Back in April I shared about one of my adventures while walking to find some lunch. Here is another adventure while I tried to get gas for Betsy Blue (our car).
Before we left for our summer home leave, Chris and I were coming back from the Rokko Island when I noticed I needed gas. I know where there is a gas station near our house so I decided to stop on our way home. I pull into the pump (being directed by the service guy) and turn off the car. I had gotten gas several times before without any problem (thanks to the wonderful help of my Japanese teacher) so I have to admit I was pretty cocky when telling the service guy "Mantan regular onegaishimasu. Genkin de". (Regular gas please. I am paying with cash.) He then rattled off a bunch of words in Japanese that means something to the effect of "Would you like me to wash your windows". I said "Hai" (yes). He then rattled off a bunch of other words and not knowing what he said I said "Hai" again. The service guy then rushed off.
Chris asked me if I knew what the guy said and I told him "of course." The service guy proceeds to come back to the car, knocks on my window and hands me a towel. I looked at him and then at the towel and proceeded to start wiping my face off then my hands. The guy's eyes got huge and he shouted "Iie!" (No!) He then grabbed the towel out of my hands and reached over and started to wipe the dash, then left the towel there and rushed off to wash my windows trying to not let me see him laughing. I am not sure who was laughing harder, Chris or the service guy.
To my defense, people are always handing you towels to wipe your hands and/or face here. I thought the guy was just trying to be nice since it was very warm out. Of course after I smelled the funny cleaning solution on the towel I should have known that I was doing something wrong.
I am sure I was the talk of the service station the rest of the day. Us gaijins (foreigners) are always the source for many laughs here I am sure.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
8 comments:
That is too funny!!!! I'm sure they'd be laughing at me b/c I wouldn't have a clue about anything they were saying :o)
By the way, I like your new blog look!
Alexis,
That is hilarious!!! Did your face ever have any reaction to the cleanser that was on the rag? Cute story!
So, Japan is like being in First Class all the time? Nice!!
At least you put a smile on his face! :)
you are brave to write this story!
Thanks everyone!
Cait~ No reaction, thank goodness.
Apparently my being brave and retelling this story has been quite the talk of many dinner tables here. Glad to be such a dinner conversation piece. :-)
A omg why haven't you told this story sooner? Did your face have a nice shine for the day??
Post a Comment