Around the World at the Half: The Best and the Worst

I've decided to just skip my Japan wrap up altogether. Not because I don't want to do it, but because I am really freaking lazy! Or something like that.

Truth be told, in this post that looks back at the best and the worst of my trip pre Europe, Japan will he heavily featured, so it will be easy to cover any ground I may have missed. So let's get to it...the best and the worst of my trip so far.

Best Country: Japan

Why?: I've always wanted to do something like this trip, and it is because, I think at least, a certain level of need for adventure that exists within me. I always want to get out and do something great, something grand, something new.

And while every country I have gone to feels like that to a degree, going to Japan feels like something completely unlike anywhere else in the world. It feels like another planet! It reminded me of a JLA arc Tower of Babel written by Mark Waid, in which the minds of everyone on the Earth were altered so they did not understand language - it just looked like shapes to them. That's what a lot of Japan was - signs with shapes and the innate hope that I was going the right way and doing the right thing.

While that may not sound attractive to others, isn't that the basic component of adventure? Sailing off into parts unknown at its most all encompassing level can be found in Japan. Other countries cater to Western culture with signs in English and their home language, while Japan rarely does. It gets down to DIY traveling and communicating using whatever methods you have at hand. I found this to be an awesome experience.

Throw in the best food and lodging as well as the fact that it is so convenient to get around the country at a surprisingly inexpensive cost and you have an amazing place through and through.

Worst Country: Australia

Why?: I wrote a break up letter to this country. Do you need further explanation, really?

Best Major City: Melbourne, Australia

Why?: The first major shocker of the list! Ahh!!! How can my least favorite country house the favorite major city?! Well, it is quite simple - New Zealand had nondescript cities, Sydney kind of sucked, Brisbane was like New Zealand, Chiang Mai felt too small, and all of the Japanese cities were amazing but didn't stand out as much.

Oh yeah, and Melbourne itself is pretty amazing. Culturally robust streets, filled with artists and great food, top notch mass transit, fairly inexpensive (lots of free exhibits to take in), nice hostels, and great timing (Melbourne Comedy Festival and Supanova Pop Culture Expo were going when I was there) combine into an amazing time. It is beautiful, happening and one of the places I could see myself living.

Worst Major City: Bangkok, Thailand

Why?: Before I went there I watched a No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain in which he described it as a place that your clothes can't help but stick to your body. Good god he was so right - even though I was there just for a day, Bangkok is a place that is sickeningly hot. Humid, scorching and packed with 10+ million people crowding around you to sell you their knock off brand sunglasses and Manchester United jerseys, it was so intense that I felt the need to retreat to a local mall to survive. And that is not an understatement.

Best Non Major City/Town: Hiroshima, Japan

Why?: With regards to Chiang Mai, Thailand and Wanaka, New Zealand, Hiroshima was one of the best experiences I've ever had. Walking the streets, you find it impossible not to think of the fact that this city was once flattened by a nuclear bomb - and not that long ago. Hiroshima being a beautiful, lively place with the most peaceful disposition of anywhere I've been is a testament to the perseverance, honor and efficiency of Japan as a whole.

Throw in a great hostel, the best Okonomiyaki in the country, and the otherworldly greatness of nearby island Miyajima, and you have a plCe I will not forget any time soon.

Worst Non Major City/Town: Paihia, New Zealand

Why?: Just a completely nondescript beach town that doubles as a (near as I can tell) Frat boy resort on weekends. It was one of the few places I felt desperate to get out of. It's a shame this experience is attached to the flat out incredible Bay of Islands.

Best Food: Japan

Why?: At its worst (Takoyaki) it is remarkably interesting and occasionally good. At its best, it is consistently the best food in the world. The sushi tastes like a different version than what I get elsewhere, the ramen makes the name Top Ramen feel like a case of completely indecent copyright infringement, the katsu is crisp and delicious even at rainy baseball games, the tempura tries to bring tasty tears to my eyed, and everything else is somewhere between very good and delicious.

One of my favorite things to say about it is this: a very high percentage of the time I had little to no idea as to what I was eating, but I ate it anyways. Why? Because I was filled with faith to the core of me that not only would this not hurt me, but it would be absolutely delectable.

And it never let me down.

Worst Food: New Zealand

Why?: British food without the aid of the influence of millions of Asian implants. That is not a compliment. However, they did make wicked Eggs Benedict and their beer and coffee are universally good.

Best Living Situation: Japan

Why?: Every hostel was awesome. Decently priced, wifi EVERYWHERE, super comfy beds, good privacy considering the fact I sometimes shared a room with 7 people, fantastic staff, and the awesome touch of all of them sending me personalized emails after I left (including one that told me my warm greetings brightened the day of every staff member). I loved them, each and every one of them.

Best Hostel: Noosa Flashpackers in Noosa, Australia.

Why?: This is the best hostel I have ever stayed in. A warm environment that immediately turns disparate groups of people into a community, superb shuttle service, nice kitchen, a DVD library and huge TV on days that it rains (of which there are many in Noosa), WiFi, and free computers to write emails and upload pictures on. Plus,  the staff was very personable and the cost was very reasonable.

Worst Living Situation: New Zealand

Why?: Besides Hogwartz in Dunedin (which was predictably amazing) and the YHA Purple Cow in Wanaka, I was fairly unimpressed with hostels in New Zealand. Could have been bad luck, but the places I stayed on the North Island in particular were pretty weak.

Best Experience (tie): Swimming with Dolphins in the Bay of Islands (New Zealand), Bungie Jumping in Queenstown (New Zealand), First Day of Songkran Festival in Chiang Mai (Thailand), Motorbiking Around Koh Samui (Thailand), Day One of Emerald City ComiCon (Seattle)

Why?: Each were amazing for different reasons, but all of them will stick with me for the rest of my life. I will never forget:

- swimming in the Bay of Islands, then going under to see two dolphins  joining me, one on each side

- leaping off the Kawarau Bridge and reaching the bottom and immediately releasing the hardest laugh of my life

- running into a busy street of Chiang Mai and splashing two motorcyclists with a bucket of water, turning around to the bar I was hanging out at in the late afternoon to see a slew of people laughing hysterically and clapping for me - it was my stage of water based hijinks, and you better believe I took a bow

- roaming the circular path around Koh Samui by motorbike, gleefully being my own radio as I belted out Bobby Darin's "Beyond the Sea" at the top of my lungs, realizing a lifelong dream in the most ridiculpous way possible

- speaking to numerous well known comic creators I admire with my 4 Color News and Brews co-anchor Brandon at Emerald City ComiCon and not only being recognized but thanked, and following that up with an unforgettable evening featuring Brandon and I participating in a live art show with two big artists in the industry. Not bad.

Worst Experience: Animal conditions in Chiang Mai Zoo (Thailand)

Why?: Animal love (not in a weird way) has been a consistent theme of my trip to date, and to see the conditions a lot of animals live in and the lack of respect they are given by visitors and staff alike was really hard to take. Two things in particular stood out: seeing a woman throw a partially eaten corn dog at an ostrich - stick and all - which easily could result in the animal dying by choking on the stick, and then seeing a baby elephant chained around the ankles (or whatever you would say for an elephant) and left out for anyone to come up and do whatever they wanted to it. 

It was disgusting, and the latter was particularly distasteful given the image Thailand pushes on their audience of them being so caring for their beloved elephants. Then why don't you show it?

Biggest Cultural Transition: Lack of Constant Data Feed

Why?: Slot this one in as sad but true. In Alaska, on my phone I always have data and there is wifi everywhere for my laptop and iPad. Elsewhere? Not so much. Not having the ability to always be connected took some adjusting, even though I would easily admit how sad that is. I'm a creature of modern culture, so to not have email access and Facebooks and things of that sort was jarring at first. It has gotten to be less of a deal, but it such a weird thing to happen at all. Hook it to my veins?

Best Transportation: Japan

Why?: This isn't even a contest. The Shinkansen bullet trains in Japan are the best in the world - incredibly fast, quiet and comfortable, every city has a mass transit system that rivals the best in the world, and it all is an easy answer to the question "how do I get from here to there?" Throw in the JR pass I had that I just had to flash to a rail employee to get on almost any train no questions asked and you have the perfect system.

I love mass transit and it is a shame everywhere doesn't have the idea as well conceived as Japan does. If they did, everyone would use it.

Worst Transportation: Australia

Why?: Would you like to take a slow and shoddy bus or a cramped and unfriendly plane? Take your pick because there is no cost advantage on either side. I suppose at least the plane is fast, but still, the Australian experience was hampered by the transportation issues.

Best Accessories: Day Bag, iPad

Why?: I would be so screwed without my day bag. Granted, it has turned out to really just be a second bag, but I rarely go anywhere without it and it provides peace of mind and comfort (simply by not being my other huge bag). Plus, it was inexpensive. Great buy.

My iPad hasn't been a perfect option (I wish it had a webcam so I could Skype with people and that it had a USB so I could upload pics), but it has been convenient and extremely useful whenever I need a connection or a brief respite of entertainment. Bonus points for keeping me connected to my beloved comic world (I could easily see myself buying comics digitally now), giving me access to sweet, sweet B.S. Report podcasts from Bill Simmomns, and for keeping me active in my Fantasy Baseball league - second place baby!!!

Best Idea to Date: Getting a JR Pass Before Japan

Why?: The JR pass is ridiculously cost effective (I can't imagine how much I saved, but I can only assume it is roughly infinity dollars), it makes the act of train travel SUPER easy, and, unlike with its European counterpart the Eurail Pass, reservations are free. Super awesome! This was the gift that kept on giving.

Biggest Mistake To Date: Packing errors aplenty

Why?: If I had the chance to do anything over again, it would be how I packed. Too many pairs of underwear, weird choices like a Leatherman and flashlight I've never used, only one button up shirt, no coat, terrible shoes, and forgetting a towel. The thing that I really wish I had, of all of those, is more button ups. They are an easy way to make yourself look presentable without having to try too hard. Instead I have a ton of t-shirts and 3 sweaters I rarely use. Sigh...

Favorite Anything: The Constant First Time Experiences

Why?: I have done so many things for the first time on this trip I can barely even remember them all. Bungie jumping, hitch hiking, riding a motorbike, growing a beard, you name it, I have done it. I love them, as I firmly believe everything should be tried because you never know what will be your next new favorite thing.

Best Collectibles: Photos and Stamps

Why?: When I was in New Zealand with former coworkers Paulette and Sharee, Paulette wondered what I would do to remember my trip if I wasn't buying souvenirs and what not. The most straightforward answer I had was "I will just remember it." Which is true. But I suppose if I had to have something to really remember my trip with, I will fall back on the thousands of pictures I have taken. I mean, if a picture is worth a thousand words, then I am well into the millions. That is quite a few books worth of books, so I am quite good on the memory front.

One thing I love though is the collection of stamps I have gotten so far. Obviously I have gotten New Zealand, Japan, Thailand, Australia, England and the EU, but my favorite surprise had to be China. For some it would be annoying to go through passport control just for a transfer, but it got me a stamp! Not only that, but a sweet, evil looking one that seemed like it actually came from the Dharma Initiative. Yes!

Things I Miss the Most: Comics

Why?: Just a note - this does not include people or places! So please no one get worked up over this category.

While it is true that I have not really completely lost touch with comics (thanks to comic company review copies my site gets and occasional visits to international comic shops), I still miss going to get comics every Wednesday and devouring them step by step. I even miss writing reviews of the comics (although I still do this from time to time). And I really miss Friday nights at Brandon's, talking comics and drinking beer on camera for our tens of viewers to witness. I miss your musk Brandon! When this is all said and done I think we should get an apartment together.

Things I Don't Really Miss Surprisingly: New Movies, Music, etc.

Why?: I saw someone tweeting about the awesome of the new Beastie Boys album and I had a quick thought pop in my head. Who cares if I listen to this new music or see new movies now or when I get back? They won't be any different in July as they are now...so what is the big deal? I can just catch them then. Sure, the same goes for comics, but for some reason it genuinely feels like I am missing out on something when I am out of touch with them. Maybe because I am actually part of a community that talks about them all of the time.

Weirdest Phenomenon: Losing Where I Am

Sometimes I will be reading a book or the internet and I will completely forget where I am. I will be completely zoned out. Then I will look up and realize I am entirely surrounded by Japanese people and get really confused. It's a very jarring experience.1`1111 1`

First Thing I Am Going To Do Upon My Return: Middle Way Breakfast Burrito...and You Are All Invited

Around the World Trip At The Half: The Airlines

My trip has been one that has required a lot of flights. In total I have taken 19 flights to date, both of the international and the domestic variety. I've flown budget airlines, boutique airlines, major airlines, good airlines, bad airlines, and the just plain weird airlines, but I would say on average my flights have been excellent. To the aspiring travelers, I figured I would share my take on these airlines so you get the same enjoyment I have out of them...or in some cases so you can avoid the torture.

Best of the Best (International): Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, Malaysia Airlines

I will tackle each individually because they all deserve that.

Emirates: With a gun to my head, I would absolutely say this was the best as well as the best value. I flew them going from Christchurch to Sydney for about $100 American, which at 3.5 hours is a fairly comparable flight to the Alaska Airlines flight from Anchorage to Seattle which is a good bit more expensive ($200 or so more). But they cut no corners - spacious seats with leg room galore, beautiful screens on the seats to view their expansive movie library, delicious and free food service (yes I would like poached salmon served with an incredible rice side!), and excellent assistance from the flight staff. Amazing deal.

Singapore Airlines: Huge screens on the TV's with massive film options, incredibly comfy seats, maybe the friendliest service yet, tasty food, HUGE drink lists with only classy options (free cocktails - and legit ones too!), guest bags with eye covers, sleep socks and ear plugs, and extremely timely boarding and flights? Singapore Airlines were the surprise of all, as they were across the board great with no expectations preceding them. Well done.

Air New Zealand: Major bonus points go their way due to the fact they have the most personality of any airline (their passenger safety videos have to be seen to be believed), they also provide quality seating, food, drink and service. Already known as a great, they earned that reputation.

Malaysia Airlines: This was the airline I felt sketchiest about, yet they provided similar quality everything to the other three during the section that easily could have been the most dodgy. They went above and beyond, and I enjoyed the heck out of my experience.

Best of the Best (Domestic): Bangkok Airways

Now this is how you do domestic flights! Wonderful multilingual staff, great food, tons of leg room and low rates, traveling within Thailand was a dream thanks to them. Not only that, but both Chiang Mai and Koh Samui had lounges for all passengers (not just MVP's or gold members or something of that sort) with free Internet, newspapers, beverages and food. Pretty much amazing, and all for boutique airline rates.

Worst of the Worst (all airlines): Thomas Cook Airlines

It is easy to say how bad this airline is as I am writing this on one of their planes. My flight to London with them is painful in many ways. First off, the tiny seat with no leg room I am in is actually slanted, so I am constantly sitting in a painful position, even with the workaround of putting magazines under my butt to balance me out. The pad is missing from one half of the back of the chair, making it so it kills my back. The staff is outrageously rude (they bomb through the aisle and routinely ram into people, pull blankets off with their carts, and altogether have the demeanor of people who are about as interested in being there as I do in being at a Nickelback concert), the food is basically slung at passengers 30 minutes before they hand out drinks, and their entertainment options are minimal and inflexible.

Sure, they are a budget airline, but that doesn't mean you have to hire crap staff on an airplane that likely belongs on a scrap heap. This is easily the worst airline I have ever been on. Epic fail. I would sooner fly Oceanic Airlines from Sydney to LA than this.

Update: THEY SELL SCRATCH CARDS ON FLIGHTS. WHERE AM I?!?!

Worst of the Worst (Budget): Tiger Airways

Insanely pushy air staff treats you like a child as you fearfully finish a text 30 minutes pre flight while on board, shoving you into a baby chair that makes your flight from Brisbane to Sydney feel interminably long. Oh yeah, and their flights are always delayed or canceled. But they are REALLY cheap, so that is neat.

Weirdest of the Weird: China Eastern Airlines

This was going to be the worst but then I was introduced to Thomas Cook Airlines. This airline was very odd though, as the airplane smelled of cigarettes, the staff (who were great) seemed genuinely fearful of either every passenger lighting up or breaking out into armed insurrection, served food that was odd and often unrecognizable, and allowed passengers to wander the cabin during take off and landing. A genuine anything goes feeling permeated this airline, as a walking talking Panda Bear or kung Fu master as flight staff would have felt par for the course.

American vs. International

Having flown on both American airlines (like Alaska or United) as well as International airlines so far this trip, the comparison comes up easily...do American airlines compare well?

The short answer is no.

While both airlines I've flown in the US to date have had great staff who rolled with the punches well, American airlines are simply so focused on being businesses that customer experience doesn't even seem to matter to them. No leg room, no amenities, charging for EVERYTHING and no entertainment options...these are all things that are opposites of the majority of those international airlines I've enjoyed, but are the reality of American airlines. Alaska Airlines in particular is putrid, charging for everything they can get you on, shoving people into shabby metal carriages that are built for speed, not comfort, and all in all being far too expensive for what you get, international airlines outclass US ones easily.