Hold up at the check out.

When I was in line at the supermarket checkout recently, I realized one guy in front of me was trying to pay with a can full of silver coins. 

He opened the tin and turned it upside down on the counter.

The young cashier's face changed colour.

The he and the cashier started to count a mind-bogglingly huge amount of silver coins by piling them up into stacks of ten.

Everyone in the queue behind me soon moved away to find another checkout. I wanted to as well, but I had already put all my groceries on the conveyor, and there was too much to move.

I decided to help them, so the three of us counted coins together.

I still remember the total of his bill - $65.50! All paid with silver coins!

When we finally finished counting, the man said to me with a wink, “You should not pay with coins anymore.”

He walked away quickly.

The young lady and I just looked at each other in bewilderment, then both laughed out loud. 

Hot towels

 

I always make a cup of Japanese green tea for visitng guests at work.

It does not matter if they are Japanese or not. It also doesn't matter whether they like Japanese green tea or not. To make my Japanese boss happy, I do this.

I guess it has not been popular to serve some tea to guests at work anymore in Japan.

As well as green tea, I also serve wet towels to high titled guests from H.Q.

First I roll them up ( the towels, not the guests) and put them into the microwave for a few minutes to make them warm for the VIP's.

One day I made a small mistake.

I left the towels in the microwave for too long. They were much too hot, and the important guests were throwing them from one hand to the other, to try to cool them down.

After a while, they wiped their foreheads and backs of their necks as well with the hot towel.

They looked to be very refreshed and nobody made a complaint. (phew!)

Sometimes I feel like I am working somewhere in Japan in 60’s.

Sex Party Misunderstanding

 

A funny thing happened the other day. Because of the recent election, people were handing out political pamphlets promoting their candidates at the local train station.
First I say someone for the liberal party and then there was a young woman handing out flyers for the Sex party!
They are campaigning for legalised marijuana, gay marriage, better sex education, etc.
One older gentleman was talking to her. He must have misunderstood her message and asked.
'So, how often do you have these sex parties?'
I couldn't help myself. I laughed at loud. 
The poor girl.

Vegan sermon

There are quite a few vegetarians and organic food lovers in my surroundings, but they seem to be either very skinny or obese.

One of them is a strict vegan who goes to Yoga lessons enthusiastically, but he always seems to be sick. He has been struggling with chronic migraines, sleeping disorders, skin problems, food allergies, etc. He has to take various supplement tablets and prescription medicines.

I can't help wondering if this is a good lifestyle choice for him.

Another vegetarian always looks pale with extremely fat.

When I sat down on the same table with him at a business function, she did not stop giving lectures about being a vegetarian to all of us. She says he does it for her health, and yet she is also a heavy smoker! I don't understand this at all. She went on and on about the benefits of a vegetarian diet and how healthy it is, and how bad it is to eat meat, but they don't seem to be healthy specimens at all.
I don't really think they are good ambassadors for this lifestyle.

I respect people's choice of diet and their individual beliefs, but please don't try to force them on me!

Origami

 

Some time ago I volunteered as an Origami instructor at a cultural event in Melbourne.

I showed the children some of the easiest Origami; tulip, fox, elephant, etc.

For the adults, I encouraged them to take more of a challenge by teaching the to an Origami crane, which is the most popular internationally.

Japanese people learn origami from a young age, so we are know how precise the folds have to be, but most of the people I taught that day, had a quite a bit of trouble folding the papers into a neat  triangle or square by matching the corners accurately.

It is very important to get these basic steps right or we can't achieve our desired result. 

Which reminds me, I quite often see shop assistants, who cannot staple dockets, tax invoices and credit card receipts properly in Australia. They just clump them together without worrying if they are straight or not. I guess it's not important to them, but we must do these things in Japan.

Sometimes I am also disappointed by the gift wrapping service offered to me. Excellent presentation and attention to detail are critical in Japan. The customer is king there, and expects a high level of service. Maybe my expectations are too high. Things are much more relaxed here in Australia. 

Ladies First

 

An Australian gentleman in a suit, three Japanese female tourists and I were all waiting for an elevator.

The middle aged ladies all seemed to be very cheerful and I overheard them say how much they were enjoying their stay in Melbourne. 

When the elevator finally arrived at our floor, the gentleman invited the ladies to go first, saying 

“after you.”

I thanked him and stepped into the elevator, but the other ladies hesitated to enter. 

You see, we don't have a 'ladies first' policy in Japan.

The ladies also said “after you” in Japanese to the western gentleman again and again.

The western gentleman also repeated “after you” by conveying his messages with gestures to the ladies.

The lift door started to close, so I held my hand between doors and pushed the 'open door' button quickly.

After all three ladies came in and the gentleman then hurried in.

Everyone was smiling at each other in the lift.

Japanese people have a reputation for being polite, but I also think there are many polite customs in Australia. 

Free Shopping cart

 

The other day, when I was on my way to do some grocery shopping, I saw a woman who was carrying a plastic supermarket basket.
She was walking alone on the street, quite far from the shops, with a nonchalant air.

Nobody seemed to think it was strange, except me.

Soon after she walked past me, I saw an old, Asian lady pushing a shopping trolley, from the same supermarket. They both seemed to be walking home with them.

I wondered if the supermarkets allowed their trolleys and baskets to be borrowed, similar to the way  you can borrow an umbrella from some railway stations in Japan.

There's no problem as long as you return the umbrella after you borrow it. It is an honesty system.

Somehow, I doubt it. I am sure that no supermarket offers this kind of service to their customers.  Sometimes I see shopping trolleys abandoned in parks or streets. Maybe the ones I saw wethat day were destined to be laundry baskets.  
Many supermarkets have introduced a system where you have to put a coin in the trolley's lock and chain system, then the trolley must be returned to get your money back. 

Cinema applause

I recently went to see a Japanese film called “Like Father, Like Son”,  which was the winner of this year's Cannes film festival.

The movie did not have any famous actors in it and was not a blockbuster, by any means.

It was a just simple, thought provoking story about families and blood ties.

I really enjoyed it.

When the movie ended, I was surprised to see the audience clap their hands in appreciation. I have never experienced this before! We don't do this in Japan.

I wondered if anyone would hear the applause.

I like Australian audiences!

If they enjoy something, whether it is a movie, concert or sporting event, they are really enthusiastic to show their feelings with generous applause. 

 

Disabled?

I sometimes see obese people parking in the disabled car park. 

They have a disabled sign on their car, but they usually don’t have wheelchairs or walking sticks.

I don’t know if they are overweight because of their disability, or if they are disabled because of their weight.Perhaps if they parked further away and walked a greater distance, it might help improve their condition.

I am curious as to what the criteria is for granting a disabled sign.

Funeral Attire

I have been to a few funerals since I have been in Australia.
Here, people don't seem to mind how they dress so much. Many people choose not to wear black, as we must in Japan. We always wear formal clothing, suits and sometimes formal kimono.  
Although some people wear suits here, I have seen people wearing very casual clothing and even some teenage girls wearing very short skirts, as though they are going to a night club. 

I was surprised to learn that sometimes Australians even play rock music, have a drink and tell funny stories about the dearly departed during the ceremony. 
Many Australian people like to celebrate the lives of the departed and see them off in a fun way, instead of having a sad and depressing funeral service. 

Cigarette packs

 

One of my co-workers, who is a smoker, removes all of her cigarettes from the packet, which has shocking health warnings and very disturbing images of cancer victims on it.

She then puts the smokes into a nice cigarette case, so she doesn't have to look at the ugly packet and be reminded of the damage that smoking can cause. 

The taste and damage to health is still the same, no matter what type of box they come in!

Last year the Australian government banned all tobacco companies from printing their commercial logos on cigarette packs.  

More than 75% of the front of the cigarette packet and all of the back, now show shocking health warning pictures. For example, terrible gums affected by disease, horrific damaged eyes, etc. 

All because of smoking.

At the beginning of this month, the government announced that the tobacco tax will be increased by 60% in a step-by-step manner for the next four years.

In four years time, a packet of 20 smokes will cost more than A$20.

Even if becomes $50 or $100 per pack, I'm sure many smokers will continue to pay the price, and also all of the health damage caused by passive smoking will continue.

Scary!

Barbie party?

 

Not only is English very difficult to learn, but then there is also Aussie slang to contend with! 

Australians like to abbreviate many words, for example: Uni for university, bikkie for biscuit, pressie for present, hanky for handkerchief, etc. etc.

Soon after I came to Melbourne, one of my co-workers invited me to a 'barbie'. 
I later learned that this is a summer party where they cook the food outside, but at that time, I didn't know what a barbie was. My first thought was that it must be something to do with the famous doll.

Don't judge a book by it's cover

 

After I parked my car in the city, I went to the vending machine to buy a parking ticket.

Just before I started to insert some coins, a guy approached me.

I was a bit worried because he looked very kowai (scary). He was covered in tattoos, even on his neck! 

In Japan, tattoos are a sign of the yakuza, a criminal organization. 

But, to my surprise, he was very nice to me!

He offered me his parking ticket, which was good for 2 hours, and he had only used 15 minutes.

He didn't seem friendly at all and did not smile as he spoke to me, but even so, I thought this was a very kind act.  

We should not judge a book by its cover.

Vet waiting room

Most of the pet's owners at the vet are very friendly and talkative.  
Every time I take my cat (sakura-chan) to the vet, I am warmly welcomed by them when I enter the waiting room. 
They all love to talk about their pet's health problems, their age, etc. and they always give nice compliments about each others pets. 

We all listened sympathetically as one lady told us about her dog's recent lack of appetite.  Another lady replied "Oh, the poor thing. He looks quite pale."
Pale? The dog was black!
I thought it was a joke, but nobody was laughing.

I stared at the dog, looking for signs of a pale complexion, but he still just looked black to me.

Four seasons in one day

Australia is a very big continent, 22 times the size of Japan!

In the far north of Australia, people can enjoy summer all the year around. 

Fortunately, I live in Melbourne, where we have four seasons, even though sometimes they all occur in one day. 

We have been having several mornings of low temperatures, as low as one degree this winter.

samui!

Compared with the usual winter, I think we have been enjoying a colder winter in Melbourne this year.

The weather lady on TV news was telling us that recently we had the coldest morning in this winter!

Then she gave the snow report for the alpine ski areas, but I thought it was funny that she was wearing a sleeveless summer dress!

In Japan, the TV news weather ladies wear outfits to reflect the current season.

I know she was in a heated studio, but this is on local TV. 

It is in Melbourne, desu ne?

Assorted Sushi Platter

 

One of my young female co-workers was at a Japanese restaurant with her friends.

One of her girlfriends was on a diet which restricted carbohydrates and sugar, so she ordered 'Chirashi Zushi'. (Chirashi Zushi is vinegared rice with thin strips of mainly raw fish, crab meat and others arranged on top). But because of her diet, she wanted the rice to be removed!

Eventually, an assorted Sashimi (raw fish) platter was served.

I imagined the restaurant staff, including chefs and waitresses making the dish and then busily picking all the fish pieces from the rice.

 My co-worker was very surprised with her girlfriend at the restaurant. Why didn't she just order sashimi?

I think eating in moderation by reducing the amount on your plate, along with regular exercise is the best.

Signs of Affection

It is unusual for most Japanese people to show their affection for others with physical action, e.g. by giving a kiss or a hug to somebody, especially in public!

When I am introduced to some new people in Australia, in a casual situation among friends, sometimes I get a hug and kiss on the cheek from them.
It took a while for me to become used to Australian people's expression of love or friendship.

When I visit my niece in Japan , my kisses and hugs have not been welcomed, since she became a teenager.

When I look back at my childhood, I have no memory of showing or receiving physical signs of affection, even among my family. I cannot remember when was the last time I was hugged and kissed by my parents, but that is not the Japanese way.

It doesn't mean they don't love me at all.

Casual Friday

We don't have to wear a uniform at work, but everyone is expected to wear appropriate business clothing. On Fridays, we have a casual day and can wear something less formal to work.

We expected everyone to come to work in 'smart-casual' on Friday, but I was quite shocked to see some people arrive wearing home wear, that is, track suit pants and sweat shirts!

Too casual desu!

Chivalry is nor dead

I was recently offered a seat on public bus by a very old gentleman who looked over 80 years old.

I hesitated to accept his offer because it was not a long trip for me and he looked quite frail. 

I thought he needed the seat more than I did, so I said “No thank you.” 

I don't think he was happy that I turned down his gallant offer. He shouted very loudly to me,

“Have a seat here! You are the only lady without a seat on this bus!” 

Then a young man suddenly stood up and offered me his seat as well.

He said, “I'm sorry, I should have offered you my seat earlier.”

Many of the passengers were now looking at me. 

I wasn't sure what to do. 

I didn't want to be rude and remain standing, even though my destination was getting closer and closer.

I thanked them both and sat down in the young man's seat for a few minutes, until I arrived at my stop. 

After I got off the bus, I looked up  to see many of the passengers looking at me and smiling at me through the windows.

Although I was embarrassed, I was very impressed with the good manners of those two gentlemen.

Wonderful Australia!

Money for smokes?

I saw a homeless person begging near the local railway station. He had a new packet of cigarettes in the pocket of his ragged shirt. 
I wondered if I gave him some money, would he spend it on food, a new shirt... or more cigarettes?

A modern man

One of my co-workers is very proud of being a modern and supportive husband. He often tells me how he helps his wife by doing chores at home, like cleaning and washing. Even though he is quite a senior executive, he decided to display his skills by washing the coffee cups. He loaded up the dishwasher and proudly marched back to his office. 
Later, when I went to make a cup of tea, I was greeted at the kitchen door by a huge bubble tsunami.
My co-worker didn't realise that dishwashers require a special detergent, and not ordinary dish washing liquid.

Friendly Aussies

When we take a taxi In Japan, we always sit in the back seat. The rear passenger door opens automatically for us.

However, I noticed that many Australians often sit in the front seat of taxis and chat to the driver.

The first time I saw this, I was so surprised!

When I am on a plane, sometimes the Aussie passengers who sit next to me, quite often introduce themselves and extend their hands to me and like to have a chat. So friendly!

Most of the Australian passengers are very supportive when I am struggling to put my baggage in the overhead locker.

I don’t see this in Japan so much.

They have no mirror at home.

  

I sometimes see very poorly dressed, overweight women with bra straps showing, pitchy-pitchy (skin-tight) tops and figure hugging tights which reveal every unpleasant curve and bulge. 
They seem quite happy to show off the shape of their bodies, no matter how big they are.  

Spot the Aussie

Some of my friends said to me that they can always spot the Aussies at the airport, because they are the ones wearing thongs on their feet for their overseas trip. 

Even in the CBD of Melbourne, we often see a lot of ladies who wear business suites with rubber flip-flops on naked feet during cold winter.

Fully Sick

 

Young Australian people use a lot of slang. For example, 'sick' means good. Also, they are always saying 'like' all the time between words.

I am not a native English speaker. Speaking like a ventriloquist, speaking too quickly, and using slang makes it impossible for me to understand them at all. Please take it easy on me and speak clearly so I can understand what you are saying.

Like, I feel like, fully sick!

Growing population

 

A large portion of Australia's population is become more and more obese. I quite often see chubby family groups in the supermarket, who are pushing a shopping trolley filled with big bottles of soft drink, and lots of processed food which is high in calories, for example: chips, sugary cereals, chocolate biscuits, cakes, etc. 

Generally speaking, most of the overweight dogs I see, resemble their overweight owners.

③              

Free Range Dogs

 

I recently saw a neighbour taking their dog for a walk, on a leash.

Since I moved to this area, this is a sight I have rarely seen. 

Actually, I wondered if the local council had a special rule to exempt dog owners from using a leash here.

Are all the dogs in this area especially well trained?  

I don’t think so.

Dog poo

I never see dog owner's in my area scooping up their dogs’ waste.

They obviously seem to prefer to be 'Hands Free' when out walking.
The world is not your dog's toilet!
 

A Rare Sighting

 

I was impressed when I saw a neighbour wearing a helmet while riding a push bike. Australian law requires us to always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, but many people in my area choose to ignore this and like to follow their own rules instead.

 

'My Family' Stickers

I quite often see private cars with 'my family' stickers on their rear windows in Melbourne. They display their family members, pets, etc.

The other day I smiled at the stickers on the car in front of me, when I parked my car on the street.

The sticker showed a small empty space between the father and 3 boys, and I realized a hand written arrow mark was drawn there with the words 'Now recruiting' I thought this was a novel way to advertise for a new partner. 

Mother-in-law's Kiss

 

I heard this story from one of my co-workers. Her mother-in-law visited her place without notice one day, and saw a pot of leftovers on the stove. 

"My boy doesn't like such spicy food!" She said.

"Actually this is your boys favourite!" She wanted to reply, but swallowed her words instead. 

Her story reminded me of an old saying: There is nothing as cold as a mother-in-law's kiss.  

 

Portable Pollution

 

One of my colleagues complained to me about the terrible air pollution he endured during his recent overseas business trip. I thought to myself 'You are obviously unaware of the the smoke on your breath, your clothes and your hair that I have to endure.

Hanoi in Melbourne

The wealthier people in the Melbourne's east tend to look down on those of us living in the western suburbs, or “beyond the river”.

Why?

For the last 4 years I have been living in the western suburbs, but I like many of the features of this location, especially the downtown ambience. I suppose every bird thinks it's own nest is beautiful.

Fresh foods and vegetables are reasonably priced and there are many good Vietnamese and Indian restaurants, etc. It is also close to work – only 15 min by car...Yay!

The cultural diversity here is very different from the east side, “beyond the river”.

Here, nobody is shocked if they see somebody wearing pyjamas at the supermarket. 

I think they accept individuality. People don’t put on airs here.

There are many Vietnamese grocery shops near the railway station.

I was quite shocked soon after I moved in here, to find that a lot of the shop staff cannot speak English. Eventually I started to become familiar with their friendly service and smiling faces.

Now, grocery shopping in my town is one of the most enjoyable weekend activities for me.

I sometimes feel that I am in Hanoi or Saigon, although I have never been to Vietnam.

I am very lucky because I can go overseas on foot, without needing a passport.