We arrived in Japan yesterday afternoon at narita airport. Our first stop was at a 100 year old restaurant where we had lunch in narita. It was a cute little town with lots of restaurants and shops. Thursday is our only full day in Tokyo. This trip is designed to give you a flavor of Korea and Japan. Therefore we are only seeing a few things in each city. Our morning started with the view from Tokyo tower with spectacular panoramic views of the city. The sky is...

On Sunday we took a fast train to gyeongju city, the capital of the silla empire from 57bc. The entire city has been designated as a UNESCO site. Our first visit was to visit a national park where royalty were buried in what looked like large mounds but in fact were elaborate tombs covered in rocks and then earth. We also an observatory that has views of the city and the nine story tower. On Monday, our day started with a visit to the yellow dragon museum where ...

Arrived in Seoul on Monday after a long flight. Walked around in the street market for a light dinner. Many interesting things to choose from dumplings, cabbage omelet, banana Nutella crepes. We choose Korean chicken in a cup and egg buns. Egg bun was almond Paste dough with hard boiled egg inside. Retired early... Today was the first actual day of the tour. First visit was to changdeokgung palace and Huron gardens, a UNESCO world heritage site. The five pal...

After a short bus ride, we attended the services at St. Isaacs russian orthodox cathedral. Today was a special day because of Easter. We saw regional priest ceremony, undressing and dressing in ceremonial robes. This was quite moving, observing with regular parishioners. After lunch was a bus ride ride Catherine's Palace. So many gilded rooms and a large room with mirrors that made the castle look endless. It is difficult to describe the size and splendor of this...

In the morning we took a city tour that included many picture taking stops. We also visited St. Peter and Paul cathedral where Peter the Great's family is buried. This was also a fortress including a prison. Lunch was in restaurant the was decorated from the Lenin era. The rest of the afternoon was spent on a guided tour of the Hermitage. What an incredible place!! And to think only 7% of the collection is on display. I have to say it was the most incredible muse...