Appreciation through absence

A short removal from Japan was all it took for me to truly appreciate it.

Buying birth control in Tokyo

Get ready to be disappointed.

Going to the eye doctor in Tokyo

The time had come when I needed contacts. My last pair was fuzzy and leaving me with a headache at the end of the day. I wasn’t nervous venturing into the Japanese world of eye care, whatever that may mean; I was lazy.

Going to the dentist in Tokyo

Japan is notorious for painful dental care. I was not looking forward to my visit, even though it was a simple teeth cleaning.

After poking around a few dentists’ websites, with the help of a Japanese teacher I was able to find an English speaking dentist. Many advertise they have English speakers, but on the ground experience is teaching me that people lie about their ability.

Stream of consciousness and a hard time breathing

Reading on the train in Ikebukuro station. Spaced out. Come to 40 minutes later.

Still in the station.

Obvious delays I know.

Read some more. 20 minutes later I get off the train still in the Ikebukuro station.

Take a different line.

Spaced out again.

Come to and am amazed by the sight through the window. When’s the last time I’ve seen somewhere not right under my nose?

Oyakodon

I cooked my first truly Japanese meal! Fortunately my favorite Japanese dishes are what the teachers call “Japanese soul food,” and are surprisingly easy to make.

For my first fully prepared Japanese meal with no American substitutions, I made…

OYAKODON!

Cherry Blossom Hype

Since mid-February, cherry blossom madness has gripped the country. In ¥100 shops, Valentine’s Day decorations were swiftly taken down to be replaced with wave after wave of white and pink sakura-themed merchandise. From office supplies to beer, everything is sakura-themed.

Transferring money from Japan Post to your Charles Schwab bank account in the US

This process will cost ¥2500 at the post office plus $10 from your Charles Schwab account after the money has been processed. It takes anywhere between 4-10 days, but my average is about 4-7 days. You do not need a Japanese Post account. The exchange rate is about what Google states for the day. You will need to bring your Japanese cash, gaijin card, and My Number card.