your fingers.

Getting Closer to the Far East

We’re just about halfway to Japan.  When you turn on the TV in the cabins, it shows you a map of where exactly you are in the ocean.  Hawaii is finally off the map and Japan is getting ever closer.   It’s so strange to think we are literally in the middle of the ocean, with nothing but thousands and thousands of miles of water between land and us. Today, while out on deck, I saw a freight ship passing by us.  It was really strange to see another object in the ocean when you’re used to nothing but the endless blue horizon.  I’ve also had the chance to see some really great sunsets (I took pictures)!  Before Florida, I will definitely get up for a sunrise.

We crossed the International Dateline (and officially crossed into the Eastern Hemisphere!) and February 3, 2010 did not exist for me.  It’s crazy.  Originally, the lost day was supposed to be February 2, but it was switched.  I’m not sure why. They could tell me it’s March and I’d believe them.  There really is no sense of time out here.   However, we’ve been steadily gaining time since we left Mexico, and it’s been awesome!

Everyone on board is very excited to get to Japan.  The past five days have been nothing but classes, cards, and schoolwork.  I’ve learned a ton a fun new card games while sailing.  I’ve also finally met a group of people who can play the card game Ace as well as the old Flourtown Swim Club crew.  I really forgot how much fun that game is!

One of the most exciting things I’ll be doing in Japan is staying at the Ritz Carlton (yep, that’s right the Ritz) in Tokyo. My friend’s mom was able to get us a really nice deal ($75 for two rooms) there.    It’s going to be awesome.  We dock in Yokohama, Japan on Tuesday, February 9 and as soon as Japanese Customs clears the ship, we’re heading straight to Tokyo.  We’re planning on checking out the Imperial Palace, a flea market (supposedly has great deals), and then hitting the karaoke bars at night.  The next day, Wednesday, we’re just going to explore Tokyo before heading back to the ship.  We’ll spend one day on the ship and then head to Kobe, Japan.  All we’re planning on doing so far in Kobe is finding somewhere with amazing steak.  We also are going to Kyoto. I’m very anxious to get to Japan and finally see the Far East! (If this post appears twice, someone please let me know!)