Bicycles, Toilets and Shopping

So this blog I'de like to talk about a few new things, as well as a few things I just briefly mentioned last time.

Riding My Bicycle to Work
It has become significantly less terrifying; however, I do still get some relief every time someone coming at me turns down another street or gets off the side walk before we actually meet.  Phew.  People go so fast on their bikes and sidewalks and streets are super narrow.  Sometimes it's really a gamble which way you (or them) will pass ---I'll go left...ok no it looks like you're going left so I guess I'll go right....oh sh*$ just kidding, guess I'm going left.  I don't know if this scenario is more scary for someone coming towards you on a bike or on foot......yiiiiikes.  For some reason though, every time, I seem to be the only one really concerned as to how this might end up. 

Toilets
I'm not sure you can even call these "toilets".  If I were a Japanese pissing pot, being called "Toilet" may offend me.  These things are more luxurious than an Escalade with an invisible rear wiper.  They don't only cover the rear...."Please, call me the Privates Pamper".  Seriously, look at the pictures below to see how many options there really are with these things.  Here's a list to start:
a.Heated seat (this is fun when it's already on when you get in there...SURPRISE!  All-accompanied heating pad for your stay in the "Private's Pamper" suite. 
b.Music options (your choice between a dripping waterfall (that way no one knows what you're doing in there ;-)) or a flushing tune--congratulations, you did it!
c.Deodorizer:  Literally it releases nice smells while you're doing your business...be generous to the next guy, press this button.
d.Bidet:  Ladies, this one's for us.  Save a tree--use water instead!
e."Spray":  This one's for everyone.  Save a tree---use water instead?  Eehhhh. 
f. temperature controls for a.
g. temperature controls for d. and e.
h. PRESSURE controls for d. and e.
Alright story time....sorry in advance to those who don't expect this of me. 
My first night in Japan, the hotel toilet was my first experience with the Privates Pamper.  I used it once or twice American style (pee, wipe, flush) before deciding to really give anything fancy a shot.  When I finally got the courage to push one of the buttons it was like facing a pool of cold water with a crowd of bullies behind you, just waiting for them to shove you in.  So, I did it.  I pushed the button...it made some noises...I waited...I waited...nothing happened.  I began to think maybe the "sprayer" was out of order, when suddenly... BOOM! Holy crap the last guy to stay in this room must have really liked a lot of pressure.  Water came shooting out of the toilet, between my legs and all over the wall in front of me.  Thank God I apparently wasn't positioned appropriately on the toilet.  I would have had water shot straight up my @*$&/()r<>. So this is my warning to anyone who visits Japan and uses the "toilet".  Just. Be. Ready.
Now I'm sure once you get past the initial shock, the luxuries are much more appreciated, but needless to say, I haven't pressed any buttons since that first night.

Shopping
I went shopping this weekend, and in doing so realized how much people in America DON'T appreciate fashion. Really, the average American style is pretty boring.  Everyone dresses the same, and if you don't dress exactly like everyone else, then you immediately become an outcast and everyone will stare at you.  Disagree?  Agree to disagree.  I never thought of it this way or really noticed it until being here.  People wear WHATEVER THEY WANT, and it almost always makes so much sense.  It's hot outside, but I want to protect my skin from the sun, but I have to walk a lot so I don't want my feet or legs to hurt = Light weight long-sleeve, skirt with leggings, sport shoes, hat. done.  No one person is dressed like the other, and it doesn't matter.  I feel like in the USA it's jeans and a nice shirt. Jeans and a t-shirt. Leggings and a nice shirt. Leggings and a t-shirt.  Shorts and a nice shirt. Shorts and a t-shirt.  Summer dress.  So many options, but really no options at all (at least deemed "Acceptable").  Fashion just seems like more fun here--socks and earrings galore, summer gloves (protect your skin!), scrunchies (bring it back), and sooo many different styles of clothing.  Yosh!

Other things that happened this week:
-while shopping, many stores play radio with music from the US -- at least twice, the f-bomb was dropped, probably unknowingly by most
-Sweets addiction--you think you'll be so healthy because Japanese food is so healthy....but Japanese sweets are also soooo delicious.  Time to get running....
-Speaking of running, did it 4 times this week woooaaahhh.  Get.up.on.miles.

Alright picture time :-)

 

One example of many, from the Privates Pamper Collection.  This one isn't even the best example, but it's what I got.

 

The toilet in my apartment....yep, you guessed it.  You are expected to wash your hands using the same water source that you dump into.  Notice the hand towel ring is empty...this is another one that is taking me some time before giving into (ha).  Also, there is a "half flush" or "full flush" option.

 Sushi conveyor belt....nope, not blue fish.  This is eggplant sushi.

 

My American dinner I made--steak, mashed potatoes, broccoli...and an "All Malt" beer that tasted slightly better than Natty light.  woof.  And yes, I realized after I cooked the steak that I have no knives, except for this pretty pink chef's knife, which I of course used--don't mind the result of a scratched up plate.  Totally worth it.

 



The bag of Japanese junk food I won for getting points in the "ball toss" game at work :). Go team!  

This one's for my sister and my bestest.  A restaurant up the street.... Erin, Shannon, I'll let you know how this goes...

Tofu, spinach, cabbage and blueberry salad

They have these available in the fitting rooms in stores...not really sure what their real purpose is.  Just incase you really can't bear looking at yourself in the clothes our store has to offer... gotta figure this one out.

 

Some be-a-u-tiful flowers I picked up from a shop up the street =)

 

That's all Folks!