Just got back from an amazing couple of weeks in Japan.
Having just stepped off the plane late last night, the feeling today is just how many adventures somehow got crammed into 16 days, many of them facilitated by ultra prompt running of the Shinkansen 'bullet' train.
So many great experiences, and I'm sure more will occur once I get back 'into' London again this week.
For now here are some initial impressions from a magical Christmas/New Year trip 2009/10:
- Hiroshima - spending most of Christmas day in the Peace Park, the city's memorial to victims of the 1st atomic bombing in 1945. Built on the sight of the blast, with as much hope for the future as remembrance of the past, I found this place utterly moving.
- Kyoto - before this trip all this city meant to me was the name it gave to the global warming treaty. So, it came as a wonderful surprise to find one of the few places still retaining an older way of life that existed before all the incredible advances of the past 50+ years.
- Tokyo - the culture shock that so many people had mentioned didn't happen. What I did experience was an ultra modern city that works. The transport, infrastructure, stores, eateries - so many things that impact standards of living in large cities, all worked so beautifully, and with a population in excess of 35.8 million people in greater Tokyo.
- Places apart; the people - one of the main reasons such a populated country seems to work, and succeed, so wonderfully is the character of the people. Whilst I know there's a much deeper side, from a foreigner's point of view; the politeness and good manners make everything possible. Values seem to begin through families, education, and continue throughout all areas of adulthood. Japan, cities and countryside, felt safe.
- Food - I love all the variations of rice and noodles, though for me my favourite is sushi, and the famous fish market in Tokyo; my sushi heaven!
Now back in London and jumping right into January, one impression taken from Japan that sits above all else is the work ethic; working well, providing the very best service possible, and being proud of your results.
Let's all work to make this year the best year yet.
