Back to work

Thursday and Friday I had my branch rotation at the Kanda Ekimae branch. Banking is definately different in Japan and I was very impressed. I also went on a business call with my host branch. Our mode of transportation? Bicycle....Yes that's right: black suit, pearls and high heels sitting professionally on my bike. I only wish I could've got a picture. It was like a video game, weaving and dodging in and out of pedestrians. I'd have to say that this was one of my highlights. It even had a motor to help us pedal. Considering I'm larger than most of the women here, they probably figured I was out of shape. On a brighter note, due to extensive walking and Japanese diet, I'm dropping weight like I'm on a Nicole Ritchie diet.

On my business call, we visited a client who owned a souvenir shop by the Edo shrine. She was unavailable at first so we went to the shrine and I was taught ow to pray Japanese style. Bow twice, clap twice, press hands together in praying fashion, pray, and then bow once. I prayed for high sales and success for my host branch. Then we got back to business. I ask how long they had been in business. The answer...160 YEARS! In the U.S. we pray that they've been in business 3 years just to submit an application. The proprietress was so nice and even gave me some parting foods. She thought I was "kawaii". It's Japanese for adorable. I hear it alot, must be the chipmunk cheeks. We rode our bikes back to the branch who had been so hospitable and I'd have to say that my favorite thing about Japan is it's people.

Moving on, I find it difficult to find time to keep up with this blog, but I'm working on it. My body still refuses to accept that I'm not in California and I'm always up at 3-4am. I'll survive, and I can't complain. My Japanese colleagues have an average of 1-1.5 hours in commuting time, arrive at work at 7-8am, take 30 minute lunches and do not leave the office until 8-9pm. Then they have to commute back home. I feel guilty leaving at 6pm.

However, I have noticed that the stress I compact into 8 hours in the States is stretched out here for most of the day. The employees seem to have more continuity and seem more relaxed. Maybe there is something to the 12 hour day.