Thursday, June 30, 2005
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Nihon no Etiquette
Simplexity
sometimes it hits me harder than usual that I am exising on another planet, with different rules of etiquette.
I have gotten used to the following facts:
people frown in disgust on a sneeze on the train and in public spaces but its ok to hawk/cough and spit the contents of ones's stomach lining without so much as a smirk.
teachers brush thier teeth in the staffroom and rinse in the kitchen sink, apply make-up, and other things that some of us rather do in the privcacy of our homes and bathrooms without a wink
When you open a door, men walk through like its thier inalienable right to have such service-not even a nod of a head.
the best place to test if your deordorant is working is at the dinner/lunch table.
there is personal space but no privacy
its ok to cut into a conversation, no sign posting required
its ok to sleep at ones's desk if you had a long night or too many drinks
Its a little strange sometimes...alot most of the time
I know you know a few...add them
sometimes it hits me harder than usual that I am exising on another planet, with different rules of etiquette.
I have gotten used to the following facts:
people frown in disgust on a sneeze on the train and in public spaces but its ok to hawk/cough and spit the contents of ones's stomach lining without so much as a smirk.
teachers brush thier teeth in the staffroom and rinse in the kitchen sink, apply make-up, and other things that some of us rather do in the privcacy of our homes and bathrooms without a wink
When you open a door, men walk through like its thier inalienable right to have such service-not even a nod of a head.
the best place to test if your deordorant is working is at the dinner/lunch table.
there is personal space but no privacy
its ok to cut into a conversation, no sign posting required
its ok to sleep at ones's desk if you had a long night or too many drinks
Its a little strange sometimes...alot most of the time
I know you know a few...add them
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Simplexity
Simplexity
A good book is an inspiration:
I am reading "the monk who sold his ferrari" and "the celestine prophesy" both of the same genre (finding your true purpose, peace and balance etc). I dont know where they will lead but they sure have a few things to say about how our thoughts affect so much of our life and the impact of positive thinking on realising our potential.
In that spirit, I did something I have never done, I got up and went to the beach, jogged a little and then sat and read my book, look at the scenery and for a few moments just appreciate my surroundings.
I felt the best I have felt in a long time today...at peace.
A good book is an inspiration:
I am reading "the monk who sold his ferrari" and "the celestine prophesy" both of the same genre (finding your true purpose, peace and balance etc). I dont know where they will lead but they sure have a few things to say about how our thoughts affect so much of our life and the impact of positive thinking on realising our potential.
In that spirit, I did something I have never done, I got up and went to the beach, jogged a little and then sat and read my book, look at the scenery and for a few moments just appreciate my surroundings.
I felt the best I have felt in a long time today...at peace.
Jp. to Ja. in 47 days!
I have not posted a thing since my expensive kane(crab)shots in Hokkaido. I would say I have been busy but that would only be half the truth..I have just not been uninspired.
However I am throwing myself a new challenge for the last 47 days I have left in Japan; to post something everyday.
Actually I will try to post as long as my Yahoo BB service is available...and then I will be broadcasting from Jamaica.
Its amazing how time flies on some days (weekends)and creeps, sometimes coming to a standstill on others(work days). like today, I have taught 3 lessons already,had lunch and been on the computer for ages and its just 1:30--what a waste of the rest of a beautiful afternoon as I sit in the staffroom and rattle my brain for new ideas to pass time.
As a true islander, what I really want to do is walk down to the beach, sit under a tree and drink some cool coconut water...may even venture for a dip in the water. i must be daydreaming, I am on an island but its located in the wrong hemisphere and the island attitude has long been laying dormant if not dead.
Ganbatte Kiishya
However I am throwing myself a new challenge for the last 47 days I have left in Japan; to post something everyday.
Actually I will try to post as long as my Yahoo BB service is available...and then I will be broadcasting from Jamaica.
Its amazing how time flies on some days (weekends)and creeps, sometimes coming to a standstill on others(work days). like today, I have taught 3 lessons already,had lunch and been on the computer for ages and its just 1:30--what a waste of the rest of a beautiful afternoon as I sit in the staffroom and rattle my brain for new ideas to pass time.
As a true islander, what I really want to do is walk down to the beach, sit under a tree and drink some cool coconut water...may even venture for a dip in the water. i must be daydreaming, I am on an island but its located in the wrong hemisphere and the island attitude has long been laying dormant if not dead.
Ganbatte Kiishya
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