Posted by giveaway boy: soon to be brasil boy on April 21, 2000 at 23:35:20:
In Reply to: Re: we're back... posted by John Kathy on April 21, 2000 at 23:12:25:
: : : : : At least physically. How's it going?
: : : : I never really know. I was waiting for you to get back to tell me. Guess I'm outta luck again...
: : : : Oh well... Welcome back anyway. ;-)
: : : That's cool, we were pretty clueless in Japan as well, so we're used to it... you know it's kind of weird when you hear a public service announcement flashing on the TV and have absolutely no idea what it's about.
: : That must be wierd. Was that the oddest part of being in that culture for that length of time? It seems like the language barior would be a harsh, but I'm sure you met some cool folks nonetheless. How's Alissa?...welc'm back carter...
:
: : //(.
: : \\ >)|
: : \(*
: :
: Actually the language was quite comfortable. We have found that we prefer to be on that side of the language thing. The worst part about culture shock wasn't going, we fit right in, it was coming back to this place where neither of us have ever really felt at home. All the things we hate about this country come glarring back at once, and only minutes off the plane. Namely the loud, obnoxious, fat, rude, and cocky people that this place breeds.
: The most different thing about Japan was that it has all of the comforts of modern Techno-man life in a serene and extremely friendly atmosphere. People don't complain about everything, they don't expect everyone to owe them something, they are quick to apologize and always consider the needs of others before themselves. I know this sounds like unrealistic prattle to Americans, but it really is that way, even the hardcore punks and the rich business men and their wives. This was the culture shock. I fear we may be expatriates in the making... but we missed our group of friends who often embody these things that we admire. It is the mass populace that irks us. If we could just move all of you there, we'd be great. Oh, and whatever stereotypes you may have of Japan and its people are false. They are not all short, not all black-haired, not all uptight, not all hard-working. I was totally shocked at how wrong our conception of them was.
: Please forgive MY complaints, I won't mention them again.
Love that Techno-man, courteous, thoughtful, putting other before self thing. Love that vibe of ceremonious action and responsibility. Also, I've been feeling that expatriate feeling myself. I am convinced that the best place for me to be is in another country. I have enough experience now with friends from India and Brasil to know what I mean. It's not a romantic pipe-dream. I just fit better in a non-American culture. I think that Brasil will be good for me. I'm glad you did the Japan thing. I am looking forward to being a Brasileiro. Love and kisses always, mad, raging, and glad you're back, Bill