This weekend my girlfriend and I (along with our kids) went to Ave. It's a store that resembles Wal-Mart. It resembles Wal-Mart in that it is divided into a home shopping area and a grocery area. It has a garden center (which is awesome) and a pet store. There are at least 3 isles for just dog supplies. There are more clothes sold there for dogs then there are for people. Actually, there was only a selected amount of clothes (maybe two or three racks) for people. It sells rugs and dinnerware and storage bins and pots and pans.
When I go to stores outside the gates of the base I can see the huge cultural differences. For instance, can you imagine Wal-Mart being quiet??? Ave was so quiet, of course until Caleb showed up and then you could hear him from across the store. No one yells out for their shopping partner or calls out to a store employee. It's quiet. The Japanese say that their biggest annoyance with Americans is that we are LOUD (some of us more than others). Another huge difference was the size of the shopping cart. Now when you go to Wal-Mart you can fit your kid, your lunch, your diaper bag, your purse, and your umbrella stroller into your cart and still fit everything that you need to buy. At Ave, the cart is a carrying basket on wheels. No kidding. The seat for holding a child is definitely for a small built Japanese child because Caleb wouldn't fit a thigh in this seat. Japanese people must go the store every other day or we Americans are just more glutenous than we thought.
3 comments:
I agree that things were quiet there and clean too! And I remember seeing people walking to the store every day. Same in Europe. i think that they just don't have the same amount of space in their houses.
I'm glad to see you out and about! Did you drive:)
I just have one question for you. Are you nervous? Thanks for going to Ave with me. We had a great time!!!
Jen
Rachel, I'm Kathy (Steve's sister). I came across your blog while visiting Jen's blog. I just want you to know that I am so thankful that Jen has found such a good friend in you. You are right about Christine. She is an awesome little girl and I miss her more than words could ever express, as well as John. She will be an awesome help with your new baby as well. She LOVES babies. I must admit that I'm a little jealous that you get to see my family more than I do. I pray that all goes well with your delivery and that Reiley brings your family lots of joy. I also pray that your husband is able to make the delivery. I'm sure you've heard God has blessed me with 4 wonderful children. I will have to say that the toughest transition was going from 1 to 2 kids. It does get easier as time passes. Your boys will be great friends!
Post a Comment