Politeness Pays

While nothing is cheap, coffee is far less expensive for those who are proper, patient and ever so polite.

Bowing, yes. Tipping, no.

Packing is complete!!

No, this is NOT a skyscraper in Tokyo. It's our checked luggage.

We have friends that suggest "Travel Light. Borrow Heavy." We, on the other hand, were encouraged to bring gifts. In the spirit of improving international relations, we are soooo ready to invade the archipelago with love. As you know, if you say "Isle of Japan" fast, it sounds like "I love Japan".

The formality of it all

EveryONE gives and takes with BOTH hands and with great ceremony, patience and humility. EveryTHING has a reverse side.
So good to know BEFORE we get to Japan. I learned so much about etiquette from Kiyo Okazaki right here at Santa Rosa Junior College. Arigato!

Eda-mommy

From the Red Carpet to Rashomonland. Getting ready to go to Japan. It will be the trip of a lifetime. This variation of the Garden Gnome is so excited to venture into the land of Seven Samurai and (more relevant) seven ways to say "thank you."