We're back in Tokyo. We had a good vacation, but it's always nice to return home. We enjoyed our time together as a family, the many child friendly attractions available, and the cultural diversity Singapore offers. Having said that, we feel fortunate that our assignment outside the United States is in Japan. While at times the Japanese rules and the simple explanation of "it's against the rules" leaves us frustrated, for the most part we've come to appreciate the polite orderliness of Japanese society. Our impression, there's definitely a refined quality that seems to be uniquely Japanese. Seldom do you overhear someone squawking in public on their mobile, public transportation passengers refrain from talking loudly, if someone knocks your tray off your table in the food court they apologize profusely, and unless it's rush hour in the subway, most people wait in a line for services. In Singapore we witnessed cutting so often we couldn't help but laugh when persons blatantly walked to the front, completely ignoring the obvious queue. Even more strange, no one says anything. Another BIG BIG positive about Japan....CLEAN public toilets. And often they may be equipped with a bidet and/or heater. I know I've become used to Japan when in the Singapore hotels and airport I was slightly annoyed that the toilet seat was plain and cold!
No comments:
Post a Comment