Things I can’t help but splurge on

I feel as though as I’ve gotten older, I don’t really spend money on much these days. I’m not entirely sure why, but I don’t really enjoy shopping. I know that a lot of people go shopping to make themselves feel better but I don’t find any solace walking around a department store or fighting with thousands of people in a shopping area like Ginza or Omotesando. I usually only go shopping if I have a purpose like buying a new pair of jeans or a jacket for winter. Now don’t get me wrong, I sometimes see people wearing a cool pair of shoes and think to myself, ‘I wish I had those’. The only other time you will find me shopping is when I have a girlfriend, which I do not have at the moment.

Obviously most of my money is spent on daily life and things such as rent, bills and food, etc. Living in Tokyo is expensive and the area I live in, even more so. I dread the feeling each month of spending my hard earned money on rent but of course, everyone needs a place to sleep. I choose where I live so I must accept the price and I think it’s worth it, but it still hurts. Being located in a convenient area is more important than cost, for me anyway. Each person has to decide what their priorities are.

So let’s get to what I splurge money on. There’s only one thing that I splurge on and I don’t even consider it splurging. It’s more like a hobby that I do with my friends. If you haven’t already guessed, it’s alcohol. Yes, booze is my splurge. For me, drinking alcohol is relaxing and fun but it is more than just that. It’s the social aspect that I enjoy the most. Previous girlfriends have never understood why I like drinking so much. They thought it was a waste of time but I know better. Think about this, many people love sitting in cafes and think it’s a great way to spend an afternoon. I couldn’t think of anything more boring. I do enjoy a good cup of coffee but have never had a decent one in Japan. Cafés are amazing in Australia if you haven’t been, and we have some original drinks that you can’t find here. You should try one if you get the chance.

Meeting friends at a bar or even in a park is what I enjoy. Having a chat and a few drinks is what I love and I’m happy to splurge on that. Back in Australia, we’re not allowed to drink in public like in Japan so that’s one reason why I like living here. There are exceptions, like having a barbeque, but there is so much freedom when drinking in Tokyo. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Japanese government for this. Some of the best days, or nights, have been spent outside in our private beer garden. That’s how I see the local park near the station where I live. We have picnic tables, a supermarket, a convenience store and public toilets. Heaven, in my mind. I’ll continue through the summer, but have to get past the wet season first. Noooo!!!!

Peter

Vocabulary

splurge (v) – to spend money freely or extravagantly
solace (n) - comfort or consolation in a time of great distress or sadness
bill (n) - a printed or written statement of the money owed for goods or services
dread (v) – to anticipate with great apprehension or fear
aspect (n) - a particular part or feature of something
exception (n) - a person or thing that is excluded from a general statement or does not follow a rule