Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2004 17:01:15 -0400
To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at WSFA.org>
From: Judith Newton <jnewton at ashcomp.com>
Subject: [WSFA] Re: 2007 Worldcon
Reply-To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at WSFA.org>

I spent two weeks in Japan about 5 years ago.  Before I went I was afraid
that I wouldn't be able to get around because I couldn't read the signs - I
had to get across Tokyo by bus to change airports, and then get to my hotel
from the airport in Matsue (a small city on the west coast of Japan) by
myself.  I found, however, that advance research plus lots of
English-speaking, helpful Japanese people made this possible.  Also, many
street signs are in both English and Japanese.  One word of caution: the
trains and buses leave strictly on time, according to schedule.

Once I got to my meeting venue I could rely on our hosts and the other
delegates for help.  Even in this provincial city, where we saw only one
other set of Westerners during our stay (and they spoke no English!) we
managed very nicely.

Although I never did figure out all the instructions on my toilet.

Judy

At 01:02 PM 8/24/2004, you wrote:

>On Mon, 23 Aug 2004, Ivy Yap wrote:
>
> > --- "Ted White" <twhite8 at cox.net> wrote:
> > <snipped fascinating first-hand account of battling to get Worldcon
> overseas>
> > >>>>
> > So how about a Japanese Worldcon?  It has two strikes against it for
> > most Americans and Brits:  First, it's almost as far away -- and
> > expensive to get to -- as Australia.  And second, it's a distinctly more
> > alien culture, non-English-speaking, and thus perceived by many as less
> > hospitable.  Plus (maybe strike three) it's a Damned Expensive country
> > -- at least in the cities where a Worldcon could be held.  Just one
> > strike might not be a problem, but two or more strikes are. <<<<
>
>Yes, it is a distinctly alien culture.  It's not just a few blips of towns
>and cities set in the middle of a howling desert.
>
>-- Dick Eney