BootsnAll Travel Network



I Sold My Seoul For Rock & Roll!

July 22nd, 2007

The Plan: Wake up early, three hour bus trip to Seoul, wander the city, see a Crying Nut show (Famous Korean punk band), party until the buses start running in the morning!    Read the rest of this entry »

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The New Jersey of Asia

July 20th, 2007

On the ferry from Japan, I met an expat from Texas who has been living in South Korea the last three years. When I asked about his travels in Japan, he explained that he only does visa runs to Fukuoka and he’s never explored more than the embassy!  His reasoning is that South Korea is “the dollar store Japan”; basically that the cultures are similar, but everything is cheaper.  Obviously, we’ve had different experiences but I don’t believe he could be any farther from the truth.    Read the rest of this entry »

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Back to Blue Skies

July 18th, 2007

I awoke to a perfect day; clear blue skies and a nice dry warmth.  Melissa lent me her bicycle and encouraged me to venture east towards the beach while she worked.  She literally lives on the edge of town and within a few minutes of riding I was surrounded by rural expanse, rice fields and swarms of gigantic dragonflies.   Read the rest of this entry »

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Busan, South Korea

July 17th, 2007

I boarded the Camellia Line ferry at Fukuoka and waved goodbye to Japan. The IYTC card I picked off more than paid for itself by saving me about $20 off the ticket. During the trip I met a Texan who has been living in Korea for the last three years. He juggled, showed me a few card tricks and gave me some advice about what to expect when I arrived. I also did some exploring of the ship looking for photo ops before passing out in the communal cabin. Read the rest of this entry »

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Final Thoughts on Japan

July 16th, 2007

It is hard to say any final thoughts about Japan because I know it will always be with me in my heart.  Over the three months spent there I have developed a special love for the country and look forward to returning someday soon.  It is without a doubt an expensive country to travel in, but the friendships, rewards and lessons learned were more than worth any money spent to obtain them.  I can definitely see myself living there someday, but there are a great many obstacles to overcome first.    Read the rest of this entry »

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Culture in Japan

July 16th, 2007

At the same time Japan thrives in its future fantasy land, there is also an abundance of history, tradition and culture balancing the modernization.   There are the blatant differences from western culture, such as the abundance of shrines, squat toilets, onsen, etc. After a while these differences begin to seem more normal, but leave more time to become bewildered by the society and people themselves.    Read the rest of this entry »

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Technology in Japan

July 16th, 2007

Sometimes walking through the streets of Japan feels like tomorrowland at Disneyworld.  Aside from the ultramodern appearances there is an abundance of convenience technologies (e.g. motion sensor bathroom fixtures, automatic doors, etc.).   Read the rest of this entry »

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Transportation in Japan

July 16th, 2007

The public transportation system in Japan is probably the best in the world.  Everything is efficient, timely, clean enough and comfortable (except during rush hours).  Unfortunately, the whole system is extremely expensive.  It is no problem getting to and from any place to place, but you can expect to spend dearly.   Read the rest of this entry »

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Accommodation in Japan

July 16th, 2007

 

While there are an abundance of business hotels and the occasional hostel, there are more unique and exciting places to sleep in Japan.    Read the rest of this entry »

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Drink in Japan

July 16th, 2007

Aside from my beloved matcha (thick green tea, rich in vitamin C) there were a lot of amazing drinks in Japan.  There aren’t too many differences between the ones you’d find in America.  But a notable mention is Pocari Sweat, a pez-flavored Gatorade like drink.    Read the rest of this entry »

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