Love Ambush + Konnichiwa Hola Hello! by Mari

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1bKmdGi98yHTSe70pLcbyf?si=0cf963dc6d5546a7

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What is it with people thinking they ought to decree who should love who?! Don’t get me wrong — I’m not saying the U.S. is the only country that can make things difficult. Locally, though, if I had a penny for all the people who ‘warned’ me that my Iranian husband was only marrying me to qualify for U.S. citizenship and that “you know those men become monsters once they marry a woman” — grrrrr!!! As a writer, at least I can repurpose horribleness as facets of my novels.

Just this morning, a neighbor recounted that merely twenty years ago, while she dated her husband, a restaurant in Burbank and another in Orange County told them to leave. Can you imagine?! Not that it should matter, she’s Mexican American and he’s Filipino American.

Don’t you just adore it when love counterattacks politics, greed, self-interests, bigotry, and the rest of the evils?

Today’s guest post is by blogger Ms. LILI, aka Mari, aka Lili en Florida – Florida, Japanese Mom of 4 (👧👧👦👶) × Cuban Dad, whose writing is as endearing as it is understated and cut-to-the-chase-vivid.. She’s a teacher, writer, motorcycle and car enthusiast, gamer, and musician who overcame discrimination against her dating her Cuban American now-husband…

Konnichiwa Hola Hello! by Mari

Hello! I am glad to share my blog with you. Who am I? I am a Japanese teacher and content writer. That’s Me, MARI (with my husband), at the top of this guest post.

A few weeks ago, the cherry blossom season started in Japan. Have you ever seen cherry blossoms? My friend YUKI sent me a cherry blossom photo last weekend…

I currently live in Florida, which is called the sunshine state. The weather is nice and warm all year around.

Over 16 years ago, I moved to this state. The reason was I wanted to improve my Spanish. Not for English? Hahaha, I have lived in a Spanish-speaking community for a long time. Before moving to Florida, I lived in Alicante, Spain. I was a traveler when I was young. I have visited over 25 countries. I think I am somewhat similar to da-AL. I like interacting with people from around the world…

My Journey to America

In 2005, I came to America as a tourist. I felt excited and different from my native country when I arrived at the airport. I don’t know how to describe my feelings well, but I felt more freedom than Japan.

I was born and raised in a conservative family. I am the first grandchild. I have no female cousins and no siblings. Since I was a kid, I have lived with high expectations from my mom. Moreover, I had to be a perfect person. I know now that no one can be a perfect person. But I didn’t know that when I was young.

I might be tired of living with pressure. I had always dreamed of living abroad. When I was a student at a Japanese university, I met my future husband as an exchange student. He is originally from Cuba. Wow, Is he really a Cuban? Yes, he is. He moved to America 10 years earlier than I moved. 

I remember when I introduced him to my Japanese friends. They were very surprised at him, but they accepted us. One of my friends was YUKI. We have been friends since we were 7 or 8 years old. We went to the same elementary school, middle school and university. She is a school teacher in Japan.  

My Japanese friends. Left is YUKI…

At that time, Japanese and Non-Japanese (Non-Asian) couples were quite few. Of course, my mom was very mad because I chose a non-Japanese guy. Well, anyway, dating someone was tough. 

In 2008, I returned to America. For about 16 years of American life, I have challenged many things. I finished my education, found a job, got married to the same guy and have 4 children now. My life is pretty normal, but I am happy. 

I like America and I hope to live as long as possible. At the same time, I am getting older. Sometimes I miss my hometown, Nagoya. I am mature now and have become a more peaceful person.

If You Plan to Visit Japan

I plan to visit Japan soon. Some readers may also plan to visit there this year or in the future. Before visiting, I want to share Japanese etiquette.

1. Don’t talk loudly on public transport.
2. Don’t blow your nose in public
3. Don’t burp and fart in public
4. Don’t make public displays of affection
5. Don’t hug and kiss as a greeting
6. Don’t show tattoos in public if you have
7. Don’t jaywalk
8. Don’t skip lineups
9. Don’t eat while walking
10. Don’t share food with chopsticks
11. Don’t stick your chopsticks vertically in a bowl of rice.
12. Don’t smoke in a Non-Designated Area.
13. Don’t open a taxi door manually
14. Don’t stand on the wrong side of the escalator.
15. Don’t be afraid of sleeping on the tatami mat and futon.
16. Don’t be late. Always be on time.
17. Don’t forget to carry cash
18. Don’t forget to take off your shoes in the house

Were you surprised? Don’t worry. Japanese people are generally polite and respect other people. You will have a good time while traveling in Japan.

Also, I share useful Japanese phrases.

• Konnichiwa 　こんにちは　→ Hello/ Good afternoon
• Arigatou ありがとう → Thank you
• Sumimasen すみません → Excuse me and Thank you *Depend on the situation
• Gomennasai ごめんなさい → I am sorry
• Sayounara さようなら → Goodbye

Here’s a sound video of me pronouncing those same words for you…

If you have any questions and/or you want to know more about Japan, please let me know. I am always welcome to answer your questions.

How do you counterattack hatefulness?