Sunday, 28 January 2007

It's an Australia Day Miracle!

After leaving Chris' place after a night of Australia Day drinking I realised I was more hungover than previously thought and had to stop for an hour or so on the way to the station to get rid of everything I had drunk and eaten within the last 24 hours.

What really surprised me was that on my second chunder chuck up a policeman on hid bicycle stopped next to me an asked me in genuine way (a very rare thing) if I was okay. I said I was fine and that he shouldn't worry. He asked if I had drunk too much alcohol to which I replied "Just a little." We both laughed and he told me that the koban (police box) was just around the corner if I needed help.

I just couldn't help but feel happy about this. It was in such contrast to my experience earlier last year in Soka when after coughing up blood and feeling as if I was about to pass out, went to a koban, explained my situation and they simply pointed me in the general direction of the hospital and told me it would be a 15 minute walk. It wasn't until a few minutes later on my way to that general direction and about 10 metres from the koban I collapsed did they think that they should call an ambulance and help me.

(On a side note, a taxi driver also refused to take me to the hospital because I was sick.)

Anyway, back to yesterday, over the next hour or so, several people expressed genuine concern for me and really wanted to know if I would be alright. Despite the occasional Exorcist style projectile vomit I didn't think I looked that unhealthy. But then again I did have that rolled out of bed hairstyle on me.

This experience completely renewed my faith in the Japanese people and made the prospect of staying here for a few more years all the more comforting.

Labels: japan, Japanese, Japanese Social Issues