The First Few Months (5)
In the first two weeks of our stay in Japan, my husband and I went on a “company outing” to a Japanese onsen (outdoor natural hot spring bath in a mountain setting). I came equipped with my one-piece swimsuit and full-length beach towel. I soon realized that swimsuits were not worn, and the towels used are roughly the size of a hand towel. Although the men and women had separate facilities, I was shocked and embarrassed at first, especially being the only Western woman. I soon discovered that the whole experience was extremely discreet, very comfortable, and relaxing. Japanese hot springs are a real treat! —Mary, Motorola
Shortly after I arrived in Singapore, I had a driver pick me up at my home in the evening to take me to the airport. The driver was quite talkative and kept asking me questions about my apartment, how much I paid for it, and then he asked me about my husband. I said I didn’t have one, and he was quiet for a few minutes and kept looking at me in the rear-view mirror. Finally he said, “You not so ugly, la, how come you don’t have a husband?”! —Sheila, Barclays Bank
I think Europeans tend to be wonderfully at ease with who they are, but infuriatingly apathetic, whereas Americans tend to be fired up with the “land of opportunity” belief that they can do anything, but are so self-conscious. The relationship is like a middle-aged parent and an adolescent child. —Kate, Edelman
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