Every year I do this. It's not so much procrastinating as, I know whatever I pack Tetsu will take it all out and re-pack it for me so I'm just leaving it all to him from the start. HE'LL get the suitcase down, HE'll wrap anything I want to take in layers of plastic bags, HE'LL putter and tell me to let him handle it all.
At around noon we will go to see Tetsu's mother and from there it is a short jaunt to the bus station. And then I will get a very quick smooch seconds before I board the bus. This is Tetsu's one voluntary public display of affection. He does not believe kissing, cuddling or holding hands are appropriate for people of our age-bracket. Come to think of it, to matter what age-bracket we've been in, he didn't consider it appropriate!
"Now Tanya... I'm wearing a suit so no, I cannot give you a kiss before I leave for work at our front door."
"We have children, Tanya. People with children do not cuddle."
"The neighbors will talk if they see us holding hands on our walks."
The bus stop kiss Tetsu gives me is to make sure I come back to Japan at the end of the summer.
For the past few months though, I do sometimes, get a public peck on our morning walks. Tetsu and Choco and I walk through the rice fields and past forests and go over an expressway overpass before heading back home. At the very center of the overpass I've been corralling Tetsu to give me a quick morning kiss. Oh my! What a lot of work. He has to look both ways and make sure there aren't any cars coming along the expressway or our country road. Heaven forbid if a farmer should be passing by at 5:30 in the morning.
Thank you for putting a smile on my face. And Choko looks happy too
ReplyDeleteTake care and safe flight
Ida
How sweet. Funny, but My Honey and I walk around holding hands all the time and the kids think it's sweet. We get smiles from strangers when we hold hands while walking in shopping areas. It's different, though, when he is in uniform. Then he offers me his arm and I take it. We don't hold hands, yet we are "formally" connected in an acceptable way. We always get very positive comments. I understand there are very different acceptable customs everywhere.
ReplyDeleteWell, I would NEVER let Paul pack my suitcase if I wanted to find something at the other end. He can't even organize a briefcase with his own stuff.
ReplyDeleteNo lovey-dovey stuff going on around here either. Japanese men, and women too, tend to be more conservative in showing affection in public, but it is also somewhat of a generation thing. The young people in Shibuya don't seem to have those hang-ups.
What a cute sweet story! I am so glad I have found your blog again. Enjoy your summer vacation!!
ReplyDeleteLove the photographs at the end. I'm afraid I'm much the same as Tetsu, I find public displays of affection fine for everyone else, but embarrassing for myself. Poor Christopher. As for packing, I pack my stuff and he packs his, and that's the way we have always done it.
ReplyDeleteLook at the love and devotion in Choco's eyes...;-)
ReplyDeleteTestu-san must be pretty good at quilting to know how to pack your quilt-on-the-go stuff.
ReplyDeleteI am sure you have been long enough in Japan to 'read' your husband's heart, and that affection is something you feel but not display.
Have a safe and enjoyable trip!
Have a good trip and enjoy your family time!
ReplyDeleteOh what different ways we have around the world.....and a great big GIGGLE...watching the two of you find a place for a smooch....hugs, Pat in IN
ReplyDeleteA photographer and a comic! Funny post! Have a safe and great trip to the states...always enjoy reading your daily life in the states too!
ReplyDeleteHow funny :) Thanks for the chuckle.
ReplyDeleteHow funny! But a romantic spot to smooch! At least he will kiss you even if he does have to make sure no one is watching (except the dog!) You can tell he loves you. Enjoy your month in the States. I envy you a husband who can pack, and likes to organize kitchens and such. It would never occur to mine. LOL!
ReplyDeleteSafe travels, Tanya! Have a fantastic trip!!
ReplyDelete