Whykay's happenings

Settled back...

... in the land of unheated toilet seats, non-self-flushing toilets, non-automatic doors, and crap service attitudes.

Well, what can I say, so spoilt when we were in Tokyo. People are just polite in general. Things I noticed in Tokyo, no matter how posh the place is you are visiting, they will always greet you. They will not dog you (like in Hong Kong, even if you tell them you are okay) unless you ask for their assistance. It's a bit odd, because they are all looking at you in the store, but don't say anything. It's not a nasty gaze, to them a customer is highly regarded.

Say in any restaurant, big or small, the waiting staff and kitchen staff will greet you when you enter the establishment, and say thanks and goodbye. And everywhere, after you pay, they will take the money with appreciation (they have to sound it as well), then with care hand you back the change. And then they bow when you leave the counter. And they are still efficient!

Service-wise, they won't stop apolagising for things that are a minute late, like coffee. It's crazy. I arrived back in Ireland on Thursday night, but I headed down to Limerick for Chinese New Year, and went to town Saturday afternoon for lunch. I asked for a mug of coffee and half of one arrived, with a nice thump on the table in front of me, just to let me know my coffee has arrived. (I know I gave up coffee, but I am not addicted now. I drink to enjoy it now. The joys of not wanting caffeine to wake oneself up.)

It was a culture shock in itself coming back home and get treated like that! Now I am use to the crap service, and all the niceties that were so readily available in Japan. Now I can be surprised when I go back again on how everyone is so polite, and how it really makes a difference to feel good being somewhere, and not be worried as much on what you look like. I did feel awkward more from other clientale rather than the staff. Being scruffy looking instead of wearing head-to-toe Burberry, LV, Gucci etc etc. They really like their labels over there! Still, I enjoyed it over there. Everyone is so welcoming. Till next time!

Posted by whykay at February 23, 2007 07:50 PM