Category Archives: Culture Shock

On Grocery Shopping in America in Japan

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Eryk Salvaggio

Costco may be in Japan, but Japan is not in Costco.

Posted in Culture Shock, Food | Tagged japan, shopping | 6 Comments

On Sneezing in Japan

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Eryk Salvaggio

In Japan, no one can hear you sneeze.

Posted in Culture Shock, Homesickness, language, Tradition, Uncategorized | Tagged japan | 15 Comments

On Finding a Rubbish Bin in Japan

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Eryk Salvaggio

My coat pockets are filled with scraps. I dredge up chewing gum wrappers and konbini receipts when I fish for change. There’s no garbage on the street, but there aren’t garbage cans, either; everyone just carries their trash with them. … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture Shock, Weird | Tagged cults, japan | 26 Comments

My Dragon Week: On Being Bored in Japan

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Eryk Salvaggio

Wherever you go, there you are.

Posted in Culture Shock, Fun, Uncategorized | Tagged boredom, japan, skyrim | 2 Comments

On Being Selfish in Japan

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Eryk Salvaggio

I remember my high school French club. The kids smoked too young, wore black turtlenecks and talked about Camus, or more precisely, “spoke of Camus.” The German club ate strudel, listened to unbearable polka and occasionally invaded the French club.