Process

Everything in Japan is a perfectly ordered process.  People don’t jaywalk, honk, or rush on to the elevator before you get off.  There’s lots of bowing, thanking, and even a way in which you present your credit card.  The list of cultural norms in Japan can be a little intimidating.  I was waiting for a train in Kyoto when I suddenly realized no one was standing around me.  Amongst the hundreds of people waiting, I was alone.  They were all in perfect lines behind signs on the platform I didn’t see.   There was the foreigner all by himself, not following the rules.

Even the food is a process and display of order.  On my last night in Osaka a coworker took me out to eat sushi.  It was an underground hole in the wall that sat 8 people.  When we first sat down the chef pulled a few small fish from a tank, skewered them, salted them, and placed them on the grill – all while they were still flapping.  They were eaten whole like anchovies.  The chef carefully prepared every bite.  He’d filet one piece at a time, and give a quick brush of soy sauce.   He’d then roll rice between his fingers while grinding some wasabi.  It was such a cool process to watch.  He even had an apprentice/water boy serve him, and wait patiently until he was dismissed.  If you've ever seen Mel Brook's "History of the World, Part 1" it wasn't far off from piss boy.

Everything I had in Japan was good though: kobe beef, tepanyaki and noodles.

 These were swimming just a few minutes prior. 

Well, this may be my last post.  Tomorrow I fly home!  I’ve had fun exploring neighborhoods, meeting people and traveling.  I’m ready to get back though.  I spent the weekend taking care of some last minute shopping, and returning to some of my favorite places here. This was definitely an experience I won’t soon forget.  Thanks for reading!