Email: Happy New Year from Thailand
We are currently on an all-night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. This is the sixth night we will spend on a train during our journey.
Email: Greetings from the Tonle Sap River, Cambodia
We are currently on the fast boat up the Tonle Sap River from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, Cambodia. We have just finished staying three nights in Phnom Penh, the capital city.
Email: Greetings from Southern Thailand
We are currently flying from Ko Sumui to Bangkok. The Ko Sumui archipelago is located in Southern Thailand. We spent three days on Ko Pha-Ngan mostly eating, sleeping, swimming and reflecting on our trip.
Japan: Hiroshima
Our first extended bullet train ride to Hiroshima was a great event. Once there, we spent time exploring the beauty of Miyajima Island and also visiting the important and sobering sights associated with the atomic bombing at the end of World War II.
Japan: Nagano and Matsumoto
Our last stop before returning to Tokyo was in Nagano, the site of the 1998 Olympic Games. In addition to visiting this city and large temple, we took a day trip to Matsumoto to visit one of the few surviving castles in Japan.
Email: Greetings from Japan – Cars
As most people know, Japan is a very homogeneous culture. An interesting contrast from the people who live here is the cars they drive.
Email: Greetings from Japan – Final Thoughts
Well, tomorrow we return to the U.S. So I thought I would take a few paragraphs to summarize my thoughts in a fun way. The 10 most surprising things I found in Japan were…
China: Xian – Terracotta Warriors
It was a 5 1/2 hour journey on a double decker express ‘K’ train from Luoyang to Xian. The next morning we went back to the train station to catch the bus to the Army of the Terracotta Warriors. Nothing prepares you for the enormity of seeing the warriors in lines as you first enter.
China: Yangshao
Our last stop in China proper was in Yangshao, a short distance from Guilin. Here we enjoyed a variety of activities, including biking and hiking.
Europe: Zermatt and the Matterhorn, Switzerland
Zermatt is a classic Swiss town in a fairy tale setting with views of the Matterhorn mountain in clear weather. We were fortunate to see the mountain from the town center as well as during day hikes.