Japan - Final Notes

But What About the Tsunami and Nuclear Meltdown?
Keep in mind we went to Tokyo and then headed south whereas the tsunami and nuclear meltdown happened 150 miles north.  Had I never known about them from watching the news I doubt I would've figured it out.  There were minor things like the occasional escalator that was turned off to save energy but other than that Tokyo was brightly lit and the air conditioning was flowing, even out of the wide open front doors of many retailers.

What I will remember is all the little things.  The little conveniences Japan is known for like the color-coded queues at the train stations to ensure you are lined up exactly at the right door depending upon which one you're waiting for.  It's not a coincidence that the trains run on time, they think through all the little things to make it happen.

I'll remember the bikes, the temples, the good food, the constant chatter of the Japanese as they plied their trade.  From the bus driver announcing each and every stop slowly, dragging out each vowel through a small necklace microphone to the store clerks who thanked us for coming into the store and thanked us when we left, even after buying nothing.

Of course, I will also remember all the better for spending it with a Japanophile.  She was in rare form, as you can see from these...