500 Yen Sales!

It's a 3 day weekend and I have no plans whatsoever. Most of my friends when to the most northern part of Japan, Hokkaido, for their annual Snow Festival. I didn't go because it was just way too expensive for such a short trip AND I don't like the cold. It's freezing up there. One night the temperature had dropped to -30 degrees C and peoples' cars wouldn't start.

Yesterday, I drove out to Yamagata City just for the heck of it. It wasn't snowing, which was a relief, but there was snow everywhere.

I was in luck because there were so many sales going on since stores are trying to get rid of their winter season merchandise. I first stopped at Nitori, which is like Ikea, not as cool of course, but it entertained me for a good hour. There were so many things I would love to buy if I was gonna live in Japan for a while.

Managed to score some things for 500 yen each! (that's a little less that $5):

• a pair of shoes that I will use as my new indoor shoes at the schools
  
• a wool sweater
  
• a really cool top
  
• a pair of waterproof winter gloves
  
• waterproof ski pants!

But, I broke my rule again, and bought 3 balls of yarn. Ah!



THANKS, KID.
After doing a bit of shopping I decided to stop at Tully's for some coffee. I had pulled into the parking structure at the same time as a family in a van did. We both got out at the same time. They had two kids, a boy and girl, probably 3 and 5 years old, respectively.

We were walking in the same direction towards the elevator, and as we were waiting for it, the little girl turns to me, stares and says,

"Chisai!" (translation: You're small!)

I think it's because she saw me get out of my car. The parents gave me a look that apologized for their daughter's outward observation.

But, geez, here I am in another country, minding my own business, and I am hearing a LITTLE girl tell ME that I am small!

LOL, thanks kid.



SORRY, I CAN'T SPEAK JAPANESE
Even though, I can - well, enough to get by. But the other day, I had ordered some food and was walking back to my car. I noticed that 2 Japanese guys, who were both probably around 20 years old, were watching me. Creepy...

So I hurried, got into my car, and locked my doors. I've always felt that Japan was very safe, but you can't put your guard down.

Then just as I was about to back up, they approached my window. I couldn't really understand all of what they were saying, but I think they wanted a ride because they were asking me which direction I was heading in. Very peculiar if you ask me...

I replied, "I'm sorry I don't speak Japanese."

And that's all it took for them to stop. They were so surprised because to many people, I look Japanese, that is until, I open my mouth.

But amazingly they go, "Oh, I'm sorry."


If I was their English teacher, I would be very proud of them! But since I'm not, I'm just a little creeped out.