london isnt so bad. you only stuck to a small section of our city which unfortunetly included the most run down section. you should come back again and this time enjoy the whole city not just the down town. also its the LCBO
clean water To respond to the comment of clean water...As a fellow Canadian I am proud of the fact that we are known for our clean water and trees. I too, attempt to explore the outdoors off the beaten path.
My observations are merely of those who do get outside by flocking to the nearest lake (Have you seen the water quality in some of the lakes in Alberta?... some not so good); approach the outdoors from the safety of their city-based SUV vehicle; consider rugged hiking to be walking on paved paths.
home sweet home Now you are in lands I am intimately familiar with. True to your writings, I go to BC a lot. Close, cheap and beautiful. Having gone there for over 20 vacations, I am still not tired of it. That's because there are dozens of spots I haven't seen: ie. the Queen Charlotte Islands,and many more I want to return to: kayaking the Similkameen River, Downhill mountain biking in Whistler, or climbing at Squamish Chief...we are well blessed with these gorgeous lands in our country.
re Japanese Man Hair Yeah, Japanese Man Hair is worth the price of admission alone. Also be afraid, very afraid, it's not your imagination those hello kittys are out to get you. Hello Kitty world domination is imminent, there could be one sneaking up behind you right now!
Japanese Man Hair Whenever I see them I always think of 'Duran Duran circa 1983'...complete with long, curled, pointy-toed boots and tight jeans. Thanks for the shout-out!
Those crazy Nihon-jins You have to remember that the Shinkansen is used in lieu of domestic air travel, hence the price. Also, you forgot to mention that the omiyage fruits usually cost around $40...for a cantaloupe.
Re: Reading between the lines in Japan Hey, didn't you know that Michael Jackson got his white glove idea from Japan? Have you seen the forearm covers women wear while driving or the hand covers attached to the bicycle handlebars?
That was a most hilarious travelog. It's really amusing to hear the perspective of someone new to Japan. I'm glad to know that you made it to Nara and Miyajima. It's like I was there with you in my former hometown.
Albert
reminiscent of Taiwan "Smiling and nodding does not mean yes. "
I found this at train platforms in Taiwan, even among English-speaking types. "Is this the train to Kaoshiung?"; smile and nod, but Not Actually. Hee hee hee...
food picture fun That is a funny story about the dumplings! It has happened to me many times. Now I bring a little book with drawings in it. There is a few pages in the back for me to actually draw what I want. You do have to know how to draw a little, but it works wonders!
Ramen and Freak shows It's a good thing that ramen comes in different flavours depending on the region. Though it seems in Korea, it comes mostly in a kimchi variation with volcanic red soup, back in Japan, ramen will be milder and more flavourful. You'll be able to taste the difference in miso ramen or pork bone soup flavour.
As for amusement shown by the locals, be thankful that you're not taller and blond with freckles. They're more jealous than thinking you were a freak. From my eperience, I think the thoughts running through their heads were more along the lines of:
a. Even though she's Korean, her English is so good. I wonder where she learned it. I want to be like her.
b. Asian but living in Canada, like some of my friends who emigrated. I wish I could go.
c. How did she manage to score a handsome white guy like him?
d. All of the above.
Albert
Mooooh!!! Hi Laura,
I just wanted to dwell a bit on the moosefactor. The reason you see Skogens konung (our King of the forest) plastered on anything purchasable is because the Germans love it. They come in droves to visit the Swedish wilderness on their holidays, and a proper elk safari is of course a must. In addition we had problems some years back with people confiscating the famous animal crossing roadsigns bringing them home as souvenirs, and the tourist industry quickly picked up on this profitable icon.
Ask next time you come to Sweden and I'll tell you everything about how to ride the train, we're quite proud of our tilting express trains (they're especially good at tilting out of synch with the time table and cost twice as much as taking the plane).
good times That was such a random trip, there was just so many little things that makes it fun to remember. I am so glad Sean looked up the Oxford, I totally won't have thought to go into a place like that. I am also glad I was not declared an enemy combatant at the border.
from a middle-aged woman who has been to Harrods My husband and I enjoyed the blog. I love your description of the markets, we have been to many of the same places. Next time to London I will have to check out Lego-Land. I too have been fascinated by the laundry in the kitchen as well as the little fridge. It makes sense from a plumbers point of view, but looks very foreign to the North American visitor. Did you see any of the teeny little half baths in the homes? They are too cute!
I'm intrigued as to what the world has to offer. The bizarre, cheesy, breathtaking and absolutely tourist oriented sights are worth pursuing. I don't think I'll ever stop exploring... or travelling. The blog is a quirky take on what unfolds around me. Some entries are factually accurate and others are simply my impressions at the time. I do appreciate comments, corrections and feedback but please do not post a link to your web blog as a correct example of how I should interpret/understand a particular place along my travels.
Travelling next to: Egypt?
... full info
lisa
non-member comment
london isnt so bad.
you only stuck to a small section of our city which unfortunetly included the most run down section. you should come back again and this time enjoy the whole city not just the down town. also its the LCBO