Two Destinations

One of these places is not like the other...

They have some things in common, but could not be more different. They are ancient Asian nations, are both strongly influenced by Buddhist beliefs, and are governed as constitutional monarchies.

So what's the difference? A look at the national flags is interesting.

One is ornate, with the likeness of the traditional Thunder Dragon of the Kingdom of Bhutan. I had to look a little deeper to be sure that it is not on roller blades and not juggling tennis balls - the spheres in its claws are actually precious jewels. The yellow half of the flag represents the authority of the ruling Dragon King and the orange represents the Buddhist faith of the country.

The other flag is the flag of Japan and is the opposite of ornate; whichever word you choose to use. Maybe the most recognizable flag in the world. The simple rising sun motif is an acknowledgement of the emperor's descent from sun goddess Amaterasu. The country's name, Nippon, means "The Sun's Origin" or "Land of the Rising Sun".

If these images from the internet are any indication, visiting one country immediately after the other will cause me some major cultural whiplash. Japan is a thriving modern nation with strong roots to ancient cultures. But Bhutan is only now emerging from self imposed isolation, and is just beginning to find its connection to the modern world.
I will be in Japan on a photographic workshop tour with Arthur Meyerson. I've been on several amazing trips with Arthur - to Cuba (twice) and Mexico - and I know this one will be special too. After that, I will be in Bhutan with my friend Michael Ellis who leads natural history tours around the world. I've been with Michael on so many trips that I loose track, but they are all unique,  amazing, and fun.

I will try to post along the way and people can check what's happening on my website at http://www.johndhunter.com.