For those of you who have been in a car with me, you know its probably not the safest thing you can do. Its probably a much better choice to go parachuting or swimming with sharks than it is to be a passenger in my vehicle. So, when I came to Japan, I was sort of relieved to find that I was not placed somewhere that requires me to drive anything other than a bike. Especially since the cars here are European style - steering wheel on the right side, and driving on the opposite side of the road. A bike surely seemed like a safer bet for me.
I am sad to say that despite the safety measures I have taken, I have already been in my first car accident in Japan! I was riding home from the train station the other day on my bike after a long day of Junior High English Camp in Ono. I was tired and it was the usual 100 degrees with 800% humidity that I have come to get used to here. I was dripping sweat and looking forward to stepping into my nice air conditioned apartment. I stopped at a crosswalk that had a red light and waited impatiently in the blistering sun.
Once the green light turned on, I slowly started up again on my bike. Just as I began to cross the street, a crazy driver out of no where came barreling through the intersection , clipped the front wheel of my bicycle. and sent me hurtling through the air. I landed hard on the pavement and pulled my skirt back down from over my head, re-covering my be-thonged bottom. I dazedly sat up and looked around at all the Japanese faces staring in horror. Still shell shocked, I was amazed to find that I was still alive, no bones were broken, and I was able to still move all of my limbs! As I got off the ground and began gathering all my teaching materials that were scattered all over the intersection, the crazy driver rushed to my side. "You ok? I so sorry, I so sorry!" he gushed as he bowed frantically over and over in my direction. Still not having my wits completely back, instead of ripping him a new one, I smiled and held two thumbs up, and sent him on his way.
I'm hoping the crowd got a good look at my American bum, as I am hoping it is the last opportunity they will have to see mine! Perhaps I should reconsider the whole car thing after all....
8 comments:
Janna,
I love that you gave him the thumbs up sign. Is that a universal sign, like a smile or a wave? Wouldn't it be funny if the thumbs up meant something totally different in Japan, like "shove this up your a#@!"
Glad you're okay.
Brilliant blog! Keep us posted on all of your adventures. I am so excited for you both and really wish that we could come over and visit. I have read so much about Japan over the past 10 years (albeit WW2 books), that I would love to actually spend time soaking in the culture.
Looking forward to the next blog entry.
Nate
WOW! why does this not surprise me one bit. Maybe you try walking, or get a piar of underwear that covers that cute little white booty! Either way, I think it is bound to happen again.
ahhahha..that is just brilliant, only you. Love you-KG
Okay....I have been talking to an officemate and this is what I learned. The Japanese have what is called "Gomen" money, which means: sorry money. Apparently it is custome that if a person hits another person with a car, they pay "gomen" money. They believe they are indebt to the person they hit for pretty much life.... they give money, bring baskets of fruit and veggies, etc.
I also learned that flashing double peace signs is the thing to do.
Anyway, I am loving your blog!!
Amber, here's hoping!@#$
Melissa, I heard about that gomen stuff the next day as well! I can't believe I missed out on it - he must have been over the moon that he hit a newbie! There is always next time, right? If he could pay me in some fat juicy american in and out hamburgers, it would all be worth it!
Oh my God!!! Did he have a mole with a hair coming outof it?? This is hilaroous! Only Janna!
I think the real moral of the story is that wearing thongs are sinful and this was just a warning. I am glad that you are okay.
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