From Zeroasterisk

Karen Beatty's review of the 2005 Japan trip.

Contents 1 Overview 2 Food 3 Cleanliness and ungodliness 4 Mass transit systems 5 Review

Overview

Japan was a fantastic adventure, and I'm so glad I shared it with Anita and Alan. My goal in traveling, of course, was to see April - it was a real perk that she chose such a lovely residence! Our time in Koori was my favorite- interacting with the teachers and students, seeing her local 'haunts'! (You can read Alan's eloquent recount of our daily activities for details.) Experiencing a new culture, especially in the intimate ways we were allowed into the Japanese culture, starts the 'reflecting' synapses to spark. What influences would I like to see transitioned into American lifestyle? Since I was a plumber in a former life, I was impressed by some of the toilets- heated seats with a bidet button and a noise button (running water). I looked for the button for the big puff to come out and powder my bottom, but I guess that's next years model. Many toilets also had the option for a tsunami flush vs a tinkle flush. Very efficient. I was equally unimpressed with the 'squatters'- Flushable, ceramic troughs in the floor. They weren't so difficult to use if your balance is OK, but I didn't attempt to use them on a rocking train. What else would I like to see in America? The fruit, the orderliness and dedication, the respectful attitudes exhibited in school by students and teachers alike, the lack of violence.

Food

The most flavorful fruit I've ever experienced. Fantastic peaches (mo-mo's) and the grape-iest grapes I've ever tasted. Not enough veggies- at least from restaurants. ANita pointed out that the produce sections were loaded w/veggies. Starches- to my indiscriminate taste, the various noodles and rices were just OK. I did have some sushi- OK, but TOO BIG! That was an issue for me- chopsticks are fine, and I did well with them, once my hand stopped cramping- but everything 'bite size' was far from bitesize! It was 2-3 bites-sized. I felt like I was just stuffing my mouth full all the time. I'm not a mouth-breather, but it was still uncomfortable. I'd starve if I had a cold.... All beverages are served in what we consider a juice glass. Not good when you're so thirsty. Poor April was constantly asking for more, more water! Some got the message and left a pitcher on the table. OTher times we weren't so lucky.. So if you like stuffing a piece of food the size of your fist in your mouth, with a thimbleful of liquid to wash it down- Japan is the place to go!

Cleanliness and ungodliness

No litter, cigarette butts, candy wrappers to be found! Shoes are left at most entrances. The imposed recycling system seems fantastic. (April has 5 trash containers in her kitchen!) I never saw a church, though April says some of the old temples and shrines are still utilized. None of her kids go to church- apparently the majority of the population doesn't attend sect services. But their lifestyle habits are based from old Buddhist/Shinto practices. Very low petty crime rate and lower violent crime. NO GUNS!

Mass transit systems

Very clean and efficient, albeit costly. Miss a train or subway? hang out for a few minutes and another will be by...

Review

The whole trip was actually way too mind boggling to try and recapture in a single sitting. My greatest respect to April and those like her that adapt to a totally new culture. The confusing, multi-language within a language (both in reading and speaking). Heaven knows I'd still be wearing a "HELLO - MY NAME IS____" sticker on my shirt! So many differences in social norms, expected behavior and unacceptable behavior: gift -giving, peach- picking, sake-drinking, noodle slurping standards! Only the freshest, brightest, most open and pliable of individuals could make the transitions necessary to really adapt and become part of the community. It's like a marriage of one to ten thousand. Hats off to you that make the transition and those that accept you into their lives.

Lastly, a BIG THANK YOU to April for being our guide. THe frustrations and aggravations would have abounded without an interpreter. Pointing to pictures on a menu only goes so far....