With twelve dogs at home in New York City, it’s hard particularly excited to make a loop around the world visiting three national capitals on three continents. But this month I managed, touching down in Delhi, Bangkok, and Tokyo.
Tokyo, Japan. Working with Orphans Intentional Worldwide and the J. Luce Foundation over the last twenty five years, I have traveled extensively. I remember in particularly grueling ten days when I attended meetings in Denpasar, Bali, Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and Georgetown, Guyana. On this trip, it was Delhi, Bangkok, and Tokyo – three very different yet similar national capitals.
Delhi, as the capital of India, stands as a testament to the nation’s rich history, cultural diversity, and political significance. Its ancient monuments, bustling markets, and governmental institutions reflect India‘s complex tapestry of tradition and modernity.
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, embodies the country’s vibrant spirit, blending ancient traditions with contemporary flair. Its bustling streets, ornate temples, and dynamic nightlife showcase Thailand’s unique blend of culture, commerce, and spirituality.
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, epitomizes the country’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and harmony. Its futuristic skyline, advanced technology, and impeccable infrastructure underscore Japan’s status as a global economic powerhouse and cultural trendsetter.
Each capital city, Delhi, Bangkok, and Tokyo, serves as a microcosm of its respective nation, offering insights into their history, culture, and aspirations on the global stage.
Delhi, as one of the most populous cities in the world, boasts a diverse population of over 20 million people. Its infrastructure is a mix of modern developments and historical landmarks, with ongoing efforts to improve air quality, transportation and amenities. The city is home to prestigious institutions like the University of Delhi and the Indian Institute of Technology, while poverty remains a significant issue, particularly in slum areas.
Bangkok, with a population of around 10 million, is Thailand‘s largest city and a major hub for commerce, culture, and tourism. Its infrastructure includes modern transportation systems like the BTS Skytrain and extensive road networks. Bangkok is home to leading universities such as University of Bangkok, Chulalongkorn University, and Thammasat University. While poverty levels have decreased in recent years, disparities persist, especially in rural areas and informal settlements.
Tokyo, the most populous metropolitan area globally, houses over 37 million people. Its infrastructure is renowned for its efficiency, including an extensive public transportation network and cutting-edge technology integration.
Tokyo is home to prestigious universities like the University of Tokyo and Tokyo Institute of Technology, as well as rivals Keio and Waseda Universities. In my youth I attended Waseda, so I a prejudiced, although many of my friends attended Keio and International Christian University. Despite being a wealthy city overall, poverty exists, primarily among marginalized groups and the elderly population.
While all three cities share significant population densities and face infrastructure challenges, Tokyo stands out for its advanced infrastructure and technological innovations. Delhi and Bangkok grapple with higher poverty levels, with efforts underway to address socioeconomic disparities and improve living standards. Universities in all three cities play crucial roles in education and research, contributing to their global prominence and cultural vibrancy.
I have never lived in Delhi, although I have visited it often. I do not think I could deal with it’s chaos and pollution. Living in Tokyo in the 1980s was an incredible experience and today it is an amazing city for its quietness – most of the vehicles are electric. It rivals New York, in my mind the capital of the world. But my partner Bix hails from Bangkok, and we are actively exploring the possibility of relocating here eventually. Because Bangkok is the perfect mix of chaos and calmness, old and new, East and West.
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