Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!

Things That Make Us Go Hmmmm

Well, as you may have figured out, some things in Japan are a little different than in the United States. For example, the neighborhood gomi pile, where good stuff is placed out for the trash with the expectation that, if anyone likes what they see, they can take it. Or pizza: order a pepperoni and it is likely to come with squid, corn, hard-boiled eggs, and mayonaisse on top (Oh yeah, I've been to the The Edge!) Anyway, we wanted to share some of things we have seen that strike us as...well....a little different. As we find more, we'll pass them along.

This is cool. Since there isn't any usable space left here in Japan, parking can be somewhat of a problem. Usually it is solved by just abandoning your car on the side of the road (also known as the travel lane), which also contributes to the traffic congestion. But the parking garage is a neat idea here - using only the land space of a 2- or 3-car garage, the Japanese have built elaborate systems that can store 20 or more cars by using carousels, elevators, and all kinds of devices. Sometimes getting it off the top row can be a challenge.

OK - So most of the food here is pretty good. Or at least edible. Here is one dish we were afraid to try, however. You would think for 450 Yen they could pickle the guts in beer instead os salt.

Every Daddy's Worst Nightmare.

Here are two things from a race that Jeff ran on March 7th - the Miura International Marathon. At left is Jeff's certificate for finishing - it says "Best Runner in Marathon". It must be true or it wouldn't be in print. In reality, it was only a half marathon (hmmm) and Jeff was far from the best runner. But he did finish, and in the next picture, is shown with his certificate and his...DAIKAN... Yes, the prize for finishing a race is not a medal, but a radish. Hmmmm. The best part was, the entry numbers were color coded. Guys got white numbers, and girls had pink numbers.

There Is A Hereafter, And We Have Proof!

While jogging through the mountains between Kamakura and Zushi, Jeff and a friend spotted a very nice temple with several cemetaries surrounding it. An inspection of one of the areas showed this TV antenna in the middle of the plots. Apparently, the family wanted to make sure the deceased had something to do in the next life. Can you get this service at Forest Lawn? We don't know, but you can tell this is an older cemetary - It doesn't have cable!

At The Beach

Usually when you go to the beach, the signs tell you not to litter, or be careful because there isn't a lifeguard posted, or maybe even watch out for jelly fish. Here are the signs we have at the beach here. Jim Melson would love the body surfing.

At The Pet Store

Dogs and cats are popular here in Japan, but they tend to be a little pricey by US standards. But driving by this pet shop, we think we may have found the perfect solution for those who desire a pet but don't have deep pockets. Because closer inspection yielded that you could also buy chickens at this pet store. Friendly, affordable, and, if you tire of owning a pet, you always can have leftovers.

Back to the Home Page