Japan: First Impressions

First Impressions? Well, one difference I immediately noticed about Japan (vs the U.S.) is how obscenely clean everything is. Seriously, I felt like I could practically eat off of the floors of the trains (not a good idea, but still...) Anyway, things here feel more compacted and less spread out. Which is pretty much expected, considering the size of the country isn't anywhere near as big as what I'm used to. Still, I find it charming. At home, if you want to get around, a car is pretty much required. Here, a bike is required, but you could hoof it if you have the time and energy. Also, the train system (which I haven't figured out yet...) is convenient to have access to.

I also like how some of the bigger houses in the residential neighborhoods of Hirakata have pretty gardens and traditional style wooden gates. Some houses are just really pretty, I already have a few favorites along the route I walk to the Kansai Gaidai campus.

All of this can be summed up in one sentence: I don't really know what to make of Japan...yet. There are a lot of nice little (and some bigger) differences I have noticed thus far, but I'm not sure what to think. I still wake up in the mornings and have to remember where I am.

On a lighter note, I was surprised that Japanese McDonalds is better than it is in the states. I do not eat fast food in the states (think it's gross), but after being almost forced to eat it here, I was pleasantly surprised that it was...okay. Not disgusting! Anyway, I found these Japanese McDonald's Ads and thought I'd share. They're extremely creepy, but that's why it's funny.