OK, now to switch gears, let's lay this down for you, all Syrians and people out there who are either seriously interested, or casually daydreaming about going to Japan and live there for the rest of your life.
The following is based mainly on the impressions I got from my month long in Japan, and to a large extent, from examining the lives of a couple of Syrians and a Pakistani who all have been living here for the last 20 years. This is hardly comprehensive.. but remember that those guys have witnessed Japan in its best years... when the economy was much better... they witnessed the rise and burst of the 90s-bubble in Japan. So, you might wanna take the following opinions in consideration.
Remember, those are comparisons mainly to Syrians who are living in Syria or Dubai and want to/or think about moving to Japan (like myself :-)
The positives of Living in Japan:
1) Politeness and professionalism is the norm here.
2) If you're a single, and you like the idea of dating, Japan might be one of the hottest places to do that. Since it is very clear that a large portion of Japanese men don't give the same respect we give women in Middle east, any small gesture will make you a star here! (something as simple as pickup the bill or saying "ladies first" whenever applicable). Plus, despite of their pride of the heritage and everything Japanese, they seem to find the "non-Japanese" look more attractive. ;-)
3) Again, the people will not make you feel as foreigner. Especially if you're willing to except their culture.
4) The beauty of the nature here, and technological advantages.
5) The seriousness of the Japanese when working is unmatched.. if you could work in a Japanese company, you will learn a lot.. The bad news is that you will end up working from 9am to 10pm just to keep it up with you colleagues.. more on that below
Ok, now with the negatives... !
Negatives of living in Japan
You will find that around 90% of the negatives are related to raising your kids... something similar to what you would have in the USA or Europe.. But since in Japan you have only 175 Syrian and not that big Muslim community, your kids are bound to have an identity crisis.
1) Well, since people here are very polite... your kid will also be one (naturally) and being naive is one of the things he/she will probably develop. Let's be clear, street-smart is not big here. (I relate to that since I was raised in Saudi Arabia... but the case here is even more severe)
2) While school will allow you daughter to dress in a dress which will cover her thighs, but it seems that she will be expected not to wear the Hyjab.
Of course, as you have guessed from my previous blogs, the Japanese youth is not exactly as "conservative" as his elders...
An interesting reading is the study about Pakistani men getting married to Japanese ladies and then eventually moving out form Japan (guess where to?? Sharjah!) to get their kids more in touch with a more conservative Islamic community.
Checkout the article here
Of course, if you're willing to completely embrace the Japanese culture, and have a little or no connection with yours (or maybe a minor connection), then Japan will be a perfect for you...
Again, this is the mind talking... but if you ask my heart... well... I would LOVE to stay in Japan till forever!
With my personal opinion casted above, let's get down to the sample of Syrian bros in Japan.
Well, the common thing about them both is that they are lady loves, yep... you gotta love those Japanese ladies.. of course, as per them, if you're interested in getting married... it's easier than drinking a glass of water... cause those Japanese ladies are really into water... sorry... I mean marriage...
Of course, they also take breaking up pretty seriously... so don't try to start hinting the possibility of getting married in the future just to get her to do you-know-what... because it will not be a sweet ride for you... that's for sure... they don't take it lightly!
Well... a common thing about Syrians everywhere is their unbelievably good people-skills... another thing which is also impressive... is their unbelievable LACK of mastery of the foreign languages... which is something was evident for me.. even with my 2-words-worth of Japanese.
How Syrian are so bad in something essential for communication such as languages, and in the same time they manage to ... manage?? this is something beyond me...
Is it because 90% of our communication is non-verbal?? Maybe?
To summarise, we had a fantastic evening.. they gave me a lot of insight on the Japanese culture from the view of the Syrians...
One of the funniest things is that one of them was wishing that for once... only once! the Metro would get delayed... "FOR THE LOVE OF GOD! JUST ONCE!"
He would stay in home sometimes just to break the routine!
"Routine, routine, routine... this is the biggest nuisance here..." he said, "See this new years ceremonies? they repeat the exact same thing they did last year... and tomorrow, on the down of the new year, they will repeat whatever they did on the last year... there is nothing new here!"
Well, since my host family will be visiting me in Syria soon.. I am sure they will not have a problem with THAT!
Syrians... never satisfied!
Tuesday, 30 December 2008
Syrians in Japan - Part 1
There are 175 legally registered Syrians in Japan. So I heard today from a reliable resource.
Interesting isn't it?
Today I had the pleasure to share the evening with 2 friends of a friend. They have been living and working in Japan for the last 20 years.... 20 years, that's a lifetime...!
It also gave me to opportunity to checkout the nightlife scene in Roppongi. It as just as I as informed about reading about "The only place in Japan where you will be potentially bugged is in Roppongi" and there where right!
After meeting my first acquaintance, we went strolling down the main street of Roppongi. It was just after 8:30pm and I have been here before... but not later than 6:00pm (remember I have an Okasan here (a mother) who would be worried if I do miss dinner :-)
Many people, (more acurallty, pimps) prodomantly Black People (sorry, was that politically incorrect? what should I say? should I say "African-Americans? I am not sure if they are americans?...)
Ok, mostly africans, where giving us "free drinks copouns", as well as a promise to access to certine parts of the female physque... ok.. I am going to stop here... I will let your wild imagination enrich you with the rest..
Hey hey hey! I am just reporting the facts ok!? The s-e-x scene in Japan is just overwhelming! I mean, you're getting bombared on an hourly basis with a lot of info about where to go and what to do... There an "AV" shop at every main street in a business street... There was one right accross the street from my language school...
Back to my night with Syrians... I hope that we are not getting off-track here...
So we arrive to the bar, for a couple of a non-alcholic drinks and coffee. And the bar tender was a Syrian from Damascus...
The converstition was pretty pleauent... (I did get over the smell of Alchohol long time ago... so it doesn't really distrube me anymore. I just check that I am being served, that all..)
It was a nice refreshing change from the "Broken English", a weeks of Japanese sounds which I would occationally understand 1% off in the last month or so.
The results of the converation can be read in my following post.
Interesting isn't it?
Today I had the pleasure to share the evening with 2 friends of a friend. They have been living and working in Japan for the last 20 years.... 20 years, that's a lifetime...!
It also gave me to opportunity to checkout the nightlife scene in Roppongi. It as just as I as informed about reading about "The only place in Japan where you will be potentially bugged is in Roppongi" and there where right!
After meeting my first acquaintance, we went strolling down the main street of Roppongi. It was just after 8:30pm and I have been here before... but not later than 6:00pm (remember I have an Okasan here (a mother) who would be worried if I do miss dinner :-)
Many people, (more acurallty, pimps) prodomantly Black People (sorry, was that politically incorrect? what should I say? should I say "African-Americans? I am not sure if they are americans?...)
Ok, mostly africans, where giving us "free drinks copouns", as well as a promise to access to certine parts of the female physque... ok.. I am going to stop here... I will let your wild imagination enrich you with the rest..
Hey hey hey! I am just reporting the facts ok!? The s-e-x scene in Japan is just overwhelming! I mean, you're getting bombared on an hourly basis with a lot of info about where to go and what to do... There an "AV" shop at every main street in a business street... There was one right accross the street from my language school...
Back to my night with Syrians... I hope that we are not getting off-track here...
So we arrive to the bar, for a couple of a non-alcholic drinks and coffee. And the bar tender was a Syrian from Damascus...
The converstition was pretty pleauent... (I did get over the smell of Alchohol long time ago... so it doesn't really distrube me anymore. I just check that I am being served, that all..)
It was a nice refreshing change from the "Broken English", a weeks of Japanese sounds which I would occationally understand 1% off in the last month or so.
The results of the converation can be read in my following post.
Saturday, 27 December 2008
Akihabara - Part 1
Ok, so I admit it! I love Akihabarah...
As written in the LonelyPlanet, "If you have a short attention span, and you love the latest technology... Akihabarah might be your cup of tea"
Well... I didn't find any tea over there... but I surely found enough stuff to divert my attention... so much that it took me 3 visits on 3 consecutive days just to locate an item my friend "Kenan" to get it for him...
Now... the surprising part... well I found that Akihabarah has carried an uncanny resemblence of, well, AlHalbooni (الحلبوني) market with Albahsah (البحصة) in Damascus, Syria... combined together
Well, almost... they don't really sell stationary here!
But all of the Electronics Parts shops with CDs/DVDs with shops that sell are there..! I didn't see this thing in Dubai...
Sega Club in Akihabarah
Electronic Parts Shops
However, this is on thing you will never find in Dubai or Syria... Ham Radio (and no, it has nothing to do with Pork!... it is completely Halal! ;-)
Hey seem to have what you might have heard about in american mafia movies "radio scanner"... i guess it can get you police radio waves frequences... and it's not cheap... 1,200USD
Ok, jokes aside... what many people don't know is that Ham Radio (or Amateur Radio) used to be the 1900s "Chat Rooms" ... and it is still very popular in Japan ... some people consider it the One and Only true free worldwide communication medium! They think that internet is a teenager (less than 20 years old) which cannot be compared with Radio
Interesting no?
Some movies has explored the HamRadio universe. You might wanna check some of these out.
Ham Radio Shop
As written in the LonelyPlanet, "If you have a short attention span, and you love the latest technology... Akihabarah might be your cup of tea"
Well... I didn't find any tea over there... but I surely found enough stuff to divert my attention... so much that it took me 3 visits on 3 consecutive days just to locate an item my friend "Kenan" to get it for him...
Now... the surprising part... well I found that Akihabarah has carried an uncanny resemblence of, well, AlHalbooni (الحلبوني) market with Albahsah (البحصة) in Damascus, Syria... combined together
Well, almost... they don't really sell stationary here!
But all of the Electronics Parts shops with CDs/DVDs with shops that sell are there..! I didn't see this thing in Dubai...
Sega Club in Akihabarah
Electronic Parts Shops
However, this is on thing you will never find in Dubai or Syria... Ham Radio (and no, it has nothing to do with Pork!... it is completely Halal! ;-)
Hey seem to have what you might have heard about in american mafia movies "radio scanner"... i guess it can get you police radio waves frequences... and it's not cheap... 1,200USD
Ok, jokes aside... what many people don't know is that Ham Radio (or Amateur Radio) used to be the 1900s "Chat Rooms" ... and it is still very popular in Japan ... some people consider it the One and Only true free worldwide communication medium! They think that internet is a teenager (less than 20 years old) which cannot be compared with Radio
Interesting no?
Some movies has explored the HamRadio universe. You might wanna check some of these out.
Ham Radio Shop
Wednesday, 24 December 2008
Cirque Du Soleil@ Tokyo
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| Cirque Du Soleil |
Why am I writing about Non-Japanese stuff in Japan?
I don't know... But I am attending those events, so why not? It just happens when you're in a country, you might be tempted to see what they find interesting themselves... in this case, a foreign circus...
Although, Cirque Du Soleil is anything but an ordinary circus!
...It's not like those washed-out shows you see on TV which has became redundant since the 90s...
.. for me.. Cirque Du Soleil is like a theater... best resembled by a mime theater.. obviously with MUCH more body language..
The magic of circus, in my opinion is it's ability to trans-pass the boundaries of language, as they do some singing, the only thing is that they don't speak any known language known to mankind... it is only in the mind of those who are the cirque creaters! They have created their own language, which sounds like "gibberish", which means that you don't really need real words to convey human emotions, all you need is the emotion, an expressive face and body language!
It is a Saga, it is a movie in real time!
And the music score! Fantastic, it is live played by 5 instrument players... an original masterpiece which the acrobats and other performances time their movements upon... unfolding the story which is clearly a French style theater..
I was lucky to see Cirque Du Soleil's performance in Dubai, UAE with my dear friend Ken (whom I am sure is enjoying reading this so far ;-). It was Quidam. it was a masterpiece itself also, but the difference is in the theme, in Quidam, it was set mostly in an Western Style, however in this one... there are African Tribal Themes, Arabic (yep!) Themes, as well as Asian and occasional European (mainly Russian) themes.
It was a festival for both the eye and ear (and the tongue too, if you count the pop-corn :-P)
A Fantastic night.
Another note is the amount of Technology involved, a giant leap from Quidam..!
About the story itself, it was nice and fun... However, overall, I found the Quidam storyline more touching, plus the audience participation was much more in Quidam (maybe they chose not to.. in Tokyo.. the Japanese people are a bit too shy for this sort of thing... they will probably spend the whole time giggling! :-D)
The Cirque Du Soleil has established a permanent theater in Tokyo Disneyland Resort... something I heard they are planning to do as well in Dubai...
Find more about the show here, some nice wallpaper here, and an excellent video here.
Tuesday, 23 December 2008
At the Sushi bar.. Roppangi
A meal for a mere 9,800 Yen!
That's gotta hurt next month!
Well... it was nice to sit, watch the variaities behind the glass... point, watch it getting ready, get it down your throat... full? no? repeat!
When you want to eat something, after you point ... the cheif will ask you this
"Sushi or Sashumi?"
Well... Sushi was all know... you choice of meat (or fish eggs, fish insides or octopus legs, or even Tuna) wrapped into rice, with a little bit of Wasabi into it... Just for tears...
Of course, Sushi will "tune-down" the original taste... so if you're a bit unsure, go with the Sushi..
Now, what is "Sashumi"?
Simple, you want an extra fat Tuna? or a Salmon? (the red-sea-meat!) and you want the full flavor? ask for Sashumi... the chief will simply pick your choice of meat, put it on a plate, put just a couple of drops of Soy Sauce and serve..
To tell you the truth, I think that the Chief likes it better this way... it's less work for him (how much is there, really??) and more money in his pocket.. (since you get a larger portion of meat this way... thus charging you more!)
Cutting jokes aside... I think that most of the chief work is in early morning, when he goes to the fish market and hand picks the meat to be served tonight.. and it'd better be good!
That's gotta hurt next month!
Well... it was nice to sit, watch the variaities behind the glass... point, watch it getting ready, get it down your throat... full? no? repeat!
When you want to eat something, after you point ... the cheif will ask you this
"Sushi or Sashumi?"
Well... Sushi was all know... you choice of meat (or fish eggs, fish insides or octopus legs, or even Tuna) wrapped into rice, with a little bit of Wasabi into it... Just for tears...
Of course, Sushi will "tune-down" the original taste... so if you're a bit unsure, go with the Sushi..
Now, what is "Sashumi"?
Simple, you want an extra fat Tuna? or a Salmon? (the red-sea-meat!) and you want the full flavor? ask for Sashumi... the chief will simply pick your choice of meat, put it on a plate, put just a couple of drops of Soy Sauce and serve..
To tell you the truth, I think that the Chief likes it better this way... it's less work for him (how much is there, really??) and more money in his pocket.. (since you get a larger portion of meat this way... thus charging you more!)
Cutting jokes aside... I think that most of the chief work is in early morning, when he goes to the fish market and hand picks the meat to be served tonight.. and it'd better be good!
Saturday, 20 December 2008
Metro System in Tokyo
Today I am going to talk about one of the best Metro System in the world... the Tokyo Subway!
With a total length of 395.10km and 373 Main Stations, this system can get you within 5-15 mins of walking to any given destination.
The system is perfect, normal rapid trains which stop at every station with a train every 2-5 mins. and an experss metro which stops only at major stations.... A Japanese cannot ask for anything better...
Of course, with a system as comprehensive such as this, it is a bit complicated..! I had the hardest time going around in my first week.. I carried this map with me everywhere I go...
One thing is certain, there is more than one way to reach a given destination. The trick is to figure out the shortest and least expensive route.
An average trip with course you between 200Yens and 400 Yens, within Tokyo. That's around 2 to 4 dollars, one way.
Not bad!
You can get one of those full-day tickets for Tokyo's downtown for 1,500 Yen (Around 17$)
When I reach Tokyo, I had a 1 month ticket purchased for a given everyday route for 11,400 Yens (around 140$) for unlimited number of journays per day. I started using this ticket as a free ride whenever I am trying to reach a destination, I am making my route though this now-free route.
Purchasing your tickets is very easy, you just lookup the price to the station you want to reach before boarding the metro, and use automated vending machines to purchase the ticket, and Yes, they will give you back the change.
If you are not 100% sure of how much you have to pay, fear not, you can buy a lower price ticket to get you though the automated first gate (which will punch your ticket and allow you get on-board)
After you reach the destination, you have to go though a similar gate, which will not allow you though if your ticket was purchased with a lesser amount necessery... you simply go to a nearby
"fare adjustment" machine, which will tell you how much you have to "top-up" the ticket in order to get through.. You pay the difference, the machines issues you a new ticket and volia!
I LOVE this system!
Checkout various photos about Tokyo Metro below
With a total length of 395.10km and 373 Main Stations, this system can get you within 5-15 mins of walking to any given destination.
The system is perfect, normal rapid trains which stop at every station with a train every 2-5 mins. and an experss metro which stops only at major stations.... A Japanese cannot ask for anything better...
Of course, with a system as comprehensive such as this, it is a bit complicated..! I had the hardest time going around in my first week.. I carried this map with me everywhere I go...
One thing is certain, there is more than one way to reach a given destination. The trick is to figure out the shortest and least expensive route.
An average trip with course you between 200Yens and 400 Yens, within Tokyo. That's around 2 to 4 dollars, one way.
Not bad!
You can get one of those full-day tickets for Tokyo's downtown for 1,500 Yen (Around 17$)
When I reach Tokyo, I had a 1 month ticket purchased for a given everyday route for 11,400 Yens (around 140$) for unlimited number of journays per day. I started using this ticket as a free ride whenever I am trying to reach a destination, I am making my route though this now-free route.
Purchasing your tickets is very easy, you just lookup the price to the station you want to reach before boarding the metro, and use automated vending machines to purchase the ticket, and Yes, they will give you back the change.
If you are not 100% sure of how much you have to pay, fear not, you can buy a lower price ticket to get you though the automated first gate (which will punch your ticket and allow you get on-board)
After you reach the destination, you have to go though a similar gate, which will not allow you though if your ticket was purchased with a lesser amount necessery... you simply go to a nearby
"fare adjustment" machine, which will tell you how much you have to "top-up" the ticket in order to get through.. You pay the difference, the machines issues you a new ticket and volia!I LOVE this system!
Checkout various photos about Tokyo Metro below
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| Tokyo Metro Photos |
Friday, 19 December 2008
How to get anywhere in Tokyo!
It is pretty tough to find an address in Tokyo, but I would recommend the following fail-proof method which will allow you to go from a point A to a point B without the need to ask anyone for any directions!
it is simple, you just need 3 things: 1) A PC with internet connection and Google Earth installed, (2) a GPS and (3) little nice software called "Metro" (get it from http://metro.nanika.net/) or better still, get it installed on your Mobile (or as in my case, on my Mobile PC).
Now, HOW TO get there?
A) Get the "Zip code" of the place you want to visit using their website. It should look something like this "〒123-1234". Every office, house, or a restorant is japan has a zip code associate with it! (isn't that amazing?) (or, get their address in Japan in english)
B) Using your google earth, zoom in to Japan, then copy-paste the zip code "〒123-1234" to the google search box, it will get you directly to the location you are supposed to be headed to! Hover your mouse on the location and Google Earth will give you the coordinations exactly!
C) Using your GPS, create a new location and manually enter the Lat/Long coorediantes(*)
If you want to double check accuracy of Google Earth, use this website to locate your adderss: http://diddlefinger.com .
diddlefinger.com is the best Japanese English address finder!
D) Now all you have to do is to locate the nearest metro station. This can be pretty hard using google earth as the station names are written in Japanese, so use http://diddlefinger.com/.
F) Finally, using Metro software (or the online verion here) put the name of the station nearest to your current location and the name of the station near to your destination. It will let you know the route, the ETA...
Board the Metro(s) nesseray to reach your destination and then use your GPS to finally reach there. (**)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(*) Ensure that both of your GPS and the Google Earth are using the same Latitude Longitude system! (Very, very important!)
otherwise, you might end up in a place completely different.
While your GPS is probably shipped with a pre-fixed Lat/Long system, the good news that Google Earth allows you to change the system of coordinates. Goto Tools -> Options to change it as below (this was the case with my Garmin GPS System)
Google Earth Options
(**) I personally recommend the follow GPS maps for your Garmin or Smart Nokia Phones, it is in english and you can get it shipped from Japan. The cost of the map (GPS not included) is 120$.. this will help you to give you the nearest Metro Station name as well the route for reaching your destination. http://uud.info/
Happy going around!
it is simple, you just need 3 things: 1) A PC with internet connection and Google Earth installed, (2) a GPS and (3) little nice software called "Metro" (get it from http://metro.nanika.net/) or better still, get it installed on your Mobile (or as in my case, on my Mobile PC).
Now, HOW TO get there?
A) Get the "Zip code" of the place you want to visit using their website. It should look something like this "〒123-1234". Every office, house, or a restorant is japan has a zip code associate with it! (isn't that amazing?) (or, get their address in Japan in english)
B) Using your google earth, zoom in to Japan, then copy-paste the zip code "〒123-1234" to the google search box, it will get you directly to the location you are supposed to be headed to! Hover your mouse on the location and Google Earth will give you the coordinations exactly!
C) Using your GPS, create a new location and manually enter the Lat/Long coorediantes(*)
If you want to double check accuracy of Google Earth, use this website to locate your adderss: http://diddlefinger.com .
diddlefinger.com is the best Japanese English address finder!D) Now all you have to do is to locate the nearest metro station. This can be pretty hard using google earth as the station names are written in Japanese, so use http://diddlefinger.com/.
F) Finally, using Metro software (or the online verion here) put the name of the station nearest to your current location and the name of the station near to your destination. It will let you know the route, the ETA...
Board the Metro(s) nesseray to reach your destination and then use your GPS to finally reach there. (**)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(*) Ensure that both of your GPS and the Google Earth are using the same Latitude Longitude system! (Very, very important!)
otherwise, you might end up in a place completely different.
While your GPS is probably shipped with a pre-fixed Lat/Long system, the good news that Google Earth allows you to change the system of coordinates. Goto Tools -> Options to change it as below (this was the case with my Garmin GPS System)
Google Earth OptionsHappy going around!
Monday, 15 December 2008
Cars in Japan
Two words: "Not impressive!"
When you come to Tokyo, you feel that you went in time around 10 years of car making years...!
If you're living in Dubai, you should feel happy now, the Japanese humbleness appears very clearly in their cars... they love Station-Type cars... They use the extra space for either extra seats or extra luggage area...
And while I do see Nissan, Toyota, Mitsubishi cars everywhere (naturally!) Most of them are of unknown models for us in the Gulf! The only model I have seen which I was able to recognize is the Corolla :-D
Plus, you will not see 1/10th the number of luxary cars here in Japan as much you would see in Dubai or the Gulf in general! I think I saw only 2 or 3 Lexus cars since I've been here, but people here seem to appericate highly the German cars, like the Audi, BMW and the Mercides (they call them here "Benz" for short). They like the Mini also..
And the Taxis...
One word... "Ugly!" you would think that they are from the 80s! And hugely overprized (6$USDs for every 1km!)... And definitely not worth the ride... People usually go for them if why stay outdoors after 2.00pm (after the last Metro)
One thing is for sure, Japanese are not of those people who over-rate the appearances... Practically is King here in Japan! If something just does the purpose, there is no reason to spend 1 more Yen on making it looks impressive... Cars are only one example... You have houses with plain exterials, Opera houses with Cement finishing (no final painting) and people living in a big house with a very small bedrooms, not enough for a couple to sleep in..
Well, not to say that it makes Japan any less in my view... it is just... different, and when you look at the over-all picture, it makes you very impressed, becaues those people pay attension to the things that truely matter...! A mirror at every intersection so that you can see that cars coming, a very blind friendly system with audiable alarms at every streetlight or metro station, and a metro system that is almost unmatchable anywhere...!
When you come to Tokyo, you feel that you went in time around 10 years of car making years...!
If you're living in Dubai, you should feel happy now, the Japanese humbleness appears very clearly in their cars... they love Station-Type cars... They use the extra space for either extra seats or extra luggage area...
And while I do see Nissan, Toyota, Mitsubishi cars everywhere (naturally!) Most of them are of unknown models for us in the Gulf! The only model I have seen which I was able to recognize is the Corolla :-D
Plus, you will not see 1/10th the number of luxary cars here in Japan as much you would see in Dubai or the Gulf in general! I think I saw only 2 or 3 Lexus cars since I've been here, but people here seem to appericate highly the German cars, like the Audi, BMW and the Mercides (they call them here "Benz" for short). They like the Mini also..
And the Taxis...
One word... "Ugly!" you would think that they are from the 80s! And hugely overprized (6$USDs for every 1km!)... And definitely not worth the ride... People usually go for them if why stay outdoors after 2.00pm (after the last Metro)
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Well, not to say that it makes Japan any less in my view... it is just... different, and when you look at the over-all picture, it makes you very impressed, becaues those people pay attension to the things that truely matter...! A mirror at every intersection so that you can see that cars coming, a very blind friendly system with audiable alarms at every streetlight or metro station, and a metro system that is almost unmatchable anywhere...!
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| Cars in Japan |
Monday, 8 December 2008
My Host Father in Japan
Well, today I am going to talk about Tomo-san, my Autosan (father) in Japan
He striked me in the beginning as a very serious man. As you would expect from a univeristy professor.
I was coming to Japan with the image of Japanese men who would wake up at 5.00am in the morning, takes his breakfast with little or no converation with his wife, and then head to work, where he would spend his 10 hours and then go to socilize with his co-workers and drink Saki till 12.00pm... and comes back directly to bed and restart... I thought that he was of that catugary... since he has a large house and the japanese life is a very expensive one... that was my thinking on the way from the Airport to the house...
That was my first impression of him...
He turned out to be the kind of person who would take a while to warm up. And he isn't a work-o-holic as I thought he is, at least not outside the house. He does a great deal of his research in the house, in his room.
I have noted that here, in Japan, the Language barrier tunes down the emotions. The Japanese mastery of the spoken English is not very high due to the little parcitice they do in their daily life or at school (they start learning English in the 7th grade!) ...
However, for your information, Japanese people are excellent English readers and writers. (so if you need to explain something to a Japanese in the street, you have a far better chance of him understanding you if you write it down for him!)
Now, I am happy to say now that Tomoo-san (my host father) is a fascinating character... with many dimensions.
He is a professor in English with a specialty in the First English-Japanese Dictionary. He spent the last 15 years doing research about this subject. (yep! that's not a typo, 15 years on this one subject. When I met him, he was yet to get his Ph.D. He is already 63 years old.
That's how hard it is get a PhD in Literature in Japan. It took him more than 15 years to realise that dream.
And during those 15 years, He was honored with a single celebartion and a prize only very recently for his efforts on the English-Japanese Dictionary, and a 1-min-of-fame on TV. That was the only attention he got from the government media...
How was he able to sustain this far? How could he have such a stamina? That amazes me!!
You have to know that in Japan, they have something called "Support Groups"... and I am not talking AA or Single Mothers or such a western style groups (not that they don't exist her as well). But I am talking of privately created support groups which helps you achieve your long term projects.
Not to mention his wife, Yoshie-san , who was next to him every step of the way... Being the best housewife Tomoo-san would dream of!
Another interesting aspect of Tomoosan is his older brother:
Tomoosan had a brother who had an alcohol problem and passed away around 2 years ago due to Liver cancer. He courageously decided to project his sadness into something positive my capturing his brother's life highlights in a book. His bother was a man who lived for what he believed in.. He described his bother's drinking problem and Tomoosan decided himself that he will quit drinking himself. He was supported all the way with his support group of friends who helped him achieve his dream along the way.
As part of a support group, he recently helped a friend of his to publish a book. That's why he was only able to meet me very briefly on my first day as he went on his weekend to attend a party they threw for his friend's new book!
In addition, he co-founded a support group for Hiroko Noda, the Opera singer I wrote about it in my previous post. They publish a bi-annual newsletter about her, in addition to routine meetings with her...
Now for the part that amazed me most about my Autosan, Tomoosan.. Brace yourselves!
When I was talking with him inside his room, I couldn't help but notice a statue of a figure I remember from my childhood. A character which is older then 60 years old. "الفتى أسترو which was dubbed into Arabic. If I was in Syria, I would have assumed that this belongs to one of his sons... but knowing that Japanese culture, I knew otherwise!
Tomoosan told me his nickname... among his friends, he is known as "Astro Boy"!
He is a big fan! He owns the first issued Comics ever issued for character. Not only that, he keep a couple of action figures on his studying table as well as an "Astro-boy" themed towel as well!
It is amazing how the Japanese keep in touch with their childhood...! Makes me happy to see a 65 years old PhD holder, father of a 2 married kids, and high profile career, proudly displaying his passion in his study room... with no fear of people's judgment.... that is Japan for you!
Although he told me that he didn't read the Comics in around 20 years, I am sure he knows them by heart!
Tomoo-san has shared a part of his success story with me. It was not an easy ride...
Ever his teenagehood he was interested in the English words which entered into the mainstreem of the Japanese language. He started collecting them himself as a hobby.
He entered univeristy and graduated with a degree in English Literature. Although he wanted to work on his project, he found himself underpessure (like we experience ourselves) to find a job, get married and have kids...
As he always thought that he can find time to work on this project. He entered as the new English Language teacher in a local highschool.
However, as the working hours in Japan is demanding (like Dubai :-D) he could not find the time... and time drifted away....
Fast Forward, 20 years later, he found himself becoming the Principle for the highschool he started at. With a well paying a high prestigious career, a great marriage and 2 kids and a daughter in highschool, he had every reason in the world to be happy.. right?
Wrong!
It turns out that his teenagehood dream didn't die... only repressed..!
Repressed dreams have a funny way of showing up when it is least convienant!
This is what happened to Tomoo-san. He found that his job didn't taste as good anymore... his life became routine and meaningless..
He decided that is it the time... it was either now or never!
And as he puts it, he was still young (only 40 years old) and he decided that he will wait, no more!
He did a very bold move... he quite his job to devoit as much time as possible to his research..
He decided to become an English teacher for a "cram school" which was becoming popular in Japan... he did well... and he had a lot of time to focus his research...
Everything went ok... you would imagine in a country like Japan that everything will go ok... right?
Wrong again!
The school went bankrupt! And he became without work...
But did he give up? no... he would not give up on his dream.. he worked did odd job such as a night-watchman, a labor jobs to pay his bills.
At the end, starting with no research background, after 15 years of hard work, the results has started to come, he was recognized by the university and was offered a teaching position, and his financial situation started becoming better and better. He was finally able to enjoy a wealthy lifestyle.
Something we could all learn from!
His advice? "Pursue your passion! Do what you love.. Do it while you're still young... it's much more easier that way..!"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Everything went ok... you would imagine in a country like Japan that everything will go ok... right?
Wrong again!
The school went bankrupt! And he became without work...
But did he give up? no... he would not give up on his dream.. he worked did odd job such as a night-watchman, a labor jobs to pay his bills.
At the end, starting with no research background, after 15 years of hard work, the results has started to come, he was recognized by the university and was offered a teaching position, and his financial situation started becoming better and better. He was finally able to enjoy a wealthy lifestyle.
Something we could all learn from!
His advice? "Pursue your passion! Do what you love.. Do it while you're still young... it's much more easier that way..!"
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| Okasan Photo Gallery |
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Update: Autosan has just got his PhD today! It is a historic occasion for the Endo Family! We will be celebrating tonight. His friend has arrived as well just now.
Saturday, 6 December 2008
An Italian Opera... in the Heart of Japan!
It was a fascinating experience... I've just come back from and Italian Opera performed by Japanese Singers and Musicians...
And the most impressive part is that they performed it beautifully!
The whole experience makes your soul fly high into the sky like a free bird.. the music and the performance has crushed all the language and cultural barriers... leaving you in a dream you don't want to wake up from...
Everyone probably knows the introduction of "LA TRAVIATA " by heart... even if you're not an opera fan... it is so famous that you must have come across it on TV or on radio in some point of your life...
I belong to a category of people so don't really stop at a music shop and buy a CD for Opera intentionally... but I am of those people who would stop that channel seeker on my car radio of I hear an Opera...
I was blown away by the performance... it was the first time in my life in which i have attended n Opera, and it was the last thing on my mind when I came to Japan...
The Lead Female singer happens to be a very close friend to the Endos Family. Her name is Hiroko Noda, she is fluent in Italian (having studied Opera in Italy).. and In Japanese... not so much in English, we had her for dinner around 4 days back... Couldn't speak with her very well... but today I could really feel the energy, (as she didn't only do vocalizing, she did most of the acting too!)
And not only from her, the whole cast (it was about her and her lover falling in love, and the father gets in the way and the story goes on with a Romeo and Juliet type ending)
The Orchestra was a class my itself, the performance with a class-A performance... worthy of somewhere like the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi!
The whole set was a beautiful masterpiece with many different dimensions to explore, whether it's the overcomed language barrier, or your shear unbelief that they are singing without the need for a microphone in a room of 300+ people sitting... I mean... I was sitting in the last rows and I would hear her voice right in my hear!! Plus, they had the Orchestra playing right behind them!
A narrator would come between scenes to explain in Japanese the Story line and to give the well known "Japanese Touch"
I leave you with some pictures from the play and a 2 min. introduction movie.
And the most impressive part is that they performed it beautifully!
The whole experience makes your soul fly high into the sky like a free bird.. the music and the performance has crushed all the language and cultural barriers... leaving you in a dream you don't want to wake up from...
Everyone probably knows the introduction of "LA TRAVIATA " by heart... even if you're not an opera fan... it is so famous that you must have come across it on TV or on radio in some point of your life...
I belong to a category of people so don't really stop at a music shop and buy a CD for Opera intentionally... but I am of those people who would stop that channel seeker on my car radio of I hear an Opera...
I was blown away by the performance... it was the first time in my life in which i have attended n Opera, and it was the last thing on my mind when I came to Japan...
The Lead Female singer happens to be a very close friend to the Endos Family. Her name is Hiroko Noda, she is fluent in Italian (having studied Opera in Italy).. and In Japanese... not so much in English, we had her for dinner around 4 days back... Couldn't speak with her very well... but today I could really feel the energy, (as she didn't only do vocalizing, she did most of the acting too!)And not only from her, the whole cast (it was about her and her lover falling in love, and the father gets in the way and the story goes on with a Romeo and Juliet type ending)
The Orchestra was a class my itself, the performance with a class-A performance... worthy of somewhere like the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi!
The whole set was a beautiful masterpiece with many different dimensions to explore, whether it's the overcomed language barrier, or your shear unbelief that they are singing without the need for a microphone in a room of 300+ people sitting... I mean... I was sitting in the last rows and I would hear her voice right in my hear!! Plus, they had the Orchestra playing right behind them!
A narrator would come between scenes to explain in Japanese the Story line and to give the well known "Japanese Touch"
I leave you with some pictures from the play and a 2 min. introduction movie.
 |
| An Italian Opera Night in Japan |
Friday, 5 December 2008
Marriage in Japan
After I've got my wireless network card setup properly now, I can start writing down blogs on daily basis.
The last week was very occupied... I had to get used to the Language school (which is essential if you want to go around in Japan, so I am going to put a lot of effort into this for the next week also!) In addition, I had to get used to my host family. Who are, by the way, great! I could not have wished for a better host family!
We had a nice discussion about marriage in Japan. I had to discover that, in Syria, we are still maintaining some of the traditions Japan has enjoyed around 50 or 70 years ago..
I was told (and I know that you Syrian People, fans of "Bab El-Harah" would love this!) that all the Japanese marriages were "arranged marriages" ... not only that, that the groom and the bride didn't see each other until the wedding night!!
When I commented that we still have arranged marriages in Syria, and that my mom had all the say in who or which family I am getting married into, she commented "Good System!"
My host mom continued saying that , she wanted to select the wife of her son, who sadly is refusing her interfere... she said that my mom is lucky to be living in a society which would allow her to do so..
I was told that the Japanese divorce rate is at around 20% and raising... but remember that this
is the official figures...
Sorry guys, I know that I am behind schedule when it comes to blogging, and I have tons on stuff I wanna comment about, but I have to go and study my Hiragana!
Today is Saturday, the weekend... my host mother has asked me if I would be interested in going to a Japanese concert... where they are going to sing Italian Opera!! (WAW?!)... so of course I said yes!!
I will let you know about it when I come back!
For now, I'd like to share with you a photo of my Okasan (my host mom) and Obasan (my grand mom)
I am a lucky guy... I have now 2x moms and 2x grandmoms! (I know that mom will not really like this news... don't tell her! :-D)
Hani, the next line is for you:
"Wisam Safi... reporting to you from Japan.... Tokyoooooo!"
The last week was very occupied... I had to get used to the Language school (which is essential if you want to go around in Japan, so I am going to put a lot of effort into this for the next week also!) In addition, I had to get used to my host family. Who are, by the way, great! I could not have wished for a better host family!
We had a nice discussion about marriage in Japan. I had to discover that, in Syria, we are still maintaining some of the traditions Japan has enjoyed around 50 or 70 years ago..
I was told (and I know that you Syrian People, fans of "Bab El-Harah" would love this!) that all the Japanese marriages were "arranged marriages" ... not only that, that the groom and the bride didn't see each other until the wedding night!!
When I commented that we still have arranged marriages in Syria, and that my mom had all the say in who or which family I am getting married into, she commented "Good System!"
My host mom continued saying that , she wanted to select the wife of her son, who sadly is refusing her interfere... she said that my mom is lucky to be living in a society which would allow her to do so..
I was told that the Japanese divorce rate is at around 20% and raising... but remember that this
is the official figures...Sorry guys, I know that I am behind schedule when it comes to blogging, and I have tons on stuff I wanna comment about, but I have to go and study my Hiragana!
Today is Saturday, the weekend... my host mother has asked me if I would be interested in going to a Japanese concert... where they are going to sing Italian Opera!! (WAW?!)... so of course I said yes!!
I will let you know about it when I come back!
For now, I'd like to share with you a photo of my Okasan (my host mom) and Obasan (my grand mom)
I am a lucky guy... I have now 2x moms and 2x grandmoms! (I know that mom will not really like this news... don't tell her! :-D)
Hani, the next line is for you:
"Wisam Safi... reporting to you from Japan.... Tokyoooooo!"
Sunday, 30 November 2008
My arrival to Japan
It was a great first day, i was greeted at the airport by the Accomdation officer from the language school .here name was GoKotwa and she was a nice lady.
We spoke about Dubai, she said that she was intended to visit Dubai 10 years ago but her husband could not take a Vacation so they had to cancel then visit ... People eyes light up here when I mention the word Dubai i met my host mother (okasan, mother in Japanese) who picked me up from the train Station. I met very briefly my father who is a very busy university professor. it turned out that my home is more like a very big hostel which is home with more than 12 members; other than the father and he mother and the grand mother they have a Student from Malaysia another from Sweden and another Japanese university teacher ... in addition thy have a friend and her retried husband who also lives with them. Now after I found out that thy here wireless Internet (which the school failed to tell me) I have really regretted my decision not to bring my laptop! I have now borrowed a laptop from the mother and they will install a wireless Internet card tomorrow.
Saturday, 29 November 2008
How do you Know that your getting Closer to Japan?
How do you Know that your getting Closer to Japan? I think when you see 300+ of them in one room!
This is Wisam Safi reporting from gate No. 12 in Colombo.-
After a nice Short (but definitely eventful Stop in Sri Lanka ) I am boarding again for the big one: The 8+ hours flight to Natrai Airport, my gateway To the Land Of the of Ruisirg sun
Only 12 hours away from fulfilling my hand made destiny , a childhood dream ...
I just had time to take a little nap after my little big adventure in the jungles of Sri Lanka. I said goodbye to my great guide and my new friend Wasantha and to Boma the nice elephant was nice enough to give me a ride (Tarazan Style!) across the far river without getting me wet in the process. I saw baby elephants getting their morning bath.. got to feed them fresh fruit..and take photographs and videos (check them out here!)
To Summarize; what did like about Colombo and what i did not like?
I Liked:
1) the friendly faces : everyone is happy with their life poor or rich 2) the Cheap country : if you're street smart, you can get things really cheap. 3) tasty fruits
What I didn't like? Well, the fact that everyone is looking to find a way to get money from you... many people are there to help you, but they are there for the money... The good news is that the amount of money they are targeting is very small.. just keep a handfull of of 50 SriLankan Rubies (around 50 cents) or even 25s and pass it around...
I think I will be coming back soon to this country
Friday, 28 November 2008
The Jungle Book!
So, I decided to checkout SriLanka... without spending a lot of money!
So, of course, since I was white skinned, the the guys at the airport have generously offer me a round tip to a elephant area as well as to a temple area for a humble price of a
100US$...
Not bad, right?
WRONG!
The one thing that those guys didn't count upon was that I was from Syria... land of the traders!! where we practice bargaining as a sport!
So, there how I did it , Syrian Style!
I took a 3 more business cards from other tourist guys... they all had stated their price as 100$... they where standing strong... (or at least they thought they were!)
:-D
So, I reached the airport, took a shower and I started calling...
I used the good old `Bluff-em-up-against each other` method! it always works!
I randomly called one of them... told him to send his driver in 3 hours(to show him I was serious)... then I called the next one and told him that I already got a price of 80$ ... he first stated... "if you got such an offer, then go for it, as it is good.." to call me bluff, naturally... so I played it cool and told him... "ok.. byebye!"... "hey, ok... I get you the price down to 80$ with a good car!"
I hang up and called the first guy... "cancel the driver, I already got an offer for 75$!! you cheater!"
"no no no sir. please... I will get it for you for a better price!"
After 15 mins..., the price became 65$ with NO tips expected... (however, I ended up 10$ tip to the driver for being so god and helpful I really recommend him, you can check him out at the photo gallery)
Enjoy the photos and video (another video is underway!, watch this spot!)
The Jungle Book Part 1
Video of the Elephants at the Orphanage
The Jungle Book Part 2
Temple Photos
SriLanka - General Photos
So, of course, since I was white skinned, the the guys at the airport have generously offer me a round tip to a elephant area as well as to a temple area for a humble price of a
100US$...
Not bad, right?
WRONG!
The one thing that those guys didn't count upon was that I was from Syria... land of the traders!! where we practice bargaining as a sport!
So, there how I did it , Syrian Style!
I took a 3 more business cards from other tourist guys... they all had stated their price as 100$... they where standing strong... (or at least they thought they were!)
:-D
So, I reached the airport, took a shower and I started calling...
I used the good old `Bluff-em-up-against each other` method! it always works!
I randomly called one of them... told him to send his driver in 3 hours(to show him I was serious)... then I called the next one and told him that I already got a price of 80$ ... he first stated... "if you got such an offer, then go for it, as it is good.." to call me bluff, naturally... so I played it cool and told him... "ok.. byebye!"... "hey, ok... I get you the price down to 80$ with a good car!"
I hang up and called the first guy... "cancel the driver, I already got an offer for 75$!! you cheater!"
"no no no sir. please... I will get it for you for a better price!"
After 15 mins..., the price became 65$ with NO tips expected... (however, I ended up 10$ tip to the driver for being so god and helpful I really recommend him, you can check him out at the photo gallery)
Enjoy the photos and video (another video is underway!, watch this spot!)
The Jungle Book Part 1
 |
| 28.11.08 - SriLanka - The Jungle Book Part 1 |
Video of the Elephants at the Orphanage
The Jungle Book Part 2
 |
| 28.11.08 - SriLanka - The Jungle Book Part 2 |
Temple Photos
 |
| The Buddhist Temple in Kandy |
SriLanka - General Photos
 |
| 28.11.08 - SriLanka - General Photos |
A Leap of Faith
It was a real hectic day. my feet hart! I look toward my comfy chair in the flight No more packing! Enough is enough! Whatever i might have forgotten to bring, I am sure they have it in Japan !
I have made a last min. executive decision! Ready to hear it ? Brace yourselves: "no laptop!". Yes ... Wisam Safi) i the computer geek going to Japan: "commando STYLE ! "
See, this is the I look at it ：
1) Why do i need the computer on a vacation? Is it to Work on a excel or powerpoint? Maybe... But how do I wanna Spend the best times or my life yet? In front of an LCD screen? So I switched my laptop with my video camera. New I look less like an engineer and more like a Tourist!
2) Ever heard of "internet Cafés? 1japan they haVe "Manga Coffees " the downside? 5 US$ per 1/2Sores hours. The Plus side :you own playstation!
Had to ensure my credit card are fully functional and ready for my grand trip !
I did some last minute shopping finished packing my clothes. Checked the weather in Colombo (it is supposed to be 29'c and rainy ? I will be having a long transit in Colombo. We are supposed to reach there by 4 .45 am and then my next flight to to T0Kyo will be at 11.45pm
I intend to visit the zoo in Colombo I get this recommendation from a guy who works with the airlines It is supposed to be fantastic As it might rain, I got me an Umbrella and as a very dear friend or mine suggested got a Japanese phrase book (thanks, Manj!)
I have made a last min. executive decision! Ready to hear it ? Brace yourselves: "no laptop!". Yes ... Wisam Safi) i the computer geek going to Japan: "commando STYLE ! "
See, this is the I look at it ：
1) Why do i need the computer on a vacation? Is it to Work on a excel or powerpoint? Maybe... But how do I wanna Spend the best times or my life yet? In front of an LCD screen? So I switched my laptop with my video camera. New I look less like an engineer and more like a Tourist!
2) Ever heard of "internet Cafés? 1japan they haVe "Manga Coffees " the downside? 5 US$ per 1/2Sores hours. The Plus side :you own playstation!
Had to ensure my credit card are fully functional and ready for my grand trip !
I did some last minute shopping finished packing my clothes. Checked the weather in Colombo (it is supposed to be 29'c and rainy ? I will be having a long transit in Colombo. We are supposed to reach there by 4 .45 am and then my next flight to to T0Kyo will be at 11.45pm
I intend to visit the zoo in Colombo I get this recommendation from a guy who works with the airlines It is supposed to be fantastic As it might rain, I got me an Umbrella and as a very dear friend or mine suggested got a Japanese phrase book (thanks, Manj!)
The Srilankan Airlines
I have to say that I am impressed. And I don't get impressed easily ... those guys are good! the way they greeted us.. their check-in, and what have they just gave us? A menu?.. And not any menu...it is almost as good as a business class menu! (see photo). Another note I have found is in regards of the passengers ..(predominantly Srilankan).. they are .... quiet .. And well believed.. A nice touch.. The stewardess are very polite and soft-spoken .. And their traditional dress is very nice as well. I didn't think that it would be practical.. But it works..(ok, some of them could use less love handles ;-) maybe their men created this type of clothing so that the ladies would take their fitness more seriously?
Well.. As Arab men we have surrendered long time ago to our ladies' fatty cooking . we choose to fully cover our ladies and pray for the best.
I didn't yet try the.food and I guess it would spicy (just the way I like it :-D
I hope I would not get a special meal just because some smart employee decided to suddenly be "proactive"!
Well, guess its the time to relax a.bit over some Srilanken TV program.. :-)
Update: The have the same programs you would find on the Emirates... I watched WALL-E during the flight... 1st Class meals! 1st Class Service!
Well.. As Arab men we have surrendered long time ago to our ladies' fatty cooking . we choose to fully cover our ladies and pray for the best.
I didn't yet try the.food and I guess it would spicy (just the way I like it :-D
I hope I would not get a special meal just because some smart employee decided to suddenly be "proactive"!
Well, guess its the time to relax a.bit over some Srilanken TV program.. :-)
Update: The have the same programs you would find on the Emirates... I watched WALL-E during the flight... 1st Class meals! 1st Class Service!
 |
| 28.11.08 - SriLanka - Getting there |
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
So, why do you wanna go to Japan?
3 things:
1) An Up-Close-and-Personal view of the Japanese People. We hear, (sometimes even too good and unbelievable) stories about the "Japan Miracle" and the teamwork, the family-business mix of the Japanese people, being able to raise to the top of the techonlogical world after being bombarded with 2x A-Bombs! then occupied by the USA till this very day! (they still have US forces over there, right?)
As an Arab, never had had 2x A-Bombs on our land... and yet we cry everyday about the "western conspiracy" against us!
2) So Why 35 days? Why not a week or two?
Surely, it is cheaper, but I am sure in a week or two the "Waw" factor will still prevail... I will never be able to spot any flaws with these people...
Sometimes, when you see the flaw of People and Cultures you Idolize, you can appreciate your own more...
I want to appreciate Dubai and Syria (especially, since we have a lot of flaws! :-P)
This is by comparing my hometown and Dubai (where I currently live)... with Japan.. and Japanese people...
See, when you see such a video as below... you start to think... what the hell?? I wanna see those people!!
3) to relax and have a vacation... (dah!) ;-)
1) An Up-Close-and-Personal view of the Japanese People. We hear, (sometimes even too good and unbelievable) stories about the "Japan Miracle" and the teamwork, the family-business mix of the Japanese people, being able to raise to the top of the techonlogical world after being bombarded with 2x A-Bombs! then occupied by the USA till this very day! (they still have US forces over there, right?)
As an Arab, never had had 2x A-Bombs on our land... and yet we cry everyday about the "western conspiracy" against us!
2) So Why 35 days? Why not a week or two?
Surely, it is cheaper, but I am sure in a week or two the "Waw" factor will still prevail... I will never be able to spot any flaws with these people...
Sometimes, when you see the flaw of People and Cultures you Idolize, you can appreciate your own more...
I want to appreciate Dubai and Syria (especially, since we have a lot of flaws! :-P)
This is by comparing my hometown and Dubai (where I currently live)... with Japan.. and Japanese people...
See, when you see such a video as below... you start to think... what the hell?? I wanna see those people!!
3) to relax and have a vacation... (dah!) ;-)
Packing and Getting ready!
I am still in a state of disbelief... it is incredable how much power your thoughts can have on your time, your body and your future... I could have been spending this holiday in my home town Damascus, trying to get married ( note the word "trying"!)
But instead, I have set my destiny to travel more than half way around the globe into the Land of the Raising Sun!
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