I've been waiting to post something, hoping to be able to upload some pictures, but I've been having trouble doing so, so thought I'd at least write a short bit. What comes to mind today is how easy it is to recognize American over-consumption contrasting it against the habits of another country. Everything here comes in smaller, reasonable portions, and I don't just mean servings at an expensive restaurant. Want to buy tea at Safeway? You have plenty of options in a ten-bag size, or tuna for example, you get a can about half the size of ours. Speaking of tuna, any keen business people out there want to start an enviro-friendly dolphin-free gourmet tuna line? In the states you have tuna in oil or in water, and you have to put something on it, like unappetizing mayo. Here they have 100 flavors of tuna, so no need to put anything on it; lemongrass and thai basil, sundried tomato and olive, lemon and pepper, panang curry, you name it, they make it! Why hasn't anyone done this in the states? But I digress. Yes, everything comes in appropriate sizes here which is refreshing.

I mentioned before the lack of global chains, and I must admit that I've seen more and more, and McDonalds here all seem to be 3-storey monstrosities, but I still maintain that there are fewer than most places, and that there definitely is support for small business here, especially cafes, coffee shops, bookstores, etc. However, I did find myself in two scarey malls looking for affordable furniture and housewares. I thought I'd buy used, but it's rather challenging to transport a bed via tram or train, so without a car I'm left to use businesses that deliver and on a budget that meant IKEA was my first stop.

I better keep this short, must tidy up the flat where I've been staying before they return home. Will write more later, and add pics soon.