This was my first solid view of Japan. My first glimpse of any country other than the United States. During the plane's decent I thought, "WOW! Japan!" but also, "Hmm... it looks fairly drab." I'll be the first to admit that my original attitude was less than enthusiastic.
The vending machines here are fantastic. I run into about half a dozen of them just on my way to class. What I find amusing, however, is the dichotomy of convenience and inconvenience that they seem to embody. For a mere 100 yen you can get a warm, Tommy Lee Jones-endorsed Boss Coffee and then spend the next twenty minutes looking for a place to throw it away. Sure, you can drink it right on the spot and then dispose of it, but I've yet to adapt to this. I love having my coffee on the go, so even though its not socially acceptable, I have done it once or twice.
Don't get me wrong, this place is amazing. From the moment I bought my first CC Lemon to my trip to Kyoto this past weekend, I have had nothing but love for Japan. Acclimating has been relatively easy, too, as long as you exclude the high prices and my desire to drink coffee on the go. I think Kansai overall provides a very strong comfort zone for international students. Thus far I've done my best to break into the "real" Japan, but washing away my gaijin status will forever be impossible.
When I told my girlfriend the name of my blog she thought it was a play on Wilco's Impossible Germany. Please take a listen and enjoy.
I love CC Lemon as well. Why no trash cans? You are supposed to be responsible and take it home to dispose of. Ultimately it will be burned, recycled or shipped to the Philippines... Anyway, a very nice beginning. You write well. I am looking forward to your future observations.
ReplyDelete