The first time I came to India it was from Japan. Marvel and I were still living in separate cities. We were still long distance dating. His brother was getting married. Marvel was so sure we were going to get married and be together for ever he had convinced me to use my vacation time and money to attend not one but two of his brother's wedding. We had already attended the western style wedding in Seattle and we were off to attend the Indian style wedding in Mysore. By this time we had lived in Japan for 6 months and I was quite exhausted after trying to unsuccessfully live up to the Japanese level of manners. I remember seeing the two flight attendants sitting side by side. The Japanese lady sitting up with a straight back and hands neatly placed on her lap. The Indian lady had her knees slightly parted, shoulders rounded down and head drooping. I fell in love with India on that first trip.
So now I am traveling to Japan from India after 4 months of living there. And all I can think of is if I was writing a children's book of opposites it would go something like this-
Black- White
Up- Down
India- Japan
Examples? You want examples?
I saw a man not only throw something in the trash can, but miss and go back to pick it up and try again.
Star and I both flinched when we saw a bus heading our direction. But here, despite the size and authority of the bus, the driver stops just in front of the crosswalk and allows the pedestrians to cross. And vice versa, pedestrians do not start crossing if the "walking man" indicator is blinking. If they find themselves in the middle of the crosswalk and the indicator begins blinking, they run. Yes, run, to get out of the way of the traffic.
There are beautiful sakura everywhere. And so many folks are out enjoying them. We see groups of people picnicking under the blooms, taking photos of babies playing as the petals fall and even some young punks passed out from a morning of drinking under the trees. But no where is anyone picking the blossoms. They are there for everyone to enjoy as long as the weather will hold them on the branches. I am reminded of many signs in India that impose fines for picking the lotus flowers. I would try to sum it up in one general statement that Indians live for the moment and what the moment can offer them, not considering the effect their actions might have on others. But I am only a Person of Indian origin (PIO) as designated the India government, not truly an Indian so my surface understanding might be heavily confused.
In India toilets are to be avoided at all costs. And if you must visit a toilet, you should do it quickly and not touch anything. In Japan, the toilets almost invite you to stay a while with their motivating, soft sounds of waterfalls, heated seats, built in bidets and even a gentle wind to dry you off.
But just so you don't think I am one sided, I miss India. Japan is painfully quiet. While this is fabulous at nighttime- no train whistle, no fighting dogs, no call to prayer. It can be humiliating in the daytime with 2 kids, especially when one of those kids is Flippity Floo. Every sound we make seems to bounce of the train walls and sound like roaring despite all my shhhing and reminders to talk quietly. Sitting with my friend Mayumi at lunch, I was reminded of a hurricane. She was the calm center sitting quietly and eating her lunch. My family was the outer spirals popping up and down to get napkins, water, change chairs, knocking over drinks and demanding desires.
I also miss the colors of India. Black is the color of fashion here. If someone does wear a bit of color, it is often a muted pink or brown. Or the color is toned down with black tights and black boots. I miss the cheerful look of the streets of Mysore. Who knew how fashion could effect my mood?
So now I am traveling to Japan from India after 4 months of living there. And all I can think of is if I was writing a children's book of opposites it would go something like this-
Black- White
Up- Down
India- Japan
Examples? You want examples?
I saw a man not only throw something in the trash can, but miss and go back to pick it up and try again.
Star and I both flinched when we saw a bus heading our direction. But here, despite the size and authority of the bus, the driver stops just in front of the crosswalk and allows the pedestrians to cross. And vice versa, pedestrians do not start crossing if the "walking man" indicator is blinking. If they find themselves in the middle of the crosswalk and the indicator begins blinking, they run. Yes, run, to get out of the way of the traffic.
There are beautiful sakura everywhere. And so many folks are out enjoying them. We see groups of people picnicking under the blooms, taking photos of babies playing as the petals fall and even some young punks passed out from a morning of drinking under the trees. But no where is anyone picking the blossoms. They are there for everyone to enjoy as long as the weather will hold them on the branches. I am reminded of many signs in India that impose fines for picking the lotus flowers. I would try to sum it up in one general statement that Indians live for the moment and what the moment can offer them, not considering the effect their actions might have on others. But I am only a Person of Indian origin (PIO) as designated the India government, not truly an Indian so my surface understanding might be heavily confused.
In India toilets are to be avoided at all costs. And if you must visit a toilet, you should do it quickly and not touch anything. In Japan, the toilets almost invite you to stay a while with their motivating, soft sounds of waterfalls, heated seats, built in bidets and even a gentle wind to dry you off.
But just so you don't think I am one sided, I miss India. Japan is painfully quiet. While this is fabulous at nighttime- no train whistle, no fighting dogs, no call to prayer. It can be humiliating in the daytime with 2 kids, especially when one of those kids is Flippity Floo. Every sound we make seems to bounce of the train walls and sound like roaring despite all my shhhing and reminders to talk quietly. Sitting with my friend Mayumi at lunch, I was reminded of a hurricane. She was the calm center sitting quietly and eating her lunch. My family was the outer spirals popping up and down to get napkins, water, change chairs, knocking over drinks and demanding desires.
I also miss the colors of India. Black is the color of fashion here. If someone does wear a bit of color, it is often a muted pink or brown. Or the color is toned down with black tights and black boots. I miss the cheerful look of the streets of Mysore. Who knew how fashion could effect my mood?
Interesting post!
ReplyDeleteGrowing up, a Japanese product meant a high quality product. I wish to see what a disciplined country is like. I wish to see Japan some day.