"Whatever you do, Terra..." he paused for dramatic effect, taking another sip of his canned iced lemon tea "don't ever buy anything from that machine"
"Why not?" I asked, my fingers smoothing the creases of the RM 1 note which I had extricated from the mess in my pocket with the intention of using it to get something from the vending machine for the very first time.
"I'm now on my third can for the day" he said, raising his can in his right hand. He took another sip. "It's crazy. Hear that sound?" he asks.
I nod my head.
"They're refilling the machine now. After this there'll definitely be guys lining up to get themselves a can or two. It's like everyone's addicted. Did you know the machine needs to be refilled every two days?"
 |
| Vending machines and I had a very interesting relationship while I was in Japan |
This *conversation happened over two weeks ago when I had asked B who sits opposite me in the office if the vending machine downstairs accepted RM 1 notes. It apparently does.
Since I've always been able to exercise self control to a certain extent, I didn't worry too much about B's sugar high filled laments about the seductive effects of the vending machine. Besides, I was planning to work **late that day and didn't like the idea of doing so with an empty stomach, giving the opportunity to over-excited gastric juices to launch an attack. So, I went downstairs, B's words still ringing in my ears and picked the healthiest drink I could find - apple juice.
The next evening saw me at the vending machine again. As I scanned what they had, I spotted Mountain Dew and mindlessly pressed the button. Mind you, I wasn't planning on leaving work late that day. I was there again the day after that, a can of iced lemon tea for myself and a Mountain Dew for my sister. The weekend came and saved me from further damage for slightly over a week.
Yesterday, I succumbed to the machine's charms once again. In my defense, I had to pass by it several times as I speed-walked between my building and the next doing my job (Note: If you want a job that can actually keep you fit, get a job as a process engineer in a Japanese company) Finally, after all that speed-walking, I saw B with yet another can in the evening and I decided to get myself a can of iced lemon tea.
As I sit ***writing this, all thoughts are on that machine and it's sweet seduction.
*Conversation was in the Malay language. I may have dramatised it a bit for effect, but the gist of it is the same. B is still addicted to 3 cans a day till today.
** late in this post means leaving work after 8 pm.
*** Yes, I actually wrote this post on a piece of paper using a pencil. As I'm typing this, I'm proud to announce that I did not go near the machine today.
hahaha sounds like quite the addict, but I suppose there are worse things to be addicted too. Even if the god awful machine sucks your money away.
ReplyDeleteYes, there are worse things to be addicted to, I guess. I just thought that B was exaggerating until I found myself visiting the machine more than I thought I'd care to.
Deletei get what you mean, Terra :) i like the notion of slipping coins and notes into a machine in return for some treats. i suppose the only thing that keeps me away from actually doing it is that i don't consume canned drinks all that much. maybe a Coke once in a while.
ReplyDeletebut yeah, good on you for resisting.
:)
They've got all sorts of stuff in there, cincau, soya bean drink, fruit juices and some carbonated stuff. Maybe that's why it's so popular. Admittedly though, nothing can beat the vending machines in Japan. They even have hot drinks in cans, something I wish this machine had.
Deletethey also have used panties in vending machines and that kind of stuff :p
DeleteI didn't see that - fortunately. :p
DeleteWell well done for not going near the machine today. We had vending machines at school and people seemingly were addicted to them but I never really had enough money to use them. The benefits of being poor by your societies standards I guess.
ReplyDeleteI guess it can get pretty costly getting stuff from a machine in the long run
DeleteMy girlfriend loves vending machines. I had to pull her away from one at the library today
ReplyDeleteHa ha... they are pretty fascinating, so I don't blame her.
DeleteAre your vending machines also ridiculously overpriced? To buy something from a vending machine here means you'll pay between 20%, 50% to 100% more for the snack / drink. So unless we're desperate, we find ourselves making the long walk to the shop or supermarket for the same items at cheaper rates :)
ReplyDeleteGenerally yes, but the products in the machine at work are subsidised by the company, somewhat... so it's actually quite affordable. Perhaps that could be one of the reasons why it's so popular.
DeleteWe have vending machines that do not even need cash - our staff id card also holds credit so you do not even think about paying double the normal price for a chocolate bar to subdue your mid-afternoon sugar craving - you just shove your staff id card in the slot and get your hit.
ReplyDeleteHmmm... I love the idea of having a vending machine with bars of chocolate in them... they are more worth the sugar than drinks.
DeleteHa, you will be moving in to the building to be close to this machine soon. I know how addictive they can be, they have one near me that has all these flashing lights and whirring noises it looks like a space ship. Ok so i still dont know what it sells, because its like an exam to work it out. I read that if you. push under the flap thing, and the choclate doesnt hit the bottom of the tray, then you ge t another free bar, because the machine thinks you didnt get anything.
ReplyDeleteIt's too close for comfort as it it, though I'll actually have to move to a different office next month, which is a bit further away from the machine than my current office is.
DeleteNow you've got me fantasizing about your vending machine!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the club! :)
DeleteYeah... I was kind of the same way in Japan. Everytime I passed a vending machine I was tempted to buy something.
ReplyDeleteTell me about it. Damn... I miss Japan and her wonderful vending machines!
DeleteThese type of drink providing machines should be refilled on regular basis as these type of thing get worse within the days.
ReplyDeleteNice blog..Vending machine is most popular and beneficial for business improvement.Thanks for this nice blog.
ReplyDelete