|
Board
of Ed members surprise me by showing up at Imabetsu Station to see
me off. |
Summer
2004 Trip to Japan, Part 4
by Roberta Young |
An Impression – Give a Lot, Get a
Lot
I went way over budget on gifts – buying and sending two large boxes
of gifts and souvenirs from New York, then bringing additional gifts on
the plane while also stopping at the duty-free shop for a few bottles
of whiskey. I did this for two reasons: First of all, on my two previous
trips to Japan, I was stunned by the huge quantity of generous gifts I
had been given and shamed that I had brought so little to give in return.
Secondly, Ali had sent me, in advance, a list of the various people whom
I would be interacting with during my stay. There were over 20 teachers,
principals, and Board of Ed members, in addition to an adult English conversation
group, tea ceremony class, and dance group. So I knew who to buy gifts
for and how many. There was no reason to go unprepared.
This turned out not to be a problem. My food budget was far less than
anticipated, as I was frequently a guest at dinner parties. Also, I received
many wonderful souvenirs for my own use as well as for school. I only
went a little over budget overall.
Future
Plans
I have received many invitations to go back again next summer. I have
at least six different families who have offered me a place to stay. In
Japanese culture there is a concept of “honne” (one’s
true feelings) and “tatemae” (one’s social facade).
I hope these invitations are honne. I would love to go back. I am already
starting to plan for it.
Even the
smallest towns have rows of vending machines conveniently located
at the side of the road.
|
Dried
octopi for sale at a food stand in Tappi. |
Signs at
a train station also indicate the previous and next stations.
|
A Japanese
cemetery alongside the railroad tracks on the way to Aomori.
|
Breakdancers
practice on the street in Aomori City.
|
Ojizousama, Buddhist guardian deities of children.
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