So McDonalds is the new StarBucks. At least in my town it is. Since there aren't any StarBucks locations here in Kuki to hang out in, McDonalds serves that role. It has everything: a smoking area; young people; businessmen; housewives and babies. It even has a Nintendo DS "download area"--whatever that is.

Without a StarBucks to write in, I've been going to McDonalds. Strange as it sounds, this McDonalds really is the neighborhood watering hole.

Every time I buy my coffee, I'm handed a coupon. I'd been throwing them away, until I had Maki translate for me. Duh! It seems so obvious now. But, I ask, could you tell me what this coupon is for?

That's right, it's for either a free small coffee (remember in Japan small means children's size) or a discounted 50 yen medium coffee. How about a large coffee? Well large coffee isn't even on the menu. They don't sell large coffees, trust me, I've asked.