People routinely ask, ?Why are you still in Japan"? and I guess the answer depends upon which phase of Japanese life we?re talking about. Because first there?s
1. Amazement
Living in Japan?s like being born again. Everything?s filled with wonder, nothing makes any sense, and you?re insanely pleased by the simplest stuff. Look!?-I?m riding the subway. It’s like a train, only underground! So many people! Man, I gotta take a picture of this!
You can?t understand a thing. Not a word, not an action, and it?s hilarious. You can?t even stroll down the sidewalk without knocking over office ladies and soba-delivery boys. Which side do you walk on" Are there no rules" It?s madness. An escalator" Whoa, how do you use this thing" Here, take a picture of me riding it! And everybody treats you wonderfully. Japanese people are so polite! They show you around, invite you to events, buy you beers, meals, help you. You?re like, ?How do I get to the airport"? and some old man says, ?Here, I?ll walk you to the station.? He?s a hundred years old and the spitting image of Yoda, but he?s gonna limp you there with his Jedi cane. How nice is that"
So for about two years, if you?d asked why I was in Japan, my answer would?ve been, Because it?s awesome! And it was. I wish I could still see the world like that two year-old. Why I can?t any more, I don?t know. Maybe I need new glasses. Beer goggles help somewhat.
2. Annoyance
Then after a while, living in Japan?...