Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  Favorite part of the trip?

A:  The people I met and the trains. The trains are spotless, run on time, plush seats, great service, comfortable. Tantalizing glimpses of countryside, open windows and wildlife. The subways are terrific for people watching. Also spotless and also right on time.

Q:  Least favorite part of the trip?

A:  The stairs - miles and miles of stairs. At first I regarded them as a good workout and then came to dread them. They are, however, partly responsible for the trim figures of the Japanese.

Q:  What was your favorite place?

A:  For cities, Hiroshima. Well laid out, criss-crossed by rivers and bays, elegant buildings, more laid back than Tokyo. For all-time favorite, Gesshoji in Matsue, sitting with the ancient tortoise in the misty rain.

 Q:  What was your favorite getting lost experience?

A:  Kamakura, when I asked two high school boys where the station was. It was the best example of the Japanese spirit of generosity I encountered and the boys were just endearing in their worry that this old lady would lose her way.

Q:  What  was your favorite shopping experience?

A:  There were three actually. In Kyoto I found a little shop run by a very old lady. The shop smelled of cat pee. For some reason though, the little ceramic figures were too cute to pass up and she seemed so grateful for the business. At the Akiyoshi caves I fell in love with all the stone carvings. And in Shinjuku, the little surprise flea market with the cute pop singer.

Q:  What was your favorite food?

A:  Easily the melon pan which is a round kind of pastry with a melon paste filling. Very light taste and yet quite addicting. Second favorite was the vegetarian sushi when I could find it.

 Q:  What was your favorite accidental find?

A:  Taiko drummers and the Love Festival all in one day.

Q:  Was this the trip you dreamed about?

A:  No, it wasn't and it so many ways, it was better. Very affirming. And just plain fun.

Q:  Are all your pictures up yet?

A:  No. Need to photoshop a bunch so they can be seen. I'm working on it -- slowly.