Comments on: An ode to jet lag

By: lastarial

lastarial — Sun, 17 May 2009 09:06:58 +0000

Hope you have a great time, Martin, look forward to reading about your adventures… and maybe picking up a few tips for my second visit to the country in a couple of months time (you think it is hot and humid now, I have a world of fun there to look forward to).

The culture shock for me never really shook off in the 20 days or so I was there previously. If I have one regret it was relying on my Japanese (kinda)-speaking companion too much. It wasn’t deliberate, but outside of Tokyo the English language skills of the locals drops off considerably and before you know it you’re relying on your friends for everything. Don’t worry about embarrassing or offending people… just interact – you’re a tourist, they expect gaffs!

By: bateszi

bateszi — Thu, 14 May 2009 13:13:22 +0000

Great stuff, Martin. It’s weird thinking that, right now, it’s actually 10:11pm in Japan! You should try changing the timezone for this blog just to emphasize the difference! Anyway, looking forward to reading your posts (and seeing your pictures) on this…

By: gaguri

gaguri — Mon, 11 May 2009 23:10:37 +0000

Unlike jiff, I enjoyed seeing the people of Europe more than Japan far more. At least they were not afraid of tiny Asian tourist like me. Can never figure out what Japanese were thinking about me behind those fake smiles.

I’m assuming you are talking about zen gardens when you mention gardens of Kyoto. Perhaps I was too hyped but I did not feel anything particularly transcendent or spiritual. Maybe because it was the tourists. Damned tourists (other than me of course). Some people say watching those pebbles remind them of oceans, or what was it…dragons? Anyway, I think one needs to be in a particular state of mind when experiencing these gardens, one of meditation possibly.

You should also try sleeping in one of those capsules, it’s pretty fun :D. Some of them also have public shower/bath facility that you see on anime, which was familiar for me, but definitely alien to white people. Anyway, I guess I can talk more after you post more pictures up.

By: Chris K.

Chris K. — Mon, 11 May 2009 21:54:34 +0000

Hey, enjoy your trip to Japan, I visited there in 1988 and loved it. Don’t forget to hit up the main seafood/fish market in Tokyo (I forget the name but any local can direct you) it was one of the most amazing places I visited. Also if you get a chance, go visit some of the more important Shinto shrines such as Isle, in the Mie prefecture. Well, have a great time and don’t try any of that Enjo Kosai stuff.

By: Owen S

Owen S — Mon, 11 May 2009 19:14:14 +0000

You sound positively shell-shocked. Have a blast for all of us not so fortunate to do so! Eagerly anticipating any and every scrap you should choose to regale us with when you have the time.

By: jiff

jiff — Mon, 11 May 2009 17:17:18 +0000

Politeness would be a nice thing to encounter while abroad. I was walking down the street in Toulouse once and a man walking 4 or 5 dogs on leashes walked past me, and all his dogs were barking at me and running up to me. My legs got tangled and and I nearly tripped, but I never kicked a dog or anything. Content to just let it slide, I kept walking and the dude was like “you’re not even going to apologize?” I told him in my best french that he should go fuck himself, and then the shouting match started.

Europe: telling other people, cultures, and countries to go fuck themselves since 2000 BCE. I think I’ll plan my text trip in Asia as well. Hope you have an awesome time!

By: IKnight

IKnight — Mon, 11 May 2009 15:55:34 +0000

I look forward to hearing more. Have fun!