Posts Tagged ‘Asia’

I realize that I have been posting a TON lately about Asia due to my recent trip.  Unfortunately, I begin this post with my previous sentence because I just want to acknowledge that fact, but do nothing to change it.

Anyway, one of the first things that people ask me when they talk to me about the trip is, “Is it really different?”  Well, yes.  It is very different.  It’s different because there is an abundance of Asians, they speak a different language and they have a different sense of humor (and commercial style on TV).  And, you know, the food is different.

I could really continue on, but I think that when you really boil it down to the very core, however - a city is really just like any other city in the world (or so I think and heard).  People basically go about their day-to-day routine.  Usually this means commuting to work, working, then sometimes taking a moment to relax with friends whether at a bar, karaoke place or going home to veg in front of the television.  Of course, I do realize that it doesn’t apply to tourists there for a vacation or foreigner taking a bit of funemployment.

Regardless of the similarities and differences, there are a few things that I started to see after I returned to the US that I really wish we’d learn to adopt here from Asia…and I’m not just talking about the abundance of video games and anime (which would be sch-weeeeet).

I’m sure, dear reader, that you’re wondering what sorts of things I’m referring to. Well, I’m glad you asked.  Okay, I was going to write it anyway, and I’d like to think that somebody out there is interested…especially when it’s in list form!

1. Cleanliness EVERYWHERE

Everybody I talked to who went to Japan raved about how clean the city is, and I remember wondering: just exactly how clean could a city be?  The answer is very, very, VERY clean.  Everything seems to look the same at first glance, until you start to take a closer look.  I don’t recall seeing tons of garbage, spilled drinks and graffiti on the subway - in fact, I don’t think I saw any at all.  This evening’s MUNI ride, on the other hand, was filled with shady spots on the seats and litter all over the place.  Oh, and you know that rancid city smell of sewage and fecal matter?  Nope - I don’t remember smelling that in Tokyo at ALL.  Even the convenience store bathrooms were sparkling clean.  I could have dropped my purse and jacket on the floor, danced on it and felt okay about it.

2. Night markets

I had always heard so much about night markets before, but it didn’t live up to the actual thing.  And I’ve come to realize that night markets are AWESOME.  They’re always bustling - every night - and filled with food and shopping.  It’s like a boardwalk carnival every. Single. Night.  What better place for street cart vendors to share their wares or to have a cheap date?

3. Seven-story arcades

Sure, there are bars, lounges, karaokes, clubs.  But arcades in Japan are downtown office building sized monstrosities of awesomeness.  There’s every type of game you can imagine, machines to get try your hand at nabbing toys, fancy picture booths and different floors for adults to gamble…and play more video games.  I don’t think I need to delve into it in further detail to explain how great this would be.

4. Hot drinks in vending machines

This probably doesn’t really apply to people in places with perpetual hot weather, but for places that have Jack Frost gnawing at their nose more than nipping at it, hot drinks in vending machines are a great on-the-go bit of warm happiness.  Of course, this would NOT be as enjoyable if people don’t adopt #1 above … cleanliness.  Apparently, in Japan, it’s rude to eat and walk at the same time.  Why?  Because you’d most likely be tossing your trash somewhere it doesn’t belong.

5. Convenient stores that are actually convenient

Everywhere you go it seems that there is a form of 7-11 lurking around the corner.  Whereas the 7-11 here in the US is mostly a place to buy snacks for a road trip, use the disease infested bathroom or get gas, the 7-11 in Japan has everything you actually need.  You can send out letters, packages (imagine no more disgruntled postal workers and ridiculous lines), get money, buy tasty food and also purchase tickets.  Yup, tickets.  We purchased our tickets to the Ghibli museum at the Lawson’s, another convenience store chain.  Convenience stores that are convenient.  Who knew?

Of course, there is still a whole slew of other things that I would LOVE for the US to adopt here - but then, a good portion of that is specific foods.

I think I’d be one happy clam if we just start with these five.  Someone help spread the word to the right people, thanks!