"Getting It" or Not...

When I first went to Japan, I felt a breath of relief that not understanding wasn't held against me because I was a gaijin.

Now not "getting it" is often held against me.
I was looked at weirdly when I hadn't yet learned how to swipe my debit card.
I was judged when I didn't understand new vocabulary (see "new vocab I have learnt" entry.)
Where is the DMV (WHAT is the DMV?) I hadn't a clue.
Is this a dime or a penny?
What do all these interpersonal words mean?
"What's your social?" Uhh....

There is great value in listening and being quiet and learning by receiving and evaluating; asking questions at the right time.

Now, for the first time in a long time, I am on the receiving end instead of the giving end. It brings up a lot of issues that I have never looked at.

Om Mani Padme.