Since this is our third year living in the area, Jason has long lost interest in this crowded event so I went alone with Libby last Sunday. While most people crowded on the four-lane street, I know that the best colors are found on the sidewalks, where the trees have more even colors and the pavement is painted yellow by fallen leaves.
Although I do enjoy the colors and am thankful that I live so close to an autumn-color landmark so I don’t have to fight traffic just to see some gingko tree turn yellow, it never fails to amaze me how exaggerating some of the Japanese can be. Every year, I can always overhear someone gushing, “Nihon de umarete yokatta!” (It’s so great to have been born in Japan) I rolled my eyes the first time I heard it and I still do it every time I hear it uttered. That said, I do appreciate the nice gingko trees and will probably miss it when I leave Japan.
Stumble It!
4 comments:
Oooh, I know, I always think "Huh?" when Japanese people on TV eat something traditional and say, "Nihonjin de yokatta." I mean, please, I can go out and eat whatever they're eating. Why is it only great if you're Japanese?
Oh, gorgeous picture, by the way. I was trying to capture a pretty ginko tree but all the ones around my neighborhood are already balding badly.
I know, Americans sometimes say "I'm proud to be an American" too (although it's been said a lot less given the recent invents in Iraq) but it's usually over something more significant than a piece of sushi or some yellow leaves. Sometimes I really feel like hitting them on the head with one of those giant inflatable hammers.
I will buy you one if you promise to use it, not on me of course
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