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Planes, Trains and Automobiles in Panama. In Panama city it's typical to pay less than $5 for a taxi ride to just about any reasonable distance from your hotel including the regional airport. In the small communities of Boquete and Bocas taxi fares drop to $2 or less. Related Article Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
One of the first things that foreigners arriving in Japan are often surprised by are the vast number of bicycles that can be seen careening through the city streets and sidewalks. Almost everyone, from grandmothers to well dressed businessmen on their way to the office use a "jitensha" ( bicycle) as a form of mainstream transportation.
Pass any number of local clubs or bars on any given night in Japan, and you will no doubt hear the off key refrain of people participating in one of the countries all time favorite activities: karaoke.
With Japan rated as the third largest coffee consumer in the world, it comes as no surprise that coffee shops (kissatens) abound, with Tokyo alone home to over ten thousand. Shops come in all sizes and styles... Related Article Tags: , , ,
If you're looking for a night out on the town the famous entertainment hub of Tokyo known as Roppongi is a must see. Though the origin of the name is unknown, the word Roppongi literally means "six trees" ... Related Article Tags: , ,
Japan has four distinct seasons and enjoys a relatively mild and temperate climate, with the exception of Hokkaido to the north, and the subtropical area of Okinawa to the south. Each season has its own characteristics, with the highest precipitation in most areas falling during the rainy season...
The economic boom that swept Japan in the 1980's brought with it not only a period of wealth and prosperity, but also a sudden surge in a desire to study English. Fueled in part by Japan's role as an emerging economic force...
Bowing, known as "ojigi" in Japanese, is one the most common and important forms of nonverbal communication in Japan. Although sometimes looked upon as an expression of subservience in the West, bowing is an integral part of Japanese society that is incorporated into every aspect of daily life... Related Article Tags: , ,
Known for it's vast open spaces and breathtaking vistas, Japan's second largest island of Hokkaido offers visitors the ideal place to escape the confinements of life in the city and reconnect with a more natural way of life. With the island representing only five percent of the population of Japan...
The Japanese tea ceremony is a traditional ritual influenced by Zen Buddhism in which green tea known as matcha is prepared and ceremoniously served by a skilled practitioner to a small group of guests in a tranquil setting such as a garden tea house. Chanoyu which means "hot water for tea" refers to a single ceremony that involves only tea...
Meeting members of the opposite sex in Japan is usually not a complicated process, as more often than not the nature of the job, whether it be a businessman or English instructor, will bring you into contact with Japanese in the workplace who would like to get to know you better outside of the office or school. English instructors in particular have an advantage in regard to being able meet Japanese... Related Article Tags: , ,
For new arrivals in Japan riding trains quickly becomes a necessity of life. Taking on the challenge of a crowded morning rush hour train is a right of passage, and foreigners who pass this grueling test are promoted to the ranks of those tenacious individuals able to adapt to this country's major form of transportation. Related Article Tags: , ,
Japan, and especially it's capital city of Tokyo, have been notoriously famous throughout the years as being among the world's most expensive places to live. Those who have experienced a ten dollar cup of coffee in the Ginza, or noticed the stylishly packaged melons for sale at airport tourist shops for 10,000 yen will attest to this fact. Related Article Tags: , ,
Watching and participating in various sports are popular activities in Japan enjoyed by people of all ages and walks of life. The origin of sports in Japan dates back to the twelfth century, when military nobility known as samurai introduced events such as kendo... Related Article Tags: , , ,
Religion in Japan more than a specific set of beliefs or doctrines practiced on a daily basis, is a blend of traditions that stem from the early teachings of Shintoism and Buddhism, and which most Japanese have incorporated into rituals and customs that are applied on special occasions, such as visiting a Shinto shrine to mark the birth of a new baby, or attending wedding ceremonies performed by Shinto priests.
The setting sun cast a shimmering hue of gold across the cerulean sea as I made my way past the outcropping of rock that dotted the pristine shoreline. I was making good time...
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