Does Leonard speak Japanese?

Hana and Chris keep asking me this question. They suspect that I secretly take Japanese classes for a long time and pretend not understand what they are talking about. The spy and undercover story. Although I reiterate that I learn only some phrases from Japanese TV shows and others, Hana and Chris just don’t believe me.

Compared with English speakers, it is definitely easier for Mandarin/Chinese-speaking people to travel around Tokyo. Lots of kanji, Japanese characters somewhat similar to Chinese, everywhere. We can often have a good guess of what it might mean. Although not necessarily accurate all the time, it still gives us some clues. Besides, I don’t look a foreigner to many Japanese. With an Asian face, shopkeepers, clerks and waiters all speak to me in Japanese. What should I do? Answer them in Japanese!

It’s always good to have a travel phrase book with you. Just open and point the words (or the menu), and they will understand you very well. To tell the truth, you don’t even need to learn Japanese to live in Tokyo for a long time. I have a friend just does that for more than two years. (Yes, Jason, I am talking about you!) Tokyo is really a big city, and is equipped with signs in English everywhere, especially in the subway. Some people say it looks complicated when you read the Tokyo subway map, but to tell the truth, it’s fairly easy. The subway company is really afraid that you will get lost inside, so they provides MANY MANY signs. Just remember the color and you’ll be just fine.

Back to Japanese language. I later find out that not only Hana is suspecting my Japanese comprehension is way beyond what I claim to be “jodo” (Japanese, means “a little”), but also our friend and GV translator Mariko seems to share the same doubt. I think it is a good proof that learning language, especially Japanese, from watching TV is effective in some ways. The grammar is still difficult for me, but it’s quick to have a sense of Japanese.

Anyway, I haven’t successfully persuade Hana and Chris that “Leonard doesn’t speak Japanese”, but I think it would be more difficult as we spend more time hanging out together.

What language should I learn next?

Not Lost in Tokyo

Because of iSummit 2008, I come to Tokyo to visit Hana and Chris (or the other way around) yesterday, which not only is my birthday, but also happens to be the “eel day” in Japan. The date changes every year according to the lunar calendar. Although we didn’t have eel last night (who says we have to follow the customs? ), we did have a great dinner.

Chris secretly arranges a birthday ice cream tower for me (see Hana’s Flickr). It is totally unexpected to both Hana and me. When the restaurant turns down the light and projects “Happy Birthday!” on the wall, Hana and I are both wondering: “Someone else shares the birthday with me…” That’s why we are very surprised when the ice cream tower is presented to me, while Chris is obviously enjoying his secret planning and results. Everyone in the restaurant sings the birthday song for me. I am really touched to receive this warm welcome. Chris is a good surprise planner, and we would need him in the next GV summit. hehe

Hana and Chris also lend me one of their bikes (pics later), so I can see around. I really wanted to try cycling in other cities. It didn’t happen in Budapest, but it comes true in Tokyo. This is so far a wonderful experience. I am not lost in Tokyo. Let’s see if this stays true after a couple of days.

Also, thanks to everyone who has left a message either on Flickr or our GV google group. I am so glad to be a part of this community.

Paparazzi Limited

Willingly or not, celebrity news become international headlines easily, be it American pop star Britney Spears and her body shape, Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan and the succession/inheritance bebate, ex-Playboy girl Anna Nicole Smith and her death, or Angelina Jolie and her new-born twins. Some people are definitely paparazzi’s favorites, with breaking news year-round.

For the past weeks, in Mandarin-speaking world, the most discussed celebrity news is Hong Kong actor Tony Leung and his marriage. [Check out his imdb profile. You should recognize him (or his ass) if you have seen Ang Lee's movie Lust, Caution.] After more than 10 years of relationship with his girlfriend/actress Carina Lau, they decide to tie the knot on July 21, 2008. To run away from super aggressive paparazzi, they choose to get married abroad and keep the site a top secret. The whole news is nothing speical at this point.

The unusual part is, they are going to get married in Bhutan, which turns out to be a great choice to them. Why haven’t any other celebrity thought of doing that before?

To protect its environment and people, Bhutanese government places numerous restrictions and rules to tourists, including:

1. People must apply for a visa at least 30 days in advance. The visa only lasts 14 days (extendable once).

2. Tourists must have prepaid bookings for a tour at least US$200 a day.

3. Bhutan doesn’t welcome backpackers, as they have to pay even more if they want to travel alone.

4. Only two legal entry points into Bhutan: the airport and land border with India.

These restrictions, turns out to be the best protection to the celebrity couple from paparazzi, because the marriage site is only leaked to the media seven days ago. It leaves not enough time for paparazzi to obtain a visa, and the media seems to be totally unexpected. Unless hotel staff or guests invited are willing to be paparazzi instead, which is highly unlikely, there is virtually no other ways for the media to get related information except from “official” one.

It’s, therefore, so funny to watch all the media gather at Hong Kong or Bangkok (where they transfer) airport, desperately eager to get a little something from their guests in vain.

Bhutan government can buy a billboard in Hollywood says: “Bhutan, the celebrity protector!”. It will work better than any kinds of advertisement.  Their travel income will definitely boost because of it.  Stars are rich, after all.