When I lived in Japan, and also on many visits, people often stated something to me, as a declaration and not a question. This is what they said to me, “I have been to your country. I like Ceylon tea very much.” Sometimes I just smiled, nodded, and bowed before departing. Other times, I explained to them that Ceylon is not the name of the country anymore; I talked to them about Sri Lanka. I told them about my complicated, ethnic background, which included being Japanese. I admire the fact that you have written about so many subjects. This one is the revelation of a wonderful cross-cultural experience. Thank you.
I think of your ethnic background not as "complicated" -- but complex, and rich. And i love how you've incorporated it into your creative work as a writer/playwright.
And I told her: “You live in Japan because you were born here, and all your family members are here. I live here purely as a matter of choice. I probably like Japan better than you.”She smiled sheepishly, and murmured, “You’re probably right.”
I lived in Japan between 1989-1991 and I enjoyed reading your columns then. I still have some I clipped from the paper! Glad that you are still well and writing.
Oh how nice to hear from an 'original' reader of my column -- and one who has actual clippings! I am indeed well and trust you are too. I welcome you to continue to read my writing here on Substack.
Your response to the woman who suggested you leave was just right. I do rather wish eye-drop man had done something remarkable at your talk. It's fun to imagine how that might have played out. I speak in public with far less frequency now than in earlier years, and I'd swear my SAS is *worse!*
Oh, Elizabeth -- who would believe I had one of my SAS dreams last night?! This time I couldn't remember if I was supposed to give a lecture in Tbilisi, Georgia -- or somewhere in Romania! And I had two hours to get there! I was trying to find the original invitation on my Apple watch -- I don't own an Apple watch (!) And oh, and of course, I had left my suitcase in the hotel and was traveling just with a pocketbook. LOL!!!
When I lived in Japan, and also on many visits, people often stated something to me, as a declaration and not a question. This is what they said to me, “I have been to your country. I like Ceylon tea very much.” Sometimes I just smiled, nodded, and bowed before departing. Other times, I explained to them that Ceylon is not the name of the country anymore; I talked to them about Sri Lanka. I told them about my complicated, ethnic background, which included being Japanese. I admire the fact that you have written about so many subjects. This one is the revelation of a wonderful cross-cultural experience. Thank you.
I think of your ethnic background not as "complicated" -- but complex, and rich. And i love how you've incorporated it into your creative work as a writer/playwright.
And I told her: “You live in Japan because you were born here, and all your family members are here. I live here purely as a matter of choice. I probably like Japan better than you.”She smiled sheepishly, and murmured, “You’re probably right.”
Hear, hear! I shall remember this one.
I lived in Japan between 1989-1991 and I enjoyed reading your columns then. I still have some I clipped from the paper! Glad that you are still well and writing.
Oh how nice to hear from an 'original' reader of my column -- and one who has actual clippings! I am indeed well and trust you are too. I welcome you to continue to read my writing here on Substack.
Your response to the woman who suggested you leave was just right. I do rather wish eye-drop man had done something remarkable at your talk. It's fun to imagine how that might have played out. I speak in public with far less frequency now than in earlier years, and I'd swear my SAS is *worse!*
Enjoyable read, as always, Karen.
Oh, Elizabeth -- who would believe I had one of my SAS dreams last night?! This time I couldn't remember if I was supposed to give a lecture in Tbilisi, Georgia -- or somewhere in Romania! And I had two hours to get there! I was trying to find the original invitation on my Apple watch -- I don't own an Apple watch (!) And oh, and of course, I had left my suitcase in the hotel and was traveling just with a pocketbook. LOL!!!
Noo!! You manifested SAS!
Really enjoy these essays you share with us. Thank you!
Oh thanks so much for telling me! And by the way, I too am a knitter, and my eldest daughter is a weaver--I'm glad we have this connection.
No wonder we connected!!