Popular cities: Flicks that launch a thousand trips

Popular cities: Flicks that launch a thousand trips

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China faces deadly bird flu again

Evidence of the deadly H7N9 bird flu's comeback spread on Wednesday, with Hong Kong government officials reporting a third recent death there. China has gone on alert after reporting 96 infections and 19 deaths since the beginning of 2014. Shanghai is halting live poultry sales for three months starting Friday, and Hong Kong is stopping live-chicken sales for three weeks after poultry imported from China tested positive for the infection. [Reuters, Bloomberg Businessweek]

Taiwan port city looks to reinvent itself

Taiwan port city looks to reinvent itself

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OSAKA - DOTONBORI / JAPAN

Two Kaohsiung metro stations listed among world's most elegant

Two Kaohsiung metro stations listed among world's most elegant

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Transport Fare Hike Draws Protest in Singapore

Transport Fare Hike Draws Protest in Singapore

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Waiting times at Hong Kong theme parks rise as tourism increases

Waiting times at Hong Kong theme parks rise as tourism increases

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The best sushi restaurants in Tokyo

Get your raw fish fix at the capital’s sushi institutions:  http://travel.cnn.com/tokyo/eat/city-essentials/best-sushi-restaurants-tokyo-549502

Thailand Travel Alert

Thailand Travel Alert:  http://feedly.com/e/ergeBi8B

Ten Most Beautiful Tree-lined Roads in Busan

If you happen to be in Busan, South Korea--especially when the cherry blossoms are in bloom--you won't want to miss these!

http://www.busanhaps.com/article/ten-most-beautiful-tree-lined-roads-busan

U.S. citizen jailed in North Korea issues statement

Kenneth Bae, a U.S. missionary imprisoned in North Korea, issued a statement Monday saying he had committed a "serious crime." Bae also said Pyongyang does not abuse human rights, and called on the U.S. government cooperate with the North Korean government and "stop worsening my situation by making vile rumors against North Korea." Bae said he wanted supporters to stop accusing Pyongyang of abuse so he will be pardoned. North Korea has a history of forcing false "confessions" from high-profile prisoners.  More on CNN

Singapore Proposes More Security in Little India

Singapore Proposes More Security in Little India

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New Children's Garden at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore

New Children's Garden at Gardens by the Bay

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Hong Kong Leader’s Speech Skirts Appeals for Democracy

Hong Kong Leader's Speech Skirts Appeals for Democracy

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Japan and America: Inamine v Goliath

Japan and America: Inamine v Goliath

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China economic growth rate stabilises

China's economy, the world's second-largest, shows signs of stabilising as 2013's 7.7% growth rate matches that for 2012.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/news/business-25805227

SOUTH KOREA Says Migratory Birds Behind Outbreak

South Korea Says Migratory Birds Behind Outbreak

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THAILAND Travel Alert

Thailand Travel Alert

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SOUTH KOREA: President Orders Military To Increase Border Security

South Korean President Park Geun Hye has ordered the military to increase border security against potential provocations by North Korea, AFP reported Jan. 19. Park’s orders followed North Korea's offer for an end to cross-border hostilities. Ties between North and South Korea are currently in an indeterminate state, with both sides expressing their willingness to improve relations while accusing the other of lacking sincerity.

For more details, go to Stratfor Global Intelligence.

Japan's Abe suffers setback with Okinawa election loss

Japan's Abe suffers setback with Okinawa election loss

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Putin Addresses Security Concerns at Sochi Olympics

Putin Addresses Security Concerns at Sochi Olympics

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Taiwan Country Information

Click below for the latest Taiwan country info:

http://feedly.com/e/PLeI05K2

10 things Taiwan does better than anywhere else

10 things Taiwan does better than anywhere else

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The State of the Cruise Industry in 2014: Large Increase in Asia Deployments for 2014

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Inc. has released their annual report on the state of the cruise industry.  While ship deployments to Asia are currently at only 4.4%, those Asia deployments will increase 31.6% in 2014!  Click here to read the entire press release on global growth in passenger numbers and product offerings.

Rodman enters rehab

Outlandish former NBA star Dennis Rodman has checked into an alcohol-rehabilitation center after facing backlash for his visit to North Korea. Rodman recently returned to the U.S. after a tumultuous repeat visit to North Korea. Read more at CNN

Bomb blast injures dozens in Bangkok

At least 28 people are injured after an explosion at an anti-government rally in Thailand's capital Sunday, sharply raising fears that the country is entering a worsening cycle of political violence. The early afternoon blast at Victory Monument came two days after a grenade blast Friday that killed one person and injured 39 others. Read more on the Wall Street Journal

Anti-government protest in Thailand bombed

Two explosions hit a rally in Bangkok Friday, wounding dozens of people. Protesters are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, in a series of rallies named the "Bangkok shutdown." Click here for more on CNN.

Top Five Asia Stories for the Week of January 17, 2014

1. Explosions hit protestors in Bangkok.
2. Buddhist mob allegedly kills Muslims in Burma.
3. U.S. Navy Realigns Carrier Fleet in Japan.
4. Lunar New Year in China leads to holiday travel rush.
5. Activists send balloons with information about the outside world into North Korea.

Bonus: Impressive business card in hand, Chinese billionaire offers to buyNew York Times.

Click here to read more about each story on Asia Unbound.

Diamond Princess Japanese Bath Preview Video Tour

Images from Alaska, Far East & China Grand Adventure Voyage # M328A Aboard Diamond Princess

I'm trying to do a better job of recording my travels.  Below is an outline of my itinerary for the first part of my fall 2013 contract on the Diamond Princess as port lecturer. I plan to update with links to relevant online photo albums as time permits.

Saturday, September 21, 2013

• Embarkation Day in Whittier (port for Anchorage Alaska)
• Excited to have friends onboard but sad their stays will be so short!  Amazing vocalist (and person) Claude-Eric Brunelle onboard until Muroran, and longtime mentor, dear friend, and fellow lecturer onboard until Busan.
• ALASKA - Scenic Drive from Anchorage to Whittier (Sep 21, 2013)

Sunday, September 22, 2013

• At Sea
• No lecture.  Enjoyed my day of anonymity.
• Diamond Princess At Sea (Sep 22, 2013)

Monday, September 23, 2013

• At Sea
• Diamond Princess - At Sea (Sep 23, 2013)

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

• At Sea
• Diamond Princess - At Sea (Sep 24, 2013)

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

• Skipped over this day when we passed the international dateline.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

• At Sea
• Diamond Princess - At Sea (Sep 26, 2013)

Friday, September 27, 2013

• At Sea
• Diamond Princess - At Sea (Sep 27, 2013)

Saturday, September 28, 2013

• At Sea
• Diamond Princess - At Sea (Sep 28, 2013)

Sunday, September 29, 2013

• Call on the port of Muroran, Hokkaido, Japan
• Spent the day with local friend Naomi and Jim.
• Gave tour of ship to Masayo (new friend that lives in Muroran).
• JAPAN - Muroran (Sep 29, 2013)

Monday, September 30, 2013

• At Sea
• Celebrated my 44th birthday over dinner with Jim. 
• Diamond Princess - At Sea (Sep 30, 2013)

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

• Call on the port of Vladivostok, Far Eastern Russia
• Spent morning and lunch with local friend Evgenia, her former student Svetlana, and Jim.
• RUSSIA - Vladivostok (Oct 01, 2013)

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

• At Sea
• Diamond Princess - At Sea (Oct 2, 2013)

Thursday, October 3, 2013

• Call on the port of Busan, South Korea

Friday, October 4, 2013

• At Sea

Saturday, October 5, 2013

• Call on the port of Qingdao, China
• Escorted ship tour to Mt. Lao area
• Met local friend Li Ying at port gates to just chat over snacks at the bus stop.
• Late departure due to a couple of inconsiderate passengers.

Sunday, October 6, 2013

• Call on the port of Dalian, China
• Late arrival due to late departure from Qingdao.
• Potential time ashore was shore, so I opted to just stay onboard.  I've been to Dalian quite a few times, so I've seen all the main sights.  However, I was looking forward to visiting my favorite Chinese foot massage place there.

Monday, October 7, 2013

• "Turnaround Day"
• Hosted local friends Carol and Annette for lunch and a tour of the ship.
• Glad I didn't bother trying to go out.  Tour buses got stuck in port traffic; it took them 2.5 hours to exit the port gates.  What a nightmare!

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

• At Sea

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

• At Sea

Thursday, October 10, 2013

• Call on the port of Busan, South Korea

Friday, October 11, 2013

• Call on the port of Nagasaki, Japan
• Been here many times, so wasn't motivated to do much in the rain.

Saturday, October 12, 2013

• At Sea

Sunday, October 13, 2013

• Call on the port of Shanghai, China

Monday, October 14, 2013

• At Sea

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

• At Sea

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

• Call on the port of Hong Kong
• One of the first ships to call on the new Kai Tek Cruise Terminal on the site of the former airport in SE Kowloon.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

• At Sea

Friday, October 18, 2013

• At Sea

Saturday, October 19, 2013

• Call on the port of Phu My, Vietnam
• Escorted a ship tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels

Sunday, October 20, 2013

• At Sea

Monday, October 21, 2013

• Call on the port of Laem Chabang, Thailand

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

• At Sea

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

• At Sea

Thursday, October 24, 2013

• "Turnaround Day" at the port of Singapore

Abenomics and the Japanese Economy

Great backgrounder by the Council on Foreign Relations on "Abenomics" and the state of the Japanese economy.

In Thailand, Political Instability Threatens New Opportunities in Southeast Asia

Summary

The popular unrest that has brought Thai politics to a standstill is not particularly remarkable; political instability in the country has occurred cyclically over the past decade, and it shows no sign of abating anytime soon. What is remarkable about the current bout of turmoil is that it could prevent Thailand from benefiting from emerging economic developments in Southeast Asia.

Over the past century, Thailand's geopolitical advantages, namely its strategic location and ethnic and cultural influence, have conferred on the country a regional leadership role. But Southeast Asia is changing: Manufacturers are leaving China as it moves up the value chain, the region is slowly integrating economically, the United States is turning its attention away from the Middle East toward the Asia-Pacific region, and Beijing is trying to expand its influence in Southeast Asia. If instability persists, Thailand may not be able to lead or even benefit from these new regional realities.

Click here to continue reading Stratfor analysis on this topic

Thailand hopes the tourists keep coming

As ongoing protests in Thailand discourage some travelers from visiting, here's a look at the current state of the country's crucial tourism industry.

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/video/factbox-thailand-hopes-tourists-keep-071954553.html

RUSSIAN FEDERATION Travel Alert

Russian Federation Travel Alert

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