pollyblog

Remember what I said yesterday about cultural differences and formality and all that? NEVERMIND.

It comes down to this…teenagers are teenagers, no matter from where they hail. Sure, there are some differences. But give them America’s (or Greenland’s or Denmark’s or Portugal’s) Funniest Videos and they will kick back and laugh and make themselves at home.

 Should you decide to host a Japanese student, forget what everyone will tell you about not taking him or her out for sushi. “It will be like taking Zach out to McDonald’s while he’s in Japan,” they warned. First of all, I bet McDonald’s in Japan is quite different than McDonald’s here at home. Not that I would waste my time going to one but that’s a different story. But the same holds true here. Sushi restaurants here are not the same as those in Japan. And anyway, he wanted to experience how our family lives and, guess what, it just so happens that my children’s favorite food is sushi. So we went for out sushi. My gosh, you should’ve seen this kid. He was praising Buddha. I’ve been waiting for the call all day from the school director saying, “Uh, you were a little extravagant last night and all the other visitors are jealous.” I have to say, it was one of the best sushi nights we’ve had. I think going in there and asking if they had anyone who spoke Japanese may have had something to do with it. They were particularly accommodating and made one of the most gorgeous boats we’ve seen.

 A few things I’ve learned from Yuki…Sleep when you need to sleep, even if it's in the car. Walk lightly on your feet. Take food that you want when it’s offered to you without acting sheepish about it even if it’s the last bit on the plate. Pack lightly. Carry small things.