Wednesday, June 5, 2013

A few things


Things I miss about home
  • ·         Food
All the food. But if I had to list the top three things, they would be rotisserie chicken, bagels, and cheddar cheese.
  • ·         Hugs
  • ·         People arguing about things
People aren’t very argumentative here. They don’t want to argue about which Harry Potter book is the best, or whether China is going to take over the world. They don’t want to play devil’s advocate just to mess with you. But you can have some pretty interesting conversations, anyway.
  • ·         Wild animals that aren’t bugs or birds
There are deer and monkeys in some parts of Japan, but not where I live. So far, I’ve seen one rabbit. But there are no deer or squirrels or raccoons or farm animals.
  • ·         People who look like they could snap me in half like a twig
I’m sure there are many people in Japan who could take me. But only a few of them look like they could.
  • ·         Convincing facial hair

Things I don’t miss

  • ·         Understanding even the most inane conversations
  • ·         Hearing about sports and celebrities even though I don’t care
  • ·         People acting like children are completely helpless
People here seem to let their kids try things and fail more often. I often see a bemused parent watching as their toddler struggles to put their shoes on or rip the plastic wrapping off their food. They also let their kids roll around on the floor or jump on things and wander around without freaking out and acting like they are about to shatter into a thousand pieces.
  • ·         People making out in public
Five feet away from you. Because they are bored.
  • ·         Needing a credit card or debit card
Here, you can order something online and pay the delivery man in cash. You can reserve a room at a hotel without giving them a credit card number. You can pay all of your bills, from national health insurance to electricity, in cash at the convenience store.
  • ·         People who don’t know how to be quiet and unobtrusive
Japanese people are so good at this. It makes life so much more pleasant. 

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