Funny Japanese Commercial

Last Real Day

Well, I haven't had a chance to post much, but it's Sat. morning and it's our last full, free day. We are running around everywhere. We have some free time tomorrow too, but we have a meeting and we have to pack. We meet in our hotel lobby at 530am on Monday (our time) to go to the airport. This went by so fast! I'll still try to get more pictures and videos up though.

5/19 - Tuesday

Here's the second full-day in Tokyo. Flat Danny finally had his picture taken from our room looking out at part of the city.

Swine Flu

I have not had much time to post, but just to let you in on what we've dealt with here so far...

As you know, the swine flu has been a popular subject in Japan for some time. They are actively boarding planes and quarantining those that are sick. Well, even with all their precautions it appears that some students have it... and they are in Tokyo (where I am right now).
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=awF_0oQDV9c0&refer=worldwide Keep your fingers crossed for us. We'll be leaving in a few days (hopefully with no quarantines). I guess some Michigan State students got sick too when they went to visit the southern part of the country. We were supposed to see them the night they found out. Crazy time!

Time for Posting Again :-)

Sorry about the last few days of not posting. I didn't get lost ;) We've once again been running around like crazy for days. We've been leaving by 9am and staying out until the wee hours of the morning.

I bought my internet card for the day (obviously) and should have more time to post later on. Can't wait to show some more of my adventures.

5/18 - Monday
Here's some pictures of one of the main buildings where we are staying:




Random City view near the Meiji Shrine:


Shinjuku area at dusk:


Shinjuku videos:

Shinjuku Tokyo from Joshua Belliveau on Vimeo.

Shinjuku Tokoy from Joshua Belliveau on Vimeo.

Food pics from sit-down Japanese style restaurant:





That's all I have time for now. I'll try to get caught up more later, but we won't be back to the hotel until late again. Sorry :(

BTW, food here is amazing... Asia is amazing... can't wait to come back one day.

5/17 - Sunday

Well, we made it to the Taipei airport. I checked both bags this time and squeeked in under the weight limits. At the hotel we were a little worried we wouldn't have room for all the luggage. We ended up filling underneath and the whole back row of the bus with luggage. Now there is a half-hour until we board and I figured I'd take advantage of the free internet terminal.

They keep telling us how busy and crazy Tokyo will be. Apparently we will be riding the metro for 2 hours to get to our hotel - with MANY bags too. This should be interesting!

Itinerary

• Thursday May 7 - Depart Charlotte at 9am EST


• Friday May 8 - Arrive in Taipei, Taiwan at 7:25 PM (their time)


• Saturday May 9
  
  
  
  • National Palace Museum
  • Jinaguo Holiday Flower & Jade Markets
  • Taipei 101 - The Tallest Building in the World (for now)
  
  


• Sunday May 10
  
  • Fulong Beach Resort
  • Northeast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area
    
  
  


• Monday May 11
  
  • Babangan Spa and Hot Spring Resort
  • Yingge Ceramics Street
    
  
  


• Tuesday May 12
  
  • Giant Bicycles Inc.
  • I-Cheong Machinery Inc.
  • Saxfone Museum
    
  
  


• 
  Wednesday May 13
  
  • Presidential Office Building
  • Hsimending
  • Singing in a Karaoke Box
  • Massage Therapy for Relaxation
    
  
  


• Thursday May 14
  
  • Joy English Enterprise Inc
  • National Taiwan University
  • Calligraphy Class
    
  
  


• Friday May 15
  
  • AGV Beverage Inc
  • National Chung Cheng University
    
  
  


• Saturday May 16
  
  • Farewell Party (to Taipei friends)
    
  
  


• Sunday May 17
  
  • Arrive Tokyo, Japan at 2:10 PM (their time)
  • Subway to hotel - arrive around 5PM
    
  
  


• 
  Monday May 18
  
  • Meiji Jingu Shrine
  • Welcome Party at Gakushuin College
  • Flower Arrangement Class
    
  
  


• Tuesday May 19
  
  • Japanese Calligraphy Class
  • Japanese Tea Ceremony
  • Japanese Business Class
  • Ernst & Young
  • Social Activities with students from Michigan State University
    
  
  


• 
  Wednesday May 20
  
  • Kimono Shop
  • Japanese Business Class
  • Evening time with Japanese students
    
  
  


• Thursday May 21
  
  • Harley-Davidson Japan
  • Sumo Wrestling Tournament
    
  
  


• Friday May 22
  
  • Sony Inc.
    
  
  


• Saturday May 23
  
  • Nikko World Heritage Site (optional)
    
  
  


• Sunday May 24
  
  • Yokohama Harbor City (optional)
  • HSBC or Navin Gupta's home for tea
    
  
  


• Monday May 25
  
  • Leave for Charlotte at 11:30 AM (their time)
  • Arrive in Charlotte at 3:20 PM (our time)