A different kind of Culture Shock

Before coming to Japan, I knew that I see a different culture of people and was prepared for it but, what I wasn't prepared for, was the different culture of bugs and insects that are not found in America.

The first time I experienced this, happened when I was hanging some clothes outside to dry and saw a HUGE hornet flying straight for me, and I had to duck down to get out of the way. I grew up on the countryside in America and have been around many different bees, but this was the biggest I had ever seen! After reading about them I found that they grow to about 50mm long. American bees are only about 1/3 the size.

I also saw my first cockroach at my house the other day, which I hear is pretty common. I have seen many other new insects and animals since I have been here and it is all very interesting, but sometimes a little scary.