Pocari Sweat

All over the streets of Nishinomiya there are vending machines full of sodas, sports drinks, waters, coffees and teas. You can even get a hot coffee in a pop top can or the same thing cold. Red buttons mean a hot beverage, blue ones mean cold. Don’t mix that up. The cheapest Coca Cola I have found is 100 yen, about 85 cents. Usually they are 120 to 150 yen. One sports drink they sell is called “Pocari Sweat.” I believe it is similar to Gatorade with added nutrients. I just can’t understand why they would name some drink after perspiration.

A lot of things over here are off like that. Even major corporations will have misspelled words or slightly mis-worded slogans and sales pitches. We see them daily.. Chrissy says they should hire her just to proof-read their material. She would be rich!

The air last night felt like I was walking into a swimming pool, warm and wet. Many of the Japanese and foreigners we have met, have said that this year has been exceptionally warm. Things will not cool off until October.

Not a day goes by, that I am not dripping sweat. I have stopped and bought water and sodas from the machines, frequently. Usually, I pack my own 500 ml water bottle. When Chrissy and I go on our death marches, I pack along a 2 liter bottle, we buy for 100 yen at the super, to refill our little bottles. Everyday, I also pack around a little washcloth to wipe the sweat off of my brow, neck and forearms. My desk at Sogo center has a plastic sheet. I cannot lean against it or I will stick. As soon as I get to work or off my bike I just pour. I also have a small hand held plastic fan in my backpack, for train rides, and in my desk at work. The only time I am not soaked with sweat is when I am in the shower. Chrissy has take to not wearing make-up because of the temp and humidity.

Everyone sweats over here, but the Japanese also wear multiple layers of cloths and even light sweaters and suits as they ride their bikes around town and travel on the trains. Kids look at me as though I were a sideshow act. There are not a lot of Gaijin in Nishinomiya. The foreigners live in Kobe, Osaka, and Kyoto, but not here.

Everyday we have been here the temperature has been in the mid 90s with a humidity higher than what I am used to. Chrissy and I felt only one natural cool breeze since we have been here, that was on our trek home from Costco last week as a thunderstorm was developing. Companies pass out fans and packets of Kleenex at the train stations, both are necessary!

I hope that answers some of your questions about the temperature over here. It has been warm! I here spring and fall are beautiful seasons.