Well, my current knowledge about Japan and Taiwan is probably what most Americans know about both countries, via history class and what the media tells us.
What I know about Japan is that it is very deep in cultural and world history. Japan has been one of the main competitors for the United States in automobiles and electronic technology. It has various ruling structures (Emperor rule, fascism, democracy, etc.) and the "Empire of Japan" ended in 1945.
Some of the things I know about Taiwan is that it too had many different dynasty rule and occupied by Japan for about 50 years until the fall of the "Empire." Taiwan and China has not been the best of friends because of the Communist rule in China that Taiwan does not want to be apart of. The US "officially" see "one China" which includes Taiwan. And the US has been selling arms to Taiwan for some time now and it is believed that if Taiwan becomes an independent state, they may go to war with the China.
In my preparation for going on this journey is just preparing myself to be out of my comfort zone: different food, environment, culture, people and language and having to adapt to it. I accept this challenge without being looked at as the "ugly American." Hopefully before I leave each country, I will have a better understanding about the areas and the people that I see and interact with instead of just relying upon what the media tells me.
As a traveler, I am looking forward to new experiences. I have never been to a country like Japan or Taiwan (I think) and I am willing to adapt and absorb the surroundings.
I would probably have to say that the only concerns I have is the situation rising in North Korea. Allot of people tell me not to worry about it but then again, I have a friend that felt that the only problem he was going to have when he ran in the Boston Marathon last week was just finishing it. He didn't get to finish the race but he was able to get home uninjured.
One of the differences that I'm expecting from the countries that we are visiting versus the U.S. is the food. Just like when I visiting Mexico, there are little differences that make a big impact on me. For example: the Coca-Cola in Mexico is made with real sugar cane and not processed sugar like here in America. If you have had both, then you know there is a big difference. I'm sure that we will have meat, chicken and fish but the way that it is presented to me will be the big difference. This is what my stomach is a little nervous about.
Another difference is the language barriers. When in Canada and Mexico, I am able to decipher what some people are saying because the languages are somewhat similar. But Japanese and Mandarin are completely different from English. Same with the signs on the street. To see a sign written with English letters can be somewhat decipherable where as the Japanese and Mandarin language, to western eyes, might as well be hieroglyphics.
It should be interesting.
