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6. Vending Machines
Holy cow, there is just no way to describe all of the things you can get in vending machines here in Japan. Continue reading
Holy cow, there is just no way to describe all of the things you can get in vending machines here in Japan. Continue reading

Is it possible to fall in love with a country in just two weeks? In some ways, Japan is very similar to the US. Every other block has the old, familiar sight of a Starbucks, McDonald’s, Seven-Eleven Convenience Store, and bus stops. Go to a store and you’ll find Pringles and Doritos chips, Tide laundry soap, Dove shampoo, and Apple computers. Afternoon tv shows tend to be some serious drama that is reminiscent of US soap operas. Despite the language barrier, you can always still recognize that look from a Japanese mother towards her child that means innately “sit still.”
But at the same time, there is something so unique, so different about life in Japan. So here are 10 things Continue reading
So, these may very well not be the chicest things I have ever worn, but I absolutely love my new panda bear slippers! (Only $1.30! so awesome!!) But, while I would love to show off these darling panda faces (who could say “no” to those toes?!?), it is what they made me think about that is more important. I was sitting there, admiring my darling purchase, when I watched some lovely young woman stand in line at the food court.
She had it all: the leather boots, fitted pants, elegant shirt/vest, lovely scarf swept fashionably across her shoulder, hair styled perfectly. However, the two friends with her were far more dressed-down. One was wearing her college sweats with Ugg boots and an old sweatshirt; the other had on some blue jeans, a Superman t-shirt, and bright neon pink tennies. The comfortable-clothes wearing girls were laughing, chatting, and having a wonderful time. Meanwhile, ms. style-queen was just standing there, saying nothing, and staring at them as though through a wall. I didn’t even realize they were together until the other two turned and tried to engage her in conversation. Even then, she just seemed distant. And while I watched ms. style-queen, I couldn’t help but think that I would rather have my amazing panda bear slippers, my neon blue sunglasses, my winnie-the-pooh t-shirt, and my crazy personality, than be that seemingly perfect woman.