Archive for February, 2011

Japanese Etiquette

Bowing:

Bowing known as ojigi in Japanese is one the most common and important forms ofnonverbal communicationin Japan. Although sometimes looked upon as an expression of subservience in the Westbowing is an integral part ofJapanese society that is incorporated into every aspect ofdaily lifefrom greeting an old friendin the supermarket to apologizing to your boss at the office. In can also be used to express deep felt gratitude asa meansof saying goodbye good morning and good night or as a silent way of subtlety acknowledging your embarrassment when accidentally jostling someone on a crowded train. Ultimately the bow is an expression of respect for others and of personal humility and techniques vary from a small nod of the head tobending at the waistat right angles to the floor. The basicprotocol of when where and how deep to bow are determined by a complex system based onthe relationship with the other person his or her age rank and the circumstances of the encounter. For foreigners who wish to make an impression in regard to Japanesebusiness associates it’s important to avoidbeing too casual with the merenod of the head or unknowingly awkward by bowing deeply when its notsuitable. Having said this most Japanese understand the potential for confusion in this respect and usually don’t expectnon Japaneseto understand the subtleties involved and therefore will often extend a handshake when meeting foreigners.

Inside a Japanese Home:

All Japanese homes adhere to strict rules in regard to removing ones shoes before enteringa house or room and this is one custom the Japanese will not make allowance for just because you are a foreigner. Upon entering a private residence guests should take off their shoes at the entrance of the house known as the genkan. Slippers are then provided by thehost or hostess and are to be worn for the duration of yourvisit. There aretwo exceptions to this practice.Upon entering a room furnished with a tatami floorslippers are removed astatami mats should only be tread uponin socks or bare feet. The second exclusion to the rule is when you enter the washroom of the home. Slippers are again removed and left outside thedoor inexchange for apairdesignated for the bathroom.

Even though most Japanese homes are now furnished with western style sofas and chairs there still may be an occasion when you will be required to sit on the floor in the traditional Japanese fashion especially in large family gatherings where meals are often held sitting on the tatami floor around a low table. The formal way of sitting for both men and womenis known as seiza which is basically a kneeling position where the legs are tucked under as yourest on knees legs and feet. Foreigners however are not expected to to sit in seiza for long periods of time and many Japanese because of their westernized life styles are no longer attempting this uncomfortableposition as well. Therefore a more casual style has been adopted. Men usually sit cross legged while women sit on their knees laying both legs to one side. The former position is considered exclusively male while the latter is to be used by women only. Although it is not entirely necessary and will not be expected it is also customary in Japan when visiting someones home to bring a small gift known as temiyage. This does not need to be an extravagant present something as simple as a bag of fruit or a bottle of sake as more than anything it represents your appreciation for being invited.

About the writer:  Jim Sherard is the author of “Land of the Rising Sun A Guide to Living and Working in Japan” which can be found at: http://www.escapeartist.com/e_Books/Living_and_Working_in_Japan/Living_and_Working_in_Japan.html

Jamaica Sailing Cruise Vacation: Beyond The Tourist Traps

While its dazzling white beaches are not much different from those you will find on a dozen other Caribbean islands Jamaicas remarkably dense tropical landscape and soaring Blue Mountains with their perfect coffeegrowing terrain has far more than the sun ocean and sand to recommend it as a cruise destination. Jamaica has more than 100 rivers plunging and tumbling from their mountain sources on their way to the sea miles of hiking and equestrian trails and jungle canopy tours to appeal to the most adventuresome cruise enthusiasts.

Jamaicas beach resorts are of course its most popular tourist destination. Seven Mile Beach at Negril on the islands westernmost point is famous for its rugged cliffs and unforgettable sunsets. Negril however lacks a harbor so your sailing cruise ship will have to leave from one of Jamaicas three portsofcall.

Jamaicas northern coast is where you find Mo for Montego Bay and Ocho Rios its two busiest resort towns. Montego Bay is home to the “Hip Strip” formerly known as Gloucester Avenue where you will find plenty of shops restaurants and clubs. If you want a natural healing experience you could head for the mineral springs at Montego Bays Doctors Cave Beach.

A more familyfriendly portofcall Ocho Rios is home to one of Jamaicas biggest craft markets along with an abundance of dutyfree shops and a generally more relaxed lifestyle. Perhaps the most stunning of all Jamaicas three portsofcall however is its smallest one. Port Antonio on Jamaicas north east coast was in days gone by a magnet for Hollywood elite and the favorite hideaway for Errol Flynn.

Far removed from its three most popular ports of call is Jamaicas capital city of Kingston which is also the largest Englishspeaking city in the Caribbean. Jamaica has a rather turbulent history beginning with its reputation for harboring pirates centuries ago.

Most Jamaican sailing cruises are scheduled between January and March which is also Jamaicas peak tourist season. You probably will not be able to book a Jamaica sailing cruise between July and November when the heat heavy rains and possible cyclone conditions make it too dangerous to sail.

When making arrangements for your Jamaica sailing cruise pay attention to the legal details. Once you have reached Jamaica you will have to let customs know that you have arrived and give them access to your ship for inspection. They will ask you or whoever is managing your Jamaica sailing cruise to supply information which includes your cruise ships registration team list and affirmation a record of the ships stores and your departure permission. While many amateur sailors arrive at Jamaica in their own yachts the great majority of tourists taking Jamaican sailing cruise vacations simply rent their boats. Most of these sailing cruises last between seven and 10 days departing from Montego Bay the site of Jamaicas airport. Negril however is another ideal departure point for a Jamaica sailing cruise.

You have a choice of three different types of ships for your Jamaican sailing cruise. There are crewed charters skippered bareboats and if you are an accomplished sailor bareboats. If youre new to Jamaica getting a skippered or crewed boat will ensure that your sailing cruise hits thelargest number of attractions. Having a crew on board will also give you as much free time as you like to enjoy Jamaicas remarkable beauty!

About the writer:  myroadtotravel was created in late 2007 as way for my wife and I to do what we love most…Travel. We love to share our experiences with others and have recently created our first blog myroadtotravelblog.com to help us do just that. Through this blog we offer travel tips our own personal experiences/adventures and photos from our vacations. Please stop by and give us your feedback and remember for all your travel booking needs please visit us at myroadtotravel.com

Its Time To Enjoy The Kings Cup Regatta In Phuket

Sailing or Yachting might not be one of the most popular sports in Asia but everyone in the world would know that Asia is one of the most splendid spot for sailing or yachting. There are sailing or yachting club in many countries in the region that have set up groups event or tournament throughout a calendar year. For this ending years period its time for the King’s Cup Regatta inPhuket.

Inaugurated in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand the event has been held every year since and normally take place during the first week of December. And for this year the race will begin on the Monday 1December to Saturday 6 December 2008 from 5 racing days and 1 reserve day.

Sails billow up from emerald waters against a dramatic backdrop of limestone karsts. Schooners of regal proportion glide pass islands with pristine whitesanded beaches and crystal clear shallows. And that’s what makes this King’s Cup Regatta inPhuketthe most popular of the Asian yachting races with this year poised to attract over 100 sailing participants and thousands more spectators.

Nothing could prevent you to join the King’s Cup Regatta 2008 when the entry fee is only 17600 Baht 8800 Baht for Sports Boats and Ocean Rovers but this payment together with the Entry Form must be received by 1 November 2008. Otherwise the entry fee will increase to 25000 Baht 12500 Baht for Sports Boats and Ocean Rovers for late entries. So do not waste any more times the temperate weather friendly atmosphere and parties are all certainly waiting for you to enjoy now.

About the writer:  More Travel Tips Travel Information Please visit WorldStepper Blog or My recommended hotel booking website Agoda.com