We've been in Japan for almost 2 months now. Actually we live in the northwestern area of Tokyo called Fussa. So far we've experienced a few things that I'd like to share with you. I'll make this short.

Eating in Japan...

My impression of food in Japan is not necessarily a very good one so far. Too many things taste like fish. Not just fish, but fishy smelling fish taste. I think most foods are cooked in the same stinky, overused oil that has been used to cook or fry fish. I hate the smell and I hate the taste. Order a beef bowl (rice and beef), and chances are, it tastes and smells a bit like stinky fish. I have had about 2 meals so far that do not taste much like fish.

Restaurants seem to sell the same foods. It appears that most food joints carry the same foods, though maybe remixed a little. The biggest difference seems to be just how much you want to pay for the same thing. The same beef/rice bowl will cost you 350 yen in a fast food place, and over 1500 yen in a nicer restaurant. Guess you pay for location.

Driving in Japan...

I have come to believe that the Japanese have developed some sort of "force field" around their cars as they drive. It is a pure joy to drive in this country...anywhere and everywhere. The roads are narrow and the traffic is slow, but for some reason it seems pretty hard to actually hit anything with your car. At first glance, it would appear that people seem oblivious about their surroundings while driving, biking or walking, but it is quite the opposite. I think that folks are just so used to the oddities of the road network and are able to adapt with little thought. In that sense, it feels like you just avoid all people and objects by "force field". Even in downtown Tokyo. To put it in perspective, it feels like there is a synchronicity between all people and things, and it all moves in perfect harmony. Really. That's the way it feels. Somehow everything feels timed just right. And that's cool.