Like Father Like Son

see July 13th post to see what I mean - uncanny isn't it????

Addition #1

Most honorable Jed-san arrived safely yesterday. After a non-eventful ride back to the apartment, the celebratory Ritz Crackers and ginger ale and one episode of "The Family Guy", he passed out, waking for an attempt at dinner, for which he was too tired to eat.

He did find the toilet quite amazing.

Yanaka

We ventured out on Sunday to a town called Yanaka. It is one of only a few areas that survived earthquakes and bombings and still retains the feel of an old style town. There are many temples here, as well a a museum which was the studio and home of Asakura Fumio, a sculptor. The first floor contains his studio and the upper floors were where he lived. Visitors must take their shoes off and put on slippers to see the musuem and remove even those to go upstairs to the living area, because all of the floors are covered in Tatami mats.

It was a beautifully designed building, and very peaceful. And, while the top floors were not air conditioned, it was surprisingly cool given the extreme heat outside.

I'm Not The Only One Who Needs A Nap

Even Geishas need to rest.

Whenever I am on the subway, it always amazes me that so many people are sleeping. Perhaps it is the long hours people work, but probably half of the car is filled with people in various stages of sleep. There are the head-bobbers, the swayers, the dosers and then the ones fighting with all their might not to sleep. I couldn't understand this concept until I took a long ride after an afternoon of walking around in the heat. The cars are air conditioned and very quiet. No screeching like you hear in New York. And, very little talking. It is easy to get swayed to sleep on these trains. I was fading fast...until my station came up and I had to leave. I was almost sorry.

R and R

When one is in a big city like Tokyo, there is the feeling one must be busy all the time. There is so much to see, to do, to buy. I've been feeling this pressure to get out and see it all - there is a shrine I haven't seen!! - what about all those museums; I've only been to a few!! - the beach; I haven't been yet. I must go!!!!

I realized today that the next few days are going to be the last in a long time - in a very long time - in a "better take advantage of this now because the next time will be when I'm old and senile" long time where I have absolutely nothing to do. Jed arrives on Tuesday and we will hopefully be moving the following week, followed by what I sincerely hope will be the baby news we have been waiting for...Forever. After that, free time will definitely be over.

So, I am officially not planning anything and will be lounging around for the next four or five days. I will be wallowing in laziness, relishing the lack of any type of organization, luxuriating in naptimes, savoring my afternoon baths, and treasuring the solitude that will be lost in the wonder of children arriving and causing all sorts of wonderful chaos.

I would write more, but I feel a nap coming on..............

A Guarded Tour

Yes, when you take a tour of the Imperial Palace, there are quards. Many guards. Several that check you in, making sure your name is on the list. One that leads you to the reception area, where you wait for the tour to start and three that follow the tour, making sure you stay in a reasonably orderly line and not go where you are not supposed to. Their presence just makes you want to be a little bad, just to see what they would do. Here is one making sure we don't jump in the lotus moat:

This is the Fushiami-yagura keep - one of the several defense towers on the grounds. This one was moved from Kyoto in the 17th century.

Our group reflected in the windows of the Imperial Palace. Notice the umbrellas...
This is the Fujimi-yagura - from the top they say you can see Mount Fuji......on a clear day of course, but I cannot confirm, as the guards wouldn't let us go anywhere near it....

Movies

On Saturday Husband-san and I went to the movies to see "Pirates of the Caribbean" - one of several movies playing in English with Japanese subtitles. Or more accurately, we tried to go to the movies. For those following my adventures, you know recent events have brought me to the conclusion that most everything done for the first time will have to be done twice; movie going as well.

We got to the theatre only to find out the only seats left for the show were in the front row. How do we know this you ask? Because in this theatre, all seats are reserved and the ticket taker showed us the seating chart. Since we didn't want to wait for the next show, we ended up buying tickets for the next day, which worked out better schedule wise. The ticket taker told us in the future we could by tickets on line and even wrote out the Japanese symbols we needed to click in order to purchase them. And, to make things even better, they have an "almost" senior citizen "Marriage 50" rate that we are eligible for!! So, instead of 1800 yen per ticket (about $17) it will be 1000 yen. Although we will need to buy the tickets at the box office for that.

They have many other rates too; for students, groups of students (the "friendship" price), ladies day all day Wednesday, and any showing on the first day of the month.

There are other differences as well. The concession stand has very little candy, popcorn in both regular and caramel, sandwiches, wine, beer, tea and coffee. And you get your purchases on a tray that you can carry into the theatre.

While we have the cute little blurbs about "no talking, cell phones, etc." showing how obnoxious people can be and the horrible things that will happen to them if they do, they show a very stylized "art house" short movie telling short stories about a woman at the movies, showing only her legs as she sits in the seat. The narrator tells the story and each one ends with the message "no talking, no kicking" the message being "if you do these things, this lovely woman with beautiful legs will not be able to enjoy the movie - you wouldn't want that now would you." It's the whole, "you are part of a bigger entity and as a proud Japanese person, you should want to keep this theatre in a harmonious state by not doing anything to shame yourself or your family" message. As long as people don't talk or kick, I'm happy. And they didn't - the theatre was silent.

Finally, everyone takes their garbage out when they leave the theatre. All in all, a lovely experience.

The "Spouse" - Rant #2

Husband-san hands me the envelope upon his arrival home. All is well........ so I thought!!

Yesterday I make a trip to the bank to get the PIN number set up for my card, make a withdrawal and hand the paperwork with the missing credit card information in. You see, we got a letter in the mail saying we had not answered all of the questions and included was a form with the missing information highlighted. The questions we had missed had to do with the number of employees in Husband-san's company (did I miss something, but what exactly does that have to with us getting a credit card?)

As I am filling out the withdrawal slip, Nice Bank Lady #1 approaches and gently hands me my "number" - the one I had not taken as soon as I walked in from the little machine that hands them out. Thanking her and apologizing, I return to filling out the slip. I then wait in the comfy leather chairs for my number to be called. Yes, rather than standing in line to see a teller, you take a number. There are big, overstuffed chairs and magazines to read while you wait. After about five minutes, I hear my number and Nice Bank Lady #1 comes over to show me exactly to which counter I am expected. Nice Bank Lady #2 has a smile ready as I approach:

Wife: Konnechiwa (this means good afternoon - aren't you impressed I know this?)

NBL#2: Konnechiwa

Wife: (sliding withdrawal slip towards her) I would like to make a withdrawal.

NBL#2: Ah, yes. Can you re-write the account number and sign your name here? (I had crossed something out on the slip and they don't like this.)

Wife: Sure. (I do this - thinking "I knew this and should have just filled out a new slip before I came up here".)

NBL#2: Thank you very much. Do you have your ATM card with you?

Wife: Yes and I need to get a PIN number for it.

NBL#2: Oh. Yes. You got that when you open account.

Wife: I'm sorry, I didn't.

NBL#2: Ohhhhh. Usually you get that when you open account.

Wife: I understand, but I didn't. At least I don't remember picking one out. Let me try. (I slide the card through the card reader using my usual PIN number thinking perhaps I did select a PIN number and forgot- nothing). See, I'm sure I didn't select one when I opened the account.

NBL#2: You opened it here?

Wife: Yes.

NBL#2: Yes, well you usually pick one out when the you sign up. (I heard you the first two times, ok???) Ok, well you will have to fill out a change password form . (what??!)

(She runs and gets me another number which is for the customer service people - I am starting to think very bad words. She returns with the number and leads me back to the very comfortable chairs. Nice Bank Lady #1 re-appears and takes me over to a desk):

NBL#1: So, you are the authorized card holder?

Wife: Uh, no, my husband opened the account. (oh, don't say it, don't say it, don't say it!!)

NBL#1: Ah, I see. You do have a PIN number. It is your husband's PIN number.

Wife: His number works for my Card? (what?????!!!!!!)

NBL#1: Yes, it does.

Wife: Ah, I see. (thinking " I don't **&^%$!!! believe this!!! I don't even get to pick my own PIN number. Why put my name on the card if I can't even pick my own number??! Why didn't they just put "DiLaura Wife" on the card, or better yet "DiLaura Dependent", or maybe even "DiLaura person we don't trust with her own account") I didn't realize, you see this is my first time here.

NBL#1: Ah, yes, this happens a lot. It takes time to get used to a different culture and the way things are done. (oh my God, she sounds like me !!! I never realized how annoying it is and I swear right here never say things like this again.)

(I then go and sit in the comfy chairs again waiting to go back to the teller and get my, no correct that, "husband-san's" money. Nice Bank Man #1 calls my number. It takes me a minute to realize this as I thought I had just been helped, but I raise my hand and say:)

Wife: That's me. I've actually been helped already. (He looks nervous - as if he thinks he did something wrong. I realize this and say):

Oh, but I need to hand this in. (I then hand him the credit card form).

Nice Bank Man #1: (Taking the paperwork and looking it over carefully) Oh, I'm sorry, we can't take this here. You need to send this in.

Wife: I'm sorry, But I filled out the application here.

Nice Bank Man #2: Yes, I'm sorry, but then it is sent to the credit card company. This letter came from them. Here, I will go get you an envelope.

(He jumps up before I can tell him I already have one. He returns shortly later and proceeds to put the paperwork in the envelope. It is taking more time than it should as it is not quite folded properly and his hands start to shake a little at the prospect of not actually being able to do it. Triumphantly, he finishes and hands the envelope to me.)

Wife: Thank you so much (someone just shoot me now, please.)

(NBL#2 beckons me over to counter, where NBL#1 is waiting. I get the feeling this isn't good)

NBL#2: Yes, well, there is a problem. I'm sorry, but you see since you are not the authorized card holder, you are not allowed to withdraw money from the teller. (Oh, you've got to be kidding!!!!)

Wife: Oh.

NBL#2: You can use the machines to withdraw the money though. (ok, where is the gun...get me the gun!!!)

Wife: Oh good. No problem then, thank you. (Wait, why am I thanking them??)

NBL#2: Well, the amount you want to withdraw is more than is allowed by the bank. It is possible to raise this limit, but your husband will have to call. Here is the phone number.

(At this moment I want to hurt someone. Anyone, it really doesn't matter who. I want to hurt them really bad. But instead I politely say:)

Wife: OOKayyyy, so if he calls in, I will be able to use the machines.

NBL#2: Yes, right away.

Wife: Thank you so much (die!!! All of you just die!!! NOW!!!!) Is there somewhere I can use my phone. I don't want to disturb anyone.

(She points me over to another comfy chair area and I try to reach Husband-san, but he is not answering the phone. I sit for a minute realizing if ever I have anything important to do, I will need enough time to be able to do it twice, since the procedures here are so insane. I get up to leave, of course thanking everyone for their help - NOT!!!. As I walk out the door, NBL#1 calls to me. I look back and she is running towards me. I think to myself 'please, just leave me alone. Do not say one more thing that is going to make me want to hate you'.)

NBL#1: I wanted to tell you to make sure to tell your husband that when he calls to increase the limit, to have him increase the limit on both the bank machines and the non-bank machines (ATMs at 7-11, the post office,etc.). But, the limit for the non-bank machines can't be more than the bank machines. This is very important.

WIFE: Thank you, thank you very much.

I want to think something really mean, I really do. I just wasted almost an hour and will have to come back on Monday to do what could have been done in five minutes. As I ride down the escalator though, I realize that as much as these people annoy you with their STUPID and CHAUVINISTIC rules, they are just so nice...........................................They need to stop that.

The "Spouse" - Rant #1

Life here in Tokyo for a " spouse", especially a "non-working dependent spouse", is an experience that takes getting used to; particularly in the area of banking. There is no such thing as a joint banking account here. Instead, the husband opens the account and gives access to his wife. Fine. OK. I get it. I am merely an appendage with no importance or ranking on my own. I accept this.

A couple of weeks ago, we went to the bank so husband-san could fill out the paperwork to grant me access to said account and and obtain a supplemental card, so his little "wife-san" could get money for extravagant things like food. Japan is primarily a cash society - places are just starting to take credit cards - and, a very safe one, so having substantial amounts of cash on you at all times is normal and necessary. Amazingly enough, the card was actually going to have my name on it (how lovely of them). They said they would mail it.

Two days ago, we get the letter in the mail saying the postman had tried to deliver it, but no one was home. You see, because it is a bank card, the person who the letter is addressed to must show I.D. and sign for it. Notice the name on the letter:

This is MY CARD, with MY NAME ON IT and they still addressed the letter to "husband-san". What does this mean? Are they giving him one more chance to come to his senses, change his mind and not give the silly little wife access to his hard earned money? Oh, did I mention that he had the option of restricting how much money I took out and how often? (Husband-san is a very smart man and pretended he didn't see that part)

Actually, I think it is a conspiracy to keep me so busy trying to get the letter back from the post office, I don't have time to spend the money because I CAN'T GET IT OUT OF THE BANK BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE THE DAMN CARD!!!!

You see, since husband-san now works 12 - 13 hours days, he is never home to take delivery of the envelope - to show his I.D. and sign his name. In fact, it took him about a week and a half to get his card and in that case, they ended up delivering it on a Saturday. So, I decided to go the post office yesterday to see if I could get said envelope with said bank card. There is a post office right around the corner and I figured it would be there. Oh no, the very kind and polite man told me, this letter was at the Azabu post office about ten minutes away by foot and the office that handles the mail for our home zip code.

So today I went to the Azabu post office, with husband-san's alien registration card as identification and yes, the letter was there, but no, they couldn't give it to me because I WAS THE WIFE. The man patiently and yes, politely, explained that he had to get it "in person" despite the fact I had his alien registration card. Perhaps they thought I took it out of his wallet while he was sleeping. I asked if they could deliver it to his office, since HE WORKS 14 HOURS A DAY. I called husband-san to get the address while the man is standing right there listening to me. After hanging up, the man went to the back and then returned saying VERY POLITELY that they would send it to the post office near husband-san's office (the first one I went to and the one that handles his office's zip code) because- everyone say it with me - HE NEEDS TO PICK IT UP IN PERSON!!!!!

So I smiled and said thank you very much (YOU SCHMUCK!!!!) - Michelle, did I spell that right?

I realize they were being very accommodating to send it to the other post office, the one closer to his office, and that would never happen in New York. And yes, it is very kind and polite of them to do this. And yes, I realize the man tried very hard to make sure I understood him, considering he was speaking Japanese and I was speaking English - But wouldn't it have been easier to just give me the damn envelope??

But, I have foiled their little plot because husband-san has given me his card - ha!!!

A Little Bit Closer

Today, written on my agency's website, after the congratulations to the seven families who got referrals this month, is the following:

"Next referrals should come to families with late July log in dates."

That's us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, fingers crossed everyone for the referral to come at the end of August...