A little extra . . . . .

Just as an aside . . .  here are some of the quirks and idiosyncrasies that Scott and I have experienced over the past few days:-


Trains and Metros
It seems the first thing you have to do is queue in an orderly manner. No pushing or shoving.  The Japanese are just the best at queuing.


Once you get on the train you do one of two things
 - Get your phone out and check Facebook or text
 - Go to sleep (I have even seen some people sleep standing up!)

The train carriages are very quiet and you feel the need to be quiet too!


Train stations are impeccably clean. No graffiti or rubbish on the ground.  Yesterday a young lady was sick on one of the platforms and immediately her friend pulled out a box of tissues and cleaned it up.  They practically mopped the floor.  You wouldn't see that at Park Lane Metro would you???


The trains are NEVER late.  If one is due at 16 minutes past 3, stand by me . . .  it will be at the platform for 16 minutes past 3!!!

Smoking

There are signs on the ground that ask you not to smoke and walk, 

but at the same time, you can still smoke in restaurants and coffee shops.  There are 'smoking areas' in parks and at areas round the city and it is illegal to throw you butt end on the pavement!!!!!

Bins

Oh boy - the Japanese recyle EVERYTHING!!!  There are recycle bins everywhere and you split your rubbish between:

• Burnable
• Bottles
• Cans
• Paper

Bin men come twice a week - once for burnable stuff and another day for the recycle stuff.

Vending Machines

This is our vending machine which is right outside our door

This one sells water, coffee and juice.  We have another one to the left of the Bunker that sells lager, whiskey and beer!!!  There are vending machines for everything!  In Shinjuku station, there is a vending machine that sells flowers and birthday pressies!!!  They are practically on every street corner.

Toilets

These are FAB!  Our toilet in the Bunker has a heated seat button, a weak wash button (for the bottom) and a strong wash button (for girlies . . .  do I need to say more???)

The toilet in department stores are slightly different . . . . when you sit on the seat, it makes a flushing sound so no-one hears you pee!

There are public toilets all over the place, and they all having hand washing facilities, but no drying machines or tissues.  Instead, Japanese women carry a wash cloth with them to dry their hands (got me one too 'cos I was using a packet of tissues and looked common!)

Bento Boxes

There are loads of places that sell Bento Boxes.  These are made up lunch boxes that I have been devouring since I got here.  This is the one I had last night.  My box had some rice, Chicken, prawn tempura, radish and sachets of sauce.  Can't tell you what everything is, 'cos I don't know . . .  but it was all lush!

Welcome in Shops
Every shop we enter, the Japanese say Irasshaimase, which is a polite way to welcome you to their shop.  It's really nice and makes me feel all special!


Bikes, Bikes and even more Bikes
There are so many bikes in Tokyo.  They are on the pavement and the road and they sneak up on you.  I think they have more priority on the road than cars!!!


Tourists
I'm not too sure, but I think Scott and I are the only tourists in Tokyo at the moment.  We have not seen any many other foreign visitors.  A couple of Japanese nationals have stopped us and asked if we are concerned about the radiation or earthquakes.  I think it's fairly quiet and the Japanese seem as though they are pleased to see some tourists around.


Still lots of time to experience a lot more customs and culture . . . . . . .