An autumn's reflection...
02 November 2005
"When in Rome do as the Romans do..."
This was said to me within the first week of my arrival in Aomori in August of 2003. Initially, I believed the statement to be entirely unjust and ethnocentric. It was a Toyama teacher's reaction to my nose ring. At the time I felt that I was being forced to surrender my individuality to become a cookie cutter stereotype of Toyama's idealized JET program ALT living in Japan. However, in hindsight I realize that I was probably overly sensitive as I was trying to transition and adjust to my new situation in Aomori. And furthermore, a recent encounter with "shokuchudoku" or food poisoning, has even convinced me that this assertion has some validity attached to it.
The "sashimi" raw scallops I oinked out on Tuesday night were tasty, but definitely not worth the terror they put me through from 3 a.m. Wednesday morning. I awoke in a startled panic and instantly knew something was amiss. I was slick with sweat and it felt like someone had grabbed my gut and turned everything 180 degrees. I dashed for the toilet, but instead ended up in fetal position on my tiled black and white leopard shower room floor for the next two hours. I don't need to disgust you with details, but allow me to say this was definitely the lowlight of my week!
To return from my wild tangent, connect the dots, and explain the veracious value of today's title; yes, it is sometimes wise "when in Japan to do as the Japanese do". Wasabi and ginger are not simultaneously served solely for decor. Rather, they are meant to be consumed to counteract any unpleasantries that could arise from not-so-fresh fish. I've heard this before, and will indubitably heed the advice in the future.
The "sashimi" raw scallops I oinked out on Tuesday night were tasty, but definitely not worth the terror they put me through from 3 a.m. Wednesday morning. I awoke in a startled panic and instantly knew something was amiss. I was slick with sweat and it felt like someone had grabbed my gut and turned everything 180 degrees. I dashed for the toilet, but instead ended up in fetal position on my tiled black and white leopard shower room floor for the next two hours. I don't need to disgust you with details, but allow me to say this was definitely the lowlight of my week!
To return from my wild tangent, connect the dots, and explain the veracious value of today's title; yes, it is sometimes wise "when in Japan to do as the Japanese do". Wasabi and ginger are not simultaneously served solely for decor. Rather, they are meant to be consumed to counteract any unpleasantries that could arise from not-so-fresh fish. I've heard this before, and will indubitably heed the advice in the future.
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