Charles Letcher's Blog: 2011

Back Home - Lessons Learned

Betsy has been doing almost all of the blog posting. She also took about 3000 pictures and videos. Great job Betsy.

Hiromi did a great job of putting together a busy schedule. We did comprehensive site-seeing, shopping, food, culture and travel, all with excellent explanations in English.

Here are the lessons learned from Charles:

-Japan is a fully developed country. It appeared to be one continuous city, modern and convenient. There are more stores (good ones) than I imagined possible. My beloved Reasor's looks a little sad by comparison.

-The Japanese truly embraced western culture and values more than 150 years ago. The Meiji restoration broke almost a 1000 years of military rule. There was no glorification of the samurii or repressive military rule.

-Almost all Japanese understand English words. Many of the words in Japanese are English. Japanese schools teach English. English signs are everywhere. Betsy had no trouble conversing in English with Japanese people.

-Many many Japanese people are sincerely nice. They are not just polite. A "good morning" is a sincere wish, as is a "someone honorable is here, welcome to our store."

-Japanese people look very healthy. This is not just being thin, dressing well and being neat.

-Many things are more expensive because they are worth it. For example, a movie ticket was $25, but we also saw a $12 movie. The $25 movie had amazing seats with double arm rests, reserved seating, top quality 3D glasses you kept (they fit me comfortably), blankets if you were cold. But, you don't have to spend more money. We could get a $2.00 sandwich at the convenience store at the Disney hotel instead of the $40 buffet breakfast.

-Japanese food is delicious. There is an amazingly large variety of Japanese food. The fresh seafood is great, and I am no fan of seafood. The mushrooms were also amazing. Kobe beef is the best.

-There were a lot of people, but it did not seem crowded. Politeness, quiet, respect and genuinely nice people make all of the difference. I got bumped a lot, but no one apologized and no one took offense. Even during the unbelievably crowded festival, with obvious public drinking, there were many smiles and no angry people.

-Japan is a "finished" country. There were no obvious business opportunities. Everywhere you look the facilities and systems are well planned, well executed and efficient.

I really enjoyed the trip. My greatest joy has been in studying the language, and that will continue. It is a great place to visit.

Betsy's Lessons Learned

The "Lessons Learned" that Charles wrote is very thoughtful and insightful.

Mine, not so much. Here goes:

1-Japan is beautiful

2-Most japanese people seem polite and earnestly sincere because they are.

3-Don't try to hug your cab driver, no matter how nice he is to you.

4-Don't point out english mistakes. They are everywhere.

5-If you attempt to speak the language, even badly, you will get a good response.

6-If you are a woman, always use "big flush" on the toilet.

7-There is no tipping in Japan. Good service is expected.

8-If someone offers you a free fan, take it.

9-Try to eat everything served to you. You will be pleasantly surprised often.

10-If there is a right way to do something, that's the way your are supposed to do it in Japan.

I am very grateful to Hiromi for planning a wonderful trip, and also taking really good pictures, but mostly I am grateful to her for being my friend and a wonderful traveling companion. Thank you Hiromi!

Thank you Charles for making my life such a great adventure. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Yamaha Piano Factory

On the way back from KyoTo to ToKyo we stopped at the Yamaha Piano Factory.

This is an electric violin

Electric guitar

Electric Cello

This lady was our tour guide. She also played the piano beautifully

This is a replica of the first organ that Yamaha built. The lady asked Charles to sit down and play it. He played a little bit of a song, I wish I'd had a chance to video tape it.