Kristy, I couldn't believe the first time I went to a Japanese foodhall (in a mall) and the queue for McDonalds was 20 people and the traditional food places (ramen, okanomiyaki etc.) were empty! Still, Japan is an alternative reality for those of us from the West. No violence, extreme politeness (getting bowed to for ordering a Big Mac is still a thrill), no obesity (except for sumo wrestlers who are seen as gods), trains that run on time *to the minute*, drinking in public is ok, children as young as 10 still travelling on trains at 11pm and *safe* etc etc. And the women.. oh my god, the women... Yep, won't be leaving any time soon (although I'm going to Bali, India, Nepal and Thailand this Xmas for 3 months!). Mike
