A Bobcat Spotting In Tokyo

Coming to Japan at the close of our Asian journey is a treat.  When you land at Norita Airport on the outskirts of Tokyo you are in for a show.  I specifically take the orange Airport Limousine (it's actually a bus) because I enjoy the way the bus's curbside staff instruct you to line up and where they want you to place your luggage.  They have a process or procedure that they take very seriously. You better not deviate from their instructions.  Once your luggage and you are on the bus and you leave the airport, the staff bows to you and the bus.  The level of dedication these employees bring to their job is special.  It is fun to watch them perform (although they don't know it is a performance).

Parents of our Japanese students gather at Grand Central Restaurant & Bar in Shinagawa

We stay in the heart of the Shinagawa section of Tokyo for the convenience of the parents of our Japanese students.  We stay here since the Shinagawa Railway Station is close by.  Grand Central Station has nothing on the Shinagawa Station.  The flow of pedestrians heading to and from their trains is overwhelming.  What is so funny about this is that the restaurant in which we met for dinner with the parents of our students from Japan is called the Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant.  It loosely resembles the one in New York City's Grand Central Station.

We had seven families gather for dinner and conversation.  A grateful thank you to Yoshiaki Tomita's parents for gathering all the families together for the evening.  It proved to be an informative evening for the parents of the younger students to hear from those of the parents of our older students.  There was much laughter and good food to go around.

Jess Green '96, Ann & Jim Bastis

Earlier in the day, we had the pleasure of catching up with Jess Green '96.   Jess was kind enough to host us for lunch at the Tokyo American Club.  It was a great opportunity for us to get to know Jess and for him to catch up with Brewster.  Jess and his wife, Rebecca, live in Tokyo.  Jess is Director of Corporate Communications & Marketing for CBRE Japan K.K.   To hear Jess tell it, "Brewster is a special place that means so much to me.  It is a very important part of my life."  Go Bobcats.

This is the end of our 2013 Asian trip.  We have met so many wonderful alumni and parents who all love Brewster in their own way.  Flying from one country to the next for more than two weeks can be hectic, but it was made so much easier by the wonderful reception both Ann and I received along the way.  So with this newest post, I say goodbye, thanks, and take care.

Seoul, You Are A Friend Of Mine

This was my fifth trip to Seoul.  I first came to Seoul in the winter of 2009.  With last night's dinner, the entire roster of parents has changed since that first visit, but what has not changed is the warm reception I receive from the Korean Parents Association (KPA) regardless of the year.  This time they were so kind and welcoming to my wife, Ann, too.

KPA members and family join Ann and me for dinner

We started out our visit with this year's KPA president, Jun Seo Lee's mother, Hyun Joo Kang, at a lovely Italian restaurant in the French section of Seoul, Korea.  Go figure.  The very next afternoon, we had lunch with new freshman Sooyoung Choi's parents.  We were treated a Korean Beef lunch at a very popular restaurant, Budnamujip.  If you've never had the experience of a Korean Beef lunch or dinner, you don't know what you are missing.  The beef is cooked on a small charcoal grill built right into your dining table.

The evening brought with it a consultation and group dinner at the Grill Room of the JW Marriott.  Prior to the dinner, I met with each parent to discuss the progress of their sons or daughters.  I'd like to thank James Han, brother of senior Jason Han, for translating for me.  It was a great get-together and it has developed its own tradition.

Mo Kim '05 along with Ann and me in a shop in Insa-dong

The next day, Ann and I met with Mo Kim '05 for lunch to discuss the very successful alumni gathering that took place last February and again this past summer.  Mo wanted to make sure that all knew that a large part of the impetus for the gathering came from JaeBum Jeon '98 and Jason Kim '00.    Sixteen alumni from the years 1998; 2000; 2003; 2004; 2005; 2007; 2008; 2009; and 2010 attended the gathering.

Mo stressed the desire on the part of the group to become more established and to bring more of Brewster's Korean alumni into the group.  They are working on putting a more solid program into place.  They are in it for the long term.  It has already proven to be an effective means of getting to know each other which many of the group did for the first time.

Mo was kind enough to help Ann and me with some last minute shopping.  The photo here was taken in the Insa-dong section of Korea, a well known spot for tourist to shop.

Random Observations In China

When you are sitting in traffic or have a few minutes to do some people watching, you notice a number of unique things about China and its people.  For instance and in no necessary order:

• There is very little body piercing jewelry or tattoos on the general populace;
• Men, or women for that matter, don't wear hats, especially the baseball cap most men wear in the U.S.;
• In the four visits to Beijing over the years, this was by far the warmest it has been temperature wise;
• We ate our usual quota of mystery foods including a fungus (not bad), sea cucumbers (Ann ate them, I passed); and a selection of meats and fish that defy definition;
• There is a tremendous clashing of East banging into West here.  There is so much imitation of Western styles, music, cars, etc.  You name it, it is happening in China;
• Pedestrians are fair game when they step off the curb.  You know those crosswalks in the U.S.?  They have them here too, but they are nothing more than paint on the pavement.  Step out into one here in China and you take your life into your own hands.  It actually seems like it is some sort of target practice for the drivers when they see a pedestrian in one of the crosswalks;
• Traffic is outrageously ridiculous in the city.  It is a serious problem.  You can get somewhere faster on foot except you don't know where you are going.  So you are a prisoner of the system;
• And with that said, Ann and I did not see one gas station in our entire time in China.  How all these cars get fueled is beyond us;
• Also, when driving, don't worry about staying in your own lane or passing in a no passing zone.  All the drivers ignore the signs, painted lines, speed limits (except when coming and going to the airports - there are cameras watching on those roads, but as soon as the driver passes the camera, he is off to the races once again).  
• Speaking of systems, China has its own way of operating.  Once here, you learn to accept it and give up trying to change it.  Reasoning with the desk clerk or bank teller is not an acceptable practice.

An American In Beijing

Before leaving Shanghai, we took a quick bus tour of the city visiting a Buddhist Temple while doing so.  There is a Koi Fish Pond within the grounds of the temple.  You can feed the fish (for a price).  Now we are talking a serious number of fish of varying colors.  It was quite a pleasant spot.  While there, this young lady actually fed the fish and believe it our not, as they clamored for the food, she knelt down close to the water's edge and actually petted the fish.  Unbelievable!  Not sure you can appreciate the experience by looking at the photo included here in the Blog?

Our trip out of Shanghai was basically uneventful and that's saying a lot.  Past Asian airport endeavors have usually been adventures regarding tickets, luggage, and some other issues like proper forms for exiting and entering the various countries.  For instance, in Hong Kong, we checked three suitcases without any trouble and with no extra charges for the bags.  In Shanghai, upon leaving, the same three bags cost us extra to get them on the plane.  I do not know why, I don't ask, just do.

That's part of the Great Wall over Ann's left shoulder

Beijing air quality is a major issue even for the Chinese.  They openly talk about it.  Even the government is looking for ways to clean up the air.  Why I just read that they are going to ban backyard barbecues come next year.  Now this is a step in the right direction, but I'm not sure if this will really have a major impact on the city's air quality.

Nevertheless, come the next day, the air was as clean as I have ever seen it in Beijing.  Coincidentally, it was also the day we set aside for a visit to the Great Wall.  What with Ann, the serious hiker, I could not possibly pass on a visit with her to see this wonder of the world.  After a cable car ride up to the wall, the two of us hiked a serious portion of the Wall.  Ann considers the experience a real thrill and a lifetime experience.

Lou & Maria Vanechanos in their home 

While here, we had the opportunity to be invited to the home of Mr. & Mrs. Lou Vanechanos.  They are the parents of Peter Vanechanos '17.  Mr. Vanechanos is a diplomat here at the United States Embassy.  He had some insightful observations on their time in China.  We discussed the growth of China and its future potential.  It was a very enjoyable evening.

The next day found us trying to squeeze in some last minute shopping.  Good luck!  Getting around Beijing in a taxi is so difficult you must allow significant amounts of time for just sitting in the cab.  Once back at the hotel, we went to dinner with Tim Shi's mother.  Tim graduated this past June.  While visiting Beijing last year, Tim's mother suggested we meet on my next trip.  You can see by the photo, that a very enjoyable evening was spent with all.

That's Tim Shi's mom on the right and good friend, Juliet Tian on the left

Unfortunately, we were unable to meet with Yueri Wang's parents on this visit due to a conflict of dates, but were able to make contact with her family's consultant.

Tomorrow sees us heading to Seoul, Korea to visit with an alum to discuss Korean alumni relations and a goodly number of parents of present students from Korea.

What? Shanghai Is Just Two Plus Hours?

I guess I'm still not over the 16 hours we spent in a plane a few days ago.  So when I found out flying from Hong Kong to Shanghai was just a little more than two hours, I thought - piece of cake.  Not only was it sort of a real shortie, the plane was half empty.  Ann and I had plenty of space to spread out.  We had no trouble getting through security and customs (both out of Hong Kong and into Shanghai and Mainland China).

Out front of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel

Shanghai is probably the one place in China (excluding Hong Kong) that combines both Chinese and Western cultures.  It is a very charming and vital place.  It is the financial hub of Asia.  There are 22 locally incorporated overseas banks in Shanghai.  In fact, there is a hotel right on the Huangpu River Front (the Bund) named the Waldorf-Astoria.  It is as grand as the one in New York City.  What it shows is that it and the other buildings along the riverfront all show their Western roots.  By the way, the Huangpu River runs right through the middle of Shanghai separating the new from the old.

Dinner is complete and as is our tradition a group photograph follows

Sunday afternoon, I met with the parents and advisor of six students that live in the Shanghai area.  I met with each family to discuss their children and any questions they might have.  Being so far from the Brewster campus, this meeting is a wonderful opportunity for them to meet with a BA representative in their own town in a relaxed manner.  It makes for good exchange and allows them to get to know the other parents.  After all our meetings, we finish the evening with a traditional Chinese dinner at one of the fine restaurants in the city.  A fun time is had by all.  Plenty of chat and laughter.

The Hong Kong Squeeze Play

Ok, we left Boston on Tuesday, flew all day, and landed in Hong Kong Wednesday night.  Don't forget when you go west, you are actually flying through the dateline and into the next day.  So, for those of  you on the east coast of the U.S., you are actually13 hours behind us.  What it comes down to is that we have already lived through the day you are just starting to experience.  It is 11:00 a.m. Monday morning, while it is just 10:00 p.m. Sunday night back home.  Try to catch us if you can!  Since we are living in your future, we can tell you, "no worries for the next 13 hours heading your way.

If Thursday was our day of acclamation, Friday was our day for moving fast and furiously.  A bit of background is needed.  The whole purpose of this trip is to visit parents of our Asian students and a number of our alumni from and living in Asia.  Friday found us meeting with a number of parents and one of our American alumnus now living in Hong Kong.

Mike Tan's father along with Ann & me

We arranged to start the day off with lunch with the father of Mike Tan, a new sophomore from Shenzhen, China.  Mr. Tan was gracious enough to come to Hong Kong to host us for lunch.  It was a wonderful opportunity to share with Mr. Tan how his son was doing at Brewster (he is doing very well).  It is always good to meet the parents of our students, only this time they are parents living in Asia.  If Mr. Tan had to cross the boarder from Shenzhen to Hong Kong, we were taxied back over the harbor into Kowloon for the lunch date.  Then after lunch, Mr. Tan was kind enough to drive us back over the harbor for our next meeting.

Sam Xia's father and me

Once back at the hotel, we met with Yuting "Sam" Xia's father who also made the journey down to Hong Kong from Zhuhai City which is near Shenzhen.  Sam is a new freshman at Brewster.  He was also on the recreational golf team I coached this fall.  Mr. Xia was anxious to discuss his son's early months at Brewster as well as his progress in the classroom.  As with Mr. Tan, this meeting gave us a chance to exchange information that allowed us to get to know each other.  This is always good for future communications.   Sam is also doing well in his first year at Brewster, and I conveyed that to Mr. Xia.

After our meeting with Sam's father, Ann and I jumped into a taxi and headed for the Central part of Hong Kong which also is the financial center for this region of the world.  We met with Lois Zaprzalka Sherr '74 originally from New Hampshire and now living in Hong Kong with her husband and son.  It was a great opportunity to meet Lois for the first time.  Her recounting her senior year at Brewster was fun and informative.  Lois is extremely grateful to Brewster Academy for all that she experienced and especially appreciated what David Smith did for her.

So there you have it.  A very busy and informative day.

16 Hours Later

The flight from Chicago to Hong Kong is an astounding 16 hours.  We tried to get an upgrade to Business Class via my accumulated flyer miles, but failed due to  a packed flight.  So we were fortunate enough to grab two Economy Plus seats on United Airlines that provided a few extra inches of leg room.  Around the eighth hour that clearly made our choice a wise one.  My wife, Ann, has joined me on this trip for her first visit to Asia.  I'm anxious to get her reaction to what she will see and experience on our journey.

That's all of Hong Kong in back of me

Ann in front of tram used during centennial celebration

We landed in good order and grabbed a taxi into town.  This year we stayed on Hong Kong Island across the Harbor from Kowloon and the peninsula attached to the mainland of China.

We were on our own the first day which allowed us to some time to get over our jet lag.  We took advantage of the time to tour the Island via the Big Red Bus tour.  Off we went with a stop that included a trip to the top of Victoria Peak via the Peak Tram.  This tram climbs at a
ridiculous angle to the top where you can see all of Hong Kong.  By the way, they have been using a tram to get up the peak since 1888.  This is also where the Allied Forces (English, Canadian, Hong Kongers, Indians, and other troops) fought it out with the invading Japanese finally surrender on Christmas Day 1941.

We grabbed lunch at the peak, toured the shops and headed back down to the rest of Hong Kong.

Once off the peak, we were in a large crowd.  We were trying to find our tour bus and jumped on the wrong bus.  What good fortune since it took us to the south side of the Island for a beautiful tour of beaches and homesites.  The sun was out and there was a warm breeze blowing while we sat on top of the open air upper deck of the bus.

Once we found our way back to the right bus, we headed to the Star Ferry terminal for a ferry ride across the Harbor to the Kowloon peninsula on the other side.  One of the website's devoted to telling you what to do recommended a ferry ride as a must do when in Hong Kong.  It indeed was a treat.

Ann at harbor's edge just before taking ferry back to Island

These ferries appear to have been in service forever.  They were old and creaky, but plowed ahead with their old diesel engine pumping and singing away.

When you get off the ferry you are immediately solicited for everything and anything from the large number of hawkers waiting for you when you get off the boat.  The crowd of people in this area is so dense it is very difficult to walk easily to where you want to go.

We found our way, or sort of followed the crowd, into the largest shopping mall devoted to every type of high end luxury type of clothing, jewelry, and perfume you can imagine.  When Ann gets back she will explain it and put it into a perspective.  It was truly awesome.

By now, we were running out of gas and headed back to the ferry for a return to Hong Kong Island and our hotel for a good night of rest.

Tech Problems Solved

After a confusing start to my 2013 trip to Asia in regards to my Blog account, we are now up and running.  I will be back to you shortly with a briefing and photos from the trip.