Saturday, January 05, 2008

We can't go back; that's bat country!

I just read a rather disturbing news item on nu.nl: a whole bunch of people apparently attacked firemen who were just doing their job with fireworks and empty bottles.
The firemen were threatened, spit on and beaten.
According to the item, it has become a tradition to harrass rescue workers in their work of saving lives; I find this very disturbing.

Japan may have its share of problems, and it's far from being the walhalla some people at certain forums want it to be, but people here at least know how to behave themselves.

It will probably be hard to get accustomed to Dutch morals and customs again, next week.

K.

posted @ 3:04 PM | Feedback (1)

New Year Sale in Japan

Shopping-wise it's quite crazy in Japan at this time of year; the traditional New Year Sale started on January 1, and lasts from a few days to two weeks.
During this time, people actually make lists of shops to visit, and go at it as long as the shops are open.
Another phenomenon during this time of year are the Surprise Bags; a bag stuffed with goodies for a fixed amount.
Its contents may vary, but is always worth the purchase price, but most often a lot more.

A funny thing we saw on our way through Omote-sando yesterday; a really small shop called HAPPY HAPPY SMAP, with a queue from here to Rotterdam. Apparently, they sell a cd there, according to Wikipedia, which is only available during a limited period of time.
Economics 101.

Cheers, K.

posted @ 2:32 AM | Feedback (0)