Jetting Educated

When I was a child I used to love looking through Guinness World Record books. My Dad would often get them as a stocking filler at Christmas, as I loved looking at all the amazing examples of nature; like the worlds tallest man, pointless achievements; balancing eggs on top of each other,  or random trivia; Jackie Chan has A LOT of pop hits in China. I specifically remember a song title of his: "Big Happy Face" and thinking it was pretty silly. I also clearly recall a picture of a tiny box-room in Tokyo, which was the worlds smallest hotel room. For a period of time, I imagined that everyone in Japan lived in little capsules instead of houses... but then again I was probably on eight when I decided this. Towels? Yes please Ugly brown pyjamas? Ok... I guess. Now I do know that not every Japanese person lives in such little spaces. In fact, I did took the opportunity to stay in a capsule hotel in Tokyo on a recent trip to the land of the rising Sun. I wanted to know ...

I work at a preschool in China as an English teacher. I am surrounded by the Chinese language but I'm still pretty clueless about it. This week I've been thinking about names. Here are a few of the nice English names that the schoolchildren have: Here are the name cards of some students  with some unique English names Its so useful that students have English names in addition to their Chinese names- remembering 120 Chinese names like 'Wang Jia Yi' which is Wendy's Chinese name, would be quite a struggle. Whilst I am thankful for their binomial nomenclature, having a name that's written in English and having 'an English name' are not one and the same.  Example: The child who is called “Chocolate’’.  Whilst I can't deny that her name is written in English... its not a name I'd expect to hear anywhere in the UK! Equally eyebrow-raising the name Herny- though I think he’s supposed to be Henry. If I could communicate with th...

Spending six days in Tokyo was one of the highlights of a recent three week trip to Japan.  I guess it’s a place like London, Paris or New York- A city that you might have a clear picture of before you've ever been there, through its portrayal in film and TV... But how much of that can you trust? The notion that I had over-huped the city in my mind did occur to me, but I was still really eager to visit for myself and see how it matched my expectations.  Those expectations were that it would be crazy, cool and super busy.  I have to say that I was not disappointed at all. I’m going to describe the great things I did in Tokyo to give ‘at a glance’ ideas for other travellers, as well as transport and capsule accommodation. Including: Food Drink Shibuya Crossing Ghibli Museum Pokemon Centre and Hello Kitty Store DisneySea Metro Skylines & Shrines Odd Cafes Robots Capsule Hotels Food What do you think of when I say ‘food’ and ‘Tokyo’ in the same breath?...

Hi travelers, I have just returned form Japan and loved it . I will soon be penning some Tokyo tips, but for now, check out Kyoto! The former capital city is well known for having temples and shrines everywhere. And they really are numerous!  Whether you want to check out the top few or go on a total temple tour, my first tip is seeing them by cycling around the city. I hired a bike for  800 JPY (5 GBP/7 USD) that had to be returned by 11am the next day, so its very affordable. Riding in Kyoto reminded me of wandering Rome in 2013 without a map, as both times my curiosity led me to great sights that I was not expecting to find. Kinkaku-ji is a very impressive golden temple and cost just 400 JPY (2.5 GBP/4 USD) to see. Other than that recommendation I'm going to talk about the non-temple attractions and other ways to absorb culture. Its easy to stumble across great sights that you weren't trying to find in Kyoto These three can all be enjoyed in English: ...

Whichever country you are reading this from, I’m sure you’re feeling a bit chillier than usual this week. Here in the semi-tropical environment of Southern China, I’m feeling cold too. The French Alps felt warmer than China. Or rather, the houses were made with weather changes in mind. I’ve lived in far colder weather, hovering around zero (32F) in the French Alps and usually -15 (5F) in Lapland. But where the Lapland apartments were well insulated and properly equipped for the cold, China is usually warm and so there’s no insulation or heating. For nine months of the year when its hot  I am grateful for the cooling air conditioning that every apartment has. The floors are tiled, as in many parts of Asia, which also helps to keep the place cool in the summer. Large screen doors open on to a cute little balcony and let in lots of light. Yeah the doors don't close properly, but a few gaps aren't too problematic when its so hot. Its the closest to the equator  I...

I got tapped on the shoulder after entering the shop. As I turned around, I was wondering if it was an assistant- but no, it was a fellow Westerner! She launched very enthusiastically in to asking where I was from and what I was doing in China. I, being a cynic, was wondering if she was going to try to sell me something. But actually she had stopped me because she's not seen any other Western people since she moved to Huadu from Australia. And that was three months ago... When she told me this I actually was not surprised. I'm sure the inner city has more of a cultural mix, whereas within the district I reside, nearly everyone is Chinese. Don't misjudge my feelings, I am not shocked that I am surrounded by Chinese people when I am living in China, but I can't lie that being a minority takes some getting used to. Before I arriving, my employer informed me that the Guangzhou based school is a great place to be and that I'd be housed near my place of work. W...