Guest entry from Ma & Pa McDowell

Jame and I thought it would be a good idea for our visitors to write a few words about their impressions of and experiences in Japan :)

Garry

Japan: What can you say about this beautiful country, I think what is most impressive are the people and their Values. I may be naïve however name me another country where you could leave an article on the bus stop or restaurant and it would be either left for you to return or it would have been turned in as found property. I am sure they have their share of more serious crimes however we certainly never were exposed.

The clerks and service industry are all so polite and always smiling. The look on the kids’ friend’s faces when we were introduced as their parents indicates the immense respect they have for elders.

As for the Cities, I think this whole area is one big city, the population density amazed me. Thank God for our tour guide “Jamie”, had it not been for him I would still be looking for Osaka City. Takes a bit to get used to the Bus and Rail System however they are very efficient. Traveling at 200 km/hr for 1 ½ hrs and seeing the country is the way to go. Also helps when he is over 6 ft tall when looking for him in the crowds.

One cannot believe how many people are always using their cell phones here. I mean everywhere and everyone. I often started to laugh when I would take the time to just look around; everyone entrenched into their phones. Patty loved the shops, more than once we would look around and where did she go now then out she would pop with another pkg. She even found her Diet coke.

The trip to Hiroshima was the most moving for me. I cannot get over the Devastation that the bomb caused and I was impressed with all of the memorials to assist with keeping the memory alive in order to strive to NOT let it occur again.

Now that I have listened to most of the 108 Rings at the Chionin Temple on New Years Eve, I guess I am good for part of next year anyway. I am sure glad we got into the line-up around 10 PM as when we came off the hill from the temple the lineup was at least 1 km long. We got to sit and drink BIRU and sample the local cuisine from the street vendors. These people know how to throw a party, but do they all have to come at once. (LOL)

FOOD: I tried a lot and as expected it was all great, in fact I don’t believe there was anything I did not like to eat; not surprising for me though. I did rename a few items to something I can relate too, like Takoyaki (Octopus and Batter) to Oyster Balls. You can bet we will be trying our version of many of these foods when we get home. The good thing is I don’t think I gained weight due to the amount of walking.

I will never ever be concerned about what to wear after observing the fashions on the streets in all areas of the cities we visited, some pretty wild outfits. The hospitality of the kids was great and helped make this a trip one I will not forget.

Thanks Jamie and Sara.
Dad

Patty

My turn for the blog ----mmmmmmmmm let me think! I guess a few pointers for those future travelers….this is a very interesting and challenging trip all wrapped in one. It is not for the weak of knees or backs as poor Sara found out. Comfortable footwear is a must. We logged on many!!!! foot miles and stairs and if it weren’t for Sara’s sore back (thanks Sara) and the option of elevators – there would have been many more stairs. We transferred to as many as 5 different trains, subways, buses and ferries in any one given trip.

A good map of the train systems would be a very valuable tool to have along –we had the Infomap Japan magazine we received when we purchased our Japan Rail Passes before we left for Japan & Jamie to get us thru the system. Vancouver could learn a trick or two about the transportation system from Japan – it is so organized and efficient.

A guide to the Japanese language for the emergency purposes is helpful – as asking a young male clerk where the ladies loo is by crossing your legs and pointing at…..well you know – isn’t very cool. Another tip about the washrooms – they have the best ones at McDonalds – heated seats and a bidet ….so nice. The worst are in the public areas – like the train stations and tourist spots – the hole in the floor- no TP or way of drying hands……so bring wipes…. Oh and for you young bucks …….the national costume for the young ladies is miniskirts (micro) or shorts, knee-hi socks and high heeled boots of all types. I have never seen so many pigeon toed women in my life ……but then I’ve never seen this many women in one place at any one time period.

Did I mention the shopping?...bring an extra suitcase ……the 100 Yen stores are totally awesome ………make our $ stores look like junk stores. O and about Diet Coke – I did check out every vending machine I came across and it is available if you look hard enough!

As unseasoned travelers – I was concerned about safety – this is by far the safest place I have ever been – including the Lower Mainland. Walking out in the evening is never a problem and even young kids are out here. It is such a good feeling.

When asked what I enjoyed the most in Japan other than seeing our kids ………that’s a tough one. The markets, people and lights were unbelievable, the temples and shrines awestrucking, and the transportation system - mind boggling. But I have to agree with Garry on many things including the trip to Hiroshima as having the most lasting impact on me. The monuments of the children and families who suffered and lost their lives brought tears to my eyes. Still today – over 50 years later – people come to pay their respects from many countries and children honor the lost lives of the children before them by making paper crane art. It is very colorful and very moving. Miyajima was on this same trip and the Buddhist temples and displays in this town were unbelievable as well. Japan has such a deep rooted sense of beliefs, traditions and culture.

We’ve had an awesome time and put a lot into our 7 days of being with the kids ………Thanks to our travel consultant – Sara and our tour guide – Jamie (the tall one with the brown hair- easy to see in a crowd)....who have kept us entertained and let us be part of their journey. Love you both……

**This photo was taken on their last night here. We are in the ferris wheel located down the street from us :)**