The getting dark thing is pretty normal in Japan. Here it is getting dark around 5 right now. I'd be interested in looking at a map and seeing where they sit in the time zone. I know, for example, even during winter, Indiana is about an hour off from where they should be. That is to say, true noon when the sun is overhead in Indiana is around 1pm. If Indiana were actually set on the proper time zone, everyone would be shocked at how early it got dark. I wonder what it is for Michigan and Vermont.
The average meal cost for us in Burlington, VT was $80 to $100.
I think I just had a small heart attack.
About the unpredictable weather, it might give you a good idea next time if you can find a local almanac. I remember I read a Mark Twain essay once where he detailed how the midwest actually has something like a dozen seasons instead of the standard four and he detailed each one. It was funny but also I completely agreed with him. I imagine everywhere is the same, with their own unique seasons and weather patterns. That kind of thing might be better captured in a local almanac, if some a thing can be found.
It's not totally uncommon here, especially now that we kicked back off daylight savings time, but it was just weird when we were sitting out at a cafe and it started getting dark and I looked at my phone and realized it was only 5:00 PM! That is a good point about the almanac. I honestly never put much stock in them, but I have seen your posts lately about them and it is interesting. Yeah, the food prices were a bit of a shock to us too, but like I said in the other post when you hang out somewhere for a while, and drink several drinks because you know you can walk back to your hotel and don't have to drive, then order an app and a couple main dishes, it can really add up. Plus I tend to tip pretty generously.