Lately I have been having some difficulty with the Japanese culture. The reason being, we have entered stage 2 of culture shock, "Frustration/Rejection Stage". In this stage many things about the culture you are living in becoming frustrating, annoying, and seem stupid in comparison to the way things are done in your home country. I have been dealing with this for about the past month or so now until today when the character of the Japanese people reminded me of how much I really do like this country in spite of the things I have difficulty adjusting to.
Here's what happened...I was riding on a train to go to my doctor appointment in downtown Tokyo. It was around 9:30 in the morning which is still when most of the trains going into Tokyo-proper are still very crowded and my train was no exception. On crowded trains in Japan you lose all sense of personal space...it no longer exists. People are pushing you in the back without any spoken words, grunts, or looks. It's quite odd really. Silent pushing and cramming....nothing like that would ever go on in the states. Well, as weather has cooled down here some of the trains haved turned off their AC system. Why? I don't know. Many bodies + Enclosed space = NEED FOR AC!! So, a crowded train with many, many bodies crammed into one another without any air blowing on you makes for one miserably hot ride. It seemed miserably hot to this pregnant lady, at least. As we were pulling into our destination station I started to get a little woozy. Then, my ears began to ring and everything around me seemed to go silent. So, I leaned forward and grabbed onto the nearest rail not caring who I was reaching over (I can reach over people here...they aren't so tall). I couldn't catch my breath. "Stay up, Abby. Stay up." This of course was my pride cheering me on...not wanting to look like a stupid gaijin (foreigner). But, in spite of trying to cheer myself on my knees gave way and I blacked out...at least I think I did. Maybe for a second or so. The next thing I remember someone on my right was touching my arm and trying to look into my face and on my left was a woman trying to give me her seat. I wanted to take it but as I was going the train doors opened and the crowd of people behind me pushed me forward. The ladies who were to my right and left grabbed me by the arms (Japanese women may be small but they are strong) and helped me off the train and onto the platform. I was wobbly and was trying to stand up but couldn't. They stayed near me until I was ok and even after I said I was I think they followed me for a little ways just to make sure. These ladies took care of me. It was a care and concern that I would expect from my friends and family, not strangers. I was a stranger and they helped me. For this and so many other reason I am thankful to get to interact with these people. Although I may not understand why they do things the way they do sometimes (i.e. in my work place), the people of Japan have been nothing but kind and hospitable. If I had to faint on a train in a foreign country, I am thankful I was in Japan when I did it.
That time when our house burned down…
11 months ago
6 comments:
Public transit in Lithuania was very similar (though there weren't trains) - the buses and trolleybuses would be so full you literally could not fit another person on them, and almost couldn't close the doors. You could stand up without holding onto anything and not worry about falling over :)
Also similarly in a lot of cultures besides America, I think people feel more of a sense of solidarity, for a number of reasons. I think society in many other countries tends to be less individualistic than America, there are more elements of socialism in their governments, which cause them to be somewhat more other-focused (since they pay for some of what other people benefit from), and I think many of them have also lived through collective suffering and oppression in a way America never has (even during the depression).
Therefore, people feel a sense of commonality that we just don't feel in America, because we try to separate our lives as much as possible, so that we have no reason to depend on each other or be depended upon.
Those cultures also celebrate together, which I find beautiful. I remember when Lithuania joined the EU, and there were thousands and thousands of people together in the cathedral square singing and dancing together. I also remember the beginning of summer festival in Japan and seeing thousands and thousands of people getting together to watch fireworks, which was beautiful as well.
My goodness!!! I am glad you are alright!!! How was the appointment?
Wow!!! So thankful that you didn't go all the way down.
What a sweet moment though. So neat how they cared for you...they went the distance.
Another good thing in Japan...not dealing with groping hands. Riding trains in Italy can certainly be interesting in that way....I speak from experience. I loved Italy...they just warned us to watch our backs!!!! :)
Love your observations.
Blackouts, dizziness, and such were not uncommon for me. If you can, be sure to get yourself in a more prostrate position, before your body does it for you--fainting. Are you drinking a lot of water and eating some protein in the morning? Sorry... I guess I am acting like a protective hen; but I do understand what it is like to experience those symptoms. And how sweet that those ladies saw your need and stepped in to help. God does take care of us no matter where we are or who we are with.
Also, I got caught up in the moment writing my comment and forgot to say... I'm glad you're alright, and I'm glad you had people there to help you when you needed them. At least the weather should be cooling down soon, so that (hopefully) won't be an issue too much longer.
And thanks for your comment on my blog - this is the first time ever I think I've posted a political post and not gotten sort of angry, belligerent comments :)
hi abby. :) good to know you had a positive fainting experience, well all things considered. :)
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