Culture Shock
Raising Risk-Takers
While reading on the beach this morning (I’m back in California for the weekend) I spotted a two-year-old girl running towards the shoreline. “Bethany!” screamed what I could only assume was the girl’s mother. “Nooo!” She grabbed Bethany’s arm just as the little girl was about to plant a sneakered foot into the salt water. “That’s dangerous!” … Continue reading
Dating When You’re A Broad: It Ain’t Easy!
I don’t write about my dating life on this blog much (or at all, really). When you write about your life on the Internet, you gotta draw the line somewhere and I guess that line for me is discussing details of Relationships Past, Present or Future. I think it’s important to respect people’s privacy, which … Continue reading
The 999th Reason Why I Hate Kanji
I woke up this morning at seven, stepped into the shower, and sleepily pushed the button that turns on the hot water heater. Or so I thought. Suddenly the bathroom erupted into chaos. Sirens blared, an automated computer voice started shouting instructions at me through the vent over the bathtub and I screamed in terror. … Continue reading
Flower Girl
There’s a new celebrity in town and her name is Sakura. She’s tiny, delicate, a pale shade of pink and every one’s clamoring for a chance to be photographed with her. She’s the new Paris Hilton and she’s got this country so love-struck, one could say it’s bordering on obsessive. People travel thousands of miles … Continue reading
She’s a Super Freak
Two months ago, a mentally-unstable man that I met on the train in Saitama, took one look at me and announced in a loud, prophetic voice: “You are too young to be in Japan.” Once I got over the shock of being addressed in this manner (in English!) I laughed it off, saying “Buddy, I’m … Continue reading
