Euro Travel & More

My friends asked me why I am writing more and more about Asia – i replied maybe it is because i miss home very much? maybe it’s the traveling I am missing and all the interesting things that i missed sharing and the adventures I have had before.  I haven’t really been home for a long time and Asia has changed so much and this picture taken by a friend reminded me so much of the time we encountered the lovely apprentice Geisha when we were in Kyoto.

Before living in Japan for a few months because of work – I’ve often wondered if the shows with Geisha – were they just traditional ladies that doesn’t exist now – since Japan is so modern and if they do exist – what kind of benefits do they get.  For sure – this old trade – of cultural entertainment – may not be everyone’s cup of tea no more.  Normal companies in Japan offers good benefits like a retirement plan, insurance and disability insurance for those doing labor jobs – so what does these ladies who started training really young have in store for them?  But of course, we will never know because this trade is so secretive it seems – that even taking pictures of them are rare.

We did go for a Geisha show and it’s nothing like what we thought it would be – but a cultural show with dances, a puppet show and a tea ceremony.  The art of dancing by the Geisha – was truly precise and refine – nothing like those I’ve seen – it was an eye opener for me at least.   The Geisha are still pretty much a mystery and if only i can get to find out more about them – i certainly would.  Movies and stories portray them as a high class prostitutes/mistresses for rich men – during the olden days – but i’m pretty sure they are not just that.   Are you as curious as I?

If you are at the Narita Airport and looking for some noodles at the noodle bars, just so you know that the noodle bar is currently being refurbished.  But don’t worry you can still head up to the ANA lounge for some other food.  So armed with my equestrian apparel i propped myself in the lounge chair and  enjoyed a beer on them.

For those who are not aware of this, there are three ANA Lounges at Narita Airport.  One is right after the security checkpoint while the other two are at the end of the airport with one being ANA Lounge First and the other ANA Lounge.  ANA Lounge First are restricted to Star Alliance Gold members flying First class while the other lounge are for Star Alliance Gold.

Shocking eh?  very to me anyways..  afterall – isn’t Japan Airlines a government owned carrier?  I could be wrong but it looks like Japan Air is seeking new investors and loan write-offs as it restructures after posting three losses in four years. More talks will be held after meeting with Japan Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama.  I guess some management staff will be laid off work and more cutting on pays and other incentives are in order – no more  weight loss products for the wives of these engineers.

It is a little cold this time of the year in Japan. One tend to eat more .. when the weather is cold.. and can’t seems to lose weight fast enough.   These were found in the Shinjuku area .. in Japan, Tokyo .. and one often wonder how is the light up in Asia right..?

Well, here you have it .. the Japanese are not gonna lose out on the decorating part when it comes to Christmas.. no way..!!!  even without Christmas.. they are already so vibrant.. where the neon signs are .. and all.  I used to joke that if the town planner of the town i am living in right now.. goes to Japan.. he would probably faint.. ! why..?/ because they don’t allowed flickering lights here.. for the safety of the pedestrians.. and the drivers.  Crazy much..??

Yes..! this is only a small part of Tokyo..! the town i am living in .. should be ashamed of themselves.

Japan’s first Hermes Helicopter starting September 16 will fly 22 times a day.  So if you at the Narita airport.. and don’t want to be caught in traffic, just take the helicopter instead.  No hassle, no wasting of your time for those in a hurry for that business meeting.  Of course, they come with a price and for me, even if i gave up the  best diet pills i may not be able to afford the ride at $790 for a one way ride.  Plus no food or drinks offered on the helicopter.. bummer..!

American Airlines flight and its passengers and crews were grounded and detained in Japan for several hours .. for fear of swine flu.  And there was caused for the fear.. because it had a ill passenger on board.   They were all taken to a quarantine facility and released after tested that it was nothing related to the swine flu.  AA told the news that the ill passenger was a Japanese woman.  Well, it’s a good thing it was a Jap woman.. else the Americans would probably be upset and sue someone .. knowing the Americans.  Guess they don’t need the best acne treatment this time in Japan.

Looking to go to Japan soon for a holiday..??  Well.. it looks like you need to be finger printed and photo taken too.. regardless if you were there for a vacation or on business.. or even if you were a permanent resident there.  As long as you are a foreigner.. you have to be screened each time .. at the airport.  I bet there are lots of ppl who ain’t gonna be too happy about it.. but it’s not like you can look for some exit signs and turn around .. and say by right..?? since you are stuck there.. unless you take the next plane out.  So just you know.. if you are going to Japan for any reason..  you got the heads up now.

If there is anything i like most about Japan is shopping.  The city is filled with stores, from malls to individual little speciality stores.  There are just food stores everywhere as well.  It is awesome..!!  Like any other places, the Japanese can get abit rowdy when it is during peak hours.. but as a tourist .. it can be a little overwhelming.   There are digital signage just about everywhere.. and really Tokyo does shine at night.  Buy just about anything.. and view the latest technology.

I do love Japan, the people are nice.. although they don’t speak alot in English at all… but if you can speak a little Japanese, they are delighted. There are so much to talk about in Japan .. but the famous Harajuku is a street you must not missed when you are in Japan.

Harajuku is an area between Shinjuku and Shibuya. This place is international known for its very bold youth style and fashion. Seeing kids with multi-colored hair here is not uncommon. Lined with many trendy and fashionable store and boutiques, you will find many fast food outlets, crepe stands and just about anything a young adult would love. If you can’t find anything to eat, you can always rely on Macdonald’s.

It is an extraordinary experience for teens dressed up in the most outrageous costume that represent their famous anime or even rock stars. And if you are with kids, don’t forget to get to Snoopy Town, right across the train station. Of course, you will noticed that the 100 Yen store is also bustling with people and everything is just at 100 Yen.