Bizen-Yaki Festival
October 21, 2007
Bernie had spent the night at my apartment the night before, so we left together for Bizen-Yaki day. I was really excited about this because of all of the pottery I have seen since coming to Okayama in July. I have read about it and heard about it and even chatted with my uncle about it. The only thing I had not done was buy it! That mission would be accomplished at the festival. This is the one weekend out of the year when they have this huge festival in the city and all of the prices are drastically reduced. I found out the other day that all of the artists agree not to sell anything full price on festival weekend. It’s the rule.
We got to the festival and were greeted by two of Bernie’s adult students. I thought it was hysterical but Bernie was not amused. We quickly found Amy, Meghan, and Steve and started our day of shopping. I had never seen so much pottery in one place. The streets were lined and there were so many shops. The amount of people who had come to the festival was unreal. This was a huge thing.
I looked at so many booths and so many things. I didn’t know what I wanted to buy; there was so much cool stuff. Some of the prices were insane. Well, not really considering the amount of work that goes into making the pieces, but at the same time, I just couldn’t justify spending that amount of money, especially not being able to guarantee that it would arrive back in the States safely.
After walking around for a long time, I found it. I found the piece that I had to come home with. I knew that it was going to be a hassle to get it home but it was just what I wanted and the price was unbelievable! Some people were charging thousands for about the same thing. With all of my shopping experience, I know a good buy when I see one so I snapped it up. I also saw something else I wanted in the same booth but I thought I better go think about it and come back. (I got it later.)
Later on, we walked by a booth that had a gorgeous vase. Bernie and I both wanted it but I was worried about getting it and then what else I had gotten but yet I still wanted it…so we did the ultimate Japanese thing and played junkin for it (rock, paper, scissors). She won (thankfully). I was sad because I liked it a lot, but I was very happy because I didn’t need it and she was so happy to have the vase. Every time she looks at it she will think of me.
October 21, 2007
Bernie had spent the night at my apartment the night before, so we left together for Bizen-Yaki day. I was really excited about this because of all of the pottery I have seen since coming to Okayama in July. I have read about it and heard about it and even chatted with my uncle about it. The only thing I had not done was buy it! That mission would be accomplished at the festival. This is the one weekend out of the year when they have this huge festival in the city and all of the prices are drastically reduced. I found out the other day that all of the artists agree not to sell anything full price on festival weekend. It’s the rule.
We got to the festival and were greeted by two of Bernie’s adult students. I thought it was hysterical but Bernie was not amused. We quickly found Amy, Meghan, and Steve and started our day of shopping. I had never seen so much pottery in one place. The streets were lined and there were so many shops. The amount of people who had come to the festival was unreal. This was a huge thing.
I looked at so many booths and so many things. I didn’t know what I wanted to buy; there was so much cool stuff. Some of the prices were insane. Well, not really considering the amount of work that goes into making the pieces, but at the same time, I just couldn’t justify spending that amount of money, especially not being able to guarantee that it would arrive back in the States safely.
After walking around for a long time, I found it. I found the piece that I had to come home with. I knew that it was going to be a hassle to get it home but it was just what I wanted and the price was unbelievable! Some people were charging thousands for about the same thing. With all of my shopping experience, I know a good buy when I see one so I snapped it up. I also saw something else I wanted in the same booth but I thought I better go think about it and come back. (I got it later.)
Later on, we walked by a booth that had a gorgeous vase. Bernie and I both wanted it but I was worried about getting it and then what else I had gotten but yet I still wanted it…so we did the ultimate Japanese thing and played junkin for it (rock, paper, scissors). She won (thankfully). I was sad because I liked it a lot, but I was very happy because I didn’t need it and she was so happy to have the vase. Every time she looks at it she will think of me.
By the way, the pictures are not on my computer yet because my camera battery decided to die and Casio has to send me a new one so...I have to get the from a friend. Pictures to come!!
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