After weeks of speculation, misinformation, confusion and cursing bureaucrats, our VISAs are arriving Friday 2pm…with departure on Tuesday 8th Feb.
That’s 6 sleeps ... and only 3610 sleeps until I can change from this hideous passport photo! Will I ever learn!?!?
In preparation I’ve been reviewing my cultural awareness training notes…
- Apparently most Japanese speak English…hmmm, will download an iPhone app as a precaution!
- We are “gaijin”…it means foreigners… not gingers as my Mum suggested…although Tristan is turning a shade of orange in his maturing years.
- Business card protocol is paramount. Must get Tristan some when we get there… and also watch ‘Lost in Translation’ again.
- They love Australian souvenirs – I’m going armed with Aussie flag stubby holders, boomerang magnets and some golf pins Dad got from Royal Perth Golf Club for the big-wigs we meet… brown-noser, I know. Given that sporting clubs are ~$10,000 per year, I don’t think the everyday Joe…or Hiroshi, could afford to play golf, so it might only be the big bosses!
- There is serious protocol regarding shoes, slippers (house and toilet) and the various areas you can wear them… Tris and I are taking Uggboots…but I don’t think that’s quite the same thing J
- Slurping soup is a sign of enjoyment…hmmm? …and sniffing is more polite than blowing your nose! Oh dear!!! We were at the Japanese Embassy the other day and I avoided blowing my nose for risk of VISA denial!!!
Key phases I’m focussing on learning at the mo…
· Sumimasen… Excuse me
· Arigato… Thank you (I’ve got this one down pat)
· Kampai… Cheers (this one too!)
· Wakarimasen… I don’t understand
The big question now is, with a flight leaving at 10pm, what are the chances that we:
a) Fall into a peaceful sleep, ready to face the pace of Tokyo
b) Watch 5 movies, and enjoy the food and beverages that business class has to offer and arrive kaput?
Hopefully the next post will be live from Tokyo
Sayonara all, Karate Kate
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