(no subject)
I took the day off today so I could go to the Saga Prefecture Driving Center to submit my documents for getting a Japanese license. There are so many horror stories about foreigners trying to get Japanese licenses, but today went incredibly smoothly. To get to the driving center, I had to take the expressway for the first time. I was a bit apprehensive, but it's nothing compared to Chicago. It was pretty much no different than any other street out here.
I was told that I should wear a suit and tie every time I go to the driving center. I decided to lose the suit, but I did wear nice pants, a button-down shirt, and a tie. When I got to the center, I was the only foreigner. I was also the only person in a shirt and tie. Everyone around me was a young punk Japanese guy or girl in jeans and t-shirts. The staff at the driving center was very friendly with me. This goes against everything I've been told about them. Maybe because I was the only person there that looked professional, they were impressed.
After my paperwork was accepted, I headed to a nearby restaurant for lunch. I was shocked and thrilled to find Mountain Dew at the drink bar. I've never seen Mountain Dew in Japan. It really was a sign of good fortune. Some girls started laughing when I took a picture of the drink machine, but I didn't care. They couldn't possibly understand what Mountain Dew in Saga Japan means to me. It's like if they came to Chicago and found a pizza with corn, shrimp and mayo.
I followed lunch by returning to the driving center. From noon to 1:00, the driving test course is open for people to walk around. As my readership has never experienced a driving test in Japan, you have no clue how ridiculous the course is. They actually give you a map so you can find your way around. The course has mini train crossings, traffic lights, a broken-down car in the middle of the street, construction areas, obstacle courses, pits (yes pits!), and other hazards. It's insane. As I was walking the course, I noticed about four other people walking the course. Then I noticed that we were walking different paths. The map I had laid out the course for my test, but it was different than the one the Japanese people were using. I don't know if mine is harder or easier, but I think it's hilarious that we have different paths.
After walking the course for the full hour, I headed to the mall to spend a little time. The kids were all still in school, so I was able to hang out in the arcade without a crowd of teens everywhere. I played the UFO catchers and won yet another sign of good fortune. I won a plush Gloomy Bear. Gloomy is a teddy bear with an appetite for blood. He has blood dripping from his mouth and claws, but other than that, he's a cuddly little bear. I first came across Gloomy when I was toy shopping in Tokyo with my friend Brian. Gloomy, for me, became a symbol of my time in Chiba (and of my friend Brian). Winning a Gloomy is definitely a good sign.
I was told that I should wear a suit and tie every time I go to the driving center. I decided to lose the suit, but I did wear nice pants, a button-down shirt, and a tie. When I got to the center, I was the only foreigner. I was also the only person in a shirt and tie. Everyone around me was a young punk Japanese guy or girl in jeans and t-shirts. The staff at the driving center was very friendly with me. This goes against everything I've been told about them. Maybe because I was the only person there that looked professional, they were impressed.
After my paperwork was accepted, I headed to a nearby restaurant for lunch. I was shocked and thrilled to find Mountain Dew at the drink bar. I've never seen Mountain Dew in Japan. It really was a sign of good fortune. Some girls started laughing when I took a picture of the drink machine, but I didn't care. They couldn't possibly understand what Mountain Dew in Saga Japan means to me. It's like if they came to Chicago and found a pizza with corn, shrimp and mayo.
I followed lunch by returning to the driving center. From noon to 1:00, the driving test course is open for people to walk around. As my readership has never experienced a driving test in Japan, you have no clue how ridiculous the course is. They actually give you a map so you can find your way around. The course has mini train crossings, traffic lights, a broken-down car in the middle of the street, construction areas, obstacle courses, pits (yes pits!), and other hazards. It's insane. As I was walking the course, I noticed about four other people walking the course. Then I noticed that we were walking different paths. The map I had laid out the course for my test, but it was different than the one the Japanese people were using. I don't know if mine is harder or easier, but I think it's hilarious that we have different paths.
After walking the course for the full hour, I headed to the mall to spend a little time. The kids were all still in school, so I was able to hang out in the arcade without a crowd of teens everywhere. I played the UFO catchers and won yet another sign of good fortune. I won a plush Gloomy Bear. Gloomy is a teddy bear with an appetite for blood. He has blood dripping from his mouth and claws, but other than that, he's a cuddly little bear. I first came across Gloomy when I was toy shopping in Tokyo with my friend Brian. Gloomy, for me, became a symbol of my time in Chiba (and of my friend Brian). Winning a Gloomy is definitely a good sign.