Reflections

It is strange to me that I'm adjusting so quickly to a foreign culture and just the differences here. Compared to America there isn't a huge difference, yes everyone speaks Japanese, and it's funny to watch the locals look over at you as if they're just not sure what you're doing here. The toilets are different, although I've actually come to appreciate them, they just seem more sanitary. There are a lot of little things though. Laundry hang drys for a day, I haven't seen a garbage can in this house except for the one in the toilet room, the bathroom and toilet room are completely separate, all the door frames are at the middle of my forehead (I've only smacked my head twice though, and both times were after a sudden turn), there is actually a correct side of the road to walk on, you don't talk on the bus or train except in a hushed tone, people are just incredibly polite, there are special slippers you wear in the toilet room, I haven't seen a drinking fountain since I left the last airport, food in little shops/markets is cheap and filling, and vending machines are EVERYWHERE (which is why I guess I haven't seen a drinking fountain, if you need water you can spend 110 yen and get 500ml, that's roughly 16oz). That's the other thing, I've been adjusting to the metric system here very quickly and without any trouble.
Also I haven't seen much of strange food items, but thanks to my Okasan I have gotten to try some new things, so far I have liked them all. She has been pretty busy this week and has apologized for not being around more, but I think she also understands too that we did just get here and are still settling in. Walking home yesterday I did pass a shop(restaurant) that sells sushi and fugu, it was funny too because it was the first sushi place I've seen since I've been here too. I know once I finish settling in I will get more adventurous and start going out looking at all the little shops in my neighborhood.