3 comments about Culture Shock! Japan (Culture Shock! Guides).

1. As an administrator in a ESL school, where 10% of our students come from Japan, and at least 10% of our ESL teachers trainees plan on going to Japan to teach English, Culture Shock Japan was an wonderful discovery for me! P. Sean Bramble unveiled the cultural mystery step by step from every aspect of life. It's a great reference book for anyone, no matter whether you are planning a trip to Japan, moving to Japan for a long period of time, your work involves dealing with Japanese culture like mine, or you are simply curious about this modern and ancient eastern country. One of my favorite things about the book are the hilarious little stories that Bramble collected from his own 12 years of experience living and working in Japan, which gave me many giggles through out the reading.
   
   Those stories are particularly funny to me, because they often echo my own experience of of culture shock when I first immigrated to the United States from China 7 years ago. Although, I am completely annoyed when people get confused between Japan and China, there are after all lots of similarities when it comes to clashes between Asian and western cultures.
   
   I also admire the fact that the author was willing to take the risk of being accused as negative or judgmental to honestly point out the frustrating reality of living and dealing with a new culture in a tongue in cheek manner. Unlike promotional travel books, which only portray the wonders of a destination, this book gives unvarnished insight into a country where modernity meets ancient traditions, efficiency is created by rules but also destroyed by rules. It gives insider's advices on how a new comer can be prepared to begin understanding, embracing, and even having a bit of fun with the culture he is about to clash into. As I closed the book, I felt as if I had just finished a tour lead by an experienced open heart with a true sense of humor. I am now much more ready for a real trip to Japan.



2. 
   The book does contain usefull information, but it left me with an awkward feeling after reading.
   It describes the 'typically Japanese things' from a personal western point of view, without explaining why, how, what, etc.
   -Japan is a weird and silly country, but there are nice temples-
   Or is it the writer that is the culture shock ?
   If you want an objective book about Japan, keep searching.



3. I was stationed overseas for about 1 1/2 years before I read the book. Many questions I had were answered. This book explains a lot of the everyday things you'll see/notice in Japan. Not much of a history book (which wasn't what I was looking for @ the time) but a very modern explanation of all the strange things Japanese people do.
   
   I highly recommend this book for anyone that is going to live in Japan for an extended period of time.

2 comments about Kyoto: A Contemplative Guide.

1. The author has put a lot of TLC into writing this book and it shows. Aside from being a love letter to the city of Kyoto, it is a top-notch guidebook for anyone interested in exploring the temples of Kyoto. No other guidebook contains such carefully-researched and well-written descriptions of these temples. Though it was written decades ago, not much has changed at these sites, so don't let the date of publication deter you from using this book. I would highly recommend bringing this book along with the most recent edition of "Gateway to Japan" on your next trip to Kyoto.



2. I totally agree with the previous reviewer. This is the best and ONLY guidebook to Kyoto - the story of Kyoto's history through the story of a succession of temples and palaces, each of which typifies that period. Beautifully and gently written. Wonderful wonderful stuff. Tragically I've lost my copy. It shouldn't be so hard to find a new one. Tuttle, please reissue!!

No comments about Culture Shock! Myanmar: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette (Culture Shock! Guides).

No comments about A Flower Lover's Guide to Tokyo: 40 Walks for All Seasons.

1 comments about iSpeak Japanese Phrasebook (MP3 CD + Guide) (Ispeak).

1. A sort of handy iPod phrase book if you're really fast with menus. The only catch is that you need to be someone who never shuffles songs, only uses playlists, or wants to dedicate an iPod (with a display--forget the Shuffle) to the content. Otherwise, the 1,000+ files will intermingle with your music files. This would have been MUCH more useful if the files were set up as podcasts so they wouldn't mix with your music files. Also, keep in mind that this is just a phrase-book. The files are only 10-20 seconds long, so it's not very useful if you're trying to actually learn anything. If the price was any higher, it would have only gotten a single star. At $12, buyer's regret isn't too much of an issue for me.

No comments about Russian Travel Made Easier: Advice for Friends.

2 comments about Insight Guide Bali (Insight Guides Bali).

1. Insight Guide Bali is an exceptional travel guide. The history is well written and rich with interesting facts. I reads like a good novel. The maps are deteiled with plenty of cross references. There are plenty of travel tips from riding a bus to how to order food without MSGS. It appears that every possible travel issue has been addressed; from how not to get arrested to finding the swank resorts. The book is worth the price just for the exquisite pictures. I have never seen a travel book with photos as exceptional as these. Usually I purchase a couple of guide books before going to a new location, but this time I will only use the Insight Guide Bali.



2. I read the history background like a novel. The cultural information such as the drama, the dances, the religion, the art etc. is great. The photos are great too. I am back from Bali and I just take this book with me.

No comments about Dubai Red-tape Explorer.

1 comments about Wallpaper City Guide: Mumbai (Wallpaper City Guide).

1. Loved this booklet! It really made our time in Mumbai less of a mystery. Many travel guides recommend so many things to do that one can get discouraged when under time constraints. This book has a great "what to do in 24 hours" section that seems like the must do's while you are in a place. Also, the nightlife and restaurant recommendations were amazing! I will definitly get one of these for my next destination.

1 comments about Persimmon Wind: A Martial Artist's Journey In Japan.

1. I have been a fan of Dave Lowry's writing for some time, then I had decided to read this book. This is by far one of the best reads of my life. The suthor has a great ability to capture small nuances of the japanese experience and convey's beautifully to the reader. The details of the bathhouse experience, and well as the samll dojo where he and his sensei practiced iaido, was a great treasure to be read. The book served as additional travel guide on my visit to japan, especially when visiting kyoto and the butokuden. I would highly advise this to all, including budokas, and writers. I presently read this book atleast once a year.