Dear Diary, 

Here are the things I bought from a vending machine:

1. Okashi Gaku cake in a can #

First off, let's talk about the packaging. It's like a work of art in itself. A sleek little can, like it's hiding some delicious secret inside. Which, spoiler alert, it totally is. Now, I'll admit, I was skeptical at first. Cake in a can? Is this some kind of weird Japanese prank? But one bite in, and I was a believer. I’m sort of a cake connoisseur, so, just trust. And the best part? I didn't even have to share. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about spreading the love, but when it comes to cake this good, you better believe I'm keeping it all for myself.

2. Yokai Express Ramen #

This is a game changer in the world of munchies. I mean, a vending machine…FOR RAMEN. As soon as I laid eyes on that shiny, futuristic contraption, I knew I had to give it a whirl. Who wouldn't want instant access to piping hot noodles whenever the craving strikes? I scrolled through the options, trying to decide between the classic tonkotsu or the spicy miso, when I finally settled on the shoyu ramen. Because sometimes you just need a little soy sauce in your life, you know? I popped in my coins, pressed a few buttons, and before I knew it, a steaming hot bowl of ramen was dispensed right before my eyes. It's like magic, except instead of pulling a rabbit out of a hat, I'm pulling noodles out of a vending machine.

3. Dashi #

So there I am, minding my own business, when I spot a can that looks suspiciously like it's filled with some delicious beverage. It's Japan, right? Home of the vending machine wonders. So without a second thought, I pop in some yen and press the button like I’m getting a Dr. Pepper. That's when it happened. I took a big ol' swig of what I can assure you was NOT Dr. Pepper. I mean, what even is dashi anyway?

But hey, that's life, right? Sometimes you win big, and sometimes you accidentally drink fish broth from a vending machine. And you know what? That's okay. Because at the end of the day, it's all just part of the adventure.

4. Mystery Item  #

I’m not one to gamble, but I couldn't resist wasting my money on a mystery item from King’s Treasure Box. Will it be an iPod? Walkie talkies? A Von Dutch hat? Clearly, I had my hopes up way too high because when the item plopped to the bottom of the machine, I reached my arm inside, claimed my prize, and frowned. Glasses? And not just your average prescription, but plastic, light-up, bluetooth compatible glasses. You’ll know it's me when the train commute home turns into a rave.

5. Fresh Flowers #

Sometimes you just need to treat yourself while you are on vacation, especially if you can pick them from a vending machine.

Xoxo,

Maria