'Tis the season fo OMIYAGI!!!
Finals rule.They are hands down the most chill time of school. No class planning or grading, no having to look busy... bein an ALT during exams is a good thing.
So its countdown to destruction & I have a lot of presents to get for Christmas. Good thing Japan has this stuff ingrained into their culture... enter "omiyagi". Before I left, this was one of my biggest worries and annoyances about coming to this new place. But first, som background...
Omiyagi is something like souvenirs or any kind of gift given for some kind of once in a while event. For example, when one goes somewhere on vacation they are not expected (but sort of expected) to bring something back for their office/ place of work/ friends, etc. So, at most train stations, airports, bus terminals or places other tourist spots, you will always find some kind of box filled with sweets (cakes, mochi, candy) or local delecacies. I have found that these food boxes (especially the sweets) are really popular and easy as, you can just leave them out with a note and people will be more than happy to grab a piece on their own. You can also bring back little towels, phone charms, or anything else for the more special people I guess.
They also have box sets for housewarming and more recently, for the new year. It's fantastic. You can get tea, cakes, sweets, soba noodles, a set of cooking oil, detergent & softener, coffee, beer (the prettiest 24 pack I have ever seen), dish soap, soap & bath salts, etc. It makes things so easy!!! I can't get enough of it. I suppose its a bit of a bother to have to buy stuff everytime you go to another city (I've brought back stuff from Kyoto & Kanezawa so far).... over all though, I think its great & its a godsend for the holidays.
It started snowing again today. This time its not ugly snow! Its light, fluffy & cute snow that is just floating down. No theatrics this time... no lightning, thunter or pelting. It's really pretty
But I didn't bring snow boots today. Drats. (>_< #)
posted by KidBach @ 10:45 AM
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