On the Road Again

I’m excited, people! At work yesterday, I got word that my request for a holiday in May has been approved. For two weeks, starting from 9 May, I’ll be travelling through Korea, China, and Mongolia. Did I mention that I’m excited?

My planned itinerary, as it stands at the moment, looks like this: From the port of Hakata I’ll catch the ferry across to Pusan, Korea. From there I’ll catch a train up to Seoul where I plan to check out, amongst other things, the 38th parallel. After a night and a day in Seoul, I’ll fly to Beijing. This city, which has such a long and fascinating history, and which is readying itself for the Olympics next year, has, obviously, a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing and cultural experiences. On my list of things to do are: a visit to Tian’an Men Square; see the Forbidden Palace; walk along the Great Wall; and, though it’s a little bit out of town, I’d like to see the Shaolin kung-fu monks perform at the Shoalin temple. I also want to travel along part of the Silk Road. Then, after a few days, I’ll catch a train up through the Gobi desert to Ulaan Bataar, the capital of Mongolia. I’ll spend a night or so in the city then head off into the wilderness in search of shamanic nomads and any significant historical sites in connection with Genghis Kahn. Finally, on 24 May, I’ll fly back to Japan. When I get back I expect I’ll have plenty of stories to share with you, and perhaps a haiku or two.

Can’t wait!

eyechan