One of the best experiences, was indeed Japan. Speaking in Europe fondly about Japan almost everyone would say: “Why do you love this country so much?” And I can only say that I haven’t anywhere found such friendliness such the Japanese. I would love to share this experience with you.
Experience I had in Europe: Years ago, I studied in England business subjects, where I met a Japanese guy and we had many cultural problems to deal with: It all started when we decided to go for a trip. I grew up with the notion that women are equally strong as men are- I could not accept him carrying my bag. I mean he was not my boyfriend and there was no intention so far. He grew up in a way where women should be looked after and he could not accept that I carry my bag. Therefore after an argument I finally accepted that he look after my bag. Furthermore, while eventually reaching the place where we wanted to spend our holiday, the next culture problem started: In Japan it is custom that when you visit somebody you have to spend some money to show the friendship. As a matter of fact he had a shortage of money. Knowing his problem and wanting to take care that we could go in the evening together out for a drink, I wanted to buy the food for the evening. All of a sudden he insisted to pay for it. Myself I argued and said that he should keep the money for the evening. From that moment on he hadn’t spoken with me for almost a week. The idea was that it would have been his duty to spend the money as it is custom in Japan. You will understand it better later on.
Having had many of those cultural problems. Such as agreed for a tennis tournament, but suddenly he had no envy anymore and could not say no he would have said while I was asking him “is it ok this afternoon?” “Sorry, Claudia I guess you are really tired.” Thinking for a moment what the hell did he want to say, I realised that he has no envy and I replied: “Yes you were right, I am all of a sudden really tired.” Having experienced all these cultural problems a huge bond between us arose and finally, years ago, I decided to visit his wife and him together with my husband years ago.
First of all, I read a lot. Not only did I know a lot about the country but also did I go for Japanese class. This was though as the writing is very different to ours but my husband and I finally managed to understand the majority and we were also able to speak a little bit fluent. Once arriving in Japan, I really had a deep culture shock. As in Europe it is custom that we have to get back what we give, I could not deal with all this friendliness. Having been invited in a very expensive hotel by a girl friend I hardly knew and not knowing how I can give her back what she deserved. Telling my Japanese friend my feeling, he was not better; One day he showed me his flat, a very small room, (he was very embarrassed) the washing machine was outside of the flat in corridor as there was no space inside. This is just a standard flat in the heart of Tokyo and it probably had cost a fortune. Also having been aware that they were not very rich, my husband and I were invited to spend a night in a outstanding and expensive hotel in the metropolis of Yokohama. I could not deal with my feelings. Tears rolled down my cheeks and I could not fall asleep. Especially due to the fact that I knew how they lived. However, I had to say thank you to them and tell them how much I enjoyed this night. I cried my heart out by telling them how much I really appreciated there friendship. I knew from that moment on, when they come to Switzerland I will treat them the same way as they did. That is the way I can give back what I really feel they deserve.
Not only friends are threaten that way. By travelling on our own we were given a 1 hour ride to the place where we could easily take the train to reach our goal. Not only did that man drive us but also offered us some food. Imagine this man was a complete stranger to us. Would you do the same when a tourist ask you for its way? I guess here in Switzerland, stranger could be happy when they are shown the way. Another kind thing happen to us while my husband was in the bank and I waited completely somewhere else for him to come back. A complete stranger asked me kindly: “ I saw your friend a couple of blocks away, do you have a problem?” Of course I was overwhelmed by its kindness and was thinking would we do the same in Switzerland? I don't think so- most would not even care.
Japan is a very beautiful country and to my surprise they have a lot of terrific scenery. I really can recommend everyone to go and explore this wonderful, terrific place!!! If you are well prepared, you can find very cheap accomodations. Should you need any help, it would be my pleasure to answer your question.
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