Signs of the Seasons

Over the past few weeks, I have been noticing a lot of little changes that come along with the switch from summer to fall, like the appearance of chestnuts in the store, the disappearance of air conditioning in the teacher's room, and more and more students wearing their full winter uniform, complete with vests and jackets.

This morning was the best though -- it was the first morning that I have walked out of my aparment and though that maybe I should have put on a jacket, but I didn't have time to go back because I had to catch the bus. I usually buy a can of coffee from the vending machine (a sure sign that I have properly adjusted to life in Japan is that I now prefer green tea or sweetened canned coffee). As I was putting my coins in the machine, I thought about how nice it would be if the coffee were hot instead of cold, which it usually is. And sure enough, when I reached down to pick up the can, it was nice and toasty warm. You've gotta love Japan for stuff like this - even the vending machines change with the seasons!