First Impressions

Japan. Foreign. Everything is different here. From the food to the fashion…the laws to the cultural norms. I had to throw out nearly everything I knew from Germany and the US. Every cultural aspect that I have grown up with. They drive on the left side of the road, and without any inhibitions or care for things in their way, and yet they are the most polite people I have ever met. They eat bean paste on pancakes, and rice with salmon for breakfast. They don’t tolerate noise from foreigners, but slurp their noodles, talk very loudly, and sing karaoke when they are drunk. They have ancient world heritage sites surrounded by modern skyscrapers and industrial companies.
Overall, it is just plain different. Good and bad. But its an experience that most people never have. And I can and will deal with the disappointing parts so that I can experience this unique culture to its fullest. Every day thus far has been an incredible learning experience. The next few posts will explore the things I have noticed and experienced over the past two weeks.