Menu
close
Anonymous.
Rob_Hugo@PortNWMy girlfriend last Spring spent 3 weeks going to several of the places we are, in Japan. She had a great suggestion that a friend passed on to her. Get yourself a pair of velcro tennis shoes, instead of the lace up ones. As you visit the temples, you must remove your shoes, and it makes life a whole lot easier. I encountered this when I went to a CTA meeting in Hawaii in Feb. I visited the temple that is an exact replica of one of the ones we will be visiting in Japan. The serenity was unbelievable. The one in Japan is all wood. The one in Hawaii is not, but has been constructed of concrete to look like wood. Really beautiful.
They do not have them for women at Sportmart, I am still on the hunt, and will let you know where I find them. I may have to go on the Internet, but I will find them one way or the other.
AnonymousThere are velcro style sneekers everywhere. Most malls, payless, nordstom racks.. have different styles and colors to choose from. They are not the traditional velcro tennis, you can wear them with dresses... they're a little nicer. 
AnonymousHi Darlene,
There are also the "slip on" style of sneakers. I have a pair and they are super comfortable and easy to take on and off. This may also come in handy at the airport with the new security checks.
I believe we will also be in Japan during its rainsy season. The weather should be warm, wet, and humid. I think China has a similar climate.
Ana
AnonymousI just bought 3 pairs at Zappos.com
If you don't know about it, it is wonderful.
Any size, any style, any color.
All shoes are shipped free and can be returned free for one year. No charge for shipping either way. I ordered pairs in many sizes and then return the ones that don't fit for free.
Love it! --Linda
AnonymousI decided I will bring one pair of tennis shoes and 1 pair of sandles. I bought a pair of Teva at REI yesterday. I also bought 3 pairs of socks that they guarantee to dry overnight.They feel like I am walking on foam. WIll start breaking them in this weekend.
Still hunting for a suitcase. The ones I have are either too big or too heavy. I will check the Samsonite outlet store in Camarillo 5/29. REI had a nice one, but $279. was too pricy. Sam's Club has a set of 4 for $150. of Samsonite, 2 of the four have four wheels. Will wait on that until I try the outlet.
I will start working deligently on research for my lesson plan today. We start STARR testing, and since I am a "rover" I have positioned myself in a computer lab. I am bringing Ana's great notes with me.
45 days and we're "out of here!"
AnonymousHi Darlene
I am probably going to take a 26" suitcase with wheels and straps. I believe the carry-on limit is a 22" but that seems too small to use for my main luggage. I want some extra room for purchased items. I'm curious to know if anyone else will be using something larger than a carry-on. I'm assuming everyone will be checking in one piece of luggage. Still looking for comfortable shoes.
Darlene, post your curriculum ideas in the "economic changes group" forum when you get a chance. What are you planning on researching this week?
Ana
AnonymousHi Everyone,
I took Dube's suggestion to heart and did an internet search on packbacks that roll. I found one that I love at LAX Luggage on Sepulveda near Pico. It is perfect! I have been breaking it in using it to carry my books and computer to and from school every day. It is light as a feather and cost $159.00 It has wheels that handle well and shoulder straps that fold away. It also comes with another complete small packpack, called a day back, that is the normal size of backpacks one would use every day. This attaches to the larger one when you are wheeling them through train stations or carrying them both on your back and detaches for use on day trips. It has a lifetime guarantee. I love it!
Linda
AnonymousLinda, I have been looking for something like that but they have all been too heavy. I found a super light one at REI but way too expensive. What brand did you buy? Does the package information give you the size and weight?
Ana
AnonymousHi Ana,
The package does not give weight but I know when I did a comparison search on the internet, weight was given as part of the information and this was by far the lightest one in the store. Here is what the packing label does say:
WAPACK 26
26" Wheeled Travel Pack With Detachable Daypack
17.5" W X 26" H X 10" D
Capacity 5500 Cu In.
Style #15419
Color Blue Titanium
Manufactuer = Timberland
Hope this helps.
Linda
AnonymousThanks for the info Linda. I have done some searching and can't seem to find as good a bargain as that.
I came across a website on China's weather and was flabbergasted at the average rain for June and July. The average rain for Beijing in June is 2.9 inches and up to 8 inches in July.
Shanghai was 6.5 inches in June and 5.5 inches in July. The website also provided average temperatues for each month by city. Average highs for both cities is in the mid 80s and average low in the mid to high 60s farenheit.
I would like to hear from Clay or anyone else who may have some information on this. Are these numbers correct?
The website is: http://weather.china.org.cn/english
Ana[Edit by="amitchell on May 15, 10:16:30 PM"][/Edit]
AnonymousSince returning from the orientation, I have ventured through the malls in search of comfortable shoes and the lighest wheeled backpack. I am amazed at how many products are made in China. It seems everything is manufactured there. Everything from bug repellant to luggage. I came across an article on China's economic reforms that described economic zones that began back in the 1970s. I'm curious to know when manufacturing regions still exist and whether they are located within major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. This would make perfect sense since these cities are located along China's eastern shores.
I can't help but notice the irony in purchasing a suitcase made in China. I'm left wondering whether there are any products that China does not manufacture?
AnonymousI spoke with some of my students today who said that wearing sandals in China is a bad idea becasue the streets are so dirty. They said your feet will be black at the end of the day. Has anyone else heard this?
Also, according to some statistics I was reading on the inches of rain in China and Japan, we are going during some the rainiest months. Any ideas on shoes that repel rain?
AnonymousHi Ana. I read something saying it was 8-12 inches of rain. Ugh!!
AnonymousSandals would work fine in Japan so I'm still taking them. (I bought the sandals, Sharon)[Edit by="amitchell on May 18, 4:49:13 PM"][/Edit]
AnonymousHey Ana,
What sandals did you find?
-Julia