Hi Mike, The westernized diet is the worst export the USA has given Japan , and the world. I've heard it said, (though don't know if its true), that Japanese people envy all things American, and work hard to adopt our lifestyle. Seems odd, as our eating habits on a per capia basis, has us as the fattest, most sedentary, with the highest chronic health complaints of all. Childhood obesity, ADD /ADHD. pre-diabetes and more is passed onto our youth. Japanese people have traditionally had among the highest life expectancy rates in the world. Copying us is simply self-destructive. Enough on that rant..except to add that if what you say here is true, it is "us" who need to copy them. It sounds like you have an exciting adventure coming up. Are you travelling for work, or is this some kind of buddhist /zen -related pilgrimage;) Perhaps a tantra-training to better enjoy all those lovely women;) Kristy
--- On Thu, 10/14/10, mike brown <[email protected]> wrote: From: mike brown <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [Zen] Re: Don't pray in my school and I won't think in your church. To: [email protected] Date: Thursday, October 14, 2010, 5:38 AM 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
