Considering posting again

We started this blog, in January 2009, on moving to Hyderabad.  Since then, so much has changed in how we (as a society) use the Internet.  How we think about posting kids' information.  How much we share as privacy concerns expanded.  

Then in 2016, we (a family) moved to Vietnam, where blogging has an entirely different meaning.  For sure, many blog about vacations and food ... but some also use it for political dissidence.  

So, between sorting out what my personal privacy guidelines were and observing first hand restrictions on others' Internet freedom, it just wasn't the right time to blog.  At all.  

Now, though, I find us in Tokyo.  And I have some fun experiences I'd like to share with family back home - experiences that would be way too long for a Facebook post.  

Like today.  I had an hour break in my Japanese class, so I decided to go and try and mail something to my sister in Colorado.  I wanted to be able to track it, so figured FedEx would be good.  But a little online research showed Japan Post's express mail service was only $20 to FedEx's $60.  OK, fine, off to Japan Post I went. And then this conversation ensued (in Japanese):

    Me: Hi, I'd like to mail this EMS to the United States
    Her: EMS. Yes... To the United States.. Well...
    Me (thinking EMS wasn't an abbreviation used in Japanese): Yes, by EMS I mean quickly and with a tracking number and signature required on delivery.  Maybe "EMS" isn't a Japanese abbreviation.
    Her (looking in a book): Yes, we use "EMS" in Japanese. But, if you would like EMS, maybe you should use FedEx or DHL or (she lists three other companies)
    Me: Oh, so Japan Post doesn't do EMS.  I thought it did.  But, OK.  I understand.  I'll go to another place then.  Do you know where the nearest one is?  I only have about 45 minutes.
    Her: Yes, I could show you.  But you could also mail it here.
    Me: But, I thought I couldn't do EMS here.
    Her: That is correct, you cannot do EMS to the United States. 
    Me: [.....]
    Her: But, you could do registered mail.  It has a tracking number and receipt notification.  
    Me: Oh, ok.  But that is not EMS?
    Her: No, for EMS Japan Post would guarantee delivery within three days.  But we cannot do that right now because of Corona Virus.  However, you could use registered mail if it is OK for it to take 7-10 days and you concern is the tracking number and not the speed.  So, please let me know. 
    Me: OK, registered mail it is, then.  [2 minutes, and $6.50 later, letter is off]

Then, feeling proud of myself for having navigated the unsaid and still managing to mail a letter, I stopped off at the Starbucks on the first floor of the building on my way out for a bit of a treat.  And another conversation one would never have in America took place:

    Me: I would like a tall iced latte and one of the strawberry frozen drinks. (I used ichigo the traditional Japanese word for strawberry)

    Her: Do you mean this peach one? (her using pee-chee the English version of peach)

    Me: No, not peach.  The strawberry one please.  (using sutorobehri, the English version)

    Her: Oh, I am so sorry, but strawberry season has passed already.  

    Me: Oh really? I didn't realize the strawberry season in Japan was so short.

    Her: Yes, it really is hard to find strawberries in Japan right now, even though it still is hot. 

    Me: OK, thank you, well, the peach one please. 

[I pay, etc etc]

    Me: Oh, what is this "autumn blend" coffee? (reading the English version on the menu, automu)

    Her: That is for the fall season.  It is a special blend with beans roasted with (she says some things I can't understand....)

    Me: Oh, that's interesting.  I guess it is getting to be fall. 

    Her: Yes, in two weeks it will be the fall equinox.  So, it is a good time to drink this coffee.  Would you like to try it?

    Me: Oh, no thank you. I have already paid and the order was made.  Next time is ok.

    Her: But she hasn't started making your coffee yet.  I am very sorry the strawberry season is over.  But now that is is fall, why don't I just let you try this new fall flavor.  maybe you will like it. 

    Me: Oh really, could you change it?

    Her: Yes, please allow me to.  And please enjoy the autumn season. 

So much cultural context wrapped up in a 30 minute excursion across the street!  Though, I must say, my coffee palette is not refined enough.  Or maybe the autumn blend is better with a spot of coffee instead of as a latte.  I didn't really taste much of a difference :)