Let's Get Brainwashed.

We got to tour a car-making plant. There were lots of little details that were interesting, and I hope I can remember most of them now. (We had a *really* long day and I am so tired. Remember that I've been up since 4am.)

First off, some of the things that our escort says to us comes off blunt, but I think it's just a translation issue. When we arrived at the plant, apparently we were early, because she said, "The tour starts at 9:30. It is now 9:00. So stay on the bus until 9:30." Then, the UK guy asked about a cigarette break. She said no one could go outside. But then she talked to the bus driver, and he pulled out of the plant, and drove across the street. Then we were free!

In the plant, we walked on this walkway above the entire place, so we could see all the busy people running around and all the machines. The first part of the walkway had these garden lattice walls with fake ivy on them. It was rather odd. Then, I kept hearing music play. I heard Itsy Bitsy Spider and Fur Elise. Apparently, when there is a problem on the line, someone will pull a rope and the whole production line stops. Music plays as an alarm for the supervisor to come and fix the problem. I guess it's better than some annoying bell alarm sound.

We got to see engines put inside car bodies, windshields suctioned up by a machine and carried away, and lots of other noisy stuff.

Then we left and went to a small museum. I was so excited because there was going to be a performance by robots that play musical instruments - trumpets and trombones, I think. I REALLY WANTED TO SEE THIS. I always hope for 1 moment during a trip that really marks the whole trip for me. This was supposed to be it, I told myself. Unfortunately, we had a group photo scheduled at the same time. I tried to run away from this, but couldn't. After the photo, I went to the theater where the robots were, but a guard said I could not enter during a performance. At least that is what I think he said. He spoke in Japanese, but pointed to a sign saying this in English.



Then we drove back to a restaurant for lunch. They don't serve very much food at lunch. I had two little sushi-size pieces of fish, some rice, several pieces of lettuce, and some ice cream and a little cube of cake. The other American here seemed upset, because he said he was still hungry. I feel bad for him - he doesn't eat red meat, and I don't eat red meat or poultry, so for ease I guess the organizers have us both eat the same meals. So that means he only gets fish. He said yesterday he really wanted chicken. The way he said it, I felt guilty, like it was my fault that they misunderstood his diet preferences. Sorry!

Then we went to another museum, and saw more stuff. I got to see a loom make thread. It was so awesome. I cannot believe all the work that went into making thread back in 1900. AMAZING!

We were stranded for a long time at this museum. Everyone was tired and wanted to go back to the hotel, but the bus was not there. Or something. I don't know. Again, our escort was blunt and said, "Please sit down. Do not leave the museum." It was aggravating because we could see our hotel tower in the distance. It would probably be a 20-30 minute walk. When the bus did actually show up, because of traffic it took 20 minutes to get to the hotel.

And now here I am. Drinking some green tea and downloading my photos to my computer.

Labels: history, japan, tour