Where does the time go?

WOW! I have officially been in Japan for a month and at work for 3 weeks! I cannot believe how quickly it is going, sorry 636 I will be back before you know it! Though I have been in Japan for a month I am still learning and getting used to things both in Japan and on base; instead of one new culture it really is two. Here are things that I am getting used to:

In Japan:



- Heels: seriously heels, the bigger the better, are worn everywhere! I mean everywhere; hiking up mountains I saw 4 to 6 inch stilettos. There is no place where heels can't be worn.

- Clothes: it kind of goes along with the heels but anything goes anywhere. Super short shorts are also extremely popular, don't forget to pair them with the heels. There is also no pairing the clothes with the activity, yet again super tight booty shorts and heels going up the mountain!

- Smoking: you can't smoke out on the streets instead, there are smoking areas. However, these smoking areas or rooms are super tiny and filled with smoke and no ventilation. Also, you can smoke in restaurants. I just don't get it, you can smoke where there is no air but you can't smoke in the fresh open air!?!?

-Kindness: Even if they don't speak English people are so friendly and I am always getting a smile. When I went to a restaurant in Sasebo there was a unison hello (in Japanese of course) from the entire staff and also a unison goodbye from the entire staff. Also, at the same restaurant they came around to every table to tell them they were going to turn off the lights; after some confusion of why we realized it was because they were bringing a cake and signing happy birthday to a fellow patron.

- Bowing: They love to bow. I have been followed out of restaurants by a bowing staff. Also, on the train whenever any staff leaves the car they turn and bow to the entire train car. Now, do we think Metro or Amtrak employees are going to start bowing.

- Tourists: There are lots of tourists; however, they are not Westerners they are Asians. Therefore, when I am out and about most people will say "konichwa" or smile and then just leave me alone.

- Crosswalks: I am a NYer and therefore, I just walk and don't pay attention to the crosswalk signals; however, in Japan that will get me fined. Therefore, even if there are no cars coming I will just stand and wait (semi) patiently until I can walk. (Let's talk about testing my patience).

- Umbrellas: There are two different type of umbrellas here: rain umbrellas and sun umbrellas. They LOVE their sun umbrellas, which cracks me up because even on hot days they wear long sleeves, tights or pants, and gloves.

- On time: They are on an on time people: buses, trains, repair men! Seriously noon means 11:59 and not 12-4 like Comcast!

- Masks: No rhyme or reason to where, who, and when wears them!





On Base:

- Pennies: I live in a world without pennies. They will round up or down but they do not give pennies out on base.

- Colors: If you are outside walking or driving at 8 am or sundown on a base be prepared to stop and stand still (or sit in your car) as the American and Japanese National Anthems play (in the morning) or the retreat music (at sundown) plays.

- ID: I have to show my ID card everywhere on base (more the Marine base then the Navy base); buying a trashy gossip magazine don't forget your military ID card!

- Crosswalks: This is more geared toward the Marine base but there is no just random walking across the street you must use the crosswalks. Also, cars will stop and wait for you, even if you are not at the intersection yet and they are. This has been interesting to get used to.

- iPods: I am trying to get used to walking around base without headphones. I was told by a coworker that she was running around base at 5am and got pulled over (lights and all) by the MPs since she was listening to her iPod and that is a no no.

- M'am: This is also geared more to the Marines, walking along the street and the young Marines addressing me as M'am. I know I am approaching 30 but wow nothing making you feel older then a young Marine saying M'am........

- Kindness: Also on the Marine base (more people live on that base), I am getting used to strangers pulling up along side me to ask me if I need a ride and then double checking when I say no if I have groceries or packages in my hand.

- ATM: I love the fact that the ATMs on base dispense both cash and yen; seriously, how cool is that!

- Movies: The movies on the Marine base are $2.50 and on the Navy base they are $3!?!?!? Also, after you are all comfy in your seat you have to stand as they play the National Anthem; on the Navy base it is only the music, no words, accompanied by pictures of the Navy.

- The bases: the bases themselves are different. The Navy base is more relaxed and less people live on base while the Marine base is bigger, has a lot more families and accompanied marines living on the base. I am also getting used to seeing no hats indoors when on the Marine base.

- AFN (armed forces network): It is a random selection of channels and shows, can't figure out the rhyme and reason to it. There are also no real commercials and the "commercials" they do play are all geared to the military like learning Japanese, giving them military rules, and other topics that pertain to them.

Can't wait to see how the rest of my time plays out!!!!