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sechan19This morning I got up and checked out of the hotel, after indulging in an equilibrium-restoring shower and cup of hot tea. I took the free shuttle back to Narita Airport and was fascinated by the turn of events that ensued.
We passed a checkpoint on the way into the airport, and our driver stopped the bus. A security officer hopped on, and a slew of passports came out. The officer passed by each person, looking at their passport or identity card as he went to make sure that everyone was properly accounted for in the chasms of bureaucracy.
The Japanese culture of controlled borders, I imagine.
He was careful to switch languages when saying his thanks, depending on the flavor of the passport. Once done, the officer exited the bus backward - bowing profusely and murmuring, "Domo sumimasen!" (Sincerest apologies!) to us as he went.
The Japanese culture of politesse.
I'll blog the adventure of meeting everyone at the airport and settling in with my host family (who are my age!) tomorrow.
We passed a checkpoint on the way into the airport, and our driver stopped the bus. A security officer hopped on, and a slew of passports came out. The officer passed by each person, looking at their passport or identity card as he went to make sure that everyone was properly accounted for in the chasms of bureaucracy.
The Japanese culture of controlled borders, I imagine.
He was careful to switch languages when saying his thanks, depending on the flavor of the passport. Once done, the officer exited the bus backward - bowing profusely and murmuring, "Domo sumimasen!" (Sincerest apologies!) to us as he went.
The Japanese culture of politesse.
I'll blog the adventure of meeting everyone at the airport and settling in with my host family (who are my age!) tomorrow.
