April 16, 2003
SARS
Posted by Matt in
Day to Day
SARS is the big question on a lot of peoples minds back in the states and FIRST OFF, I would like to point out that Japan has been commended on their ability to keep it out of the country. So just what does it stand for? Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. But it seems like it has more then one meaning. Granted, this does not apply to everyone but I have made an observation while here in Japan and I propose that it has a second meaning. Scary American Run away Syndrome. So what do I mean by this? Well, there are many smoking areas here, some outside but there are plenty inside as well. The ones inside are a confined area that can hold maybe 5 people comfortably.
I openly admit that I like to smoke (sorry mom) and here in Japan, smoking is allowed in areas that you would need to think back to the 80's to remember. Shoping areas, Mc Donalds!, public areas and at work. And when I say at work, I am talking about the designated smoking areas INSIDE the building, not walking outside in the pouring rain to get a fix.
What I am beginning to notice is that when I go into one of these areas, some (not all) people immediately assume that because I am a foreigner, I have SARS. People who have just lit up, put out their cig and leave and people who are having a conversation post cig get up and walk about 5 - 10 ft away and continue it. This is why I have given this virus a new name. I believe that some who read this may be visiting a foreign land and I would like to prove my hypothesis. You dont need to be an American to do this of course and you can speed up the process by letting out a tiny cough just to clear your throat. See the reaction and please post a comment. I would love to know if the "Run Away"ness exists elsewhere as well.
Matt
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Matt,
Be sure not get too much BARS. I visited Japan a couple of years ago for SHARP and had a great time. The night before I was supposed to head home I had way too much BARS and had a crappy trip home. Enjoy and keep us informed about your trip.
It's not just Yank-related paranoia, Matt. I live in Toronto, which I guess is considered "Hub 2" for SARS these days. Everything is shut down pretty tight -- theatres, bars, and so forth are all empty because no-one wants to be caught indoors with more people than they can count on one hand, on the off chance that someone has been out of the country, or knows someone who's been out of the country, or rode in a subway car behind a subway car that was carrying someone who knows someone whose cousin had been to a restaurant where someone four tables over had a neighbor who just came back from China recently. To top that off, the panhandlers have taken to selling generic surgical-style masks on the street corners at a considerable mark-up over retail.
Corona virus, eh? Same one that causes the common cold, pretty much, you say? They'll have a cure for that in no time at all, then....
LOL! I dont think I would mind the BARS :-). Infact, I am quite eager to contract it. I have yet to get a hangover. No I am not strange but Jess will attest, if you drink plenty of water before going to bed, you will wake up refreshed with no hangover :-). Granted I got a bladder the size of Texas so I dont wake up every 2 hrs to go to the bathroom but even if I did, I would much rather a crappy nights sleep compared to what I have heard a hangover is like.
I am happy to know it is not just me :-) (unless it has something to do with not showering :-P) Of course, if I told them that the plane I took here stopped in Japan and then continued onto Hong Kong AND I sat next to a guy going there who was eating cough drops like they were candy, I am sure I would be ALL ALONE all the time! :-) I will keep that one a secret.
Matt
the "Scary American Run away Syndrome" may have nothing to do with SARS. You are always gai-jin, regardless of what's going on in the world. If I recall from the pics posted, you look like a pretty tall guy, too... so basically, to the average Japanese, you are a freak :)
Awww Matt! That must be killing you too, being such an outgoing person.
Matt, no offense, but I'd laugh SO hard if you got your first hangover in Japan. The souveneir that keeps on giving. ;-) j/k
Yes Ed, Matt is a little over 6' tall. Should lead for some interesting pics!
