Buenos Dias

 

We have read about the nod. We have experienced the sideways glance. The Sneer. The muted grumblings. Shall I say something in English. German. Perhaps French. If you speak in English, they will assume you are an American. The best way out of this dilemma is to say good afternoon in Spanish. Surprisingly few people speak Spanish here. It is the only way really. To avoid being labelled....Labelled by whom? A fellow foreigner who has just as little business being here as you?

It is an absurdity that brings a smile to my face every time.....Why is it so difficult to say hello to someone? I think the root of the problem is that many Gaijin here feel like it is "their" Japan. They know more about Gyoza, Sumo or (God forbid) Anime than the next Gaijin. Does any of this really matter? I say I am so happy to be living here, I really don't begrudge someone their "right" to co-exist in Japan's Japan. We are "foreigners" here. Japan has been gracious enough to accept us (at least temporarily) into their country, allowing us a momentary glimpse into their amazing land.

So, the next time you see a fellow Gaijin, smile and bid him (or her) a very friendly, "Buenos Dias!" It is the only way really....