Bookstore

I blew through the book I had brought with me by now and have a long train ride ahead of me tomorrow. So this evening I hit up the biggest bookstore in Nagasaki in hopes of picking up an English-language magazine to help me pass the time.

I had heard English-language reading material were expensive in Japan, but OH MY GOD! Trade paperbacks were 1000 yen ($10) and up and magazines were even worse. 2300 yen ($23) for a copy of GQ! 2000 yen ($20) for TIME magazine! My plan had been to buy a magazine for the train and then ditch it once I got to Osaka but at those prices I felt I should be able to trade it for dinner...or somebody's first born. Likewise, I was going to trash the book I finished to save weight in my pack but now I think it's probably barter-able at my next hostel.

I did wind up buying a new paperback (a bargain 1030 yen) after hours agonizing at the rack. I wanted to make sure I got something really really good 'cuz my budget won't be able to handle another book purchase this trip.