Some of you may remember my
thread about considering teaching English in Japan after graduation from college.
Afterwards, I thought that it would be wise to visit before diving into such an interesting though alien place.
Tuesday, my college sent out an email saying that a student could not go on the trip to
Tokyo & Beijing and that someone could replace him if they had their passport and could be qualified immediately. I jumped on it like an angry, Italian plumber. I was the first of ten people to reply. I have a passport I've never used and money set aside for travel. It's be nice since I work and go to school full time.
Their wont be too much work; I'm going to do a presentation on sake (I was pondering sumo, but I'm a waiter so I think food and beverage are very culturally important), keep a diary during the visit, and do a presentation on a business we visit.
I'm very excited. They're getting a visa from the Chinese consulate now. We'll visit Toyota, Tokyo Stock Exchange, Beijing International Studies University, KPMG, a pill factory in China, and a Chinese Wal-Mart. We will have a some free time in Tokyo & Beijing. I think there is a visit to the Great Wall too. It's not bad for $2200 (after a $1000 scholarship).
I'd love some feedback on what to do in my free time and any travel advice to Japan or China. I've always wanted to attend a real sumo tournament, but the first match is the 13th and the trip is from May 5th through 13th. I'm so excited!