When I traveled to Japan, there were a few things that surprised me. I was surprised mostly because I felt I should have known about these things, but didn’t.
I. Japanese Drive on the Left Side of the Road
The cars, driving, and even walking are the same as the United Kingdom. The steering wheels are on the right. Drive on the Left. Pass on the Right. Walk on the Left. Stand on the escalators on the Left . Pass on the Right. Why didn’t I know this? Read more here.
II. Electricity: No Adaptor Necessary.
While the voltage is not exactly the same, our two prong plugs in North America fit right into the standard Japanese power outlets. Why didn’t I know this? Read more here.
III. Heated Toilet Seats.
This was definitely something new for me. I knew about the fabulous Toto Toilets and many of their features, but had never heard of the heated toilet seat until I sat down on one of them. Literally.
Typical reaction (female): Oh, this is rather interesting.
Typical reaction (male): I am never leaving this seat. Ever.
What can I say? I was also kind of surprised by the “music” feature you can turn on. The sound is a flushing toilet sound, and avoids the necessity of actually flushing the toilet when one wants some white noise kind of privacy in the bathroom. I’m renaming it the “Modesty Button.” I bet it has saved a lot of water. I shall say no more.
Some other observations:
1. People ride their bicycles on sidewalks not in the street. There is no discernible rule which side pedestrians versus cyclists go, and it is frankly terrifying. Watch out!
2. The coffee is delicious. I knew Japan was a land of tea. so I was surprise how good the coffee was.
3. When waiting at a traffic light to walk, before the light turns red it blinks for only a few moments. There is no grace period. When it goes red, the cars start coming at you.
A New York frequent flyer who elegantly combines her passions for worldwide travel, running a gazillion marathons all over the globe and staying fit ... without sacrificing her fancy for good wine and food.
this post makes you almost “blonde”
ha ha!! That’s the nicest thing I’ve heard all day!
I knew about the heated seats but I also am surprised to learn about the driving and the electrical outlets. Good to know!
Glad you were sane enough to sit out #milemadness. I am starting to feel bad for all the contestants and it is only day 2. But as a marathoner, you may be among the few who have what it takes to push through to the end – I think stamina may be more important than creativity as the days roll on!
Thanks, as always, Elaine. First, I’m really pressed for time – just barely getting my feet back on the ground after so much travel in 2014. Second, I think its really hard to take a MS challenge in New York city, where there are no Walmarts, Office Maxes, Safeways, etc….. But, hopefully, I’ll still enjoy and learn some things by reading about others’ experiences – even if I am a bit jealous.