The Americanization of Asia

English Language Sign Example - Monkey EncountersBefore setting off on this trip we were most concerned about the challenges we may encounter in Asia.  Language seemed to be the biggest worry; we envisioned signs displayed in unfamiliar characters and inevitable impasses of communication.  What we encountered surprised us.

English is prevalent from spoken language to street names and store signs.  We always learn key phrases in the local tongue (hello, please, thank you, where do you keep the penicillin, etc.) and residents seem to appreciate our efforts, but we haven't really had to rely on this as much as we originally anticipated.

Having previously visited Europe and now Asia, we think it may actually be more difficult to communicate in some European countries.  We'll verify if this is really true when we head back to Europe this Fall.

Albatross Courtship Dance - Ka'ena Point, Oahu, HI

Our 2.5 mile hike from Yokohama Bay to the Ka'ena Point Nature Area Reserve on the island of Oahu, HI was rewarded when we witnessed the courtship dance of two Laysan Albatrosses.

Fact or Fiction? Gypsy Chickens Take Over the Florida Keys!

The following submission is either completely fictional or is fact-based.  Please post a comment noting whether you think it is True or False with your own entertaining or supporting commentary.  The answer will be provided in a future comment on this post.

We were enjoying another lovely day in the Florida Keys when we stopped to access cash from a local ATM.  As we returned to our car in the parking lot of the Winn-Dixie grocery store, we were accosted by a “Gypsy Chicken” – A proud, colorful rooster seeking to relieve us of the recently withdrawn funds.  We narrowly escaped the surprise encounter without harm and quickly made our way further down The Keys and away from what we assumed was an isolated population of poultry punks.

Little did we know we would encounter more fowl play when we arrived in Key West.  Caravans of the Gypsy Chicken were visible throughout the town, each more unkept and uncivilized than the last.  These societal castoffs had given up on traditional farm-based employment and had taken to the urban neighborhoods, surviving on street smarts and strong stomachs capable of consuming the least palatable scraps.

We post this blog as a public service to anyone who may be considering voyage to the Florida Keys.  Gypsy Chickens can be quite territorial and may not take kindly to your trespass on their turf.  If you find yourself in a hostile situation, watch your wallets, avoid eye contact, and distract them by throwing pieces of bread behind you as you make a hasty retreat.