Randomness

Okay, so the evening is a whole lot of studying. Miki and the kids go into the bath, and after they come out it is generally not too long before they head upstairs with an 'oyasuminasai' (good night). Miki generally comes back down once the kids are asleep, and almost always makes some sort of drink, whether is be black or green tea. She also occasionally has these mildly fruity drinks made from a syrup, and few times it has even been blueberry vinegar, which is actually really, really good. There is often some sort of dessert-type thing that she brings out as well. This often serves as a study break for me. We sit and chat for awhile about whatever, sometimes rather random stuff. For instance, I found out she doesn't know what macaroni and cheese is. I guess there are just certain things I assume have been assimilated from Western culture, but apparently Kraft dropped the ball hardcore on taking advantage of the Japanese market. I mean, c'mon Easy Mac and Instant Ramen co-exist in the U.S., why not Japan? Weekends...let's see. They generally involve going out to eat at least once. A couple of times, when Takashi really can't get away from the office, we drive to Sakae (the entertainment/business hub of Nagoya) and have dinner somewhere in the area. Speaking of which, the other week we went to a small ramen shop (counter only, seats maybe 12-15 people) and had by far the best ramen to date. It was Garlic Butter Spicy Miso ramen, and it rocked my world. I generally wouldn't expect garlic with ramen, and probably because of that, loved it. Mixed with the spicy miso...seriously good stuff. I am going to cry when come back to America and have to eat Instant Ramen again. Oh, Mass Transit...the mood on the trains to and from school is something close to death. Most people sleep or read, play their DS, or again, look dead. The subway is where you can tell just how tired everyone is, just how much the life of a salaryman has eaten away their soul. Okay, that might be a little much, but still... It is etiquette to not talk on your cell phone while in the train car (and most people can't anyway once the train goes underground). Yet a ton of people type away text messages to pass the time. You are theoretically supposed to give up your seat for older people, but I only do if they look like they want it, which is pretty much what all the Japanese do as well. If you have an empty seat next to you, and someone sits down next to you, you must, by some unwritten rule, scooch over, or pretend as if you are making room for them. And if after sitting down, they readjust themselves, an acknowledging readjustment of your own is a must. It doesn't matter if you actually move anywhere, just fidget a bit in place. That'll work fine. Busha, what else? I know this still is far from comprehensive, but class calls again.