Big in Japan

I always knew I would plagiarize that line, just had to wait to get to Japan first!

Chris and I went to Fukuoka the weekend of Aug 22nd because he needed to get another year visa for Korea, and you have to get it outside of the country, and I needed and excuse to get out of town.

Actually he had to twist my arm because it is really expensive and I am not that keen on boats, but he really wanted me to go so I gave in.

The hovercraft/hydrofoil was pretty rocky, even though it travels at 700km an hour. The water was choppy and my stomach was feeling it. I managed to keep my food down (barely) and after 3 hours we were in Japan.

The difference is immediately noticeable. For one thing, it is very quiet there. People don't scream at each other. There aren't a gazillion people in the streets and it is very very clean. VERY CLEAN! They drive on the Brit side and cabs have automatic doors that open when you approach (they also start at 580 Yen= 8.00 CAD). People don't look at you like you just dropped out of the sky and the cabbies don't try to talk nonsense to you. In short, Japan was the modern, sleek, civilized version of Korea. Did I mention it was clean??

The one drawback was that it was insanely expensive. A good meal out was around 100 USD, but after the bland food of Korean, worth every penny.

The shopping was OK, but pricy, the people were courteous, but aloof, and the weather HOT!
All in all it was a good trip. I would recommend Japan, but only with LOTS of money. I wouldn't recommend Korea, but then I haven't lived in Japan.