He says: Day 2

Lots of walking today. Visited the Meiji shrine, walked through many, many streets I'm sure Helen will post our pictures of soon.

Some random observations from day 2.

I've seen several McDonalds, a Wendys, one Sizzler, and even a Denny's. Where's the love for Burger King? Did the Emporer have him banished or something? Is it the creepy mask? What?

I watch Japanese TV and see these whacky commercials come on and say "Oh those silly Japanese" and then I think about the talking Chiuahua for Taco Bell and a dozen other things and I realize I should back off that sentiment cause I have no national moral high ground here.

You know, I'm kinda glad H1N1 is here now. At least I don't have to worry about being seen as the disease ridden person from North America who might sneeze and kill them all because I lied on the form on the plane that I am indeed not a plague rat.

I have to say though, I'm amazed anyone thought they could keep out a global disease in this day and age. Maybe I'm just used to living in a relative huge country with pretty porous borders or something. I never thought, sitting in Pa, "Maybe we can keep it out" It was always just a matter of time in my mind. I'm not sure of that makes me a pessimist or a realist or what. I just think we're all way too connected not to share the same problems like this now.

Lastly. Let's talk bowing. There's a sterotype that Japanese will bow endlessly. I have found this not to be the case...except in the hotel service industry here, or perhaps just this one in particular. I figured it was just for us or the tourists. Our Bell hop bowed and thanked us for letting her do her job a good 5-6 times before she left. I figured they were being nice to the guests.

Then, I witnessed a woman who worked at the hotel escort 2 Japanese women who were shopping at the shops here. She thanked them a good 7 times, bowing with each one. They stopped even acknowleding it after 3 or 4. For the finale, as the elevator doors closed to seperate them she thanked them very loudly and took one deep bow in final gratitude for purchasing something from her shop. I watched this exchange and that final bow and in my head heard the following from her "Yes, we both know this is excessive. I cannot help it. I think it's some sort of micro chip causing this. Since I cannot stop thanking you I will now distract myself by staring at my shoes for 10 seconds. If, during that time, you find means to escape, I think we'll all be the better for it. Bon chance, fair travellers. Save yourself before it's too late."

Damn polite these people. Damn polite.