A Journal to Asia - Part 6

Tomorrow we complete our voyage on the Diamond Princess and will stay three days in Beijing. 

The ship had about 2,500 passengers from over 40 countries!  It is very interesting to meet many individuals from all over the world.  Families, interests, and backgrounds are remarkably similar.   I had a conversation with a lady from England, and we discussed immigration and health care.  I thought perhaps she would be a good Republican if she lived in the US.

Traveling is a very enriching experience, and I highly recommend cruising to everyone!

Glyn

A Journey to Asia - Part 5

Shanghai is an  amazing city with many skyscrapters.  According to a person who had visited the city about ten years ago, the transition was unbelievable. 

Our guide said as a small girl, her family lived in a small one room apartment without kitchen or bathroom facilities.  Now most families live in a condo of about 1000 square feet with a bathroom and kitchen. She said that the one child rule was in effect.  FYI:  the groom's parents pay for the wedding including assisting with a downpayment for the newly webs first home.  She said that living is much improved and seemed happy.

Unemployment is also high in Shanghai.  We visited a museum, a beautiful garden downtown, and a school where children are learning to play old Chinese musical instruments.  Four girls performed for our tour.

Glyn

A Journal to Asia - Part 4

The second tallest building in Asia is Taipei 101 which is most impressive.  However, fog restricted views from a distance.  Chiang Kai Ckek's Memorial Hall and the Memorial Place are most impressive.

In Okinawa visits to Shurijo Castle and Ryuku Mura were interesting.  Much on Okinawa has been rebuilt since bombings of World War II.

The employment situation in both Taiwan and Okinawa appears similar to the employment in the US --  not great.

Glyn

A Journey to Asia - Part 3

Our next port was also in Viet Nam, Nha Trang.  It appears that this city is becoming a new tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches.  Here again there are many, many motor bikes with a crowded market.  I purchased a beatiful ladies' compac for $5, but Ann was able to buy 5 for only $6.  So much for my bargaining ability.

A major highlight of the trip so far is Hong Kong.  Purchases were made at the Jade Market for grandchildren.  In Kowloon, we had a coffee at the Peninsula Hotel.  On Hong Kong Island we had a great view from Victoria Peak. In Aberdeen we had lunch on a floating restaurant eating traditional Chinese food.   Our ship changed positions through the Hong Kong harbor in the evening providing all on board to view a light show where many of the very tall buildings had impressive light displays.  Hong Kong dollars were helpful but not needed.  The US dollar is still a medium of exchange here. 

Glyn

A Journal to Asia - Part 2

On arrival in Osaka, Japan, we stayed at the wonderful Hilton Osaka.  Highlights in Kyoto and Nara, Japan included: NIJI Castle, the Golden Pavillion, and the Imperial Place. 

We boarded the Diamond Princess in Bangkok, and after a day at sea, we arrived in Singapore.

 After a city tour of Singapore, we flew to Cambodia's Angkor Wat.  It appears that after centuries, Angkor Wat is becoming a destination location for many tourist from all over the world.  There are many new, modern hotels with others under construction.  We were told all bombs have been removed. Please do a Goggle look-up to learn more about this historical area.  

A visit to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, was most interesting.  There are millions of motorbikes and two or three almost ran over us.  Sites which are reminders of the very long and costly war were numerous.

Glyn

A Journal to Asia - Part 1

I think that planning and anticipating a trip is almost as much fun as the trip itself.  We started planning this trip about a year ago.  After finding and booking our cruise with Princess Cruises, we began trying to book our airline flights on American Airlines.

Because of American's reservation system limitations, business class reservations proved quite a challenge.  Nevertheless, we were able to complete our reservations using Advantage Miles, some of which we had to purchase.

Our first stop was Honolulu and a brief visit to Pearl Harbor and the Arizona .  The other ships including the Missouri and a submarine helped us remember that tragic day in 1941. The Best Western Plaza was perfectly located for our overnight stay.  A brief discussion with some locals gave an indication of that the job market in Hawaii was not great for tourist - the largest source of jobs for them.

An afternoon flight to Osaka, Japan, resulted in loss of a day as we crossed the International Date Line.

More late -- Glyn  

Job Hunter Support System

An article in The Dallas Morning News on March 8, 2010, on page 9A "Job Hunters Need A Support System" by Diane Stafford discusses the importance of job seekers receiving support from friends, family, and other job seeker. 

If you know a job seeker that has given-up trying to find a job, I encourage you to be there for him/her.  Perhaps you can provide valuable job leads or simply express your understanding and encouragement.  When an individual loses hope and self-respect, nothing good happens.

Please share your ideas and experience in assisting a job seekers that is close to you.

Thanks! Glyn

Positive Hiring Signs – Real Estate Opportunities!

The media - radio, TV, and print are filled with positive signs about an improving employment picture. I hope these sign have resulted in job opportunities for readers of this blog.


With so many homes being foreclosed and then hopefully resold, I think that there are opportunities for employment in real estate. Two of my friends are now studying to pass a real estate exam and plan to become real estate agents.

Many foreclosed homes are in need of repair prior to being listed for resale.
Consequently, there has to be improving opportunities along this supply chain for individuals seeking employment. You might visit Lowes and Home Depot stores to check on employment opportunities. I frequently encourage job seekers to read notices located in the areas of the stores where contractors and builders come to purchase materials and to network with store employees who sell to contractors, landscapers  and handy-people (handyman may not be politically correct).


Please share your plans and experience in pursuing opportunities in real estate.


Thanks! Glyn

New Internet Websites Coming for Job Searches!

An article in The Dallas Morning News in its March 3, 2010, issue, “Refreshing the Online Job Search” by Christopher Rugaber on page 19A discusses how Bill Warren, founder of Monster.com, is starting a nonprofit job listing system. The organization named DirectEmployers Association is formed by 500 large companies. “The association’s plans calls for companies to list jobs under Internet’s .job domain name. For example, someone can visit ATT.jobs to see all the job listings by AT&T.


The posting cost through the DirectEmployers Association will be much less than cost charged by commercial job boards such as Monster.com. This new job site is an exciting development for all job seekers and employers!


Please share your experience using Internet job sites to find employment.


Thanks! Glyn

Returning to Work

An article in The Dallas Morning News in its February 28, 2010, issue, “Tips for Employees Returning to the Workplace” by Amy Winter on page 1J discusses problems faced by individuals re-entering the work place after being gone for some time. In order to help with the transition back to the work force, Robert Hosking, of Office Team suggests:
1. Learn about the organization’s culture


2. Refresh your skills


3. Make a routine


4. Introduce yourself


5. Observe colleagues


Welcome back to work to those of you who are returning after your sabbatical! Please share your experience about returning to work in this blog. My wife, Ann, had to readjust once our children left the nest.


Thanks! Glyn