Ordinary events of the day like banking and shopping have different procedures in Japan.  Today, I had some bank business to conduct.  Since banks observe strict hours from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. and close on weekends, it's been hard to do my errand since our schedule with studying about Japan's education is in full swing by then.  Since our schedule today was from 9:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M., I dashed to the bank to be early.  I wasn't early enough.  Banks in the city have more than 1 floor for customers.  The first floor is all machines since common bank tasks like withdrawals can be done by machine.  If you have specialized needs that require an employee to deal with it, you have to go to the 2nd or 3rd floor.  There, you push a button on a machine that gives you a piece of paper with a number on it.  You take a seat in a waiting area that reminds me of a doctor's office and wait for the digital display to show your number.  By this time, you're supposed to have filled out a piece of paper with lots of chart space to fill in to explain your business.  Since I had no idea how to do this, I waited my turn and went to the teller who was waiting.  She was not a teller.  She simply takes your paper, gives it to one of a group of employees behind her.  Then, one of them gets the money or whatever other documents you are looking for. 
      No one spoke English.  After about 5 attempts at explaining by using my fingers and drawing pictures, we communicated.  Once your paper is taken (by now I have mine properly filled in), you step away from the counter and return to the waiting area.  No one even "lines up" or stays at a window until their business is finished.  When the other employee returns from wherever he goes to get the money, the "teller" calls your name, and you step forward to get your money.  I was a little nervous because I had given the teller 5000 yen and did not have a receipt.  (Do your math - if $1.00 U.S. equal 5000 yen, how   much had I given the tell in U.S. dollars?)   But, Japan is generally a very honest and trustworthy country and I received everything I had requested.
       There is a saying here: "If you lose something, it will come back to you."  That seems to be true.  I've lost a few small items and eventually found them all.  Some group members have lost important items like cameras, jackets, and even boots.  All have been returned to the owner.  What I learned today is that banking business takes more time and seems more complicated than in the United States.
     Shopping has its differences, too.  Thank goodness the cash registers display the price you are to pay with the same kind of numbers we use!  There is a big controversy going on now about whether or not the math exams the students take should use the "western" way of writing problems or use the Japanese Kanji (their symbol for writing).
     When you give the cashier at a store money, you never hand the money directly from your hand to their hand.  You place it on the counter if there is no small tray present.  Usually, the tray is there, though, just as it is in the bank.  The reason for this rests in something I explained earlier.  Remember, please, how I told you the Japanese people do not like bodily contact.  After the money and paying transaction is finished, your purchase is always carefully wrapped, and the wrapping method is unique.  The paper is folded around the item in a special way, and the ends of the paper are done in such a method that seems as complicated as origami.  The shopkeepers always thank you repeatedly and bow more than once.
     Tonight, eight of us enjoyed an unbelievable performance of the "Cirque du Soleil," which means "Circus of the Sun."  They have performed all over the world  It's not like a usual circus, but it is an entertaining gymnastics and acrobatic show.  Ask Miss Wanda; she has seen them.  I'll just say these people would definitely pass the Presidential Physical Fitness Challenge.