Quote:
Originally Posted by Sparrow
Apparently their innate politeness makes the Japanese more susceptible than most to Paris Syndrome. |
I can easily understand their complete and utter breakdown, although manners are swiftly changing here. 15 years ago I used to wonder why they bothered to put horn in cars. They never used them. These days I hear at least 2-3 car horns every day! Perhaps 'Paris Syndrome' will be less of a problem in the future.
I got my 'come-uppance' a few years before I met my wife... I was walking down the street in Kyoto and saw a
very nice looking Western woman standing on a corner looking lost. Without giving it a second thought, I went up to her and said " Hi Sailor, new in .... no no no... I said 'Excuse me, if you're lost, perhaps I can be of some help.' She looked at me as if I had two heads, and fired off some rapid Spanish to the effect that she spoke no English! I had made the typical American mistake of assuming that
all westerners must speak English! I never imagined anything other!
Talk about embarrassing moments! My Spanish was learned in the garment district of lower Manhattan as a teenager and most of the words not suitable for polite conversation.
but together we were able to get her to where she needed to be,
but it was still embarrassing!
Stitchawl