November 16, 2006

OBSERVATIONS PART 1


I have been in Japan for almost 3 months now. Living in a new country opens one's eyes to many things that may seem unique, extraordinary and even crazy. Here are some of my observations:
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VENDING MACHINES. If our country has sari-sari stores, Japan has vending machines. In almost every corner of almost every block, you will chance upon a vending machine or two (or even half a dozen). When i first arrived here, most of the drinks were cold but now, there are hot drinks for the chilled pedestrian, commuter, salaryman, office lady, student, traveller, tourist, etc. There are colas, teas, chocolate drinks, milk, and juices. Some vending machines also serve food. Just take your pick. My favorite drink? Fanta's Melon Cream Soda. And only because we don't have that in the Philippines. Well, also because it's yummy. But now that it's cold, i go for hot cafe au lait drinks.
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KEYCHAINS. They seem to be everywhere. On bags, backpacks, belt loops, strollers, briefcases, etc. Sometimes, i see around 8 or 10 keychains hanging from a bag. No kidding. Designs range from Disney characters (very popular), to Hello Kitty, Snoopy, teddy bears, Japanese sceneries and places of interest and Japanese animated characters. They also come in all sizes. Some are as tiny as a 5 centavo coin and others as big as a fist.
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FLIES. I haven't seen one since i arrived here. Beetles, yes. Spiders, a lot! Grasshoppers i see from time to time. Even dragonflies. But flies? None. Which is of course, good news to me since i hate maggots and this means most of the garbage around are relatively "clean". Mosquitoes? I only encountered one and i promptly killed it.
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NIGHT SOUNDS. No, i'm not talking about the sounds of car horns and engine rumbles. I'm talking about the sounds of the crickets and the geckos. At night it feels like I'm back home in Zamboanga and it just seems so peaceful. It's very relaxing to hear nature sounds rather than urban noise. Now, if only i could hear the cock-a-doodle-dos of roosters in the morning, it'll be even better.

... GARBAGE COLLECTING. The trash collectors are very efficient here. Garbage is collected almost everyday. They also follow a schedule for certain types of garbage. Household trash are picked up Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Cans, bottles and metal items are collected every Thursday and Saturday. Not only are the garbage collectors efficient but they are properly dressed with gloves and all. Don't you wish our Filipino trash collectors would have the same as well?
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LOW BIRTH RATE. When i read about this, i could not believe it. Low birth rate? China had problems with their population increase and even the Philippines is growing every year. But apparently, things are different in Japan. Yup, their numbers are going down, people! Unbelievable, isn't it? I read that to solve this problem, the government is considering giving Japanese women Y3,000,000 for each child they bear. Hmmm...
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COURTESY. The Japanese people have been very courteous and kind to me and my boys. I know it sometimes is a nuisance because Ethan can be mischievous and Nikki can be a chatterbox but still, we have always been treated with kindness. In the train, a kind old man handed Nikki a small propeller toy (which he absolutely loved and still keeps now). Or sometimes, a fellow commuter in the train would give up his or her seat for Nikki and me. When we cross the pedestrian lanes, cars would graciously let us pass. (Different story in the Philippines, where you have to run for your life from horn-tooting, reckless drivers.) When we go to a restaurant, the kids usually get a treat or small toy after the meal. Kids really are treasured in this country. And i hope that never changes.
more next time...