miscellaneous rambling

So my friend Tetsu came over from Japan. He's looking for a Taiwanese National team jersey for his soccer player friends. They are collectors. I've never seen one for sale before. In fact, I have only seen the baseball jerseys briefly when the olympics were on.

Still, I tried to get him one. We hit the streets early. most shops looked at us, like we were stoned.

"Taiwan jersey? No.. why would you even WANT one? Do you want to buy this Beckam jersey instead?"

so much for National pride.

So finally, I find one shop, who gives me a number. She says this lady used to be on the women's national team. Now, she owns a sports shop, way the heck on the other end of town. I called, and I tell a sales girl my request, which she will pass onto her boss.

The day passes. We are shopping for other things. Antiques, vintage teas, everything..

I call later, and talk to the boss herself. She tells us to come over, and she will custom make them. We head to the shop, and it turns out that they aren't allowed to be sold...
not only that, but they don't exist. only enough was made for the team. But she can re-make them for us.

So then, she tells us to wait. and she calls the national team's coach. Coach says he'll get one of the players to give up his jersey for us.

We wait in the shop, and then he calls back later, saying that he can't get ahold of anyone. She makes a few more calls. talks to her silkscreener, etc.
Nope, no more jersey's that may have been possibly in the printers or anything.

so, we get custom made jerseys with our numbers and names on them.

She does the jersey's for many of the national teams and can make an extra one for us, if we like. Every season...

but really, they aren't for sale.

On top of this, she says, " I'm impressed you guys found me. Tell you what, everything in the store is 30% off for you. and next time you come in, call first, and I'll make sure the staff gives you the same deal."

So, I"m getting a quick dry, thermal, aerodynamic Nike running shirt. This thing feels awesome man. and my jersey is only going to cost me $40 CAD. ( special price ) -- after all this trouble, I decided to buy one too.

I have to admit, I felt pretty good to be able to hunt out that jersey. :)