WELL. I finally know what it's like to experience an earthquake. As a matter of fact, I was "lucky" enough to have had two in the same week. Lucky me. :)
Rather than my alarm clock waking me up one morning, it was a lovely little earthquake instead. I sat on the edge of my bed to try and "evaluate" the whole situation. Surprisingly enough, I actually felt pretty calm. Either that, or I completely froze and didn't know what the hell to do.
The other one happened during one of my adult classes. The building suddenly started to shake and I think my heart jumped out of my body for one whole second. And then it was over. And on with class we went. :)
After being here in Japan for about 5 months, here are a few of the things I have learned about some of the Japanese culture and etiquette. There are, however, so many different aspects and intricacies that make up this culture, this doesn't even scratch the surface.
But here are a few just to give you an idea...
There are often times many little gifts that are given here in Japan. After receiving a gift it is customary to say thank you at least 3 times. You should obviously say thank you when you receive the gift, another thank you the next time you see the person so they know you remembered their gift, and the next time you see them, a nice little hand written note would be a nice touch.
It's also polite to give a gift after receiving one.
The other day I brought my manager a little item from the bakery that I visit. Literally, no less than 60 seconds later, she came into my room and said she had cookies for me.
I also gave my Japanese friend a single piece of candy, like one little starburst. The next time I saw her, she gave me a WHOLE pack of Japanese candy.
It's IMPOSSIBLE to give a gift here without getting a gift in return. So what I've concluded is that I should give everyone here a gift.... because I'll probably get something even better back. :)
When on a train or public transportation there are many unwritten "rules" to follow. Always sit with your legs closed and have your bag neatly on your lap so it isn't in anybody's way. If you're reading a newspaper it should be folded a certain way so as not to disturb the person next to you. And of course there's no talking, which they do out of respect for one another. I do have to say there are times this is nice, especially if you're not in the mood to talk to people...but other times it can just be a little TOOOO quiet. Although there could be hundreds of people on the train, you would still be able to hear a pin drop.
Always, ALWAYS, take off your shoes upon entering somebody's home. And be sure to have a pair of socks with you....going barefoot isn't very polite.
NEVER wear the slippers for the toilet anywhere else except for in the bathroom. And yes, there are special slippers for the toilet in not only people's homes, but in businesses and schools as well.
Here are a few things Not to do:
Dont talk with ur hands in ur pockets- it's considered very rude.
Dont stick ur chopsticks in ur rice -This display is only done at Buddhist funerals so it's seen as a very bad omen at the dinner table.
Don't eat while walking- it's seen as bad manners and "ugly."
I'm pretty sure I have accidentally broken almost all of these "rules" already. So that's something I'm still working on. :)
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