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Category:
Travel
Publisher: Pauline Hager
ISBN-10: BOOBGUIOZA
Type: Non-Fiction
Pages: 44
Copyright: January 5, 2013
Price: $1.99 (eBook)
Two nights at an authentic Japanese Riokan (INN)is no laughing matter for the Hagers.
A seven day visit to Thailand was like living out of this world for Pauline.
A
Pauline and husband lived in Japan for over two years, 1994-1996. One weekend they spent a night at an authentic Japanese ryokan (inn) at Nikko National Park, Japan. Unfamiliar with the rules of the inn, the Hagers committed several faux pas, not knowing which slippers to wear in the bedroom, how to bathe before entering an onsen (spa) and which clothes to wear for each meal. Pauline describes the lobby, the bedroom, the spa, and the reaction of the Japanese diners inside the restaurant. You'll laugh along with them in a modified chapter taken from Pauline's published book, "Memoirs of an American Housewife in Japan."
Another adapted chapter from the same book recounts a seven-day trip to Thailand. To see as much of the country as possible in such a short time, the Hagers hired a tour guide. Their first encounter was a scene viewing four monks in saffron-colored robes standing in line to receive their daily alms - a calming moment. A trip to three ancient temples called "Wat", begun in 1345 and now in ruins: another first for the Hagers. On to Chiang Mai (about 450 miles north of Bangkok) their guide paid a tribesman to enter his home and watch him demonstrate how he smokes his opium through a long pipe. They visited an elephant work farm and experienced a harrowing elephant ride, climbing up a steep hillside on soft, soggy ground, like bouncing on a seesaw. They visited a snake farm housing poisonous and nonlethal snakes, and attended a show where the trainer treated them to a riveting performance, tossing reptiles at the audience.
They returned to Bangkok in time to view The Royal Barge Procession on the Chao Phraya River in a driving, monsoonal rain storm, celebrating the King of Thailand's 50th year on the throne. A visit to the Grand Palace, expecting to see a palace similar to those all over Europe. This palace was completely different and overwhelming, resembling a Siamese version of Disneyland. Their final significant tour was the JEATH War Museum, named after the six countries involved in the construction of the "Death Railway" over the River Kwai, linking Thailand and Burma during World War ll. The prisoners who constructed the railroad and bridge were from England, America, Australia, Thailand, and Holland, and Japan added, thus the name JEATH. Included are photos by Pauline.
Excerpt
In order to display our knowledge of the proper dress code, we determined it was proper and fitting to wear our kimono to Breakfast. I announced defiantly, "We'll show them, we're going to do it right, this time." We adjusted our long kimonos and waited for the knock. Promptly at seven thirty, a light tap on the door could be heard.
With great confidence, we walked into the dining room and found the room full of the same people from last night. Much to our chagrin, however, today they were all wearing their happis (short jackets). "Oh shit," I muttered to myself. Naturally they were all staring at us, laughing and covering their mouths and lowering their heads. It was even more embarrassing than the night before. We felt very foolish.
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