Smith’s School of English Soap Box

What a beautiful day it turned out to be for our cherry blossom picnic in the park. The sun was shining and the yakitori was grilling. What better an accompaniment than the greatest of Japanese beers, an Asahi!! So off I went in high spirits ready to kick off the afternoon with some merriment under the cherries. One thing I love about Japan and the Japanese is their ability to drink outside and have civilized fun together without pitched battles breaking out. Back where I’m from alcohol, sun and people in close proximity are usually a volatile mix. So for me the festivals and events of Japan are always a pleasant time to enjoy with friends and toast the beauty of the seasons here.

I got to the yatai ( food stall ) and asked for a can of Asahi beer which I saw in a tempting big bucket of iced water. It was then that the lady promptly said, “500 yen please”!! My jaw dropped and throat went even drier than the super dry she was holding. I certainly wasn’t expecting a 100% mark up. It just goes to show that even though it may be a time of joviality and harmony it’s always prudent to get your supplies at the convenience store before you go anywhere. Oh, and did I pay for it? Are cherry blossoms pink?! Besides, it made a great story for the one-point ” He ripped me off”.