On our arrival in Tokyo, we will stay near the Sengakuji Temple.  The temple is dedicated to a  fascinating story about a group of samurai known as the “47 Ronin”.  Detailed information is available all over the web and I like the information located at 47ronin.com…..for THAT information check out this web site 47 Ronin.

Japanese history since the unification of the country under samurai rule is remarkable in the society’s attainment of art, literature, architecture, and political structure. The Edo period, as it is called, begins with a civil war and consolidation of power and ends with the dramatic modernization of Japan under Emperor Meiji.  Check out some of that information at the Japan Guide web site HERE.

If you are interested in a more in depth look at Japanese society during the Edo Period, a couple of my favorite books include:

Donald Keene’s World Within Walls

Matsuo Basho’s The Narrow Road to Oku

Enjoy!

You will not find a lot of information about learning Dzongkha online….however, you can find a couple of sites that offer some information.  Dzongkha is related to Tibetan and the script is very similar.  Take a look at these sites, if you are interested, and try out some Dzongkha.

Learning Dzongkha

General Information about the Language

Bhutanese Government Site on Dzongkha

Tashi Delek!

TGF

It’s always a great idea to know some basic phrases when traveling around the world….so, in case you do not have time to learn Japanese in the next couple of months, here’s a brief and fun way to learn some phrases.

http://www.genkienglish.net/genkijapan/japanese.htm

You can also try this link for a more complete set of information:

http://www.linguanaut.com/learn_japanese.htm

Enjoy learning some new phrases!

TGF

 

Hi Folks,

Attached here is the lecture / presentation for the meeting on Tuesday.  Click on the link below and relive the adventure!

Japanese History for Trip

TGF

Hi Folks,

A few interesting stories about Bhutan in the news around the world.  Also, check out Bhutan’s daily newspaper (in English) Kuensel.

On Travel in Bhutan

http://www.eturbonews.com/55439/pata-rtcm-2015-closes-bhutan

On the Haa Valley

http://haavalleyhomestay.com

A Blog Post on the Haa Valley

http://floraine.org/bhutan/2014/02/17/paro-and-haa-valley/

Hi Again,

I am a big believer in traveling light on international trips and you will find a wealth of information on ways to pack.  I am a fan of this web site: http://www.onebagtravel.com.  On the web site and with the accompanying video, this site provides information on packing and packing well.  In addition, the information provided on travel is invaluable and is a great resource.

In addition to this site, I also use this site: http://frugalfirstclasstravel.com/2013/04/13/real-life-one-bag-travel-my-packing-list-for-spring-in-europe/.  Packing effectively for travel is a BIG deal when you have to carry bags and such on planes, trains, and in vans etc.  generally speaking, if it is small, it CAN be easy.

Soooo….take a look at these sites and let me know what you think!

Peace,

TGF

Hi Folks,

In terms of vaccinations, I take my cues from the CDC and information from each of the countries we visit.

You can find the CDC information for Japan here: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/japan

For Thailand, here are the CDC recommendations: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/thailand/traveler/packing-list

Finally, for Bhutan here are the CDC recommendations: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/bhutan

Take a look at this information.  You can make your own decisions about which vaccinations to take.  In my case, I have Hep A, B, and Typhoid as my minimum vaccinations for these parts of the world.  In addition, I use bug repellant and, specifically, Permethrin, a wash-in bug repellant: http://www.rei.com/product/768970/sawyer-permethrin-pump-spray-24-oz.

In addition to dealing with personal health questions, it’s always good to eat carefully….avoid food that is not prepared in front of you or food that has been sitting out…when eating street food, choose food stalls that prepare food in front of you….watch the process.

Finally, some foods, like unpeeled fruit and vegetables, can transmit disease via the skin of the fruit or veggie…lettuce products seem to be a serious concern because of handling methods as well as the kinds of pesticides and fertilizers used.

My advice?  Be careful and be wise in food selection!

Hi Folks,

Off we go! In a few months!

We are flying United this year, making stops in Tokyo and Bangkok.  Our group will board the shinkansen (Hikari) at Tokyo Station headed to Kyoto.  From there we have a home stay, a bit of travel around Japan, and a day trip to Hiroshima now added to our time in Japan.

Our stay in Bangkok will be brief and the Bhutan leg of the trip will begin May 30th.  Our plans are to hit the Haa Valley and a home stay as well as a rafting trip down the Mo Chu River in Punakha followed by another home stay at the Orgyen Choling House.

More details to come!

TGF

Hi Folks,

Here’s the deal: the trip departs for Japan in May!  Our travels take us to Kyoto and a home stay in the city.  We will reside in the Japan for about 5 days and then head to Thailand and then Bhutan.  Our Bhutan travels keep us there for 10 days and then we head back to the U.S.

For detailed information about travels to these locations, check out the State Department web site for information on the current situation in Thailand:http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/thailand.html and Bhutan: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/bhutan.html

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