Pre-Trip Thoughts

I will be heading to Taiwan and Japan in just 2 weeks!  I have been looking forward to this trip for about 6 months!  I am excited to travel and explore Asia and experience the different cultures.  I love to travel, but this will be my first time in Asia.  I know Taiwan and Japan will be different, amazing experiences.  I am excited to visit all of the places and see both small and big cities in both countries.  I look forward to visiting the businesses, universities, and historical landmarks.  I am interested in learning more about Buddhism and seeing the magnificent temples.  I am also intrigued to see sumo wrestling.

My knowledge of both countries is limited to the information that I have gather from classes and public knowledge.  I have learned that both countries have close ties to the US for trading.  A lot of items we import are made in Taiwan.  The countries are both islands off the east coast of Asia.  Japan's population is high and cities are very crowded.  Everyone knows that Japan is a key player in the technology industry.  Public transportation is well-developed in Japan and we will experience traveling by subway and the bullet train.

I am most nervous about packing for three weeks.  Secondly, I am nervous about the language difference.  I have not had a chance to learn some basic phrases in Mandarin or Japanese, but I have a book on Japanese to study on the plane.  I am not sure I will be able to learn to read their written language in the short time we are there.  I will try my best.  Last, I am slightly nervous about the food.  I am willing to try new things, but I hope I like them and do not offend anyone if I do not!

In the next two weeks I will increase my knowledge of the cities and company’s we will be visiting.  I will also try to work on my Japanese (Mandarin seem harder).  I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to take this trip.  I realize this experience is a trip many people can only dream of.