I went there for a month visit and was placed in a town waaay out from Nagoya (college program replacing otherwise boring credits). Before I even thought of entering the program, I did my studying. I knew a little about the culture, enough of the language to get around, and I had all my expectations in check.
The experience was a culture shock! However, I had 2 friends from the States with me the entire time (same program) so that surely dampened the whole shock. However, the host family was awesome. They were a nice old couple with an older daughter (she was visiting too). They were attempting English with us while we were attempting Japanese with them. It was so funny because I could understand them better when they spoke Japanese than when they spoke English. They cooked us some food that was pretty good (perhaps too bland for some Americans
). They were pleasantly social (a far cry from most other people there). Other people associated with the program in Japan (Japanese people) even gave us a sort of tour walking around the town and city.
Another thing that really amused me was the amount of attention we'd get. We'd get glances all the time (more than normal). Kids would say "Gaijin! Hello! How are you!" or whatever little phrase they've learned so far
. In other cases, I was avoided to strange extents (I guess due to uncertainty that I could even communicate with them). I was waiting in line once for a purchase waiting for one of a few cashiers. When I was next the girl called out to the person behind me... he went up before me. The next open cashier did wave me over. Whatever... lol.
I certainly don't think I was over there long enough for a great experience (all too true for all the countries I've been to). I barely got a glimpse of the culture while I was there. I wish I could have stayed longer.
However, I certainly agree that "Japan is not an amusement park". I treat it just as any other country I visit (I've been to several others). I am cautious and slow. I take my time and am sure to retain much patience, even for those who are not patient with me. Courtesy is a must. I am, after all, representing my country when I visit others'.
I think your experience, Skuu, was pretty difficult one. I didn't have the same burdens you had with a job and such (I just had college assignments). Hope it gets better for you!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Skuu
Again, you could easily come to England and compare it to another country, listing its negatives and ignoring its positives. This is soley for the purpose of description from my own set of values. If you disagree then you're probably right, I'm not interested in an argument.  |
I went to England once! I got this terrible stomach sickness while there and it was not pretty... I did enjoy the stricture design in some parts! Although it reminded me a lot of New Orleans and a little of San Fransisco in the US.