Introduction

     I was extremely delighted to have the opportunity to visit Japan and Taiwan. For me, this would be only my second time to ever leave the country. It seems almost impossible to completely communicate with words this entire experience. The colloquium prior to the trip allowed many of the U.S students to become acquaintances before even leaving on our journey to Asia. This made traveling with people we had just met even easier. In addition, the administrative assistant, Kim Prinzi-Kimbro, was beyond amazing in helping all the students prepare for the trip across the pacific. It was a collection of amazing people, planning, and open-mindedness that made this trip one that will never be forgotten.

Japan Introduction

     The trip began from Denver, Colorado. On July 3, 2004, students met at Denver International Airport with extreme anticipation. Although I had traveled outside the country once before, for many other students this was the very first time they had ever left the United States. Our flight consisted of a short stop at San Francisco International Airport before arriving at our first destination of Narita International Airport outside of Tokyo, Japan. Right from the beginning, the Japanese people were extremely welcoming. We could sense the warmth immediately upon arriving at the airport. With excellent planning, everything went smoothly and we were shortly on our way via a bus shuttle to Tsukuba, Japan. Thankfully, we were joined by Ted Iwabuchi, who is originally from Japan. His hard work in designing the trip's itinerary was clearly shown by the smooth manner that we proceded with our busy schedule.

Science in Japan

     Our first night in Japan was spent in Tsukuba. This town is known for being a forward-moving academic location. It was here that we visited the two sites of the Geographical Survey Institute (GSI) and the Meteorological Research Institute (MRI). Our first stop on Monday was GSI. It was here where students saw their first Geographic Network (GEONET) station. A lecture and tour was given by a representative of the GSI facility. They explained the need for Japan to understand the seismic movements of the many parts of their island, which is very seismically active. In order to better understand the seismology of the area, Japan has committed to creating an extremely dense network of Global Positioning System (GPS) stations that track the movement of the area at which they are located. Presently, nearly 1,300 GPS receiving stations are located in Japan. This technology can also be used to obtain atmospheric profiles using ground-based GPS remote sensing technology.

     After GSI, we visited the Meteorological Research Institute (MRI). This was the beginning of the effort to illustrate the importance of international scientific communication. American and Japanese students presented their current research in the areas of meteorology, ionospheric science, climate, and GPS remote sensing. The many different talks given by students were extremely beneficial. We were able to hear about the other research being conducted over seas as well as the similar problems that they were encountering. This would perhaps open the door for international collaboration to solve even larger scientific problems.

     After the day in Tsukuba, we traveled to Tokyo. It was here we visited the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA). We learned about the many different jobs that were handled by JMA. We noticed how JMA was very similar to our country's National Weather Service (NWS). We were given a tour of the facility that featured the many different computers, radars, and satellite images used in their daily lives at JMA. It was also at JMA that Chris Rocken, Chief Scientist of the COSMIC Project, gave a talk on GPS radio occultation and its progress.

     The next day we traveled via the Bullet Train to Kyoto, Japan. Kyoto is Japan's original capital city. We stayed in Kyoto and traveled to various sites from our Hotel.

     Our second day in Kyoto, we traveled to Shigaraki Town. It is near here where Japan's Middle-Upper (MU) Radar facility is located. The radar is used to monitor the middle and upper regions (ionosphere) of the atmosphere. The facility was extremely large and run by only a single full-time scientist. It was a great chance to learn more about another discipline other than my own, meteorology.

     The next day we left Kyoto for the airport to begin the second half of our Journey.

Taiwan Introduction

     We arrived in Taipei, Taiwan on Friday, July 9, 2004, where we were warmly greeted by the students of National Central University. The students were very willing from the beginning to do anything to make our stay in Taiwan more pleasurable.

Science in Taiwan

     On Monday we started our tour of the science facilities in Taiwan. We started our tours at the Central Weather Bureau (CWB). Our visit here was very brief, but contained a lot of information about what the office does and its many goals for the near future. We then quickly made our way the National Science Council (NSC). The NSC is very similar to the National Science Foundation here in the U.S. The NSC told us about the many goals for improving technology in Taiwan and their mission to become competitive with other countries in the areas of technology and science.

     That afternoon we visited the National Space Program Office (NSPO), where we were able to witness the assembly and integration of the COSMIC satellites. It was an amazing feeling to finally see the satellites that will soon expand our horizons in the areas of research we are studying.

     Afterwards, we visited the National Center for High-Performance Computing (NCHC). It was here that we were introduced to their latest technological addition, which allows them to display images from a satellite on a flat, projected screen with very high resolution. They were able to zoom enough into a satellite image to see one of the student's homes in Arizona. It was absolutely remarkable. After the demonstration we were brought to a conference room, where we were told about NCHC's plan to build a high-performance computer network across Taiwan that would also include universities across the island. This would be part of NSC's bigger plan to create a new Taiwan that was competitive with the rest of the world in science and technology.

     The next day we visited the National Central University (NCU) campus. We toured different sites on the campus and even watched an image from the SPOT satellite as it passed over Taiwan. The image was amazing, as it was in 3D. We then had lunch with the president of the University before beginning the presentations by students.

     The talks were another great opportunity for us, as young scientists, to witness international scientific exchange. The NCU students also had the chance to practice their scientific English in front of an audience. It was great to see all the students sharing research and asking very powerful questions. The day ended on the roof with a picture session and final goodbyes to our Taiwanese host. The next day we would leave to return to the U.S.

Cultural Experience

     In reflecting back on this trip, the most difficult parts of the trip to describe to someone are the enriching cultural experiences. From Japan to Taiwan the experiences were incredible and will never be forgotten. I learned so much about the history of both countries, as well as cultural differences in everyday life and in the workplace.

Japan Culture

     Our second night in Tsukuba, Japan, we attended a dinner sponsored by MRI. The dinner was held at a traditional Japanese restaurant located in Tsukuba's tallest buildings. There, we were able to enjoy a wonderful view of Tsukuba at night, tasty Japanese beer, and have a very filling Japanese meal.

     Our only evening in Tokyo featured another visit to yet another traditional Japanese restaurant. This time it was completely sponsored by our Japanese hosts in Tokyo. Students and professionals from JMA laughed and shared stories despite the language barrier. It was a good time for all. After the dinner, which was a 10-course meal, all of the field trip participants and some of our hosts continued on to enjoy some of Tokyo's exciting nightlife. The evening was one of laughs, smiles, and new friendships. We were all sad to have had only one night in Tokyo, but we were all very grateful for this unique opportunity.

     One of the most amazing parts of our Japanese trip was Kyoto. It was absolutely spectacular. This was perhaps the area of Japan that was the most culturally educational. Our first day in Kyoto, we traveled to different temples that astounded the imagination. These temples were surrounded by ancient Japanese gardens. The ponds and beautiful plants were extremely lush and full of life. All of the students, myself included, couldn't help but feel in complete peace while touring the temples. One of the temples contained a rock garden that was the epitome of peace. Even a quiet insect chirping could be heard in this silent, peaceful, beautiful temple.

     The next day we visited a pottery factory right in Shigaraki Town. An elderly, very traditional, Japanese man toured us through the facility. After the tour we had the chance to create our very own pottery. The afternoon was a great break from the science talks and was an astonishing cultural experience. That evening we once again had dinner at another beautiful traditional Japanese restaurant, and visited a Karaoke place. We knew we had to do some Karaoke before leaving Japan. It was sad leaving Japan, but we were all eager for the second half of our trip,Taiwan.

Taiwan Culture

     Our first evening in Taiwan, American and Taiwanese NCU students had dinner together at a luxurious Chinese buffet restaurant. Students immediately befriended one another as they were partnered into groups to further encourage interaction between the students.

     The following day all students visited the National Palace Museum. It was there that American students learned about some of Taiwan's history as well as the history surrounding their incredible artwork. Students were able to more completely comprehend what a long history this amazing country can share with others. Many of the works of art at the museum were thousands of years old.

     Afterwards, we visited the local shopping centre. Here we were able to notice the many similarities between our two cultures. For example, both Americans and Taiwanese appreciate the concept of a good sale! Our hosts continued to show us around the vicinity of the shopping area. They were also helpful in translating with the other people of Taiwan.

     The following day the Taiwanese students accompanied us to the Jade Market. Once again they were extremely helpful with the communication with local vendors. All the students greatly appreciated this cultural experience. Also near the Jade Market was the garden market where we were able to see a number of beautiful plants that grow in Taiwan. Afterwards, students were given the opportunity to visit the handicraft section of the market, where sales partially benefit the handicapped in Taiwan. The morning was an extremely culturally rich experience.

     That afternoon we were invited to visit a traditional Taiwanese teahouse. It was here that we tasted teas from various parts of the islands. The tastes of the teas were dependent on where they were grown and during which season. Some teas were even specific to the elevation at which they were grown. In addition, the Taiwanese students showed the American students the proper way that tea should be prepared. It was not only an enjoyable time, but an unbelievable educational opportunity as well.

     That evening was spent at one of the most culturally astonishing locations during the trip to Taiwan. Although some students were given the choice to visit shopping centers in Taipei, a number of students visited what is known as Snake Alley. In Snake Alley every aspect of the area that could possibly be correlated with a theme was centered on snakes and other reptiles. Snakes were common throughout the area as well as turtles from many different regions. The marvelous reptiles were kept in cages on the streets where everyone could watch them. There were a few chances to witness some of the larger snakes eat live ducklings right before our eyes. Students were also daring enough to taste-test the rare delicacy of snake meat, blood, and venom. Even some Taiwanese students had never tried snake meat but were willing to taste their first bite with their new American friends. The evening was an adventure never to be forgotten by both parties.

     The remainder of our time in Taiwan was spent touring science-related facilities, which were also cultural and extremely educational. We left Taiwan that Wednesday. It was difficult to say goodbye to our new friends.

Concluding Remarks

     Overall the trip was an amazing time. As mentioned before, it seems almost impossible to adequately describe the trip with words. All of us learned so much about the culture of both countries as well as about their current research and science facilities. It most definitely has prepared all of us for the potential international relationships we may have with other scientists in the future. I would strongly recommend to those at the National Science Foundation that they continue to promote trips such as this one.

     The entire group of U.S students stands in front of the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, Japan. This was one of our most culturally enriching experiences of the trip.