Full exposure yields quick refresher.

Just a weeklong trip through Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto with non-speakers of Japanese forced me into a position to translate, and quickly remember what I thought was long forgotten.

Living an 11 hour flight from Japan limits exposure. At times like this you really begin to appreciate the potential benefits of learning the language "in country" - a luxury I have never had.

Whatever the country... whatever the language... if you are there - take advantage - breathe it, live it.