Ha! Needham is one of the healthiest places in the world! Clean air, clean water, safe roads, great food, wonderful wines...why would you deem it too much for your immune system, Gpanda? I handled it perfectly well!

BC

Eventho I myself will be going to Japan again this year, if you haven't been to China and the Wall you must. As the Chinese say, you are not a "Man" until you have walked on the
Wall! Beijing is a great tourist home base and Shanghai for
shopping. If you want to get out more, suggest to try a train
ride to Guilin. Stay in 5 star Chinese hotels, although even
in a 5 star, Chinese beds are harder than American beds, but I like firm, so never minded.

If you want to consider Japan and you have time, get the rail pass (all country) and go to Hokkaido/Sapporo area
as well as Kyoto/Osaka area. You see a lot more on the train.

beth is not at all what he paints her to be....she is the realistic one of the two...

kmiami-we were in China in september and loved it. I'm not sure about my manhood, but we did walk on the wall.

If we go to Japan, the rail is definitely a part of our trip. We will get all the Fodors recommendations.

BC-Needham is a toxic dump. Bob is a lifelong resident. Need I say more? The EPA has never been there. An oil spill would improve the place.