Paris Too Hardcore for the Japanese?

by Adrienne Wilson on

Oui… This news seems almost too hard to believe, but I’m not Japanese nor have I traveled to Paris, so I’ll need the help of some Gadling readers on this one. I’ve noticed several sites reporting news that the romantic French city of Paris leaves many Japanese tourists feeling beat up and have gone as far to say that they need psychological counseling upon their return. Huh? The New York Post states that Japan’s Embassy has sent four people back home this year, including two women who thought their hotel room was bugged. That sounds quite over the top if you ask me. Reuters reports that the Japanese flock to Paris with high expectations of this dream world, a dream city and later find that the French character is extremely opposite of their own. In Japanese shops customer is king and in the French shops they barely pay you a glance. All of these mixed city feelings are classified as Paris Syndrome. The source of these reports comes from the French newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche.

So tell me is there anyone out there aside from the Japanese who have had Paris Syndrome or any Japanese out there that can provide their two cents?

via WorldHum

Word for the Travel Wise (09/18/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Ever wonder who the first person to sample certain foods was? Like who decided seaweed was okay to eat or which fish you could nosh on raw and which ones you couldn’t? Every time I find myself in front of a salad bar or sushi bar I ponder these things. Sure, sometimes I just dig right in without thinking about it, but really. There’s a lot of seaweed in the ocean. Japan-guide provides the skinny on three of the most commonly eaten seaweed and which dish you may find them.

Today’s word is a Japanese word used in Japan:

nori – thin, dried seaweed sheets

Spoken Japanese comes smoothly for those who either practice or submit themselves to hours of Japanese pop music, but either way one can learn this language in through several avenues. Japanese Online is a VERY good FREE site to start learning. They have audio and a great conversation lessons. The lessons get more in-depth as you become a registered user which is still free of charge. Takese.com has a list of over 2000 words worth checking out. Those on the road already may want to pick up the LP Japanese phrasebook or check into a school for a few weeks of learning. Study Abroad has a list of school located all over the country. If you’re seeking help with written Japanese best of luck to you!

Past Japanese words: hajimemashite, dewa mata, tomodachi, omocha, uchiwa

Word for the Travel Wise (08/19/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Figured this word would come in handy (no pun intended) for the visitor looking for a souvenir while in Japan. Happy shopping trails!

Today’s word is a Japanese word used in Japan:

uchiwa – fan (hand-held nonfolding)

Spoken Japanese comes smoothly for those who either practice or submit themselves to hours of Japanese pop music, but either way one can learn this language in through several avenues. Japanese Online is a VERY good FREE site to start learning. They have audio and a great conversation lessons. The lessons get more in-depth as you become a registered user which is still free of charge. Takese.com has a list of over 2000 words worth checking out. Those on the road already may want to pick up the LP Japanese phrasebook or check into a school for a few weeks of learning. Study Abroad has a list of school located all over the country. If you’re seeking help with written Japanese best of luck to you!

Past Japanese words: hajimemashite, dewa mata, tomodachi, omocha

Word for the Travel Wise (05/14/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Word around town is it’s Mother’s Day and since we here at Gadling love mom’s worldwide I figured I’d provide you with a number of ways to wish your own mum the happiest of days. The New York Public Library online has a list of greetings and expressions for several holidays so use it today and then prepare for Father’s day just around the corner. Here’s a just few from their list:

  • Catalan – Feliç Dia de la Mare
  • Dutch – Gelukkig Moederdag
  • Hebrew – Yom ha’em sameah
  • Italian – Buona festa della Mamma
  • Japanese – Haha nohi omedeto
  • Norwegian – Mors dag
  • Russian –  S dnëm Materi

And again, Happy Mummies day to all the mummies of the world!!!!

Beautiful Cities in Dreams

by Adrienne Wilson on

Isn’t funny how our dreams can
capture places we’ve never been, yet only seen on TV or in some glossy magazine with such detail and color, that you
would wake having sworn you had been? For some of you, your journey to Paris or Prague will only take place during the
dark hours of night, while others will twirl pencils for moments on end, daydreaming about being anywhere, but in the
office. Then there are the very lucky few who will one day be actually strolling down a bustling Tokyo street on a
beautiful morning to later stumble into the Watari Museum of
Contemporary Art. Photography, sculpture and installation enthusiasts will be happy to find and to know that they
are neither sleep walking or in the Twilight Zone, but at I Love Art 8’s "Beautiful Cities in
Dreams" exhibit running for another 52 days in Tokyo.

Over 100 works by 13 photographers will
allow visitors to the museum to encounter cities from which they’ve probably dreamed about at least once or twice and
if they haven’t before they’ll be dreaming about afterwards. Some of the artists include August Sander, Man Ray, Diane
Arbus, Robert Frank, Andy Warhol, Olaf Nicolai and more.Sounds like an awesome little event to explore while in Japan
and if you’re hip to the lingo you’ll find more details available at the museum
website, but only in Japanese. Check out Tokyo Art Beat
for a few more details to better help you if you’re around the town.

via Tokyo Art Beat