It was my nephews Thanksgiving Break and in talking with his father and mother it was decided it would be a nice time for him to go to Japan. So for his Christmas gift three days and three nights in Tokyo and a bunch of touristy tours.
It was especially good to go with someone who has never left the country before and to see him see the the world (outside of America) for the first time. In fact I think it should be required of anyone that begins to discuss politics or the benefits of other cultures versus America should need to have spent time in other countries. Too many times you hear people downing America compared to the rest of the world based on what they see on TV versus really being there and seeing something first hand. All Cities and All countries have their good and bad!
Back to Tokyo – So on the first night it was casual walking around the city before the next two days and two nights of tours. First tour was a Tokyo city tour; shrines, skyscrapers, river cruise and more. It was actually fun and the nephew loved it – it seemed his excitement did not dissipate until the last plane and I am sure everyone at UMASS is hearing about the trip both last night and this AM.
On the first night there was a dinner on top of the Washington hotel as part of the Tokyo nightlife tour. (NOTE TO NEPHEW: To See the real Tokyo Nightlife go with a bunch of friends and not a uncle) Ended up sharing a table with two businessmen from Asia; one from India and one from the Manila. So Ryan, interested in International business, had a great opportunity to take part in a discussion I was having with them on Asia/Pacific business, specifically doing business in India and in Japan. He, Ryan, started talking about his “Experience” and quickly/wisely opted to listen to the three of us and ask questions!
The trip included visits to shrines and shopping areas. At the end of all of them we walked through the streets and enjoyed much of the local flavor by our hotel (Keio Plaza). To me, from experience, it seems that it takes a few days for a city to let you in, but Tokyo opens up to you very fast. You see the good and the bad and both seem to welcome you.
The second day was a trip to Mt. Fuji, a nice mountain and wrong time of the year if you want to hike up the mountain. I want to arrange a group to hike up next August. Difficulty: If you can do Washington this will be easy, as long as you can handle the thin air. The third night we walked around and did a sushi crawl of the city sampling different food and coffee stops.
I have said in previous posts that Tokyo can be expensive, even I need to remember to forget Black and White Statements like that! I say I because I make it near religion to not be judgmental. On the last morning, walking through the city, it was obvious that a big breakfast for two could be had for 1200 yen! So I guess just eat where the locals do and save a ton. It helped having my nephew who spoke some Japanese.
The sad part of the trip is that I was not home for Thanksgiving!
OK – Back to writing some code and working on Logos.
Ciao Ciao
