Japan

12 January 2000--Singapore Airlines Flight 011; Los Angeles to Tokyo

While in the States during the holidays, a common question I was asked was "What have you learned" or "How have you changed." To which I would genuinely respond that, having seen so much poverty in each of South and Central America, when we returned we would not be nearly as materialistic as we were prior to our travels, and that we would need and want less. Seeing people get by on so little changes you.

But I was wrong.

Right now, I want more, I need more, and I lust for more. More of anything?? More of everything!!

Just as seeing abject poverty will have a profound effect on you, so will experiencing unmitigated comfort and luxury, which is what I am currently relishing.

Kelly and I splurged on our Asia flight, cashing in enough frequent flier points to fly business class (or in Singapore Airlines parlance, "Raffles Class"), and we could not be more pleased. The service is out of this world, the food excellent, the champagne and wine choice, and the other amenities outstanding. Sitting in the top of this 747, with a mere 10 or so others sharing this upstairs cabin, is, to us, decadent luxury. I never thought I would say this, but our 12 hour flight to Tokyo is clearly too short. I would be rather pleased if the flight was 24-36 hours; all the more time for me to savor the experience.

Accordingly, I now realize that my brush with the prospect of earnest, frugal living was misguided. Clearly, Raffles Class is the only way to go.

14 January 2000--Tokyo, Japan

Today was complete sensory overload. I think I am going to like Tokyo a lot.

Our first "sight" of the day was the Senso-ji Temple, a Buddhist temple that was absolutely striking. I may have found it so engaging because this was my first real introduction to eastern religion. Having visited more churches and cathedrals than I can possibly remember, surely the experience of seeing a faith and place of worship with which I was so unfamiliar is much of the attraction.

I can say that about Tokyo generally. It is all so new, so different from what we have seen before, that we cannot help but be drawn and attracted to the place. The glimmering skyscrapers sitting cheek and jowl with austere temples of years gone past; neon everwhere, blistering your retinas at times; the young and fashionable youth of Japan, walking stride for stride with kimono clad grandmothers across a busy street in fashionable Ginzu; traditional Kabuki theatre across the street from a theatre showing the latest Hollywood blockbuster. All in a clean, efficient, amazingly large, and safe city.

15 January 2000--Tokyo, Japan

Yes, Tokyo is expensive. Not entirely off the charts, but certainly quite comparable to cities such as New York and San Francisco. But having just traveled through amazingly inexpensive South and Central America, the expense is striking.

For instance, where we rarely paid more than $10-$15 a night for a room (though we occasionally paid $20 or $30), we are now paying $70. Meals that would often top out at $5 for both of us, now merely start at $20. Local transport that cost us pennies now runs us $3-$4 bucks.

Just some observations, and I'll add one more.

It is such a wonderful and refreshing change to feel completely safe, at all times and in all areas, in a city. Not just safe because you do not think you will be mugged, or safe because you are certain you are in a good neighborhood. But safe to the point where no possible set of circumstances will alarm you. Looking for a downtown building while walking the underground subway tunnels with no one else around and not quite sure were you are going? No problem in Tokyo...you feel safe. Walking some narrow alleys between main streets at 11:00pm? Safe. Taking the subway around the perimeter of the city to places you are unfamiliar with? Safe again.

After our 4 months of travel where we continually were on our guard over rip-offs, pilfery and theft, and worse, being able to relax and put you faith once more in humankind was cathartic. It's a shame we do not feel that way more often in the States.

2 Go Maps / 2 Go Actual Itinerary / 2 Go Photos / 2 Go Home Page

PLEASE E-MAIL US. . . WE WOULD LOVE 2 HEAR FROM YOU!

[email protected]