Such an Eye-Opener!

When you travel around the world, you inevitably learn about the similarities and differences between the various countries that share our global community. Today, as our cruise ship with 2,000 passengers made its first entry into Japan, we experienced yet another aspect of a major difference - the process of crossing the border and entering the country's sovereign territory. While experiencing the unique customs, regulations, and protocols that other nations have in place to manage the flow of people across their borders, one can't help but compare to what is currently lacking in the United States of America.

The discrepancy in entry requirements and border security measures between U.S. citizens visiting foreign countries and non-U.S. citizens entering the U.S. is quite stark. U.S. citizens visiting Japan, must go through thermal imaging, provide documentation, show proof of a valid U.S. passport, fill out customs forms, and even undergo fingerprinting just to enter for a visit and spend our money in their country.

Mind you .. just to VISIT, not to permanently reside there. AND, if we didn't comply we would not be able to visit any other city in the country of Japan!!! Once again, when comparing this to the number of undocumented, illegal immigrants merely "walking" or "pushing" their way across the border of the USA, I'm compelled to ask .. What's wrong with this picture?

After being allowed to disembark hours later, we had to present our documentation paperwork again on shore before we could visit Ishigaki, Japan. The highlight of my visit was trying to communicate as best we could with a Japanese family in one of the local shops. The young daughter spoke English very well, which made conversing much easier. The young boy seemed very proud, and while pointing to his chest, he told us "I'm Japanese." In return, I mentioned that we were from the USA and that Jeff was a "cowboy," as he was wearing his cowboy hat.
When we shared a photo [taken by Dean Vogelaar], all the children exclaimed "OH" with eyes wide open in surprise and excitement. You just had to smile watching their delight at seeing a "Real, American cowboy."

We were also entertained by a restaurant / bar that you entered through a "Vending Machine" door.

And, of course, we added to our miniature bottle collection. While shopping, Jeff found these two bottles with snakes inside - almost bought those to show our friend {Kim Banning.]

We also found a necklace for me and a bolo tie for Jeff made of water buffalo horns. Now that's something you don't see everyday!