You know you’ve lost your “New in Japan” smell when participating in the following conversation has no effect:
Liv: So what is something you can do in Sakiio?
Student: You can … go Kanikamayama Temple.
Liv: Cool! What else can you do?
Student: You can eat … octopus balls.
Liv [without missing a beat, ladies and gentlemen]: Oh, I love takoyaki! That is a great thing to try in Sakiio!
Student: Yes. They are … ver’ delicious.
It wasn’t until I was 2 blocks away from school that my inner 12 year-old stirred and after sniggering like Muttley, hung her head in shame.