Daily Musings of a Foreigner

Visiting a new country is fascinating, thrilling, and oftentimes confusing.  Living there doubly so!  There are so many tiny "givens" that one would never take notice of at home, at least, never with any interest.  But when you find yourself part of a new equation with completely different values, suddenly the details become brilliantly poignant!  For example:

1.  You know the little convenience store sammiches...the ones you're always afraid to eat?  Not quite sure how long they've been there or what's in them? Not only are they good here, they come with the crusts cut off for you already
2. The prongs of wall plugs on electric devices actually fold compactly back into the adapter
3.  Sliding glass windows and doors slide both ways, from both sides!
4.  Free hand sanitizer and tissues are offered everywhere
5. Anyone and everyone are willing to help you lift heavy things, find a place, or read something for you.  Even the very rare racist ones...they'll still help if you ask.
6. Dollar stores (100円）are AWESOME.  You can buy things in a dollar store here that you wouldn't believe!  Slippers, kitchen and bathroom supplies, air freshener, shelving, towels...
7. When an elevator door or train door opens, everyone outside gets completely and neatly out of the way to let the people inside out.  It's like a choreographed scene from a movie...it's hard to believe it until you see it, but it's beautiful!
8. Public transportation is efficient and ON TIME.  ALWAYS.  To the minute.  (Excluding accidents and earthquakes, of course.)  If your train is late, you get a "victimization certificate" that is basically a doctor's note for being late to wherever you're headed and it's a legitimate excuse!
9. Vending machines accept 1万円 bills ($100) and give change.  So do convenience stores, fast food restaurants, and every retail store.

That's it for now.  Stay tuned for more daily musings on life in Japan.  And now, lunch time!