You know you’re not in Japan anymore when…
…you ask your landlady where to leave the rubbish and she says “Over there somewhere, I guess”
Actually, usually I think I would prefer the Japanese version where there is a sensible system of rubbish places and days and everyone sticks to it- although possibly without the anal neighbours assuming all deviations from that system are by the local foreigner and so dumping offending trash outside your door. At the moment, though, the almost Mediterranean slapdash Korean style is a refreshing change. When you read descriptions of Korean etiquette and Confucian values you would think things would be very similar to Japan, but reminding me much more of Turkey at the mo.
November 4th, 2008 at 8:22 am
Depends on where you live. If you live in a high rise apartment, office tel, or nice villa there will be assigned days and locations for regular garbage plus a recycling day.
November 5th, 2008 at 3:49 am
Makes sense. My landlady does seem like a particularly relaxed and bubbly person by any country’s standards. In Japan, though, such a comment could only be uttered by a bag lady or other social misfit… As a borderline social misfit myself, I’m feeling much lighter and freer at the mo