Hello Dear Readers,
I am writing this from Japan. It is my first visit to the country, and I am here with my family on a short vacation, hence a shorter than usual post this weekend.
Osaka looks clean and neat, with a hint of an industrial feel, since we are close to the bay in the port area. We came here with the singular purpose of visiting the World Expo, all thanks to my daughter’s diligent planning of our itinerary. She earned this trip even before her 12th-grade results were declared. We knew that she had put in consistent effort and been meticulous in managing her time.
We have been ‘arigato’ing our way around since we arrived. I was quite excited when my ‘sumimasen’ (excuse me/sorry in Japanese) caught the attention of a man who was blocking my way, and he moved aside with a nod. ‘Sumimasen’ will be my ‘go to’ word for the next few days.
The arrival experience at Kansai International Airport was unique and relatively smooth, although once one has been through Changi International Airport of Singapore, the benchmark is quite high.
We found a decent local restaurant offering a set meal and sat down to pacify our growling tummies with familiar flavours. For someone who nearly puked at her first taste of a miso soup, I have come a long way to mixing it with the rice like a curry. I felt grateful for the veggies they gave as sides. I am looking forward to exploring more of the region’s cuisine.
Meanwhile, I had one epiphany as I tried to learn a few common Japanese phrases while looking for Japanese restaurants with English menus.
Learning a few phrases, although a commendable touristy act, has a fleeting motive. Often, we learn with a narrow benefit in mind, perhaps to pass an examination or make ourselves understood in a foreign country. Our learning then becomes transactional.
If we can study something to the point of being able to teach it to others, our understanding surpasses ordinary levels. If we learn with the intention of applying it to the real world, that’s the highest achievement unlocked.
We don’t need to learn this way all the time. Some lessons are meant to be transactional. However, for anything that really matters like our education or career, learning should be much deeper, deep enough for us to be able to impart it to others.
Alas, in a fast-paced world and an education system that favours comparison, there is little scope for non-transactional learning. I am a product of that system, but I am glad to note that my daughter refuses to be a part of it.
Reading life
I am currently reading Paul Murray’s The Bee Sting. It’s holding my interest so far, and I’m eager to see how the story unfolds.
Happy learning and happy reading!
Sudeepa
Sudeepa, I appreciate how you pack little life lessons in your posts and add deeper meaning to a vacation. Enjoy your time and I look forward to more Japanese from you:)
*Sudeepa
Apologies for the typo 🙏🏽