Bagless Nation: Market Dominance Imperative

1. 6-Month Narrative Velocity vs. Exposure Friction

2. Theater of Competition Matrix (90-Day Trajectory)

New Delhi [India], April 4 (ANI/SRV): Taxway has been honoured with the title of ‘India’s Largest Tax Consultancy Company’ in an official event of India?...

New Delhi [India], April 4 (ANI/SRV): Taxway has been honoured with the title of ‘India’s Largest Tax Consultancy Company’ in an official event of India?...

The latest India Today-CVoter MOTN survey found 23 per cent of respondents want education and healthcare prioritised. The finding comes as the government expand...

New Delhi [India], April 4 (ANI/SRV): Taxway has been honoured with the title of ‘India’s Largest Tax Consultancy Company’ in an official event of India?...

New Delhi [India], April 4 (ANI/SRV): Taxway has been honoured with the title of ‘India’s Largest Tax Consultancy Company’ in an official event of India?...

The latest India Today-CVoter MOTN survey found 23 per cent of respondents want education and healthcare prioritised. The finding comes as the government expand...

**My personal planning Excel with Price/Item Breakdown and Hour by Hour Schedule can be found here:** ***(Originally made in Excel so Google sheets broke the fancy picture banners I had for each day)*** [**https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12LkC1n7ElYmZbg1ODdWNxykCj9-h0Bgw/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115524973516890033599&rtpof=true&sd=true**](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12LkC1n7ElYmZbg1ODdWNxykCj9-h0Bgw/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115524973516890033599&rtpof=true&sd=true) **Timeframe + Price Breakdown:** ***Trip Length:*** March 9/10th to March 21st ***Total Spending:*** Approx. 6.5K USD(Pre-Trip Booking $4.5K, Day-to-Day $1.5k, Cash Spent $500) ***Credit/Debit Card used:*** 99% on my American Express Platinum(Only 1 place didn't take amex which I then used my Chase Amazon Prime card), cash pulled at 7/11 ATMs with my Charles Schwabs debit card for 0 atm fees (It reimburses me). *The cash spent was only because I liked carrying cash for a few cash only places however it wasn’t that common – I ended up just randomly chose to pay in cash sometimes to not bring back any. Which was a bit of a mistake post trip as its harder to remember what that amount was spent on.* ***Total Hotel Cost:*** 2 Nights in Asakusa(Tokyo), Queen Bed - Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Springs - $152.49 per night, $338.38 Total. 5 Nights in Central Kyoto, Double Twin, Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto - $144.49 per night, $808.09 Total. 4 Nights in Shinjuku(Tokyo), Double Twin, Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku - $140.50 per night, $561.98 Total *Hotels booked November 2024 during Expedia Black Friday sales. Opted for twin beds for slightly more room space. I also choose these hotels because they had onsens, it was an experience I wanted and so I spent extra for it.* ***Total Flight Costs:*** Roundtrip ANA SEA/Seattle to HND/Handea - $1,812.42(Total for both), Basic Economy 1 Carry on + 1 Checked Bag per person. *Flights booked October 2024 through AMEX travel to get free seat selection.* ***Total Shinkansen Costs:*** 2 Reserved Seat(Tokyo to Kyoto) - $187.46 2 Reserved Seat(Kyoto to Tokyo) - $187.46 2 Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass - $223.76 *A lot of people will tell you to book your tickets in person but I am extremely happy to not follow that advice. Each Shinkansen we got in was extremely packed and even booking the tickets a week prior we saw that a lot of the seat selections was already taken. We DID NOT USE KLOOK, we used the official SmartEX app and paired our Apple Wallet Sucia cards to our Shinkansen tickets. Which allowed us to tap and go – only possible with SmartEX to my knowledge. I also noticed that Klook was more expensive than SmartEX. For the Kansai Pass, we also booked the seats a week prior and got the tickets along with the Area Pass when we picked it up in Kyoto.* **Day 0, Monday: Seattle to Asakusa -** ***From the ANA Flight Review:*** I didn't get on the Pikachu plane Sadly. This was my first international flight ever and the first time being on a plane this big (three rows wowed me) I was honestly shocked by how much space economy had compared to US domestic flights. Though, on the way back, I realized that space disappears fast when people actually recline their seats—something the passengers in front of us did not do on the way there. ***Airport to Hotel:*** I chose Asakusa for the first night because of the direct train from the airport and its relatively close distance to Tokyo Station. Since we had one day in Tokyo to settle in and do some pre-trip shopping, this made things easier. Finding the right train line at Terminal 3 was a bit confusing. We found the ticket machine but kept walking down a pair of escalators, which was clearly wrong. Turns out, the turnstiles were right next to the ticket machine, but we missed them because a huge crowd of people was blocking the view. Thankfully, we had Suica pre-loaded on Apple Wallet, so it was just a tap-and-go situation (though I struggled to find where to my tap phone at first—a nice person helped me out). We got off near Asakusa Station and took a short walk through the temple to our hotel, which was absolutely gorgeous at night. Checked into Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Spring, dropped off our luggage, grabbed the free hotel noodles, and immediately went to Donki to stock up on snacks. Ended the night with a soak in the onsen and a Lawson egg sando, which we *did not not* Like because of a weird mustard taste. **Day 1, Tuesday: Asakusa, Ueno –** I woke up an hour earlier than my girlfriend each day for some solo exploration, which worked out great for grabbing cash and a pre-breakfast snack. First stop: Feb's Coffee, where I finally got to try Japanese flan. It's a bit different from the Cuban flan I grew up with—more watery and jello-like. Sensoji Temple – Holy shit. We absolutely loved this place. The whole experience—we did the full experience with the proper hand cleansing to the incense ritual and prayer—was super fun and immersive. We did omikuji (fortune slips), and I somehow pulled the best possible fortune (so obviously, I didn't do another fortune the rest of the trip LOL). My girlfriend, on the other hand, got the second-worst fortune which meant she had to tie hers down. We picked up some charms afterward—she got a bell for luck, and I grabbed a cool transparent blue one from the smaller temple next to Sensoji. We strolled down Nakamise Street, which wasn't too busy, but a lot of the stalls were selling mass-produced junk, and some of the food vendors seemed kinda sketchy. However, we stumbled across Kibidango Azuma, and wow—soybean flour mochi shocked me with how good it was\*.\* Absolutely loved it, wish I had gotten more. Big fan of soybean flour. At the end of the market, we went up to the Asakusa Culture Tourist Center Observation Terrace for a great panoramic view of the area. From there, we walked through the back streets to Nishi-Sando where we tried the viral melonpan and Giraffa Asakusa curry—both underwhelming. This kinda killed our appetite, so we skipped lunch and headed to Ueno early. Before leaving Asakusa, I stopped by the hotel to grab our checked bag and planned to take it to a nearby Yamato store, but the front desk told me they could handle it for me instead—huge win, saved me time. By the time we arrived, the weather started getting gloomy and drizzly, so we browsed some shops before strolling through Ueno Park. Came across some cool spots, like mini torii gates and a small temple. Originally, we planned to check out the National Museum, but we were too excited to keep exploring and decided to skip it. Looking back, I kinda regret that, since the weather got worse, and we didn't enjoy Ueno as much because of it(We didnt have an umbrella). We ducked into Uniqlo/GU So I could grab a few basic items. Highly recommend the seamless boxers—so comfy and way better priced than in the US. The Uniqlo building also had a food court on the top floor, so we decided to rest our feet and get out of the rain. Unfortunately, BOTEJYU Okachimachi was a total miss—my okonomiyaki and highball were mid at best, which sucked considering there were much better food options nearby. ***Asakusa Hotel Review – Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Springs: 8/10*** Super fun hotel, and the free noodles was shockingly good. The whole "take off your shoes at the lobby" thing was cool at first, but the novelty wore off when I forgot something in the room or just wanted to step out for a second. Also, I was constantly paranoid about ruining the tatami mats. The queen-size room was spacious enough, and the onsen was great—though having some random tourists try to chat with me while I was trying to relax was awkward. That said, everyone followed the showering rules properly, which (as I later found out) wasn't always the case throughout my trip. **Day 2, Wednesday: Nara (omizutori fire festival)–** We had a bullet train scheduled for 7:30 AM to Kyoto, so we started the day early and checked out around 6 AM. Originally, I planned to use Uber to hail a taxi, but luckily, there was one waiting right outside the hotel. In the worst Japanese possible, I asked, "Tokyo Station okay?" “Card okay?” Which made the driver laugh. He got us there with 40 minutes to spare. We considered getting ekibens, but we love our western carb-heavy breakfast, so we opted for McDonald's at the station instead. Of course, we had to try all the limited-edition breakfast items they had. Navigating Tokyo Station wasn’t an issue since I had already marked the exact platform we needed and confirmed it using Navitime app. (Google Maps was unreliable and often failed to find the exact train.) Also, I highly recommend this [PiQtour video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht2I2_SU2fQ&t=44s), [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht2I2\_SU2fQ&t=44s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht2I2_SU2fQ&t=44s) which made getting to the platform a breeze. We boarded and realized that we were the only foreigners in the cabin. What really shocked me was how Quiet The train was – I loved it. Along the way, the clouds parted just long enough for us to catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji! It reminded me a lot of Washington's Mt. Rainier. The 2-hour, 30-minute ride flew by—I was glued to the window the entire time. Once we arrived at Kyoto Station, we picked up our Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass first. That turned out to be a smart move since, since the line moved very slow and grew. I felt bad for the staff because it seemed like everyone was giving them a hard time. When I got up to the counter, I simply handed over my printed reservations, and they quickly processed everything, handed me our passes, and explained how to use them. While picking up my pass at the same counter, I noticed the exclusive Astro Boy sakura ICOCA IC card and picked one up for the novelty. The card itself was $5, but you’re required to load it with $25, making the total $30. I didn’t use it for transit but instead spent the $25 on a split purchase at the Nintendo Store later in the trip. From there, we walked over to the Mitsui Garden Hotel next to the station. One of the main reasons I picked this hotel chain was their bag shipping service—if you’re staying at another Mitsui Garden location, they’ll send your luggage ahead for only $5 per bag. So, we handed over our bags, which were sent directly to Mitsui Garden Hotel Shinmachi Bettei, where we’d be staying later that night. Now bagless, we took the Kintetsu Limited Express to Nara for the deer park and the Omizutori Fire Festival. It was a bit confusing at first, but a kind station worker literally walked us through the whole process—helping us buy tickets and even guiding us to the correct train. We were blown away by the level of service and waved a huge thanks as we boarded. The limited express was well worth the small price, getting us to Nara in 30 minutes and much closer to the park than the JR station. The restaurant I had planned for lunch was closed, likely due to the festival, so we grabbed some konbini food instead. On the way, I stumbled across a shop selling Tabis which were made in Japan and impulse-bought a pair. At the park, we made a quick stop at Kōfuku-ji before heading to Kasuga-taisha Shrine. Along the way, we got deer biscuits and were immediately Attacked by the near by deer, which forced us to buy more. We had to hide them until we got further in, where the deer actually bowed before taking the food. The ones near the entrance were way more aggressive, probably because most tourists don't know you're supposed to bow first and just handed over the biscuits. When we reached Kasuga-taisha Shrine, we were a little disappointed to find the main lantern attraction roped off. It seemed like a special event was happening — there were young men in white kimonos alongside the priests, possibly something related to the Omizutori festival? Even so, the walk there was relaxing and gorgeous. (A bit muddy due to the rain, avoid white sneakers!) From there, we took a different path through Nara Park toward Tōdai-ji, passing a small street lined with shops. Most were closed, but we grabbed some egg sandos from 若草山パレット, - solid 7/10, much-needed fuel. Tōdai-ji itself was just as epic as I imagined. Photos do not Do the Great Buddha justice—it's Massive. We spent so much time just walking around in awe. I had completely forgotten this was also the temple with the enlightenment pillar hole! Watching people squeeze through was fun, and the crowd was cheering for everyone. My girlfriend and I both managed to do it—it’s a lot harder than it looks! After that, we did short hiked up to Tōdai-ji Nigatsu-dō, the main viewing area for the Otaimatsu torch-burning ceremony. We arrived around 5:15 PM and secured a good spot in line. The crowd was sizable but mostly locals. The festival started around 7:40 PM with a short explanation in Japanese, follow by Korean, Chinese and English. Then, everything went dark as they lit the torch and carried it to the corner of the temple. Groups were allowed to walk underneath it, though we were kept at a bit of a distance, and the police were managing the crowd quickly. The whole process of walking underneath took less than a minute, but it was still fun! I just wish I had brought a small book to read while waiting—or had a better eSIM. (My girlfriend, who used Chris Abroad's eSIM, had no issues, while mine wasn't loading anything.) After the festival, we were funneled out of the park and ended up on an bus that had just arrived to Kintetsu-Nara Station. The trip back took a while, requiring a transfer to the Kintetsu Kyoto Line and then a local train (K) to our hotel. **Day 3, Thursday: Kyoto (Philosopher path, Gion, Fushimi Inari) -** I ended up swapping my onsen time to the morning, highly recommend it if you want to basically have it all to yourself—it was a great way to start the day. For our full stay in Kyoto, we opted for the hotel breakfast package during booking. This ended up being a great decision, as we got to try several different traditional Japanese morning dishes, along with a buffet of other items. I discovered that I am a HUGE oden fan—oden rocks, and it was such a highlight of my Kyoto mornings. After breakfast, we requested a ride through Uber to Philosopher's Path. I was on the fence about the path, as it was still winter/early spring and there was no foliage. However, the moment we got off, we got distracted by a small shopping street leading up to Higashiyama Jisho-ji. We got a matcha cream puff at Ginkakuji Matsubaya, and it was 10/10. When we reached the entrance of Higashiyama, I decided we should check this place out, and I’m glad I did instead of walking the path. The garden was stunning, and it was so much fun walking around. We easily spent 40 minutes taking it all in. Once we finished, we saw a stand for sugar covered strawberries and dango to try. Ended up liking the taste of the dango with the brown syrup on top. It was much savorier than I expected. As we didn't plan to walk the whole Philosopher's Path, we decided to make a trek to Mo-an Café. It was quite the hike up the hill, but extremely fun looking at all the Kyoto houses and smaller shrines. Once we got to Mo-an, I was taken aback by the atmosphere. It's a great hidden place, but know that it's extremely quiet and tranquil — so much so so that it was jarring when a group of other travelers waiting outside was speaking so loudly you could hear it inside. Once we finished, we headed back down towards Yoshida Shrine, another large, gorgeous shrine with a priest doing his prayers.We hailed a taxi and made our way towards the iconic Sannenzaka spot. **Pro Tip:** Download the “Go” app prior to your trip for taxis. But if you mess up like me and notice the app requires a text confirmation, use your parents' or a friend's phone number and have them them provide you the message, since your eSIM won't have a phone number. We had our taxi drop us off at Kodaiji Park, which is a great tip since it’s super close to the iconic area but easy for the taxi to pull up with its parking lot. I was nervous about this spot because online it's painted as an 'overtourism' hellscape. What I found instead was a busy shopping street filled with fun shops, including a small Ghibli store I didn't even know was there! However, I found the Ghilbi store at Diver City to have a larger variety of items, whereas the Kyoto one has a smaller offering. We went into the iconic Starbucks, rested for a few minutes, and then went back out for more sightseeing, heading towards Kiyomizu-dera. I think my experience with larger crowds made me think it was not much different from visiting Disney World during peak seasons. Once we got to Kiyomizu-dera, I was taken aback by its beauty. This was 100% the busiest temple we went to during the whole trip, but everyone was nice enough to continue moving along, so it was easy to look over the ledge and take pictures. I noticed when we got to the three streams of Otowa, a lot of people didn't know what they were looking at or doing. Ironically, I had played "Go! Go! The Nippon! My first trip to Japan” and a school field trip confirmed that one each of the waterfalls represented school achievement, fulfillment in love, and longevity. We both went with longevity. It was fun seeing all the kids do the school achievement one. Finishing up at Kiyomizu-dera and Sannenzaka, I honestly wished I’d spent more time in the area. You could easily spend a full day shopping and exploring this area but having just a few hours was still a lot of fun. We took another taxi to our final site for the day: Fushimi Inari Shrine. We had a dinner reservation at a restaurant right next to it, at Itsukichaya Fushimiinari. Exploring the shrine during 'blue hour' was a blast. We walked in for a few moments to thin out the crowds and took a bunch of pictures. It was such a gorgeous place to see during sunset, as the lanterns gave it an awesome vibe. I would 100% come back to Fushimi Inari during my next trip. Once we finished, it was time for our reservation, and we enjoyed a large 5-bowl, yummy beef shabu set. It was upstairs overlooking the forest, which was an awesome way to finish the day. Instead of taxiing back, we decided to take the near by metro down to the Nintendo Store to catch the last hour it was open. Then we learned that Japan has taxi stops-Basically, a bunch of taxis line up, and you just grab the first one. It's an easy way to get home quickly afterwards. **Day 4, Friday: Himeji -** This day marked our first 'Day Trip' using our pass. Originally, we had planned to go to Osaka, but since this won’t be our only trip to Japan, I decided to make the most of the pass we got because of Hiroshima. One challenge, though, was needing to get to Shin-Osaka each day. This became tricky the first time, as we couldn't find the limited express for the life of us. Even though we were at the platform, we ended up missing it twice because Google Maps gave us serious doubts. We should have stuck to what I had on my Excel sheet. I’d advise using NaviTime over Google for station trips, as Google can sometimes suggest completely different routes. Still, we made it to Shin-Osaka in plenty of time for our short Shinkansen to Himeji. *(Ideally however this pass should be used if you are staying in Osaka vs Kyoto as it doesn't cover the Shinkasen route from Kyoto -> Osaka - I knew this but already had my hotel booked so we just dealt with it. However I do not recommend taking far daytrips from Kyoto, just not worth spending the extra hour.)* We booked a free tour through i-guide [https://i-guide.jpn.org/](https://i-guide.jpn.org/), which pairs you with a Japanese local learning English. I wouldn’t recommend this if you’re introverted or if you expect the best guide experience. It's very casual, and I ended up helping to help our tour guide learn some new English words to describe things. The tour was quite long—we spent pretty much the entire day with our guide. You’re supposed to buy their lunch, but he insisted on paying for ours instead! I had packed an omiyage (small gift) to give at the end so I got the favor back haha. He took us to a small local okonomiyaki spot, and it was 20 times better than what we had in Ueno. After eating, we visited the garden by Himeji Castle, which was pretty, but since it was still winter/early spring, there was not much foliage. We got along so well with our tour guide that he offered to give us a tour of Kobe next time we come, and to spend more time with us. Afterwards, we explored Himeji's small shopping area before heading back to our accommodation to rest up for our next day trip. **Day 5, Saturday: Hiroshima -** This day was the most straightforward and mainly spent traveling. The only goal for the day was to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, as my partner had always wanted to go. We really enjoyed the experience, but I would recommend staying the night if possible. We didn’t mind losing most of the day (it was nice to reset our feet), but a better plan would have been to spend the following day exploring Hiroshima(Which didn't fit into our schedule). We had breakfast at New York New York in Hiroshima, a cute little café, before heading to the memorial. We spent a couple of hours there, taking it slow and reading everything. While we loved the Memorial, we were disappointed by how tiny and cramped it was. The layout was not great, and with the number of people, it took forever to see anything. Additionally, there were some tourists behaving in poor taste, taking selfies and giving thumbs up—extremely disrespectful. Originally had planned to take a taxi to the memorial and back but found taking the surface tram worked out great. **Day 6, Sunday: Kyoto ( Arashiyama, kinkaku-ji, Nishiki Market) -** This day had a few changes from what I had originally planned due to the weather, as it was rainy. We ended up spending more time walking around Arashiyama and skipped the Monkey Park since we didn't want to trek up a potentially muddy path. We also shipped out our checked bags to our next hotel with the help of the hotel's front desk. Our taxi driver dropped us off at a side/end section of the Arashi Bambooyama Forest, which left us a bit confused as there wasn’t anyone around. It could have been the weather keeping people away, but the crowd level was very manageable. I wasn’t that impressed with the forest—it could have been the weather though. Once we finished taking a few pictures, we explored Arashiyama itself, which was gorgeous. We stopped by a few shops and picked up some yummy treats. After spending a few hours in the area, we took a taxi to Kinkaku-ji. We probably got extremely lucky with the bad weather, as Kinkaku-ji was also less crowed. The weather started clearing up, so we got some awesome pictures. This temple was a really fun place to explore and walk around. It took less than an hour to really take it all in. Right before the exit, we saw they were offering a tea experience for only 500 yen. We decided to give it a try, and it was such a cheap and fun experience with matcha and a gold-flake treat. I will 100% recommend it. Next, we took another taxi to Nishiki Market, where we tried a few things on my list. I felt that there were a lot of overpriced items at the market compared to other stalls I had seen throughout the day. The most memorable were Kyo no Onikudokoro and まるもち家 錦小路店. Highly recommend both—they were well-priced and offered a great experience. We spent the rest of the day shopping and eating around Nishiki Market. While it was busy, it wasn't much different the crowd levels of Pike Place Market. I was shocked by the sheer number of retail stores in Nishiki. I wish we had more time to step into each one! **Day 7, Monday: Uji (Nintendo Museum) –** Check-out day and the last day of our Kyoto hotel breakfast. I didn't realize just how much I was going to miss having breakfast at the hotel. It was a great way to get all the energy I needed to start the day. I'll probably consider doing more Japanese breakfast add-ons in the future. We shipped our carry-on bags to the Mitsui Garden hotel next to the station so we could pick them up when we returned from Uji. The primary focus of the day was the Nintendo Museum and exploring Uji, time permitting. We ended up getting to Uji earlier than expected—about an hour before anything opened—so we had time to check out Byodoin Temple. It was a fun little stroll, and the museum inside the area was cool. Afterward, we had matcha dessert and drinks at Nakamura Tokichi Byodo-in, which was soooo good. With 30 minutes to spare, we headed over to the Nintendo Museum, just one stop and a short walk from Uji. We had an absolute blast at the museum. We did the shopping first because we were worried things would sell out (which, in hindsight, was kind of silly, as nothing sold out). We spent $250 on shirts and a large Wii controller plush (the packable duffle fit the Wii controller without any issues). They recommend doing the interactive games first, and I totally agree. We did the museum first, and when we got to the interactive games, there were no lines. However, by the time we finished, the game section was packed, and huge lines had formed. We spent our coins on the batting cages a couple of times, then played the Wii controller mini-games and Mario Kart on the N64. I 100% recommend the batting cages—so much fun! We also signed up for the Hanafuda cards lesson, which was AWESOME! We were the only foreigners, but the staff was super kind in helping us get started. I loved Hanafuda so much that I ended up picking up a deck later in the trip. Afterward, we headed back to Kyoto Station with some time to spare to pick up bentos and our checked bags. The ride to Tokyo Station went smoothly, even though it was another packed Shinkansen. From there, we rode another line at Tokyo Station to Shinjuku. Super easy, just following the station signs and the platform listed on Google to our next Hotel. ***Kyoto Hotel Review – Mitsui Garden*** ***Shinmachi Bettei : 9/10*** Originally, we had planned to stay at another Mitsui Garden Hotel, nicknamed the "temple hotel" next to Nishiki Market. However, due to construction, they rebooked us at this sister hotel. While the location wasn't the best, everything else was amazing. Great customer service, an amazing room, a wonderful breakfast, and a great onsen with plenty of shower stalls and grooming amenities. I was super impressed with the Mitsui Garden chain and will be staying at their sister hotels in the future. **Day 8, Tuesday: Harajuku, Shibuya ( Shibuya Sky ), Shinjuku -** The day started with an onsen in the morning, and I was really glad I stuck with morning onsens at this hotel. My girlfriend, who did the Onsen at night, had some wild experiences. I even made a Reddit post about how hotel guests completely ignored onsen etiquette. The hotel didn’t have much explanation compared to my previous stays, so I wasn’t surprised people didn’t know the rules. After coming from our spacious Kyoto hotel room, this double twin room felt even smaller than the one in Asakusa and was incredibly dusty. Honestly, I kind of hated this hotel from the get-go, which soured my Tokyo experience. We started the day with breakfast in Harajuku at Honolulu Coffee. It was good, but crazy expensive for what we got compared to Kyoto, and I later realized that food in Kyoto was much cheaper than in Tokyo—at least that’s how it felt to me. We then strolled down to Meiji Jingu and enjoyed the peaceful scenery, killing time until most stores opened at 11 AM. Once they did, we walked down the iconic street, stopping by a few pre-planned shops. Getting to Shibuya was quick and easy, and the station opened right onto the iconic crossing, where we had a laugh at how underwhelming it was. We had a reservation at Shibuya Sky later in the day at 3:30, so we killed time going to Parco Mall for the many different shops. We had a great time walking around Shibuya and think it was an excellent shopping/food experience. Looking back, I’d spend more time in Shibuya than Shinjuku or Ginza. I was on the fence about staying for the sunset at Shibuya Sky because the weather was cloudy. We decided to wait for the sunset, but I’m not 100% sure it was worth it. The weather was cold and overcast, and we spent most of the time indoors. I also found the Tokyo skyline to be too homogeneous, and paired with the grey sky, it didn't feel as memorable as other observatories I've visited in New York City. The sunset was pretty, but nothing to write home about. The real magic, in my opinion, came around the "Blue Hour"—the few minutes after the sun goes past the horizon when the lights start to turn on. The city really came alive, and my initial criticism of the skyline completely faded. The Tokyo Tower looked absolutely stunning against the night sky from Shibuya Sky. Depending on the weather forecast, I’d recommend coming slightly after sunset to catch that blue hour/nighttime view of the city. Afterward, we did a bit more shopping and headed back to the hotel to drop everything off before checking out Shinjuku and Golden Gai. Once we got to Golden Gai, we were extremely underwhelmed and ended up laughing at how touristy it all felt, with multiple tour guides shuffling people around ,but it was silent. Despite being busy, no one was talking. We only cared about two bars: Anime Bar and Open Book. We ended up getting a spot at the Open Book bar, which was pretty, but the drinks were overpriced. It also had a kind of ‘cold’ vibe—the bottom floor was for tourists, while the top floor was for locals, as the bartender would send anyone who spoke Japanese upstairs. When we got in, for a packed bar, it was surprisingly silent. Eventually, we struck up a conversation with a couple next to us. There was a small cover charge, and the lemon sour was just okay. However, the Cola Sour was absolutely delicious! We finished quickly, tried at the Anime Bar, but it was still packed and made our way to Kabukicho/Godzilla instead. Kabukicho was interesting and definitely lived up to its infamous reputation. I felt fine and ignored the street promoters trying to get us to shake hands or strike up conversations. My girlfriend didn’t feel the same though. We had originally considered booking our hotel here, and she said she was glad we didn’t since she felt like she would have been unable to step outside alone due to possibly being harassed and followed. She said she didn’t feel that way in any other location we stayed at. I was also shocked to see so many tourists going up to the street promoters and following them into the clubs. One group even asked, "Where can we have fun?" I was shocked that they didn’t realize most of these guys are scammers. We got our pictures with Godzilla and walked into the movie theater, which completely blew us away. Why are Japanese movie theaters so cool! They had a little gift shop where we found exclusive made in Japan Wicked merch. The food also looked good and cheap! We seriously considered watching a movie, but didn’t have the time. Slightly disappointed with Shinjuku, we walked past a gacha claw game place in Kabukicho, where I found out I had a little gambling addiction. Later, I learned that the UFO claw game at this location was reasonably priced at 100 yen per try, compared to 200 yen in Akihabara. **Day 9, Wednesday: Tsukiji Outer Market, Diver City (Teamlabs Planet)(Freak snow day) –** This day started off weirdly—with a freak hailstorm that turned into snow. The weather report said it was only going to rain, but in Shinjuku, we got a solid inch of snow. **Pro Tip:** All our hotels offered free umbrellas to borrow, so no need to buy one. I wouldn't visit Tsukiji Market on a Wednesday again as many places are closed. Despite the snow, walking through the stalls was still fun. We ended up at a coffee shop that was random but hilarious—turns out, it was John Lennon's favorite place? They had a newspaper claiming it was. We also found a ramen spot that was a Godsend For the extremely cold weather, and I highly recommend it. Given the windy, snowy, and rainy weather, we decided to head to Diver City a little earlier than planned. It worked out great as a collection of indoor malls. We spent some time in all the shops, and the Gundam shop was really fun. We even picked up some exclusive items from there. We had dinner at Gonpachi Odaiba after trying some takoyaki at the Takakoyaki food court. Then we headed to TeamLab Planets. I chose TeamLab Planet over Borderless because I wanted the linear experience. I’ve known about TeamLab since 2016 when I first saw it through Jakenbakelive on Twitch, and I was really excited to experience it for myself. I'm happy to say it surpassed my expectations. The water section was soooooooo fun — we spent most of our time there and had to drag ourselves away to explore the other parts. Highly recommend it – 10/10. The room where you sit and watch the dome projection of flowers/plants moving around is extremely trippy. My girlfriend is prone to motion sickness and mentioned this was the only room that made her quite dizzy once she sat up. We left around closing time, probably spending more than three hours there. Now, on my Excel schedule, I had planned to take the metro, but Google Maps said a bus would be "faster." Normally, I avoid buses because they're an unreliable gamble. However, we decided to risk it, which turned out to be a mistake. When we got to the bus stop, there was a line of people waiting—and worst of all, the bus didn't stop at the stop because it was already packed. **Pro Tip:** If you have the option of taking the metro vs. a bus, choose the metro, even if it's 5 minutes slower. It's not worth the risk. We had to backtrack for 10 minutes and ride the metro. **Day 10, Thursday: Ginza, Akihabara** This day was laser-focused on two main goals: find a Rukia from Bleach Relax Time series figure in Akihabara and get a pair of made-in-Japan loafers from the Haruta brand in Ginza. We also had our omakase reservation, which I made through Tablelog (the Japanese version, since the English version didn't allow for reservations). Our day started early in Jinbocho, where I had found a cute coffee shop online prior. However, when we got there, we learned it was closed due to the public holiday—along with our backup option. So, we ended up at Trully's Coffee. Afterward, we walked around the Imperial Gardens while waiting for our omakese reservation at noon. The gardens were gorgeous, and I’d love to return when everything is blooming. It's huge, so don't underestimate the time it takes to cross the garden. All the walking and the light breakfast set us up perfectly for our lunch at Ginza Sushi Banya. I managed to snag a lunch reservation for a crazy good price of about $60 per person. This spot is clearly popular with locals, as the reservation required a Japanese Tabelog account, making us the only tourists. They were extremely welcoming, though. The sushi experience completely spoiled us—I’d love to do this again. After lunch, we did some more shopping. Eventually setting off to find the Haruta loafers, made our way to a random ABC-mart in a mall. Little did we know, the mall had a physical Haruta section! It was a complete surprise and a great find. The workers helped us try on what we wanted, and we walked out with a pair each. They were a great price for well-made loafers. We spent some more time walking around Ginza before heading toward Akihabara. At Akihabara, I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it much, as everyone online talks about it in a mixed way. However, I ended up having an absolute blast—so much so that we decided to stay longer than originally planned. We grabbed some food at Cow Cow Kitchen, which I highly recommend cheap and yummy. We set out to find my Bleach figure, hitting up multiple figure stores. It was a lot of fun, but prices were all over the place, so don’t commit to anything on first sight—shop around! One store may have an item for three times the price of the store next door, where it could be under 1000 yen. We were having no luck with Bleach figures until our last store, where we struck gold. We found so many Bleach figures, and by sheer luck, I got my Relax Time Rukia! We almost screamed when my girlfriend pulled it out. **Pro Tip:** Do some figure research beforehand and it becomes like a mini treasure hunt. We didn’t do any UFO crane games, as the 200 yen per play it didn’t seem worth it compared to what we found in Shinjuku, but we still walked around finding cool gachapons we wanted. I really wish I'd spent more time in Akihabara. Even if you're not there for shopping, just browsing is a lot of fun. ***Shinjuku Hotel Review: Onsen Ryokan Yuen 4/10*** The hotel was pretty, but it was ruined by several things. Poor cleaning (the room was extremely dusty). Lack of AC control (Kyoto and Asakusa both allowed us to control it), and the room was incredibly stuffy—so much so that we ended up sleeping naked because it was so hot. The AC was centrally controlled, but it was basically off. Also, one set of elevators was constantly being used, which meant crazy waits just to get to the lobby. The onsen experience was disappointing for my girlfriend, which soured the overall experience. We won't stay here again. **Day 11, Friday: Shinjuku –** The last day arrived, and the trip felt both long and short at the same time. For my final morning onsen, I got to see a gorgeous sunrise, which was the perfect way to end it. We had pre-booked an airport ‘limousine,’ essentially a bus, to take us to the airport, so we didn’t need to worry about our two checked bags. Our flight wasn't until 9 PM, so we still had time to explore. We taxied to Keio Plaza Hotel, where the limousine was scheduled to pick us up. The hotel has a deal with the airport limousine service, so they will hold up to two bags per person, which worked out perfectly for us. After dropping off our bags, we headed to Musashino Mori Diner for breakfast to finally try fluffy pancakes. We loved it! We got their pancake sets, which included a rice dish and pancakes for 'dessert.' The pancakes reminded me of eating whipped cream — they were so light and fluffy. The rest of the day was spent exploring Shinjuku, doing a final Donki run, checking out Beams, and just soaking in the sights before heading back to Keio Plaza to catch our limousine to the airport.  

I love L0ewe, I really do, and whatever is wrong with Jonathan Anderson personally, j’adore his exact brand of crazy. After buying lots of RTW, shoes, vintage and an adorable Xmas ornament (which has since lost his little foot in a terrible wrapping accident), I still couldn’t pull the trigger on a $3k bag. This is a preamble to establish that a) I’m picky and b) I know ball. My initial search was for a 2024 Suna Fujita hamster hammock, which nobody had because it was never produced. After throwing my cap on the ground and stomping on it, I settled on a landscape Flamenco in chocolate and moss as a consolation prize, which was available from Jipin and Qiutian. I couldn’t locate a single person who had already bought it in that colorway and would share the real life photos before I take the plunge - typical. Alas, the Amundsen spirit lives within me, so I thought “nevermind that! I shall be the first!”. I hit up Sophia, $285 leave my account, never to be seen again. Jipin’s colors looked off in factory photos, but the leather was pleasantly absent of grain, and their representative stiffness could theoretically be fixed with some vigorous massage. Having said that, Qiu’s leather is widely lauded and the colors appeared more accurate, so that’s what I went with. After receiving PSPs, I was really concerned - the logo was thick and overfoiled, there was a mystery stain, overall construction was a little off and, most glaringly, the panels didn’t match on the bottom, which they do on the auth and did on the factory photo. I asked whether the factory can root around their stock and find me an option that matches better, and they declined as they undoubtedly have better things to do. I do find it interesting how the factory photos are used to sell an item and outline the limitations of that legally-dubious facsimile, but they do not feel beholden to the same example in creating a repeatable level of quality. Things that make you go hmm. After picking up my cap from the ground and stomping on it some more, I ask for a cobalt Amazona 180. Sophia sends me some photos - the OF factory put forth an admirable, albeit slightly pot-bellied, effort (I have since confirmed that Jipin, Qiutian and Kata make it as well btw). It’s a brand spanking new design, so naturally I’m expecting the worst. PSPs arrive, the bag looks lopsided. The seller (tearfully, I assume) offers me a refund because they aren’t sure the factory can meet my requirements. Skepticism permeates me. Surely, I must be missing something here. How come everyone else manages to get a bag that looks indistinguishable from the real deal and I’m the chump, inconveniencing my long-suffering seller at every turn. Deflated, I accept the fate of having my money back and walking around bagless, which is, of course, no big loss. But oh! A message! New photos arrive, blissfully symmetrical. Despite still having reservations, I no longer wish to darken Sophia’s doorstep and fold like a cheap suit; we wrap up on 4/20. The bag arrived on 4/28 - the tracking never updated, so it basically fell out of the sky. The logos and hardware appear accurate, the leather is soft with no disagreeable smells or defects, and despite the unsanctioned roundness and a too-shaggy suede inside, it’s reasonably well-made. I mean, it’s a bag, it fits my continental wallet and obnoxiously huge phone, but there is just a natural ceiling to any excitement you can possibly feel here (or perhaps I should talk to my doctor about anhedonia). The leather is fairly thin, so be warned that the contents of the first partition telegraph to the front. The strap has a seam on it, which is annoying - it’s not in any of the PSPs, so I had no chance to flag it. While ruminating on the perceived shortcomings of my new purchase, Kata’s version comes across my proverbial desk. My well-stomped hat takes another beating, I like it more - the sides and seams appear the straightest out of all other factories so far. Now, I would be remiss not to mention that the quality arms race has diminishing returns, we are talking about 5% improvement, but I am curious, so I fire off a message to Aadan and pick up the Kata one as well for a cool $250 on 4/27. I pretend it’s not an absurd purchase by telling myself that at the very least, I will get a jaunty post out of this whole charade. PSPs arrive after some sleeve-pulling on 5/7, because I am a moron and ordered something during Labor Day week, when the entire nation is smoking those gorgeous Chinese cigarettes with a Tsingtao in their hand instead of photographing bags. The factory photos showed impeccably straight sides with no bulging; my PSPs definitely show a curve, and the top handle is attached at a noticeable angle. I don’t love it and it bothers me, but I just can’t bring myself to arrange for yet another replacement. At this point, I’m fully done - I’m tired of arguing about even seams and parallel sides through third parties with people thousands of miles away who don’t even agree that anything is wrong, and hell, maybe I want too much to begin with. After all, a seller is not a personal shopper, they are just means to a bag-shaped end. It’s probably a mistake, but I GL and the bag ships on 5/7, arriving on 5/16 (9 days exactly, just like last time, nice). The handle is definitely drunk, which I find oddly charming, like a sunburn in the shape of Oakley sunglasses or a dog with missing teeth. The bottom flaps also appear to be angled, albeit parallel to the bottom - the bag is somewhat trapezoid in shape. The magnet holding the internal flap closed is sticking out further than OF, which is tight to the back (I believe that’s the way it was supposed to be). The internal stamp is off-center - it should align with the upper logo. It would be optimal to get a bag with all correctly assembled elements for two and a half benjamins, but that would require a fighting spirit stronger than my own. The leather quality seems to match OF almost exactly and the structure is ever so slightly closer to the original, although I am mildly concerned about the way it crinkles when bent, almost like it’s coated. Kata’s lining is less textured, but the color is more saturated and internal stamp is crisper from OF. If I had to pick a favorite, I have to give it to Kata for managing a better side profile and a smoother lining, but neither of these is the enviable 1 to 1. I may have saved some serious scratch on the bag, but as the famous post said, we pay in other ways. This infernal procedure left me in a kind of mood. I know, I know, the egg is on my face, it did indeed do this to myself, but I swear to god, I’ve had drug transactions easier than this. Down to the studs, what are we even doing here? We aren’t exposing the naked marketing behind luxury accessories, we are just replacing their marketing with our own marketing. Is the juice really worth the squeeze, quasi-gambling on counterfeit bags? Stress, doubt, conflict, the cavalcade of little disappointments. There has to be a better way, preferably something in between freelancing law in Whatsapp and paying two months of rent. I have seen a video of this bag from an unlisted factory floating around, it looks good, so they do exist out there, somewhere, and while both sellers were unproblematic to deal with, it’s probably better for my mental health and my wallet to buy vintage off eBay. If you’re interested in picking up the OF bag, and I surely hope someone is, it’s coming to a RH thread near you.

**My personal planning Excel with Price/Item Breakdown and Hour by Hour Schedule can be found here:** ***(Originally made in Excel so Google sheets broke the fancy picture banners I had for each day)*** [**https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12LkC1n7ElYmZbg1ODdWNxykCj9-h0Bgw/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115524973516890033599&rtpof=true&sd=true**](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12LkC1n7ElYmZbg1ODdWNxykCj9-h0Bgw/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115524973516890033599&rtpof=true&sd=true) **Timeframe + Price Breakdown:** ***Trip Length:*** March 9/10th to March 21st ***Total Spending:*** Approx. 6.5K USD(Pre-Trip Booking $4.5K, Day-to-Day $1.5k, Cash Spent $500) ***Credit/Debit Card used:*** 99% on my American Express Platinum(Only 1 place didn't take amex which I then used my Chase Amazon Prime card), cash pulled at 7/11 ATMs with my Charles Schwabs debit card for 0 atm fees (It reimburses me). *The cash spent was only because I liked carrying cash for a few cash only places however it wasn’t that common – I ended up just randomly chose to pay in cash sometimes to not bring back any. Which was a bit of a mistake post trip as its harder to remember what that amount was spent on.* ***Total Hotel Cost:*** 2 Nights in Asakusa(Tokyo), Queen Bed - Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Springs - $152.49 per night, $338.38 Total. 5 Nights in Central Kyoto, Double Twin, Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto - $144.49 per night, $808.09 Total. 4 Nights in Shinjuku(Tokyo), Double Twin, Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku - $140.50 per night, $561.98 Total *Hotels booked November 2024 during Expedia Black Friday sales. Opted for twin beds for slightly more room space. I also choose these hotels because they had onsens, it was an experience I wanted and so I spent extra for it.* ***Total Flight Costs:*** Roundtrip ANA SEA/Seattle to HND/Handea - $1,812.42(Total for both), Basic Economy 1 Carry on + 1 Checked Bag per person. *Flights booked October 2024 through AMEX travel to get free seat selection.* ***Total Shinkansen Costs:*** 2 Reserved Seat(Tokyo to Kyoto) - $187.46 2 Reserved Seat(Kyoto to Tokyo) - $187.46 2 Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass - $223.76 *A lot of people will tell you to book your tickets in person but I am extremely happy to not follow that advice. Each Shinkansen we got in was extremely packed and even booking the tickets a week prior we saw that a lot of the seat selections was already taken. We DID NOT USE KLOOK, we used the official SmartEX app and paired our Apple Wallet Sucia cards to our Shinkansen tickets. Which allowed us to tap and go – only possible with SmartEX to my knowledge. I also noticed that Klook was more expensive than SmartEX. For the Kansai Pass, we also booked the seats a week prior and got the tickets along with the Area Pass when we picked it up in Kyoto.* **Day 0, Monday: Seattle to Asakusa -** ***From the ANA Flight Review:*** I didn't get on the Pikachu plane Sadly. This was my first international flight ever and the first time being on a plane this big (three rows wowed me) I was honestly shocked by how much space economy had compared to US domestic flights. Though, on the way back, I realized that space disappears fast when people actually recline their seats—something the passengers in front of us did not do on the way there. ***Airport to Hotel:*** I chose Asakusa for the first night because of the direct train from the airport and its relatively close distance to Tokyo Station. Since we had one day in Tokyo to settle in and do some pre-trip shopping, this made things easier. Finding the right train line at Terminal 3 was a bit confusing. We found the ticket machine but kept walking down a pair of escalators, which was clearly wrong. Turns out, the turnstiles were right next to the ticket machine, but we missed them because a huge crowd of people was blocking the view. Thankfully, we had Suica pre-loaded on Apple Wallet, so it was just a tap-and-go situation (though I struggled to find where to my tap phone at first—a nice person helped me out). We got off near Asakusa Station and took a short walk through the temple to our hotel, which was absolutely gorgeous at night. Checked into Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Spring, dropped off our luggage, grabbed the free hotel noodles, and immediately went to Donki to stock up on snacks. Ended the night with a soak in the onsen and a Lawson egg sando, which we *did not not* Like because of a weird mustard taste. **Day 1, Tuesday: Asakusa, Ueno –** I woke up an hour earlier than my girlfriend each day for some solo exploration, which worked out great for grabbing cash and a pre-breakfast snack. First stop: Feb's Coffee, where I finally got to try Japanese flan. It's a bit different from the Cuban flan I grew up with—more watery and jello-like. Sensoji Temple – Holy shit. We absolutely loved this place. The whole experience—we did the full experience with the proper hand cleansing to the incense ritual and prayer—was super fun and immersive. We did omikuji (fortune slips), and I somehow pulled the best possible fortune (so obviously, I didn't do another fortune the rest of the trip LOL). My girlfriend, on the other hand, got the second-worst fortune which meant she had to tie hers down. We picked up some charms afterward—she got a bell for luck, and I grabbed a cool transparent blue one from the smaller temple next to Sensoji. We strolled down Nakamise Street, which wasn't too busy, but a lot of the stalls were selling mass-produced junk, and some of the food vendors seemed kinda sketchy. However, we stumbled across Kibidango Azuma, and wow—soybean flour mochi shocked me with how good it was*.* Absolutely loved it, wish I had gotten more. Big fan of soybean flour. At the end of the market, we went up to the Asakusa Culture Tourist Center Observation Terrace for a great panoramic view of the area. From there, we walked through the back streets to Nishi-Sando where we tried the viral melonpan and Giraffa Asakusa curry—both underwhelming. This kinda killed our appetite, so we skipped lunch and headed to Ueno early. Before leaving Asakusa, I stopped by the hotel to grab our checked bag and planned to take it to a nearby Yamato store, but the front desk told me they could handle it for me instead—huge win, saved me time. By the time we arrived, the weather started getting gloomy and drizzly, so we browsed some shops before strolling through Ueno Park. Came across some cool spots, like mini torii gates and a small temple. Originally, we planned to check out the National Museum, but we were too excited to keep exploring and decided to skip it. Looking back, I kinda regret that, since the weather got worse, and we didn't enjoy Ueno as much because of it(We didnt have an umbrella). We ducked into Uniqlo/GU So I could grab a few basic items. Highly recommend the seamless boxers—so comfy and way better priced than in the US. The Uniqlo building also had a food court on the top floor, so we decided to rest our feet and get out of the rain. Unfortunately, BOTEJYU Okachimachi was a total miss—my okonomiyaki and highball were mid at best, which sucked considering there were much better food options nearby. ***Asakusa Hotel Review – Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Springs: 8/10*** Super fun hotel, and the free noodles was shockingly good. The whole "take off your shoes at the lobby" thing was cool at first, but the novelty wore off when I forgot something in the room or just wanted to step out for a second. Also, I was constantly paranoid about ruining the tatami mats. The queen-size room was spacious enough, and the onsen was great—though having some random tourists try to chat with me while I was trying to relax was awkward. That said, everyone followed the showering rules properly, which (as I later found out) wasn't always the case throughout my trip. **Day 2, Wednesday: Nara (omizutori fire festival)–** We had a bullet train scheduled for 7:30 AM to Kyoto, so we started the day early and checked out around 6 AM. Originally, I planned to use Uber to hail a taxi, but luckily, there was one waiting right outside the hotel. In the worst Japanese possible, I asked, "Tokyo Station okay?" “Card okay?” Which made the driver laugh. He got us there with 40 minutes to spare. We considered getting ekibens, but we love our western carb-heavy breakfast, so we opted for McDonald's at the station instead. Of course, we had to try all the limited-edition breakfast items they had. Navigating Tokyo Station wasn’t an issue since I had already marked the exact platform we needed and confirmed it using Navitime app. (Google Maps was unreliable and often failed to find the exact train.) Also, I highly recommend this [PiQtour video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht2I2_SU2fQ&t=44s), [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht2I2\_SU2fQ&t=44s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht2I2_SU2fQ&t=44s) which made getting to the platform a breeze. We boarded and realized that we were the only foreigners in the cabin. What really shocked me was how Quiet The train was – I loved it. Along the way, the clouds parted just long enough for us to catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji! It reminded me a lot of Washington's Mt. Rainier. The 2-hour, 30-minute ride flew by—I was glued to the window the entire time. Once we arrived at Kyoto Station, we picked up our Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass first. That turned out to be a smart move since, since the line moved very slow and grew. I felt bad for the staff because it seemed like everyone was giving them a hard time. When I got up to the counter, I simply handed over my printed reservations, and they quickly processed everything, handed me our passes, and explained how to use them. While picking up my pass at the same counter, I noticed the exclusive Astro Boy sakura ICOCA IC card and picked one up for the novelty. The card itself was $5, but you’re required to load it with $25, making the total $30. I didn’t use it for transit but instead spent the $25 on a split purchase at the Nintendo Store later in the trip. From there, we walked over to the Mitsui Garden Hotel next to the station. One of the main reasons I picked this hotel chain was their bag shipping service—if you’re staying at another Mitsui Garden location, they’ll send your luggage ahead for only $5 per bag. So, we handed over our bags, which were sent directly to Mitsui Garden Hotel Shinmachi Bettei, where we’d be staying later that night. Now bagless, we took the Kintetsu Limited Express to Nara for the deer park and the Omizutori Fire Festival. It was a bit confusing at first, but a kind station worker literally walked us through the whole process—helping us buy tickets and even guiding us to the correct train. We were blown away by the level of service and waved a huge thanks as we boarded. The limited express was well worth the small price, getting us to Nara in 30 minutes and much closer to the park than the JR station. The restaurant I had planned for lunch was closed, likely due to the festival, so we grabbed some konbini food instead. On the way, I stumbled across a shop selling Tabis which were made in Japan and impulse-bought a pair. At the park, we made a quick stop at Kōfuku-ji before heading to Kasuga-taisha Shrine. Along the way, we got deer biscuits and were immediately Attacked by the near by deer, which forced us to buy more. We had to hide them until we got further in, where the deer actually bowed before taking the food. The ones near the entrance were way more aggressive, probably because most tourists don't know you're supposed to bow first and just handed over the biscuits. When we reached Kasuga-taisha Shrine, we were a little disappointed to find the main lantern attraction roped off. It seemed like a special event was happening — there were young men in white kimonos alongside the priests, possibly something related to the Omizutori festival? Even so, the walk there was relaxing and gorgeous. (A bit muddy due to the rain, avoid white sneakers!) From there, we took a different path through Nara Park toward Tōdai-ji, passing a small street lined with shops. Most were closed, but we grabbed some egg sandos from 若草山パレット, - solid 7/10, much-needed fuel. Tōdai-ji itself was just as epic as I imagined. Photos do not Do the Great Buddha justice—it's Massive. We spent so much time just walking around in awe. I had completely forgotten this was also the temple with the enlightenment pillar hole! Watching people squeeze through was fun, and the crowd was cheering for everyone. My girlfriend and I both managed to do it—it’s a lot harder than it looks! After that, we did short hiked up to Tōdai-ji Nigatsu-dō, the main viewing area for the Otaimatsu torch-burning ceremony. We arrived around 5:15 PM and secured a good spot in line. The crowd was sizable but mostly locals. The festival started around 7:40 PM with a short explanation in Japanese, follow by Korean, Chinese and English. Then, everything went dark as they lit the torch and carried it to the corner of the temple. Groups were allowed to walk underneath it, though we were kept at a bit of a distance, and the police were managing the crowd quickly. The whole process of walking underneath took less than a minute, but it was still fun! I just wish I had brought a small book to read while waiting—or had a better eSIM. (My girlfriend, who used Chris Abroad's eSIM, had no issues, while mine wasn't loading anything.) After the festival, we were funneled out of the park and ended up on an bus that had just arrived to Kintetsu-Nara Station. The trip back took a while, requiring a transfer to the Kintetsu Kyoto Line and then a local train (K) to our hotel. **Day 3, Thursday: Kyoto (Philosopher path, Gion, Fushimi Inari) -** I ended up swapping my onsen time to the morning, highly recommend it if you want to basically have it all to yourself—it was a great way to start the day. For our full stay in Kyoto, we opted for the hotel breakfast package during booking. This ended up being a great decision, as we got to try several different traditional Japanese morning dishes, along with a buffet of other items. I discovered that I am a HUGE oden fan—oden rocks, and it was such a highlight of my Kyoto mornings. After breakfast, we requested a ride through Uber to Philosopher's Path. I was on the fence about the path, as it was still winter/early spring and there was no foliage. However, the moment we got off, we got distracted by a small shopping street leading up to Higashiyama Jisho-ji. We got a matcha cream puff at Ginkakuji Matsubaya, and it was 10/10. When we reached the entrance of Higashiyama, I decided we should check this place out, and I’m glad I did instead of walking the path. The garden was stunning, and it was so much fun walking around. We easily spent 40 minutes taking it all in. Once we finished, we saw a stand for sugar covered strawberries and dango to try. Ended up liking the taste of the dango with the brown syrup on top. It was much savorier than I expected. As we didn't plan to walk the whole Philosopher's Path, we decided to make a trek to Mo-an Café. It was quite the hike up the hill, but extremely fun looking at all the Kyoto houses and smaller shrines. Once we got to Mo-an, I was taken aback by the atmosphere. It's a great hidden place, but know that it's extremely quiet and tranquil — so much so so that it was jarring when a group of other travelers waiting outside was speaking so loudly you could hear it inside. Once we finished, we headed back down towards Yoshida Shrine, another large, gorgeous shrine with a priest doing his prayers.We hailed a taxi and made our way towards the iconic Sannenzaka spot. **Pro Tip:** Download the “Go” app prior to your trip for taxis. But if you mess up like me and notice the app requires a text confirmation, use your parents' or a friend's phone number and have them them provide you the message, since your eSIM won't have a phone number. We had our taxi drop us off at Kodaiji Park, which is a great tip since it’s super close to the iconic area but easy for the taxi to pull up with its parking lot. I was nervous about this spot because online it's painted as an 'overtourism' hellscape. What I found instead was a busy shopping street filled with fun shops, including a small Ghibli store I didn't even know was there! However, I found the Ghilbi store at Diver City to have a larger variety of items, whereas the Kyoto one has a smaller offering. We went into the iconic Starbucks, rested for a few minutes, and then went back out for more sightseeing, heading towards Kiyomizu-dera. I think my experience with larger crowds made me think it was not much different from visiting Disney World during peak seasons. Once we got to Kiyomizu-dera, I was taken aback by its beauty. This was 100% the busiest temple we went to during the whole trip, but everyone was nice enough to continue moving along, so it was easy to look over the ledge and take pictures. I noticed when we got to the three streams of Otowa, a lot of people didn't know what they were looking at or doing. Ironically, I had played "Go! Go! The Nippon! My first trip to Japan” and a school field trip confirmed that one each of the waterfalls represented school achievement, fulfillment in love, and longevity. We both went with longevity. It was fun seeing all the kids do the school achievement one. Finishing up at Kiyomizu-dera and Sannenzaka, I honestly wished I’d spent more time in the area. You could easily spend a full day shopping and exploring this area but having just a few hours was still a lot of fun. We took another taxi to our final site for the day: Fushimi Inari Shrine. We had a dinner reservation at a restaurant right next to it, at Itsukichaya Fushimiinari. Exploring the shrine during 'blue hour' was a blast. We walked in for a few moments to thin out the crowds and took a bunch of pictures. It was such a gorgeous place to see during sunset, as the lanterns gave it an awesome vibe. I would 100% come back to Fushimi Inari during my next trip. Once we finished, it was time for our reservation, and we enjoyed a large 5-bowl, yummy beef shabu set. It was upstairs overlooking the forest, which was an awesome way to finish the day. Instead of taxiing back, we decided to take the near by metro down to the Nintendo Store to catch the last hour it was open. Then we learned that Japan has taxi stops-Basically, a bunch of taxis line up, and you just grab the first one. It's an easy way to get home quickly afterwards. **Day 4, Friday: Himeji -** This day marked our first 'Day Trip' using our pass. Originally, we had planned to go to Osaka, but since this won’t be our only trip to Japan, I decided to make the most of the pass we got because of Hiroshima. One challenge, though, was needing to get to Shin-Osaka each day. This became tricky the first time, as we couldn't find the limited express for the life of us. Even though we were at the platform, we ended up missing it twice because Google Maps gave us serious doubts. We should have stuck to what I had on my Excel sheet. I’d advise using NaviTime over Google for station trips, as Google can sometimes suggest completely different routes. Still, we made it to Shin-Osaka in plenty of time for our short Shinkansen to Himeji. *(Ideally however this pass should be used if you are staying in Osaka vs Kyoto as it doesn't cover the Shinkasen route from Kyoto -> Osaka - I knew this but already had my hotel booked so we just dealt with it. However I do not recommend taking far daytrips from Kyoto, just not worth spending the extra hour.)* We booked a free tour through i-guide [https://i-guide.jpn.org/](https://i-guide.jpn.org/), which pairs you with a Japanese local learning English. I wouldn’t recommend this if you’re introverted or if you expect the best guide experience. It's very casual, and I ended up helping to help our tour guide learn some new English words to describe things. The tour was quite long—we spent pretty much the entire day with our guide. You’re supposed to buy their lunch, but he insisted on paying for ours instead! I had packed an omiyage (small gift) to give at the end so I got the favor back haha. He took us to a small local okonomiyaki spot, and it was 20 times better than what we had in Ueno. After eating, we visited the garden by Himeji Castle, which was pretty, but since it was still winter/early spring, there was not much foliage. We got along so well with our tour guide that he offered to give us a tour of Kobe next time we come, and to spend more time with us. Afterwards, we explored Himeji's small shopping area before heading back to our accommodation to rest up for our next day trip. **Day 5, Saturday: Hiroshima -** This day was the most straightforward and mainly spent traveling. The only goal for the day was to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, as my partner had always wanted to go. We really enjoyed the experience, but I would recommend staying the night if possible. We didn’t mind losing most of the day (it was nice to reset our feet), but a better plan would have been to spend the following day exploring Hiroshima(Which didn't fit into our schedule). We had breakfast at New York New York in Hiroshima, a cute little café, before heading to the memorial. We spent a couple of hours there, taking it slow and reading everything. While we loved the Memorial, we were disappointed by how tiny and cramped it was. The layout was not great, and with the number of people, it took forever to see anything. Additionally, there were some tourists behaving in poor taste, taking selfies and giving thumbs up—extremely disrespectful. Originally had planned to take a taxi to the memorial and back but found taking the surface tram worked out great. **Day 6, Sunday: Kyoto ( Arashiyama, kinkaku-ji, Nishiki Market) -** This day had a few changes from what I had originally planned due to the weather, as it was rainy. We ended up spending more time walking around Arashiyama and skipped the Monkey Park since we didn't want to trek up a potentially muddy path. We also shipped out our checked bags to our next hotel with the help of the hotel's front desk. Our taxi driver dropped us off at a side/end section of the Arashi Bambooyama Forest, which left us a bit confused as there wasn’t anyone around. It could have been the weather keeping people away, but the crowd level was very manageable. I wasn’t that impressed with the forest—it could have been the weather though. Once we finished taking a few pictures, we explored Arashiyama itself, which was gorgeous. We stopped by a few shops and picked up some yummy treats. After spending a few hours in the area, we took a taxi to Kinkaku-ji. We probably got extremely lucky with the bad weather, as Kinkaku-ji was also less crowed. The weather started clearing up, so we got some awesome pictures. This temple was a really fun place to explore and walk around. It took less than an hour to really take it all in. Right before the exit, we saw they were offering a tea experience for only 500 yen. We decided to give it a try, and it was such a cheap and fun experience with matcha and a gold-flake treat. I will 100% recommend it. Next, we took another taxi to Nishiki Market, where we tried a few things on my list. I felt that there were a lot of overpriced items at the market compared to other stalls I had seen throughout the day. The most memorable were Kyo no Onikudokoro and まるもち家 錦小路店. Highly recommend both—they were well-priced and offered a great experience. We spent the rest of the day shopping and eating around Nishiki Market. While it was busy, it wasn't much different the crowd levels of Pike Place Market. I was shocked by the sheer number of retail stores in Nishiki. I wish we had more time to step into each one! **Day 7, Monday: Uji (Nintendo Museum) –** Check-out day and the last day of our Kyoto hotel breakfast. I didn't realize just how much I was going to miss having breakfast at the hotel. It was a great way to get all the energy I needed to start the day. I'll probably consider doing more Japanese breakfast add-ons in the future. We shipped our carry-on bags to the Mitsui Garden hotel next to the station so we could pick them up when we returned from Uji. The primary focus of the day was the Nintendo Museum and exploring Uji, time permitting. We ended up getting to Uji earlier than expected—about an hour before anything opened—so we had time to check out Byodoin Temple. It was a fun little stroll, and the museum inside the area was cool. Afterward, we had matcha dessert and drinks at Nakamura Tokichi Byodo-in, which was soooo good. With 30 minutes to spare, we headed over to the Nintendo Museum, just one stop and a short walk from Uji. We had an absolute blast at the museum. We did the shopping first because we were worried things would sell out (which, in hindsight, was kind of silly, as nothing sold out). We spent $250 on shirts and a large Wii controller plush (the packable duffle fit the Wii controller without any issues). They recommend doing the interactive games first, and I totally agree. We did the museum first, and when we got to the interactive games, there were no lines. However, by the time we finished, the game section was packed, and huge lines had formed. We spent our coins on the batting cages a couple of times, then played the Wii controller mini-games and Mario Kart on the N64. I 100% recommend the batting cages—so much fun! We also signed up for the Hanafuda cards lesson, which was AWESOME! We were the only foreigners, but the staff was super kind in helping us get started. I loved Hanafuda so much that I ended up picking up a deck later in the trip. Afterward, we headed back to Kyoto Station with some time to spare to pick up bentos and our checked bags. The ride to Tokyo Station went smoothly, even though it was another packed Shinkansen. From there, we rode another line at Tokyo Station to Shinjuku. Super easy, just following the station signs and the platform listed on Google to our next Hotel. ***Kyoto Hotel Review – Mitsui Garden*** ***Shinmachi Bettei : 9/10*** Originally, we had planned to stay at another Mitsui Garden Hotel, nicknamed the "temple hotel" next to Nishiki Market. However, due to construction, they rebooked us at this sister hotel. While the location wasn't the best, everything else was amazing. Great customer service, an amazing room, a wonderful breakfast, and a great onsen with plenty of shower stalls and grooming amenities. I was super impressed with the Mitsui Garden chain and will be staying at their sister hotels in the future. **Day 8, Tuesday: Harajuku, Shibuya ( Shibuya Sky ), Shinjuku -** The day started with an onsen in the morning, and I was really glad I stuck with morning onsens at this hotel. My girlfriend, who did the Onsen at night, had some wild experiences. I even made a Reddit post about how hotel guests completely ignored onsen etiquette. The hotel didn’t have much explanation compared to my previous stays, so I wasn’t surprised people didn’t know the rules. After coming from our spacious Kyoto hotel room, this double twin room felt even smaller than the one in Asakusa and was incredibly dusty. Honestly, I kind of hated this hotel from the get-go, which soured my Tokyo experience. We started the day with breakfast in Harajuku at Honolulu Coffee. It was good, but crazy expensive for what we got compared to Kyoto, and I later realized that food in Kyoto was much cheaper than in Tokyo—at least that’s how it felt to me. We then strolled down to Meiji Jingu and enjoyed the peaceful scenery, killing time until most stores opened at 11 AM. Once they did, we walked down the iconic street, stopping by a few pre-planned shops. Getting to Shibuya was quick and easy, and the station opened right onto the iconic crossing, where we had a laugh at how underwhelming it was. We had a reservation at Shibuya Sky later in the day at 3:30, so we killed time going to Parco Mall for the many different shops. We had a great time walking around Shibuya and think it was an excellent shopping/food experience. Looking back, I’d spend more time in Shibuya than Shinjuku or Ginza. I was on the fence about staying for the sunset at Shibuya Sky because the weather was cloudy. We decided to wait for the sunset, but I’m not 100% sure it was worth it. The weather was cold and overcast, and we spent most of the time indoors. I also found the Tokyo skyline to be too homogeneous, and paired with the grey sky, it didn't feel as memorable as other observatories I've visited in New York City. The sunset was pretty, but nothing to write home about. The real magic, in my opinion, came around the "Blue Hour"—the few minutes after the sun goes past the horizon when the lights start to turn on. The city really came alive, and my initial criticism of the skyline completely faded. The Tokyo Tower looked absolutely stunning against the night sky from Shibuya Sky. Depending on the weather forecast, I’d recommend coming slightly after sunset to catch that blue hour/nighttime view of the city. Afterward, we did a bit more shopping and headed back to the hotel to drop everything off before checking out Shinjuku and Golden Gai. Once we got to Golden Gai, we were extremely underwhelmed and ended up laughing at how touristy it all felt, with multiple tour guides shuffling people around ,but it was silent. Despite being busy, no one was talking. We only cared about two bars: Anime Bar and Open Book. We ended up getting a spot at the Open Book bar, which was pretty, but the drinks were overpriced. It also had a kind of ‘cold’ vibe—the bottom floor was for tourists, while the top floor was for locals, as the bartender would send anyone who spoke Japanese upstairs. When we got in, for a packed bar, it was surprisingly silent. Eventually, we struck up a conversation with a couple next to us. There was a small cover charge, and the lemon sour was just okay. However, the Cola Sour was absolutely delicious! We finished quickly, tried at the Anime Bar, but it was still packed and made our way to Kabukicho/Godzilla instead. Kabukicho was interesting and definitely lived up to its infamous reputation. I felt fine and ignored the street promoters trying to get us to shake hands or strike up conversations. My girlfriend didn’t feel the same though. We had originally considered booking our hotel here, and she said she was glad we didn’t since she felt like she would have been unable to step outside alone due to possibly being harassed and followed. She said she didn’t feel that way in any other location we stayed at. I was also shocked to see so many tourists going up to the street promoters and following them into the clubs. One group even asked, "Where can we have fun?" I was shocked that they didn’t realize most of these guys are scammers. We got our pictures with Godzilla and walked into the movie theater, which completely blew us away. Why are Japanese movie theaters so cool! They had a little gift shop where we found exclusive made in Japan Wicked merch. The food also looked good and cheap! We seriously considered watching a movie, but didn’t have the time. Slightly disappointed with Shinjuku, we walked past a gacha claw game place in Kabukicho, where I found out I had a little gambling addiction. Later, I learned that the UFO claw game at this location was reasonably priced at 100 yen per try, compared to 200 yen in Akihabara. **Day 9, Wednesday: Tsukiji Outer Market, Diver City (Teamlabs Planet)(Freak snow day) –** This day started off weirdly—with a freak hailstorm that turned into snow. The weather report said it was only going to rain, but in Shinjuku, we got a solid inch of snow. **Pro Tip:** All our hotels offered free umbrellas to borrow, so no need to buy one. I wouldn't visit Tsukiji Market on a Wednesday again as many places are closed. Despite the snow, walking through the stalls was still fun. We ended up at a coffee shop that was random but hilarious—turns out, it was John Lennon's favorite place? They had a newspaper claiming it was. We also found a ramen spot that was a Godsend For the extremely cold weather, and I highly recommend it. Given the windy, snowy, and rainy weather, we decided to head to Diver City a little earlier than planned. It worked out great as a collection of indoor malls. We spent some time in all the shops, and the Gundam shop was really fun. We even picked up some exclusive items from there. We had dinner at Gonpachi Odaiba after trying some takoyaki at the Takakoyaki food court. Then we headed to TeamLab Planets. I chose TeamLab Planet over Borderless because I wanted the linear experience. I’ve known about TeamLab since 2016 when I first saw it through Jakenbakelive on Twitch, and I was really excited to experience it for myself. I'm happy to say it surpassed my expectations. The water section was soooooooo fun — we spent most of our time there and had to drag ourselves away to explore the other parts. Highly recommend it – 10/10. The room where you sit and watch the dome projection of flowers/plants moving around is extremely trippy. My girlfriend is prone to motion sickness and mentioned this was the only room that made her quite dizzy once she sat up. We left around closing time, probably spending more than three hours there. Now, on my Excel schedule, I had planned to take the metro, but Google Maps said a bus would be "faster." Normally, I avoid buses because they're an unreliable gamble. However, we decided to risk it, which turned out to be a mistake. When we got to the bus stop, there was a line of people waiting—and worst of all, the bus didn't stop at the stop because it was already packed. **Pro Tip:** If you have the option of taking the metro vs. a bus, choose the metro, even if it's 5 minutes slower. It's not worth the risk. We had to backtrack for 10 minutes and ride the metro. **Day 10, Thursday: Ginza, Akihabara** This day was laser-focused on two main goals: find a Rukia from Bleach Relax Time series figure in Akihabara and get a pair of made-in-Japan loafers from the Haruta brand in Ginza. We also had our omakase reservation, which I made through Tablelog (the Japanese version, since the English version didn't allow for reservations). Our day started early in Jinbocho, where I had found a cute coffee shop online prior. However, when we got there, we learned it was closed due to the public holiday—along with our backup option. So, we ended up at Trully's Coffee. Afterward, we walked around the Imperial Gardens while waiting for our omakese reservation at noon. The gardens were gorgeous, and I’d love to return when everything is blooming. It's huge, so don't underestimate the time it takes to cross the garden. All the walking and the light breakfast set us up perfectly for our lunch at Ginza Sushi Banya. I managed to snag a lunch reservation for a crazy good price of about $60 per person. This spot is clearly popular with locals, as the reservation required a Japanese Tabelog account, making us the only tourists. They were extremely welcoming, though. The sushi experience completely spoiled us—I’d love to do this again. After lunch, we did some more shopping. Eventually setting off to find the Haruta loafers, made our way to a random ABC-mart in a mall. Little did we know, the mall had a physical Haruta section! It was a complete surprise and a great find. The workers helped us try on what we wanted, and we walked out with a pair each. They were a great price for well-made loafers. We spent some more time walking around Ginza before heading toward Akihabara. At Akihabara, I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it much, as everyone online talks about it in a mixed way. However, I ended up having an absolute blast—so much so that we decided to stay longer than originally planned. We grabbed some food at Cow Cow Kitchen, which I highly recommend cheap and yummy. We set out to find my Bleach figure, hitting up multiple figure stores. It was a lot of fun, but prices were all over the place, so don’t commit to anything on first sight—shop around! One store may have an item for three times the price of the store next door, where it could be under 1000 yen. We were having no luck with Bleach figures until our last store, where we struck gold. We found so many Bleach figures, and by sheer luck, I got my Relax Time Rukia! We almost screamed when my girlfriend pulled it out. **Pro Tip:** Do some figure research beforehand and it becomes like a mini treasure hunt. We didn’t do any UFO crane games, as the 200 yen per play it didn’t seem worth it compared to what we found in Shinjuku, but we still walked around finding cool gachapons we wanted. I really wish I'd spent more time in Akihabara. Even if you're not there for shopping, just browsing is a lot of fun. ***Shinjuku Hotel Review: Onsen Ryokan Yuen 4/10*** The hotel was pretty, but it was ruined by several things. Poor cleaning (the room was extremely dusty). Lack of AC control (Kyoto and Asakusa both allowed us to control it), and the room was incredibly stuffy—so much so that we ended up sleeping naked because it was so hot. The AC was centrally controlled, but it was basically off. Also, one set of elevators was constantly being used, which meant crazy waits just to get to the lobby. The onsen experience was disappointing for my girlfriend, which soured the overall experience. We won't stay here again. **Day 11, Friday: Shinjuku –** The last day arrived, and the trip felt both long and short at the same time. For my final morning onsen, I got to see a gorgeous sunrise, which was the perfect way to end it. We had pre-booked an airport ‘limousine,’ essentially a bus, to take us to the airport, so we didn’t need to worry about our two checked bags. Our flight wasn't until 9 PM, so we still had time to explore. We taxied to Keio Plaza Hotel, where the limousine was scheduled to pick us up. The hotel has a deal with the airport limousine service, so they will hold up to two bags per person, which worked out perfectly for us. After dropping off our bags, we headed to Musashino Mori Diner for breakfast to finally try fluffy pancakes. We loved it! We got their pancake sets, which included a rice dish and pancakes for 'dessert.' The pancakes reminded me of eating whipped cream — they were so light and fluffy. The rest of the day was spent exploring Shinjuku, doing a final Donki run, checking out Beams, and just soaking in the sights before heading back to Keio Plaza to catch our limousine to the airport.

So I generally hear two stories related to fiberglass exposure in mattresses. First, there's the *"help I took the cover off my mattress and now my room is covered in shiny dust"* type of story. This is the classic story of fiberglass exposure. Many mattresses use inexpensive firesocks with an internal fiberglass core as a fire barrier. Over time, this internal fiberglass core can escape the firesock. Then, when a mattress's outer cover is removed, these fiberglass fragments are released into the air and can contaminate a bedroom or home. This is not great. These fragments are **very light** and **easily aerosolized** and can distribute widely in a person's home. This means you might find fragments far from the mattress itself. In my own experience with fiberglass exposure in a guest room, I found this at the tops of bookshelves, on the blades of a ceiling fan, and clinging to the texture of spackled walls. Second, there's the *"help I DIDN'T take the cover off my mattress and I'm STILL seeing shiny dust!"* This is somewhat less common. In my experience, the shiny dust in many of these situations turns out to be polyester or household dust. However, I have seen fiberglass in these situations as well. This is troubling, because most evidence suggests that fiberglass shouldn't be able to escape a thicker outer mattress cover unless this has been ripped or damaged in some way. I've actually wondered if this scenario represents fiberglass contamination on the manufacturing floor, and the bits of fiberglass people are seeing in their home are fragments that attached to the outer cover in the factory from a contaminated workspace. Regardless, **I've now seen credible reports in both situations.** If you're at all concerned about fiberglass exposure in your own home, then you should get a sense of what this looks like. **EXAMPLES OF FIBERGLASS CONTAMINATION** The best way to check your bedroom or home for fiberglass is to use a bright flashlight. Typically people use the flashlight on their phones, but an LED headlamp or other bright light source will work just as well. You'll want to dim the overhead lights and shine this flashlight on all surfaces - even surfaces you might not expect to have contamination. Fiberglass fragments will show up as short, straight, sharp-appearing strands that will shine under direct light. You might also notice a characteristic "whiskered" appearance on the exposed firesock itself. [Firesock w/ fiberglass](https://imgur.com/3lDhuWo) - Here's an image showing this "whiskered" appearance. [Another firesock w/ fiberglass](https://imgur.com/a/xp65Sij) - Here's a similar image with a different firesock. [Video of fiberglass fragments under bright light](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/hy20cpslwdnlzrz36zy4b/IMG_7262.mov?rlkey=plwoz2lhzvhbrxgcshfrjs3qv&e=1&dl=0) - Notice the short, sharp fragments here. [A recent thread from the other subreddit with video](https://www.reddit.com/r/Mattress/comments/1bhmfz0/fiberglass_issue/) - Again, notice the short, reflective fragments. [General image showing what a firesock looks like](https://bedtimesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/FR-Knit-Sock-768x510-1-570x379.jpeg) - This is actually a fiberglass-free firesock. [Another general image of a firesock](https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpreview.redd.it%2Fscjjnpzgwm991.jpg%3Fwidth%3D1080%26crop%3Dsmart%26auto%3Dwebp%26s%3D8c158127c985273eba45289ef83143ebb340063b) - It's not clear if this firesock uses fiberglass. [A Youtube video showing glass fiber](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpiKDwn0RaM) - Maybe the best video I've seen on this. **CLEANING FIBERGLASS CONTAMINATION** And now the big question - if you see fiberglass, what should you do? First, maybe walk into another room and take a deep breath. Cleaning fiberglass and decontaminating a room is going to be a little irritating, but it shouldn't be the end of the world. Here are the steps I took to cleaning this in my own home. (At this moment, I think these are probably best practices, *though I am not a cleaning professional* and there might be better methods here. If I become aware of these, I will update this post.) 1. **Personal protection.** You should wear a mask (an N95 or respirator would be best). This will prevent you from inhaling glass fiber that might be aerosolized in the cleaning process. You could also consider wearing a disposable Tyvek suit to protect your clothing. I did not do this, but it's not an unreasonable precaution. Also consider protective eyewear. 2. **Cover your mattress.** If you've removed the cover - put it back on. If it already has a cover and it's leaking fiberglass and/or torn, then you might buy a total mattress encasement and put this on. This will help prevent more fiberglass from escaping and contaminating your home. 3. **Close AC Vents and open windows.** The cleaning process is likely to disturb some amount of glass fiber, and you probably don't want this in your AC intake or vents. 4. **Consider purchasing a HEPA-based Air Purifier.** So I like air purifiers in a general sense. American indoor air quality is rather poor, and there's some evidence that air purifiers improve sleep and well-being. But in this case, running a large-room air purifier is going to help catch and contain aerosolized fibers dislodged in the cleaning process. 5. **Vacuum every surface.** Here's where the cleaning starts. You're going to want to use a HEPA-filtered vacuum and vacuum every conceivable surface. Go slowly and vacuum carpets, bare floors, soft surfaces, couches cushions, etc. You can use a wand attachment on walls and tables. The goal here is to vacuum and contain as much of the glass fiber as possible. I've also heard concerns that low-quality or bagless vacuum cleaners may be suboptimal and actually spread fiber around a room so maybe consider a newer HEPA-filtered vacuum if you can? 6. **Wipe down every surface.** Here you should use cheap or disposable microfiber cloths. You might also consider wetting these slightly to capture dust and fibers, although I don't think that's necessary on the highly porous disposable microfiber cloths. 7. **Check the room with a bright light and repeat.** You're likely to have missed some fibers. Take note of where these are and repeat the process. Then do it again. And again. I was able to contain about 95% of fibers on the first day and then periodically cleaned and checked the room for weeks afterward. 8. **What about clothes?** Good question. I'm not totally sure on this. I've heard of people washing contaminated clothes and finding glass fibers in their washer and drier. I did not see any evidence of this, but it might be a good idea to toss heavily contaminated clothes or bedding. I've also seen some advice that recommends attempting to dissolve fibers with vinegar soaks, but I'm not sure this will be effective or acidic enough for this purpose. I do think you should check your washer/drier after use for remnant fibers though. 9. **What about carpets?** Also good question. It's possible that carpets may need to be discarded. I didn't see evidence of fiber after I vacuumed four or five times, but it's possible that there may be remnant fragments there. Still, I've not seen evidence of this. 10. **What about AC intakes?** Yeah I hear you. I am not aware of any way you can realistically clean AC vents and ducts by yourself. If you're concerned about this, you may need to talk to an AC cleaning service with the tools for this. These services are usually a few hundred dollars. Bottom line: It is possible to clean a room and remove many/most glass fibers with a HEPA-filtered vacuum. I'd recommend using a mask or respirator, opening windows, and running an air purifier. Here's a [helpful comment](https://www.reddit.com/r/Mattress/comments/17tynqa/fiberglass_everywhere_help/) related to this from the other subreddit. Great point on lint rollers here. **OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS** **Should I be concerned about my health?** Yeah this is the other big question. I'll try to summarize the available data here. Please be aware that this summary is intended as educational material and not medical advice. If you have concerns about specific health problems then you should speak to a physician about these things. First, here's a [quick discussion](https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/air-quality/indoor-air/fiberglass) on this from the Washington Department of Health. Most notable on this page is this summary of possible Long-Term Effects from studies of occupational exposure: >"In 2000, the National Academy of Sciences reviewed studies of fiberglass manufacturing workers and concluded that "...glass fibers do not appear to increase the risk of respiratory system cancer." In 2001, the International Agency for Research on Cancer said that "glass wool", which is a form of fiberglass, is not classifiable as a human carcinogen. Deaths from lung diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, in groups of workers involved in the manufacture of glass wool, are not consistently different from what is found in the United States general population." Here's a [similar summary](https://www.einsteinmed.edu/administration/environmental-health-safety/industrial-hygiene/fiberglass.aspx) from the Einstein College of Medicine. Here's a [longer summary](https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/PHS/PHS.aspx?phsid=906&toxid=185) from the CDC's Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Here's the CDC's [Tox Profile on Fiberglass](https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/ToxProfiles/ToxProfiles.aspx?id=908&tid=185) with a 300-page reference document. This document summarizes a huge amount of studies and reviews data from animal and human exposure. Here's a select quote: >"In summary, studies of workers involved in the manufacture of continuous glass filament, glass wool, and rock and slag wool provide inadequate evidence for carcinogenicity in humans. A number of reviews of the fibrous glass cohort mortality and case-control studies concur with this conclusion (ACGIH 2001; Hesterberg and Hart 2001; IARC 1988, 2002; Lee et al. 1995; NIOSH 1977; NRC Subcommittee on Manufactured Vitreous Fibers 2000; Wilson et al. 1999). No evidence has associated inhalation exposure to these materials with nonrespiratory cancers." Following this, here's a quick [OSHA Summary on Carcinogenicity](https://www.osha.gov/synthetic-mineral-fibers/evaluation). This is probably best interpreted to mean that right now, there is insufficient evidence to say that these fibers are carcinogenic in human populations. This is reassuring (as it means that glass fibers don't appear to function like asbestos), but it's important to understand that this is also doesn't mean that fiberglass is totally safe. It just means there is insufficient evidence to say that these cause cancer based on the available human data. And here's a [case report](https://journals.lww.com/clinpulm/Abstract/2007/09000/Respiratory_Disease_and_Fiberglass_Exposure_.7.aspx) of a 23-year old man with some symptoms (dry cough) and CT findings after fiberglass exposure. However, these symptoms and findings resolved after cessation of exposure. More specifically, here's a [study on glass fibers used in mattresses](https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/3/1695). This study looked at four mattresses and found fiberglass in two of them. Here's a summary from the discussion: >Our investigation confirmed the presence of fiberglass in two of the four tested mattress covers. The fiberglass was evident in layers that were accessible beneath outer zipper layers (Figure 1), presenting a relatively easy route of exposure. The presence of fiberglass was not disclosed on the labels of the FG-4 mattress, leaving consumers unaware of its presence. Fiberglass was disclosed on the label of FG-3, though not in the most prominent flammability section (“law label”), which is required to specify filling materials only \[10\]. **So what should I take from this?** Good question. Here's my interpretation. Based on many studies and approximately fifty years of data, fiberglass doesn't appear to be carcinogenic in human populations. This is a good thing. However, this doesn't mean it's totally safe either. I wouldn't recommend sleeping in a room with large amounts of exposed glass fiber. Similarly... I don't think it should be used in mattresses, and especially not in mattresses with easily removed zip-off covers. And again, if you have specific medical concerns here, you should talk to a doctor about these. **What about pets?** I'm not sure. Pets are generally closer to the ground, might inhale more fibers, and have very different lungs. It's possible that glass fibers might effect them differently. **What brands use fiberglass fire barriers?** Too many. Generally my rule of thumb is this - if a brand isn't willing to make a strong statement on NOT using fiberglass in their products, then I do not trust them. You should also know that "quilted" top models are less likely to use fiberglass fire barriers (and typically don't have zippers or removable covers anyway), but this isn't universally true. Otherwise, Amazon brands and Nectar/Dreamcloud have historically been the big offenders here. **Will the tag always say fiberglass?** Sadly no. Many brands won't list fiberglass on tags, or will disguise it with other names. **I haven't taken the cover off my mattress - should I be concerned?** So yeah, there's some debate here. I've seen reports and talked to people that report finding fiberglass in their homes despite never removing a mattress cover. That said, the only study looking at this did not find fiberglass migration to the outer layers of a mattress. My opinion is that this an intact cover represents a much lower risk situation, but if you're at all concerned, then you should use a bright light and check your room and the area surrounding your mattress. **I don't see fiberglass in my room - should I be concerned?** Probably not. Again, I haven't seen a ton of evidence regarding fiberglass escaping intact mattress covers. This is possible (and again, I have heard some reports), but I've not seen a lot of evidence and I'm not sure exactly how this is happening. If you're concerned that your mattress has fiberglass, but you don't see contamination, I'd purchase a full mattress encasement to add another barrier just to be safe. Or look for a new mattress. **Does this topper have fiberglass?** Probably not, no. Fiberglass is typically contained in fire socks. Toppers do not usually have fire socks. If it's just foam, you should be okay. If it came with a cover but there's no fire sock inside the cover, then you're probably still okay. Most toppers aren't required to have fire barriers. **Where can I read more about this?** Prior to recent events on r/mattress, I was compiling reports of fiberglass exposure with the "fiberglass" post flair. You should be able to search for similar cases there. I'll also periodically update this document to provide more information, more examples, and more studies.

I love L0ewe, I really do, and whatever is wrong with Jonathan Anderson personally, j’adore his exact brand of crazy. After buying lots of RTW, shoes, vintage and an adorable Xmas ornament (which has since lost his little foot in a terrible wrapping accident), I still couldn’t pull the trigger on a $3k bag. This is a preamble to establish that a) I’m picky and b) I know ball. My initial search was for a 2024 Suna Fujita hamster hammock, which nobody had because it was never produced. After throwing my cap on the ground and stomping on it, I settled on a landscape Flamenco in chocolate and moss as a consolation prize, which was available from Jipin and Qiutian. I couldn’t locate a single person who had already bought it in that colorway and would share the real life photos before I take the plunge - typical. Alas, the Amundsen spirit lives within me, so I thought “nevermind that! I shall be the first!”. I hit up Sophia, $285 leave my account, never to be seen again. Jipin’s colors looked off in factory photos, but the leather was pleasantly absent of grain, and their representative stiffness could theoretically be fixed with some vigorous massage. Having said that, Qiu’s leather is widely lauded and the colors appeared more accurate, so that’s what I went with. After receiving PSPs, I was really concerned - the logo was thick and overfoiled, there was a mystery stain, overall construction was a little off and, most glaringly, the panels didn’t match on the bottom, which they do on the auth and did on the factory photo. I asked whether the factory can root around their stock and find me an option that matches better, and they declined as they undoubtedly have better things to do. I do find it interesting how the factory photos are used to sell an item and outline the limitations of that legally-dubious facsimile, but they do not feel beholden to the same example in creating a repeatable level of quality. Things that make you go hmm. After picking up my cap from the ground and stomping on it some more, I ask for a cobalt Amazona 180. Sophia sends me some photos - the OF factory put forth an admirable, albeit slightly pot-bellied, effort (I have since confirmed that Jipin, Qiutian and Kata make it as well btw). It’s a brand spanking new design, so naturally I’m expecting the worst. PSPs arrive, the bag looks lopsided. The seller (tearfully, I assume) offers me a refund because they aren’t sure the factory can meet my requirements. Skepticism permeates me. Surely, I must be missing something here. How come everyone else manages to get a bag that looks indistinguishable from the real deal and I’m the chump, inconveniencing my long-suffering seller at every turn. Deflated, I accept the fate of having my money back and walking around bagless, which is, of course, no big loss. But oh! A message! New photos arrive, blissfully symmetrical. Despite still having reservations, I no longer wish to darken Sophia’s doorstep and fold like a cheap suit; we wrap up on 4/20. The bag arrived on 4/28 - the tracking never updated, so it basically fell out of the sky. The logos and hardware appear accurate, the leather is soft with no disagreeable smells or defects, and despite the unsanctioned roundness and a too-shaggy suede inside, it’s reasonably well-made. I mean, it’s a bag, it fits my continental wallet and obnoxiously huge phone, but there is just a natural ceiling to any excitement you can possibly feel here (or perhaps I should talk to my doctor about anhedonia). The leather is fairly thin, so be warned that the contents of the first partition telegraph to the front. The strap has a seam on it, which is annoying - it’s not in any of the PSPs, so I had no chance to flag it. While ruminating on the perceived shortcomings of my new purchase, Kata’s version comes across my proverbial desk. My well-stomped hat takes another beating, I like it more - the sides and seams appear the straightest out of all other factories so far. Now, I would be remiss not to mention that the quality arms race has diminishing returns, we are talking about 5% improvement, but I am curious, so I fire off a message to Aadan and pick up the Kata one as well for a cool $250 on 4/27. I pretend it’s not an absurd purchase by telling myself that at the very least, I will get a jaunty post out of this whole charade. PSPs arrive after some sleeve-pulling on 5/7, because I am a moron and ordered something during Labor Day week, when the entire nation is smoking those gorgeous Chinese cigarettes with a Tsingtao in their hand instead of photographing bags. The factory photos showed impeccably straight sides with no bulging; my PSPs definitely show a curve, and the top handle is attached at a noticeable angle. I don’t love it and it bothers me, but I just can’t bring myself to arrange for yet another replacement. At this point, I’m fully done - I’m tired of arguing about even seams and parallel sides through third parties with people thousands of miles away who don’t even agree that anything is wrong, and hell, maybe I want too much to begin with. After all, a seller is not a personal shopper, they are just means to a bag-shaped end. It’s probably a mistake, but I GL and the bag ships on 5/7, arriving on 5/16 (9 days exactly, just like last time, nice). The handle is definitely drunk, which I find oddly charming, like a sunburn in the shape of Oakley sunglasses or a dog with missing teeth. The bottom flaps also appear to be angled, albeit parallel to the bottom - the bag is somewhat trapezoid in shape. The magnet holding the internal flap closed is sticking out further than OF, which is tight to the back (I believe that’s the way it was supposed to be). The internal stamp is off-center - it should align with the upper logo. It would be optimal to get a bag with all correctly assembled elements for two and a half benjamins, but that would require a fighting spirit stronger than my own. The leather quality seems to match OF almost exactly and the structure is ever so slightly closer to the original, although I am mildly concerned about the way it crinkles when bent, almost like it’s coated. . Kata’s lining is less textured, but the color is more saturated and internal stamp is crisper from OF. If I had to pick a favorite, I have to give it to Kata for managing a better side profile and a smoother lining, but neither of these is the enviable 1 to 1. I may have saved some serious scratch on the bag, but as the famous post said, we pay in other ways. This infernal procedure left me in a kind of mood. I know, I know, the egg is on my face, it did indeed do this to myself, but I swear to god, I’ve had drug transactions easier than this. Down to the studs, what are we even doing here? We aren’t exposing the naked marketing behind luxury accessories, we are just replacing their marketing with our own marketing. Is the juice really worth the squeeze, quasi-gambling on counterfeit bags? Stress, doubt, conflict, the cavalcade of little disappointments. There has to be a better way, preferably something in between freelancing law in Whatsapp and paying two months of rent. I have seen a video of this bag from an unlisted factory floating around, it looks good, so they do exist out there, somewhere, and while both sellers were unproblematic to deal with, it’s probably better for my mental health and my wallet to buy vintage off eBay. If you’re interested in picking up the OF bag, and I surely hope someone is, it’s coming to a RH thread near you.

The smell had gotten worse somehow. When we first walked into the eighth-grade boys’ restroom, it was only a mild stench, one that you and your buddy acknowledge and then move on. Within fifteen minutes it had gone from mild to unbearable. My friend Percy gagged when we walked past the floor drain that was fuming with the smell. Being janitors, we were used to all sorts of horrible sights and smells. Shit-filled, backed up toilets, used tampons stuck to the inside of a bagless garbage can, ripped open garbage bags filled with half eaten lunches now crawling with maggots, you name it. This was worse somehow. It was somewhere between rotten eggs and burning hair, but it had some other kind of quality to it, like sweat. It smelled alive.    Percy and I sprayed air freshener as best we could, but it kept crawling back out of the drainpipe on the floor and expanded in the air.   “We might outta call the gas people, could be a leak,” Percy said. I agreed and we put the “OUT OF ORDER” sign on the door and locked it.    When the gas line inspector showed up, we took him to the restroom, but when we opened the door, the smell hit us. It was like being hit on the bridge of the nose with a baseball bat. Percy gagged, the gas inspector shot backwards, and I said something that was a fireable offense. It had built up in there, and now we could taste it. The gas man put a mask on and went in. A minute later he returned and took off his mask with a deep gasp and wiped the sweat from his forehead.   “Well, there’s no gas leak, and nothing toxic was found. Maybe an animal got stuck in the pipes and died, I don’t know. Open some windows and hope for the best, but for the love of God do not let anyone in there.”   “You don’t have to worry about that. I bet one of these middle schoolers did something. They’re always doing stupid shit.”   Percy laughed and said, “I remember in eighth grade I tried to bring my hamster to school, so I put him in a jar, but I forgot to poke him some air holes and he died.”   The gas man said, “I don’t see how that’s funny.”   “I didn’t say it was.”   \*\*\*\*\*   After Percy and I got our own masks and goggles on, we ventured back in and tried opening the windows. The old piece of shit painted shut windows wouldn’t give. It was a balancing act between being forceful and not breaking the old window. The school hadn’t been renovated since the nineties and most of it was in bad shape. Cracked paint gave way to cinderblock exposed walls, dead roaches around every corner, history books that stop just after 9/11, the list goes on. I don’t know what else anyone would expect. The town the high school was in only had about three thousand residents, most of which were elderly.   The strap on Percy’s cheap face mask snapped and he started gagging. I told him to tie it, but his eyes filled with tears as he gasped for air. He started shaking so violently I thought he was going to break. Air started squeezing through his throat as he tried to breathe. His face turned red and the tears mixed with the snot and the foamy thick saliva that slid out of his gasping mouth. I had to drag him back out of the restroom and slam the door back before the smell got out, but it was too late. A couple of teachers, Coach Tompkins, and an older student ran up and helped me pull Percy to the stairs so he could sit up. Coach tried to ask what the hell was going on but he dry heaved, spit, and walked outside towards the cafeteria. The student got Percy some water and one teacher ran to get the nurse.   “What’s going on in the boy’s room?” The remaining teacher asked.   “I don’t know, something dead I think but it can’t be, it smells beyond worse than death.” I looked over to Percy who was calmer but was still suffering. The student asked the teacher, “You think it’s some biological weapon? Like the communists had?”   The teacher shook his head and said, “What? No."   Percy started blowing his nose into his shirt, and once he was out of snot, he kept rubbing and rubbing and picking and blowing until blood started coming out.   “I can still smell it! Fuck me I can still smell it!”   I said, “I don’t smell anything out here.”   “Me either,” the teacher added on.   “Fuck you. Fuck you! You didn’t smell it as long as I did, none of you did!”   The principal, who I didn’t even notice had walked up, then told Percy firmly to go home until he felt better, which he did.   \*\*\*\*\*   That night at about 3:00am my apartment vibrated for three minutes. By the time I was awake enough to make decisions, it was over. The next morning, I asked my downstairs neighbor about it, and he said it was an earthquake. An earthquake? Those happen in California or the desert. They don’t happen here. I thought the last one was over a hundred years ago, but I was wrong. There had been one that night and the night before, but that one was one of those that was only technically an earthquake, the kind you don’t feel. That morning the smell was now coming from the drain in the girls’ restroom as well as the boys’. I was unfortunate to catch a whiff. It smelled angry, like if burning curdled toe cheese was oozing with hatred. Halfway through the day the power went out, so school was let out early for the weekend, and that Monday was a holiday, which meant a whole extra day for the smell to build up more.   Percy hadn’t shown up for work, and after I left, I tried calling him. After the third unanswered call I, drove to his trailer. The door was broken off the hinges, and every window was slid open, and if they didn’t slide, they were broken. His cat’s litter box had been thrown in the front yard.   I poked my head in the door. “Hey Percy? It’s Lenny, you alright?”   The scent of citrus hit me first, followed by mint and fresh pine. It was so strong it was more a chemical smell than anything. Inside hanging from everywhere and covering every surface was car air freshener trees and the peel top cans. All the fans were on max. I made my way to the back bedroom where I could hear moaning. I saw what I thought was a towel, but it was his cat. It laid there with a zip tie pulled tight around its neck, the tongue and eyes were swollen and sticking out at nothing.   Percy shrieked from the bedroom. “Who is it?! What? Whatta ya want?!” I got to his bedroom doorframe and looked in.   He was lying on his bed covered in splotches of blood that ran from where his nose used to be, down his mouth, and on his hands. He kept scratching and picking at it. Part of his upper lip was gone and just teeth and bloody gums shined back at me. It sounded like when you pick your fingernails, but it was deeper and wetter as he dug deeper into his nasal cavity. Meat and skin were under his broken fingernails. Tears ran down his face.   “The smell won’t go away it won’t go away why won’t anyone help me?!”   “Percy what the fuck did you do?!”   He cried so hard he started to hiccup. “I don’t know,” he trailed off. “It smells so bad.”   \*\*\*\*\*   After the ambulance took him away, I went home and got drunk while I watched cartoons. I thought about it all, the smell, Percy, the earthquakes. Nothing seemed normal about any of it.   I woke up in a cold sweat later that afternoon after a shitty couch nap. Something, possibly the ten cans of sixteen-ounce Pabst Blue Ribbon I drank, was telling me that the earthquakes and the smell at the school were connected. The doors to the school would be locked, but I had a key. The lights were still out on that side of town, but I had an LED lantern. I got my heavy-duty face mask, gloves, goggles, and boots. I stopped by a hardware store and grabbed one of those plastic suits with the hood you use for painting and a roll of duct tape. My homemade hazmat suit was ready to go.   \*\*\*\*\*   I never liked the dark hallways of an empty school. Most places when they’re empty still have use. Being the only customer in a store is fine. The only person at a gas station is fine. But an empty dark school is like a corpse. No function, just stillness. My footsteps echoed as I made my way through the halls towards the eighth-grade side. Other than my breathing I could hear the soft prickly little scurries of roaches as they fled from the light of my lantern. Why were there so many of them? Even through my mask I could tell the smell was worse and had filled the hallways. I couldn’t imagine how bad it would be when I opened the door to the bathroom. The floors creaked and felt more slanted than usual. A flashlight beam shone across the corner in front of me and I couldn’t turn my lantern off in time before the flashlight blinded me. The muffled voice of Coach Tompkins called out.   “Who’s there?!” He sounded like he wanted to shoot me.   “It’s Lenny the janitor!” He walked up to me. He had an army surplus gas mask on.    We continued our conversation in the back alley behind the school, maskless. “What are you doing here?” I asked.   “Could ask you the same thing, prowling around. I heard about your buddy. Real fucked up.”   Yeah, no shit. “I think whatever it is in the bathroom’s got something to do with it.”   “Same here.” He looked off and then back. “You hear about the Winters girl?”   “No, what happened?”   He sighed and rubbed his head over his mask. “She had been in the girls’ restroom this morning and she got sick in my class and threw up. Right as the power went out. I’m tellin’ ya, I’m usually not one to believe in haunts or devils and shit, but something didn’t feel right about that whole thing. Plus, she threw up on the keyboard of one of the computers and those are a bitch to clean.”   “You heard about the earthquakes, didn’t you?”   “Sure did. I felt it. I bet I was the only one that knew what was happening last night.” He looked off and sniffed.   \*\*\*\*\*   In the restroom it smelled almost as bad as the first day only with the mask on. We pried the drain cover off the floor and shown a light down. There was nothing. Not as in nothing in the pipe. There was no pipe. There was nothing. A massive, cavernous space was below us. Coach trembled and he lost his grip on the little flashlight, and it slipped into the drain hole. We watched, mouths agape, as it tumbled and twisted silently until it was a pinpoint of light in what might as well have been a sky of darkness.   In the hallway Coach and I just stared at each other and back at the door to the boys’ restroom.   “We got to call the cops,” I said.   “The fuck are the cops gonna do?! We gotta call the army or something, the national guard.”   “Scientists?”   “Anybody!”   I stood there for a minute before turning back to him. “Does the automotive class still have the really long spool of metal wire?”   \*\*\*\*\*   Upstairs in Coach Tompkins STEM room he attached a 360-degree GoPro camera to a selfie stick while I rolled the barrel of wire from the vocation building to the hallway in front of the restroom. We tied the guitar-string-thin wire to the end of the stick along with another small flashlight on the camera and triple duct taped everything solid.    “How much wire you think we have?” I asked him.   “I’d say about eight miles or more.”   We hit record on the camera, turned the flashlight on, and we slowly fished it down into the abyss. I don’t know how much time went by, but we still had not reached the bottom. The wire started giving off that tapping sound that travels from one end to the other, like the slinky sound. Before I could tell Coach that’s where they got the blaster sounds in Star Wars from, it started really moving as if we caught a live one. We didn’t like the sound of that, so we pulled the camera back up much quicker than we had let it down. It was still several minutes before it came back to us. Coach put on a rubber glove as I handed him the stick with the camera. He stopped recording and went to the tiny playback menu.   We watched ourselves as we lowered the camera in, and we eventually, along with the drain opening, disappeared into the distance. The flashlight didn’t even illuminate anything. Whatever cavern or cave that opened up beneath the bathroom was huge, possibly under the entire school property. We didn’t think about that and sped through the solid black footage. He hit regular speed again and we heard what we thought was water, then maybe it was a humming. We weren’t sure.   Then we saw them. I thought they were grubs the way they convulsed and how many there were. Then I saw the hair and the shoulders and the arms and the hands. Brown and green bones, yellow mud-like skin that fell and shifted as they all shuffled around over each other. All moving. All moaning. Most crying. Some wailed and looked more human than the others, and some were only moving rot. They saw us. They turned and all stared at the light. They all reached for it as if it would save them. Their glistening eyes were the worst part. The wailing gave way to shouting, begging. One grabbed the camera and pulled it close. That’s when the camera was pulled from his hands as they disappeared back into the darkness, still calling out. I could make out words, but I chose not to hear them.   I was frozen. Coach Tompkins was not.   “We gotta- we gotta get the fuck outta here we gotta get the fuck outta here.” He started panicking but was just walking in circles. “Oh my god I can’t breathe in this fucking mask!” He threw it off.    “Let’s just go man let’s just go!”   “How can we do anything? How can-” He went into a coughing fit with spit stringing down his mouth. I had either ignored it or didn’t notice it before but now I couldn’t, the building started shaking again, much more than the previous earthquake. I heard them down there. He sobbed and grabbed me, but I shoved him off.    “What do we do, Lenny?!”   “We get the fuck out of here, now!”   I turned and went towards the direction of the back door before I heard the massive rumble and crashes. I turned and through the door labeled “BOYS” I saw the restroom fall in on itself and down into nothing. Coach Tompkins started running. “Oh God!” He slipped and fell into the growing hole. He sounded like an animal as he screamed.   I ran to the back door of the school, past my car, and down the street. I was deaf from my heartbeat, and I ripped my mask and goggles off and tried to catch my breath on my hands and knees in the street. I turned and saw the entrance of the school fall in along with the middle part of it. My car was fine, and I passed out as I heard sirens and car alarms.   \*\*\*\*\*   In the emergency room, I watched on the local news how the rare earthquakes exposed a sinkhole under the school building, where they suspected the sinkhole had been forming for years. They also mourned the loss of their baseball coach and STEM teacher, Coach Tompkins. Percy was dead now, but they didn’t mention him. He clawed too deep into his nose and reached his brain. The nurse came in and asked how I was doing. I frowned and shrugged. “I’m fine.”   “Oh, don’t frown, mister. My daddy always used to call me ‘poor old Lazarus’ when I would pout.”   “What? Why?”   “Well, he was Orthodox you see, Christian not Jew. He said that after the good Lord brought Lazarus back from Hades, he never smiled again ‘cause of all the souls he saw that weren’t saved.”   I had never heard of that, but I didn’t say so. Then I asked her, “Why are you wearing that face mask?”   “Well ever since the sinkhole formed, the town’s had this weird bad smell going around. It’s not too bad right now though.”   “Yet,” I said.

**Cleaning performance that survives Indian dust, floors, and voltage — backed by real local service.** --- ## 1. Type, Specs & Budget `Quick decision path:` > * Household size/floor type → Type (corded for longevity; wet & dry for mess/monsoon; cordless for quick daily; robot for hands-off upkeep) → Specs (suction target for that type, sealed HEPA, LiDAR if robot) → true cost of ownership (battery/filter/brush prices) → shortlist 2-3 models → local service check (Section 2) → buy on service record, not spec sheet. > **A brand's national reputation ≠ your pincode's service reality.** Search "[Brand] service center + [your city/pincode]" and read recent 1- and 3-star reviews, not just 5-star ones. > > **Popularity ≠ satisfaction.** Sales-share stats circulating online are largely uncited — treat them as unverified. A mid-range corded/wet-dry canister remains the safer long-term pick for most 2-3BHK homes: fewer parts, simpler repairs. `Before ordering:` > * Check replacement prices for battery, filter, brush, and dust-bin assembly — poor spare-parts access is a red flag regardless of specs. > * Confirm the brand actively services vacuums in India right now — some only carry a general appliance warranty on paper. > * Photograph/film the unboxing — evidence for a DOA or damage claim later. `Timing & price:` > * Best discounts: Amazon Great Indian Festival/Flipkart Big Billion Days (Sept-Oct), Republic Day sales (Jan). > * Renewed/refurbished listings carry shorter warranty (90 days-6 months) and undisclosed battery history — a budget gamble, not a new-unit equivalent. > * Import-duty/INR-USD swings move prices on foreign brands (`Dyson`, `Roborock`, `iRobot`, `Dreame`) with little notice — don't assume last month's price still holds. ### Choosing a type | Type | Best for | Trade-off | |---|---|---| | Corded canister/upright (`Kärcher` / `Bosch` / `Philips`) | Safest long-term, no battery to wear out; 3-4BHK, built to last 10+ years | Bulkier, cable to manage | | Wet & dry (`Kärcher`) | Most versatile for India: mud, spills, monsoon mess; doubles as blower | Bulky, noisy | | Cordless stick (`Dyson` premium · `Kärcher`/`Bosch` mid · `AGARO`/`Philips` budget) | Quick daily cleaning; 1-2BHK, elderly users | Real runtime well below advertised — treat as a supplement | | Robot + mop (`Roborock` hardware/app · `Xiaomi` entry-price service) | Daily maintenance only, not deep-clean | LiDAR is a must; most points of failure of any category | | Handheld (—) | Secondary device only — car/sofa/keyboard, pets/long hair | Not a primary cleaner | > `Cross-cutting fits:` pets/long hair → anti-tangle brush; heavy carpets → strong agitation brush; allergy-prone → sealed HEPA is a must; tightest budget → `Kärcher WD 3 V-15` (₹4,999). > > `Skip a robot if:` loose floor wires, fringed rugs, multi-level home with no per-floor unit, pets that startle easily, no inverter backup, or raised door thresholds. > > `How many to buy:` For most 2-3BHK homes, two vacuums beat one — a wet & dry/corded canister for deep/monsoon cleaning, plus a budget cordless or entry robot for daily upkeep. One-machine buyers: go wet & dry canister. Note: true budget dry-only corded canisters are rare below ~₹9-10k in India — most cheap listings in that range are actually wet & dry or 2-in-1 units, which is fine (they cover the corded use case too) but don't expect a dedicated dry-only canister at entry prices. ### Specs that actually matter > * **Suction targets:** kPa, Pa, Air Watts (AW), and wattage aren't interchangeable. Robots: ~5,000 Pa is adequate on tile/marble; 13,000-30,000+ Pa figures are mostly marketing — robot Pa numbers are measured at the motor, not the floorhead, so they inflate fast and shouldn't be used to rank robots against each other. Sticks: judge by Air Watts (150+ AW is the bar). Canisters/wet-dry: 18-23 kPa is a fair target. > * **Filtration:** sealed HEPA (H13-grade) filtration is close to mandatory given Indian air quality index (AQI) levels. > * **Navigation (robots):** LiDAR (laser-based mapping) is the safe baseline — works in the dark and on shiny marble. > * **Obstacle/pet-waste avoidance (robots):** cameras or sensors that detect and steer around cords, shoes, and pet mess are increasingly common outside flagship models too — worth checking for if you have pets or small kids, since it prevents the robot from smearing mess across the floor. > * **Self-empty dock:** close to essential above ~₹25-30k in high-dust Indian homes. > * **Anti-tangle:** non-negotiable for long-hair households — a top cause of motor failure otherwise. > * **Mopping realism:** static drag pads mostly smear liquid; spinning dual pads or extending/vibrating arms do a real job. Won't lift dried food/oil stains. > * **Battery/runtime:** advertised max runtime is on lowest power mode. Real normal-mode runtime is often only 40-60% of the headline figure — check if the battery is user-replaceable. > * **Motor type:** BLDC motors last longer, but voltage swings/brownouts are a common cause of dock/motherboard failure. > * **Cord length (corded):** 5-6m comfortably covers a typical 2BHK. `On delivery, check:` vacuum rice/grit on tile and carpet; run at max power 1-2 min for noise (corded ~70-80dB, cordless boost ~75-85dB, robot ~55-65dB — check your building's quiet hours/RWA rules if running it early or late); check bin/dock seal for leaks; time real runtime against the claim. Also inspect build: solid motor housing, metal (not plastic) extension tube, tight-sealing bin lid, thick cord with strain relief, and accessible screws (not a glued shell). --- ## 2. Brands & Service Rated on build quality and actual India repair/replace experience, not spec sheets. For corded machines, build quality matters most; for cordless, build + battery + service; for robots, service + spare parts + battery matter as much as suction. ### 🏆 Highly recommended > * `Dyson` — strong build, best-in-class filters, good official network, 2yr warranty. Return window is short on most sellers (~10 days) — confirm before buying. Battery wear is a commonly reported complaint in owner reviews — check runtime on delivery rather than relying on the spec sheet. > * `Kärcher` — steel tanks, dedicated India workshops, strong in Tier-1 cities, 1yr warranty. Filters/bags pricier than rivals. Best pick for wet/dry and heavy-duty use; also runs a cordless stick/handheld line (VC series) worth cross-shopping. ### ✅ Recommended > * `Philips` — thicker plastic + metal tube, ~42-city service network, 24-month warranty (register it). India's most-bought brand and a safe default choice. > * `Bosch` — strong engineering, easy repair booking, 2yr extended-warranty option. Cordless accessory support varies by model. > * `Roborock` — sturdiest build among Chinese robot brands, low failure rate, most reliable app/navigation. Official India distributor + Bengaluru walk-in center + courier — confirm authorised seller. > * `Xiaomi (Mi)` — budget-tier build but the best-proven repair network of any entry robot brand, on the back of Xiaomi's broader India service footprint (widely reported in the four-figure range for centers, spanning hundreds of cities — verify current count before relying on it). Top pick in ₹15-25k entry-robot range for service confidence. > * `Kent` — decent build; motor is the weak point long-term. Rides Kent's RO-appliance service network — strong Tier-1, patchy Tier-3. > * `iRobot (Roomba)` — strong navigation and pet-hair handling. Official India distributor (Puresight Systems), real warranty. Expensive (₹95k-1.1L). > * `Ecovacs` — competitive hardware, good ratings (~3.9-4+ stars), frequent value pick under ₹30-50k. Repairs route through a third party (Frootle India) — verify recent service reports for your pin code. > * `Narwal` — strong mopping hardware, good ratings. Newest major robot brand in India — service network less proven than Roborock/Xiaomi/Dreame, especially above ₹40k. > * `Shark` — good ratings for cleaning performance. Indian warranty paperwork occasionally reported incomplete — check terms before buying. > * `AGARO`/`Inalsa` — good ratings, strong suction for the price. Chinese-made hardware, Indian branding; plastic latches are the known weak point, and repairs can be courier-only (3-6 weeks). > * `American Micronic` — good ratings, solid build for the price. Doorstep service exists but less established than Tier-1 brands. ### ✅ Recommended, with a service caveat > * `Dreame` — frequently the hardware/value leader (LiDAR + self-empty + anti-tangle at aggressive prices, D20/D30/L40/L50 Ultra range ~₹40k-80k). Hardware is ahead of proven service — check recent 1-star reports for your city above ₹30k. > * `Black+Decker` — real India retail/service presence (toll-free helpline, city-wise centers), good build for the price. Global customer-service reputation skews poor — confirm your city's turnaround before buying above ~₹5k. ### ⚠️ Less recommended — verify your pin code first > * `Tineco`/`Eufy`/`Roidmi`/`NUUK` — real hardware, but smaller/less-proven India service network. Confirm local service before spending above ₹15k. > * `Unbranded/no-name units` — inflated suction claims, no spare parts, no real India service address, often sold only via Instagram/WhatsApp DM. ### 🚫 Not recommended > * `Eureka Forbes` — removed from this guide entirely due to bad service and reviews; all listings pulled from Section 4. > * `Milagrow` — service data thinner than Roborock/Xiaomi/Dreame, without an offsetting hardware/value case. Not present in Section 4. > * `Realme (TechLife)` — new entrant, poor product ratings, no established India service track record. Treat as a pass. `Quick reference by priority:` > * Best build + filters (premium) → `Dyson` > * Best wet/dry & heavy-duty → `Kärcher` > * Widest service network / safest default → `Philips` > * Best robot app/navigation → `Roborock` > * Best entry-robot service confidence → `Xiaomi` > * Tightest budget → `Kärcher WD 3 V-15` or a semi-auto AGARO/Inalsa pick (verify pin code) --- ## 3. Setup, Care, Troubleshooting & Buying Process ### Logistics > * High-wattage wet-dry machines often need a 16A socket, not standard 5A/6A — don't use an adapter (fire risk). > * Return windows vary by brand: `Dyson` ~10 days, `Roborock` ~30 days — confirm your seller's exact policy. > * A third-party extended-protection plan is worth it on mid-to-premium robot/cordless buys — look for cashless, paperless claims. ### True cost of ownership > A ₹25,000 cordless needing an ₹8,000 battery in 2-3 years isn't really a ₹25,000 product — price these before buying: > * Battery replacement cost and availability > * HEPA/pre-filter cost and replacement frequency > * Main brush, side brush, hose, charger, dust-bin assembly, dock (robots) > * Self-empty dock dust-bag cost, if applicable > > Search "[model] + battery replacement / service / warranty / spare parts / problem" — zero critical reviews after high sales volume is a red flag, not a good sign. > > Also confirm the GST invoice shows the brand/seller GSTIN (needed for warranty claims and any business expense claim), and check whether extended-warranty premiums are taxed separately — sellers sometimes quote extended warranty pricing without GST included, which shows up as a surprise at checkout. ### Robot checklist (before spending ₹40k+) > * Is there an Indian warranty and Indian service contact? > * Is the battery sold as a genuine spare, and how much does it cost? > * Are the main brush, side brush, filter, mop pads, and dock sold as spares? > * Can the robot clean manually if the app fails? > * What's the actual repair/pickup process, and does it reach your pin code? ### Maintenance schedule | Frequency | What to do | |---|---| | After every use | Empty the bin, check the brush for wrapped hair, check for blockages | | Weekly | Clean the brush, check filters, check the hose for clogs | | Monthly | Deep-clean washable filters, check seals/wheels; wipe a robot's LiDAR sensor with a dry cloth (no compressed air) | | Every 3-6 months | Replace non-washable filters, sooner with pets or high-AQI cities | `Also:` adjust filter cadence to your city's AQI (Delhi NCR can clog filters in 6-8 weeks in pollution season); use filtered/RO water in mop tanks to avoid scale buildup; washable HEPA filters need 24-48hrs to dry before reinstalling; use a surge-protection strip for robot docks; never vacuum hot ash, sharp metal, or large liquid volumes in dry-only machines. Expected lifespan: 3-7+ years. `Troubleshooting:` > * Weak suction → check full bin, clogged filter, or blocked hose first. > * Robot stuck/erroring often → wipe sensors and LiDAR turret, check wheels for hair wrap. > * Error code → photograph it and check the manual/manufacturer site before calling for service. `Buying process:` > 1. **Pick the type first** — floor type, dust load, habits, not the brand. > 2. **Don't trust suction numbers alone** — check floorhead design and filtration too. > 3. **Work out the true cost of ownership** before the sticker price sways you. > 4. **Check the brand's repair-service reputation** for your pin code. > 5. **Buy only from authorised channels** — Amazon.in/Flipkart (check "Sold by [Brand] India"), brand D2C sites, or Croma/Reliance Digital for hands-on testing. Never Instagram/WhatsApp DM or unofficial "importer" listings. > 6. **For robots, clear the Robot Checklist** above. `After you buy:` > 1. **Unbox on camera.** Register the product within 7-30 days. > 2. **Run a performance test in week one** — pickup, noise, seal leaks, runtime vs claim. > 3. **Keep invoice, GST bill, warranty card, and registration** together. > 4. **If something breaks** — photo/video first, then escalate via app → email → phone helpline. Never hand over a unit for "repair" without a signed receipt. > 5. **Repair delayed past 30 days or DOA not replaced?** Escalate via the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) or e-Jagriti portal. > 6. **Never agree to an AMC over the phone** without a physical invoice and written terms. --- ## 4. Real Listing Examples by Price Band > Verdicts below flag brand-specific service caveats only where they add new information for that price point; the general rule from Section 2 still applies across the board — check your pin code before buying above the brand's stated service-confidence threshold. ### 4a. Corded & Wet & Dry | Price | Model | Specs (as listed) | Verdict | |---|---|---|---| | [₹2,184](https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0C5DW4D3G?th=1&linkCode=sl2&tag=960f6-21&linkId=6ff65488356806056a5c3eeb8ecb2fbe&ref_=as_li_ss_tl) | Inalsa 700W 2-in-1 (`Corded 2-in-1`) | 700 W, 14 kPa, HEPA filter | Cheapest Inalsa listing with a stated suction figure and HEPA | | [₹2,299](https://link.amazon/B0iEu94Eq) | Kent Dash (`Corded – Dry Canister`) | 600 W, >16 kPa, Cyclone5 + HEPA, bagless | Solid mid-budget dry canister on Kent's RO-appliance service network | | [₹3,639](https://link.amazon/B01oSiCX3) | Black+Decker BDWDS12-IN (`Wet & Dry`) | 1000 W, 18.5 kPa, 12 L tank, blower | Comparable spec to the Kärcher WD3 below — decide on service network per Section 2 | | [₹3,899](https://link.amazon/B05m98IB3) | Inalsa CleanMaster 12 (`Wet & Dry`) | 1200 W, 17 kPa, 12 L steel tank | Steel-tank wet & dry under ₹4k — better corrosion resistance than plastic-tank models | | [₹4,999](https://fktr.in/nzsQ4so) | Kärcher WD 3 V-15/4/20 (`Wet & Dry`) | 1000 W, 23 kPa, 15 L plastic tank, blower | Entry Kärcher wet & dry, suction inside the 18-23 kPa fair target | | [₹5,482](https://link.amazon/B0do8g52r) | Black+Decker WDBD15 (`Wet & Dry`) | 1400 W, 16 kPa, 15 L tank, HEPA, blower | HEPA at this price is uncommon among wet & dry canisters | | [₹6,899](https://link.amazon/B0i2VdZPu) | Inalsa Master Vac 25 (`Wet & Dry`) | 1700 W, 22 kPa, 25 L, HEPA, steel tank option | Larger-capacity heavy-duty option — good for bigger homes/workshops | | [₹9,999](https://link.amazon/B07gIok9q) | Philips PowerPro FC9352/01 (`Corded – Dry Canister`) | Bagless, turbo brush, compact | Philips' most "safe value" dry canister — widest service network among recommended brands | | [₹12,199](https://link.amazon/B070L52j6) | Philips PowerPro FC9351/01 (`Corded – Dry Canister`) | 1900 W, PowerCyclone 5, HEPA filter | Same line with explicit HEPA — worth the jump over the FC9352 for AQI | | [₹14,196](https://link.amazon/B0iVSf1SZ) | Kärcher WD 5 V (`Wet & Dry`) | 1100 W, 28 kPa, 25 L tank, flat-pleat filter, blower | Stronger Kärcher wet & dry — good step-up for monsoon/mud/workshop use | | [₹14,897](https://link.amazon/B0ctcdzc2) | Bosch GAS 15 PS (`Wet & Dry`) | 1100 W, 270 mbar, 10 L tank, heavy-duty corded | Bosch engineering + easy repair booking; solid Kärcher alternative in the same band | | [₹32,900](https://link.amazon/B03d0if1u) | Dyson Big Ball CY23 (`Corded Canister`) | 1.6 L bin, 22 ft auto-rewind cord, no-overheating motor design, 5 yr warranty | Fills the premium-corded slot — longest warranty of any vacuum in this guide | ### 4b. Cordless Stick & Handheld | Price | Model | Specs (as listed) | Verdict | |---|---|---|---| | [₹14,499](https://link.amazon/B075ICy8O) | AGARO Supreme Cordless (`Cordless Stick`) | 400W brushless motor, 25 kPa, 3 suction modes, swappable battery | Budget swappable-battery pick — AGARO's service network is thinner, confirm your pin code | | [₹21,970](https://link.amazon/B0d9KeT2r) | Bosch Unlimited 7 (`Cordless Stick`) | TurboSpin motor, 3.0 Ah exchangeable battery (~40-min eco/10-min turbo), FlexTube 90° bend | Bosch's cordless flagship, 10-year motor guarantee. No published AW figure — don't compare directly to Dyson | | [₹27,900](https://link.amazon/B0j66RRY6) | Dyson V8 Absolute (`Cordless Stick`) | 115 Air Watts, 0.54 L bin, 40-min runtime, 2 yr warranty | Real AW figure — the actual entry-level Dyson slot | | [₹46,499](https://link.amazon/B0gc0MCsi) | Shark PowerDetect (`Cordless Stick`) | Cordless, DuoClean Detect nozzle, auto-boost on dirt detection, HEPA, 70-min runtime, auto-empty base | Real feature depth, but no independently comparable Pa/AW figure — only marketing claims | | [₹65,900](https://link.amazon/B0a6fYdhT) | Dyson V15 Detect (`Cordless Stick`) | 240 Air Watts, 0.77 L bin, 60-min runtime, 2 yr warranty | Well above the 150+ AW bar — clearest genuine spec upgrade over the V8 | ### 4c. Robot Vacuums | Price | Model | Specs (as listed) | Verdict | |---|---|---|---| | [₹14,900](https://link.amazon/B0gFlFwYJ) | ILIFE V20 (`Robot Vacuum + Mop`) | 5,000 Pa, SoF laser navigation, 2-in-1, app/Alexa/Google Home | Cheapest LiDAR-class robot here; ILIFE spares generally available, but repair may mean shipping the unit out | | [₹16,999](https://link.amazon/B04CZEfoP) | Lefant M1 (`Robot Vacuum + Mop`) | 5,500 Pa, dToF laser navigation, 150-min runtime, 3-level water tank | Unproven brand in India — no local service reports found; verify before buying | | [₹17,900](https://link.amazon/B0iAtjVHn) | ILIFE A30 (`Robot Vacuum + Mop`) | 13,000 Pa, LiDAR, 2-in-1, Y-shape cleaning path | High suction-to-price ratio; same ILIFE service reality as the V20 | | [₹18,899](https://link.amazon/B0geWBNTUE) | ILIFE A20 Pro (`Robot Vacuum`) | LiDAR, 5200 mAh battery, covers up to 4500 sq ft | No stated Pa figure — positioned on coverage, not raw suction | | [₹19,999](https://link.amazon/B08lSvkXE) | Dreame F10 (`Robot Vacuum`) | 13,000 Pa, LiDAR, 300-min runtime | Higher suction and runtime than the D10 Plus Gen 2 below, ₹5k less, but no self-empty | | [₹23,998](https://link.amazon/B0htgKnVD) | Ecovacs Deebot N30 (`Robot Vacuum + Mop`) | 10,000 Pa, 5200 mAh battery, covers 3500+ sq ft/charge | Entry-tier Ecovacs, no self-empty; third-party (Frootle India) repair caveat applies | | [₹24,999](https://link.amazon/B0258eyWi) | Dreame D10 Plus Gen 2 (`Robot Vacuum, Self-Empty`) | 6,000 Pa, self-emptying, 90-day storage, LiDAR | Cheapest self-empty robot in this table | | [₹28,900](https://link.amazon/B01uhHweJ) | ILIFE T20s Ultra (`Robot Vacuum + Mop, Self-Empty`) | 10,000 Pa, LiDAR, self-emptying (10-week storage), dry & wet combo | Same price as the Narwal below, but adds self-emptying | | [₹28,990](https://link.amazon/B06JJoAl0) | Narwal Freo X20 Plus (`Robot Vacuum`) | 13,000 Pa, LiDAR, tri-laser obstacle avoidance, 7-week storage | Narwal's strongest per-rupee robot here; newest-brand service caveat applies | | [₹34,999](https://link.amazon/B07hFGXQV) | Dreame L50 Plus (`Robot Vacuum + Mop, Self-Empty`) | 25,000 Pa, self-emptying, 120-day storage, dual anti-tangle brush | Above Dreame's ₹30k service-check threshold — check recent city reviews first | | [₹44,990](https://link.amazon/B0d59iSYP) | Narwal Freo X Ultra 2.0 (`Robot Vacuum + Mop, Self-Empty`) | 12,000 Pa, Tri-Laser LiDAR, DirtSense, auto mop wash/drying | Real feature step vs D20 Ultra below; same newest-brand caveat | | [₹46,999](https://link.amazon/B0d7xVVGZ) | Dreame D20 Ultra (`Robot Vacuum + Mop, Self-Empty`) | 13,000 Pa, self-cleaning/drying mop, 100-day auto-empty, carpet detection | Above the ₹30k Dreame service-check threshold — verify recent city reviews | | [₹59,999](https://link.amazon/B0eSUpm8y) | Ecovacs Deebot N50 Pro Omni (`Robot Vacuum + Mop, Self-Empty`) | 25,000 Pa, self-emptying omni-station, hot air-drying, auto-lift mop on carpet | Third-party (Frootle India) repair caveat applies, more so at this price | | [₹1,09,990](https://link.amazon/B056Hdupf) | Narwal Flow (`Robot Vacuum + Mop, Self-Empty`) | 22,000 Pa, self-cleaning hot-water mop, auto dust emptying | Top-tier feature set at Narwal's newest/least-proven service tier | --- > `I'm an Amazon Affiliate` — purchases made through my links are very helpful to support my work. [Amazon Link](https://link.amazon/B0gmi3NSu) > > 🛒 ❮ **Looking for something else?** Head over to the [**Purchase Guide Megathread**](https://www.reddit.com/r/IndianTechCentral/s/7nXoEkrz0h).

My son was very excited coz 6th of August was supposed to be bagless day in his school. But it's been informed to them that they will have half day normal school and only the later half is bagless..... What does this even mean.

Hey, I'm selling a couple of items to make space. I'm looking to sell them face to face in Jayadeva Metro so you can check properly before you buy. I will ignore lowballs, these items are kept in good condition. Some items are international quality. 1. **EPSON** Stylus SX130 **Printer -** It can scan, copy, print in black and colour. 4 cartridges instead of 2 so you save money on individual colours. I've used this a few times myself during school days for homework. After that it's been inside the box. *Pictures*: [https://postimg.cc/gallery/dkQK7by](https://postimg.cc/gallery/dkQK7by) 2. **Panasonic** Bagless **Vaccum Cleaner** MC-4620 **-** 1400W, very powerful motor. Brand new, never used, never opened (I don't know why we had 2). Take a look at the security stickers on the top, that tells a story in itself. Hoping to give it away to a good household. *Pictures*: [https://postimg.cc/gallery/86Nj7Th](https://postimg.cc/gallery/86Nj7Th) 3. **National** Steel **Iron** NI-21AWT - My family has had another one since I was born and it still works to this day (only the wire fibers have become loose), modern irons can't come close to the quality this has. Only downside is that it dosent have a tank but nothing a spray cant do same thing. *Pictures*: [https://postimg.cc/gallery/MRBS0F8](https://postimg.cc/gallery/MRBS0F8) 4. **Panasonic** Cordless Handset **Landline** KX-TG2713 - We used this a fair bit and it has been really helpful, I'm sure this will be helpful even in offices, has an amazing range, clarity and build quality even by today's standards. *Pictures*: [https://postimg.cc/gallery/JHMGPNG](https://postimg.cc/gallery/JHMGPNG) 5. **Thrustmaster** T.Flight **HOTAS** 4 - This is the beginner entry to flying and space games/simulators. Its served me well and I'm upgrading to a more expensive setup. *Pictures*: [https://postimg.cc/gallery/wNPJP3P](https://postimg.cc/gallery/wNPJP3P) 6. **NZXT** PC RGB Silent (Fluid-Bearing) **Fan** \- I have 1x 120mm and 1x 140mm fan. It was inside my NZXT S340 Elite case and ive loved it, worth every penny (it was expensive). Converted my PC to server so don't need RGB now. *Pictures*: [https://postimg.cc/xk9JZDqd](https://postimg.cc/xk9JZDqd) 7. **ANT Esports** PC RGB **Fan** \- 2x 120mm . I got these while buying an aircooler for my server, Never been used. *Pictures*: [https://postimg.cc/JH5SPkFm](https://postimg.cc/JH5SPkFm) 8. Generic (Bose-looking) Superman Speaker - I have 2 of these, We have like 10 of these around the house (i dont know why). Might as well give it away. As-is Condition. *Pictures*: [https://postimg.cc/QVYzxj3L](https://postimg.cc/QVYzxj3L)

Hey, I'm selling a couple of items to make space. I'm looking to sell them face to face in Jayadeva Metro so you can check properly before you buy. I will ignore lowballs, these items are kept in good condition. Some items are international quality. 1. **EPSON** Stylus SX130 **Printer -** It can scan, copy, print in black and colour. 4 cartridges instead of 2 so you save money on individual colours. I've used this a few times myself during school days for homework. After that it's been inside the box. *Pictures*: [https://postimg.cc/gallery/dkQK7by](https://postimg.cc/gallery/dkQK7by) 2. **Panasonic** Bagless **Vaccum Cleaner** MC-4620 **-** 1400W, very powerful motor. Brand new, never used, never opened (I don't know why we had 2). Take a look at the security stickers on the top, that tells a story in itself. Hoping to give it away to a good household. *Pictures*: [https://postimg.cc/gallery/86Nj7Th](https://postimg.cc/gallery/86Nj7Th) 3. **National** Steel **Iron** NI-21AWT - My family has had another one since I was born and it still works to this day (only the wire fibers have become loose), modern irons can't come close to the quality this has. Only downside is that it dosent have a tank but nothing a spray cant do same thing. *Pictures*: [https://postimg.cc/gallery/MRBS0F8](https://postimg.cc/gallery/MRBS0F8) 4. **Panasonic** Cordless Handset **Landline** KX-TG2713 - We used this a fair bit and it has been really helpful, I'm sure this will be helpful even in offices, has an amazing range, clarity and build quality even by today's standards. *Pictures*: [https://postimg.cc/gallery/JHMGPNG](https://postimg.cc/gallery/JHMGPNG) 5. **Thrustmaster** T.Flight **HOTAS** 4 - This is the beginner entry to flying and space games/simulators. Its served me well and I'm upgrading to a more expensive setup. *Pictures*: [https://postimg.cc/gallery/wNPJP3P](https://postimg.cc/gallery/wNPJP3P) 6. **NZXT** PC RGB Silent (Fluid-Bearing) **Fan** \- I have 1x 120mm and 1x 140mm fan. It was inside my NZXT S340 Elite case and ive loved it, worth every penny (it was expensive). Converted my PC to server so don't need RGB now. *Pictures*: [https://postimg.cc/xk9JZDqd](https://postimg.cc/xk9JZDqd) 7. **ANT Esports** PC RGB **Fan** \- 2x 120mm . I got these while buying an aircooler for my server, Never been used. *Pictures*: [https://postimg.cc/JH5SPkFm](https://postimg.cc/JH5SPkFm) 8. Generic (Bose-looking) Superman Speaker - I have 2 of these, We have like 10 of these around the house (i dont know why). Might as well give it away. As-is Condition. *Pictures*: [https://postimg.cc/QVYzxj3L](https://postimg.cc/QVYzxj3L)

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Florida environmental officials want to make the state the first in the nation to prohibit throwaway plastic and paper bags.

Our dinosaur of a Dyson is finally in her twilight years and we are shopping for a new vacuum. I have been tempted by the siren song of a Sebo Felix…

The National Education Policy (NEP) emphasizes the need for schools to embrace innovative and hands-on learning approaches that go beyond conventional classroom teaching. One such initiative is the introduction of "Bagless Days”, which offer students exciting opportunities to participate ...

Although these vacuums are not as hygienic as Bagged Central Vacuum Systems, bagless units don't require a disposable paper bag. Unlike bagged units, bagless central vacuums need to be vented outside. Dirt is drawn into the vacuum in a cyclonic motion which prevents it from immediately sticking ...

Just something I've noticed while reading. Bagless sounds less cumbersome and the way to go. Change my mind! :)

(esp of a vacuum cleaner) not containing a bag.... Click for pronunciations, examples sentences, video.

Not sure if a bagged or bagless vacuum is best for you? Consumer Reports reviews the pros and cons of each type.

The meaning of BAGLESS is operating without bags : not having a bag. How to use bagless in a sentence.

Starting on July 1, all Maine Walmart stores are going bagless. Walmart customers will need to bring reusable bags and containers for pickup and in-store shopping. [CDC says 8 Mainers have died with COVID-19 after being fully vaccinated] “With that ban soon taking effect, Walmart is converting ...

Which vacuum is right for you: bagged or bagless? We discuss the differences, primarily in terms of air quality.

Choosing between a bag or bagless vacuum? Learn the pros, cons, and key differences to find what fits your home, health needs, and cleaning habits.

NJDEP| New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection | Bagless Delivery Food Safety Fact Sheet for Grocery Stores and Delivery Companies | The PAC is charged with monitoring the implementation of the Law and evaluate its effectiveness in reducing single-use plastics and plastic waste in ...

Discover the widest selection of premium vacuum cleaners from Miele, SEBO, Kenmore and more. Authorized dealer offering expert advice, free shipping, and extended warranties for homeowners and businesses nationwide. Enjoy seasonal discounts and 30-day guarantee. Shop with confidence!

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All other materials should be thrown in the black garbage cart, donated or to find alternative recycling options visit: www.chicagorecycles.org. America Recycles Day, a program of Keep America Beautiful, is a nationally recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the ...

The best bagless vacuum we've tested is the Dyson V15 Detect. This cordless stick vacuum easily cleans everything from pet hair to small and large debris on nearly any surface.

Miele bagless vacuums feature an innovative dust separation system for ultimate hygiene and cleaning performance.

The proposed ban would follow a five-year phase-out during which escalating fees, starting at a nickel a bag, would be imposed whenever such bags were used. Such a statewide fee – which would also be a national first – is already drawing criticism as a type of tax.

Shop a wide range of bagless vacuums featuring swivel steering, pet tools, and multi-surface cleaning capabilities.

Kentucky led Alabama at halftime before a scoreless second half turned the upset bid into a 45-17 loss. Here are the ugly numbers.

News Sports Reporter Jay Skurski answers questions from fans in his latest Bills Mailbag ahead of the team's Week 1 game against the Houston Texans.

The guidelines have been formulated by the National Council of Educational Research and Training.

Authorities are trying all kinds of tricks to make the closure of I-5 southbound as painless as possible.

New Delhi, Oct 22 (PTI) The Directorate of Education on Tuesday issued guidelines for the implementation of 10 bagless days across government and private schools in Delhi. In a circular, the DoE directed the heads of all schools to implement 10 bagless days in schools for students of classes six to eight. The guidelines have […]

The students are encouraged to visit historical monuments, cultural sites, craft centers, and tourist destinations in order to appreciate the concepts and traditions as well as preserve their heritage and importance.

Memorial ceremonies in New York City, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon will commemorate victims of illnesses linked to the terrorist attacks along with the nearly 3,000 people who died in 2001.

Answering Raider Nation’s questions for the week

Underwear and teabags were buried in 25 different countries to analyze the rate of their decomposition.

WGME CBS 13 provides news, sports, weather and local event coverage in the Portland, Maine area including Lewiston, Augusta, Brunswick, Westbrook, Biddeford, Saco, Sanford, South Portland, Kennebunk, Bangor, Freeport, Buxton, Windham, Auburn, Waterville, Scarborough, Gorham, Yarmouth, Standish, Falmouth, Poland, Rockland, Bath.

We need to chat about the 2001 Roadless Rule. These coming weeks, many in the environmental community will remind us why our roadless areas are great. And they are. While

New Delhi, Jul 29 (PTI) The Union education ministry on Monday notified guidelines for implementation of bagless days for classes 6-8 and making learning in schools more joyful, experiential and stress-free. The guidelines, developed by PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education, a unit of the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT), were released […]

Pottstown is the first community in the nation to have curbside recycling

What kind of country would America be if people were freely allowed to peacefully deliver goods that had been consensually bought and sold?

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommended that all students in grades 6-8 participate in a 10-day bagless period.

KUTV CBS 2 provides local news, weather forecasts, traffic updates, notices of events and items of interest in the community, sports and entertainment programming for Salt Lake City and nearby towns and communities in the Great Salt Lake area, including Jordan Meadows, Millcreek, Murray, Holladay, Kearns, West Valley City, West Jordan, South Jordan, Sandy, Draper, Riverton, Bluffdale, Herriman, Magna, Bountiful, Centerville, Cottonwood Heights, Alpine, Highland, Summit Park, Park City, Heber City, Grantsville, Farmington, Kayville, Layton, Syracuse, Clearfield, Morgan, Roy, Ogden, American Fork, Orem, Provo, Springville, Spanish Fork, Payson, Nephi, and Tooele.

Our state’s timber industry decimated by Roadless Rule

New Delhi, Jul 9 (PTI) The Ministry of Education on Tuesday reviewed the NCERT guidelines for implementation of bagless days in schools and said they will be further fine-tuned, according to officials. PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE), a unit of the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT), had developed comprehensive guidelines […]

WOAI NBC News Channel 4 San Antonio provides local news, weather forecasts, traffic updates, investigations, and items of interest in the community, sports and entertainment programming for San Antonio and nearby towns and communities in South Central Texas, including Windcrest, Uvalde, Universal City, Somerset, Seguin, Schertz, San Marcos, Sabinal, Poth, Poteet, Pleasanton, Pearsall, New Braunfels, Live Oak, Kerrville, Hondo, Helotes, Goliad, Fredericksburg, Floresville, Eagle Pass, Devine, Del Rio, Cuero, Crystal City, Converse, Cibolo, Castroville, Carrizo Springs, Boerne, Bandera.

Opinion: Roughly two-thirds of the Yaak is heavily roaded; we don’t need any more.

One Bag Nation

Social responsibility activities The empty bottle collection campaign : The empty bottle collection campaign is Innisfree's flagship Green Life campaign, which began in 2003. [ 29 ] Customers can receive 300 Beauty Points for each empty bottle by returning the container of Innisfree products to the store. The number of empty bottles collected by 2020 is about 30,000, and in 2017, Innisfree opened an empty bottle space in an upcycling store that uses interior finishing materials using collected empty bottles. [ 30 ] Upcycling Beauty : 'Upcycling Beauty' is a project that gives new value to discarded resources and recreates products with sincerity. In August 2018, we developed a body product using coffee foil, which was thrown away as the first project product, in collaboration with Anthracite, and in 2019, we developed a hairline with Jeju Beer. Recently, it secured Jeju Gujwa carrots, which cannot be sold from I'M Jeju, and launched an ugly carrot hand line made from carrot water and carrot oil extracted from carrots. [ 31 ]

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BAGLESS SCHOOL DAYS James Dyson Was Frustrated With a Broken Vacuum, It Led to a Billion-Dollar Idea James Dyson's journey to invent the bagless vacuum cleaner began with a simple annoyance: a vacuum that lost suction. This led to a 15-year process of experimentation and engineering, rooted in the scientific principle of cyclonic separation. His perseverance transformed a common household problem into a revolutionary product, demonstrating that innovation often stems from identifying and solving everyday frustrations. Vidya Bharati a key reference point in shaping NEP 2020: Dharmendra Pradhan Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted Vidya Bharati's significant role in shaping India's National Education Policy 2020. He noted that many of Vidya Bharati's successful educational practices are now part of the national curriculum. These include bagless school days and mother tongue-based learning. The minister emphasised the policy's shift towards creativity and critical thinking, moving away from rote learning. Introducing 'bagless days': How Delhi's DoE plans to foster a stress-free learning experience for students Delhi's Directorate of Education introduces new guidelines for 10 bagless days in classes six to eight, promoting a joyful learning environment. Activities will include visits to historical sites and vocational courses in skills like carpentry and gardening, following the National Education Policy 2020. Education ministry notifies guidelines for bagless days for classes 6-8 The Union education ministry has notified guidelines for implementing bagless days for classes 6-8 to make learning in schools more enjoyable and stress-free. These guidelines, developed by the PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education, were released on the fourth anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Education Ministry reviews guidelines for implementation of bagless days in schools The Ministry of Education reviewed NCERT guidelines for implementing bagless days in schools, aiming to make learning more experiential and stress-free. Suggestions include teaching students about local ecology, testing water purity, and visiting local monuments. The PSSCIVE will fine-tune its guidelines based on the review. The National Education Policy recommends a 10-day bagless period for grades 6-8, focusing on skill-building and engaging activities outside traditional classrooms. Madhya Pradesh announces 'bag less school' initiative for Class 1 to 12 from next season. Here are the guidelines

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Dr സ്മിത പി കുമാർ NEP യിലെ Bagless 10 Days എങ്ങനെ ദലിത്-ആദിവാസി ...

Unique bagless day activities बस्ता रहित दिवस and National sports day celebration Hashtag ...

UP ની સરકારી શાળાઓમાં શરૂ થઈ અનોખી 'બેગ-લેસ સેટરડે'ની પહેલ | Gujarat Samachar ...

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Students of JNV Kulgam explored learning beyond books during Bagless day, engaging in Drone flying activity with creativity and ...

गांधीनगर में भारतीय शिक्षक शिक्षा संस्थान (IITE) और GCERT द्वारा 9 ...

गांधीनगर में भारतीय शिक्षक शिक्षा संस्थान (IITE) और GCERT द्वारा 9 ...

Follow us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iitegandhinagar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iitegandhinagar ...

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Edify School, Kanakapura Main Road, Bengaluru (Managed by Vasavi Vidyanikethan Trust) On July 31st, 2025, our kindergarten ...

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Bagless Day Celebration at Sant Chavara National Academy Sant Chavara National Academy, Chandametta, celebrated Bagless ...

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As part of the Growing Up program, our Foundational Stage students embarked on an engaging and educational bagless day, ...

Bagless Day was not just about leaving the bags at home; it was about breaking the routine and providing for students to learn ...

We at the preparatory stage ensure our students are prepared for the future by integrating key skills such as critical thinking, ...

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