jidohanbaiki

convenience is everywhere in japan.  one can find virtually everything one needs within a short walking distance.  among these tools of convenience are the jidohanbaiki--a.k.a. vending machine.  usually found in multiples with dangling signs to catch your eye, this gem was straight-away outside of my door in a recent hotel.  so i could slip out of my room in robe and slippers, clink-clink a couple of coins, and relish the beverage of my election.

you can find a good number of other goods in such convenient machines on streets, alleys, and public corners.  sure, you can find a necktie!  or some pepperoni slices!  or a flower bouquet!  never fear, the judohanbaiki is here.

flea market

this past weekend, we took in a cultural phenomena,
the mile high flea market.

a fantastical assortment of sights, sounds, multicultural exchange, and over production of petrochemical products. overall, this bizzare was a good time. if we are ever compelled to rake in some well past-prime produce, damaged goods recovered from along the supply chain, or a neon pink ten-gallon hat for 3bucks--we'll head back. until then, it will anchor our memories as an interesting deluge on a saturday in march 2008.

a tick off the old wish list

after 7 years of contemplating if i need them or not. i replaced my well-worn axiom norco panniers for a waterproof deutsch-made set of ortliebs.ah, joy. i first learned of ortliebs from a german biker i met at the peak of the climb in glacier national park back on my bike trip from iowa to oregon in 2000. he sung the praises about their watertightness and ease. each morning, as i have tucked my work clothes into a big plastic bag and jammed it into my holey norcos, i have thought about upgrading. then came the rei dividend, and i timed it right with the 20% off anything sale and i managed to knock 35% off the retail price making it pocketbook friendly and satiating my desires.