Wabi-Sabi Sole

Finding Beauty with Imperfection

Author: wabisabisole Page 14 of 54

Setsubun 2018

By

On February 3, 2018

In 2018, English, Friendship, Japan, Setsubun

Setsubun is held on February 3rd. Last year, I went with Miki and Dina to a Setsubun festival. This year, Setsubun was on a Saturday. On Saturday mornings, I normally have a session with my English student, Manami. Instead of having our traditional class, I suggested we go to Kamakura and visit the Hachiman-gu Shrine for the Setsubun Festival. (A Julia School field trip).

Setsubun means “change of seasons” and celebrates the upcoming Spring. Beans are thrown as a means of purification.

One of Dave’s coworkers translated the website for me on Friday night. She told me to be inside the perimeter of the ropes near the Shrine required a special ticket. The tickets would be passed out at noon on Saturday. The website recommended arriving early because the line could be very long and the tickets would run out. Manami and I decided to meet in Zushi and take the train together to Kamakura around 10am. We arrived at Hachiman-gu Shrine by 10:15.

Manami asked the official where we needed to wait for a ticket. He directed us to the line. Believe it or not, we were not the first in line!

We waited patiently. Fortunately, the day wasn’t too cold. Every minute that passed the line grew and grew. By noon the line was double sided!!

Shortly before noon, we were given our tickets.

However, we still had an hour before the ceremony started and two hours before they would throw the beans. We took about 45 minutes to warm up in a little waiting area before the events began. We returned to the area and waited patiently and secured our spot.

Soon it was time for the official party to arrive.

http://wabisabisole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/img_1795.mov

The official party continued to grow! The members included business owners, Miss Kamakura, and politicians.

The ceremony included a blessing of the crowd. The wooden boxes hold the packets of beans that will be thrown to the audience.

The official party members then entered the Shrine. That permitted Manami and me to be even closer to the front of the Shrine!! The large guy in the middle is the owner of the famous Kamakura dove/ pigeon cookie. The lady to his left is a famous Tokyo reporter. The ladies in the beautiful Kimonos are Miss Kamakura. We were so close to the front! Perfect for catching lots of lucky beans!

Finally, it was time to toss out the beans! Throwing the beans drives out demons and allows for good fortune to enter. Look at the crowd! Good fortune for everyone!!

Before living in Japan, I could never imagine such an orderly crowd. Another reason why I love Japan. Everyone is polite even when trying to catch good fortune beans! We caught several packets of soybeans. Enough for both of us and plenty to share. Each person must eat the same number of beans that corresponds with their age. Dave and I both enjoyed our respective piles of beans!

Manami also ordered us special sushi rolls to eat called “Ehoumaki.” I brought it home for Dave and I to share. It is important to eat the roll in the direction of the God of Happiness and Wealth. This year, Manami told me we should eat the roll facing south-south east. As I was opening the roll, I noticed the compass on the wrapper. It also pointed to the SSE. I used the compass on my iPhone to ensure we were facing the right direction.

It was such a special day. I enjoyed the opportunity to experience a Japanese custom in conjunction with my English session. As the first Julia School field trip, I think we were very successful!

Sakura Dreaming in the Snow

By

On February 2, 2018

In Beer, English, Japan, Sakura

We awoke this morning to a light dusting of snow. It was slushy, messy and not as pretty as the snow last week. I snapped a few pictures to document the occasion. Two snows in one Japan winter!

This next picture is of my two Sakura trees. Both are starting to show their buds. I’m hoping the cold temps will slow down their blooms a little bit. It’s too early!

Speaking of Sakura, the talk has already started about the Sakura bloom forecast. I have seen several forecasts. The forecasts are split between the peak bloom being the week of 3/24 and 4/1. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for the week of 4/1 so our friends who will be visiting can enjoy them as well.

Besides talking about the peak bloom, Sakura items are starting to appear. At my English class today, one of my students brought us special Sakura mochi.

The mochi pancake was filled with red bean paste and wrapped in a pickled Sakura leaf.

It was surprisingly delicious! Mochi and red bean paste are not usually my favorite. I’m beginning to enjoy them more, but I never buy them for myself. This little treat was really good. The salty flavor of the pickled Sakura leaf balanced nicely with the sweetness of mochi and red bean paste. It also helped that I washed it all down with an Asahi beer in a decorative Sakura can! The beer was cold, refreshing and had no taste of Sakura.

Wishing you a very happy Friday and for my friends in cold weather, I hope Punxsutawney Phil doesn’t see his shadow! Happy Groundhog Day! Kanpie!

18 Months

By

On February 1, 2018

In Japan

February 1st marks our 18-month anniversary in Japan. Seriously!?! I don’t know if I feel more like:

A. 18 Months? We just got here yesterday!

Or

B. 18 Months? We’ve been here forever!

Regardless, the milestone is worth documenting and celebrating. I also decided to put together a list of 18 rules/ survival strategies. I only wish I had this list 18 months ago!

  1. If you need help, just ask.
  2. Be bold! Be the first to speak – just say Konnichiwa and smile.
  3. Google Maps can take you places.
  4. Never leave home without: ID, Yen, Train Card, Cell Phone, and Phone Charger.
  5. Always be mindful of how much Yen is on your train card.
  6. Always wear sensible shoes.
  7. Don’t let the weather stop you.
  8. The vending machines contain wonderful mysteries and necessary refreshments. Enjoy the ¥120 adventure.
  9. The convenience stores are the best places to grab a snack or any meal for that matter.
  10. Just taste it (except sea urchin), you might be pleasantly surprised. If not, be happy knowing you can order something else or stop for a snack at the closest convenient store.
  11. The trains can get very crowded. Expect to not have a seat.
  12. If everyone gets off the train, so should you. Even if it’s not your stop. Most likely the train is out of service at that stop and returning in the direction you just came. Follow the crowd or check Google Maps.
  13. Having an ETC (electronic toll card) in the car is critical.
  14. You’re obviously a foreigner. You will be noticed. Even when you think you’re blending in, you’re not. Don’t be offended by the safe distance/space everyone gives you. Think of it as an American Bubble.
  15. Stay to the left. When driving and walking.
  16. Eat tuna sashimi weekly.
  17. Fruit although very expensive is amazingly delicious. Splurge occasionally each season.
  18. Relax and enjoy each daily adventure. Time passes too quickly.

To celebrate, I bought us a small dessert soufflé roll and fresh strawberries. I thought the roll had the perfect name for the occasion. “Happy Soufflé Roll”

Happy 18-Months of living in Japan to us! We couldn’t have done it without each other and without all of your support. Receiving messages from you, seeing your social media posts and pictures, and our chats on the phone have truly helped keep us connected and not feeling half a world away. We love you, miss you, and carry you with us in our hearts and thoughts always. To our local friends, we are so thankful our paths have crossed and truly appreciate your friendship and the adventures we share. With each duty station, we embrace the chance to connect with new friends and military family. You have helped us to feel at home. Kanpie!

Mt. Miurafuji Hike

By

On January 31, 2018

In Hiking, Japan, Miura Peninsula

Katie has asked me about different hikes near base that would be good for her to do with her kids on the weekends. I remembered the hike of Mt. Miurafuji and Mt. Takeyama I did last March. We decided to go today because the weather was clear and not too cold. We met at Yokosukachuo Station. It was our lucky day because we were on a yellow train! Usually, the Keikyu Line trains are red. Very rarely there will be a blue, white or yellow train. When this happens, I get very excited and consider it a lucky day!

We started our hike at the Keikyu-Nagasawa station. It was different than where I started last time, but I knew it would be closer to the trail head. We walked past a bunch of farms. They were full of winter vegetables. Cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and daikon (Japanese radish).

As we were walking towards the trail, we passed a couple of older Japanese ladies. They stopped us and asked us if we lived close. Yes, Yokosuka. They asked if we were going to hike Mt. Miurafuji. Hai! They then became very animated gesturing at our sneakers. We said we would be ok and then asked us to please be careful. Hai! Arigatōgozaimas! We continued on our way and found the trail head without trouble. The trail head is marked with a Torii located behind a school.

And then we began our ascent.

But, the view from the top of Mt. Miurafuji was worth it! We were able to see Mt. Fuji!

Our summit selfie.

We continued along the path. We were chatting away and taking our time descending.

I knew to look for a specific fall rock sign from the last time at an intersection. Unfortunately, when faced with the choice to go right or left, I choose left. The trail led us back down the mountain. I should have gone right. I thought the trail to the right was only a dead end. It does have a dead end, but it also is the connection to Mt. Takeyama. I knew something wasn’t right when we were back so quickly to the farms and plum blossoms.

When I got home, I looked at the map a little closer and realized the error of my navigation. Here is the map of the area.

We took the path in yellow. We omitted the portion in blue.

It would have added another 30-45 minutes to our hike. It would have been nice to see the other view. However, by the time we walked down and back to the Tsukihama train station, we were both ready for lunch. Another 30-45 minutes might have pushed us over the top! I sent my marked up map to Katie so she can hike it with her kids this weekend. All things considered, it’s better to take a wrong turn and make a hike shorter than a wrong turn that makes a hike longer. I’ll consider my navigation mistake a lucky one!

Piacere Pizza & Wine

By

On January 30, 2018

In Friendship, Japan, Pizza, Travel, Yokosuka

Miki and I met for lunch in Yokosuka on Tuesday. She took me to a delicious restaurant off the beaten path and down a back alley. Literally.

Piacere Pizza & Wine offers a delicious lunch set for ¥1,000 ($10.00). The set includes a small salad, your choice of pizza or pasta, dessert, and coffee or tea. The salad and bread were perfect for making a small sandwich!

I selected the wood fired margarita pizza and Miki ordered the spaghetti with vegetables. We shared them both and they were delicious. This might take the number one spot in my list of “favorite pizza in Yokosuka.”

For dessert we enjoyed coffee jello. I wasn’t sure if I would like it at first, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was delicious.

I enjoyed our lunch today. I was appreciative of Miki taking me to a place I haven’t been and one with delicious pizza! I truly appreciate our friendship.

After lunch, I had several errands to do on main base. The first, picking up the Hooptie after an oil change. I’m happy to report she is still doing well and keeping us safely transiting around our local area. I dropped Hooptie off with Dave and was lucky enough to catch him in his office doing what he does best, fixing ships!

The second, was to book two trips for upcoming family and friends we have visiting. As I have said before, Julia Tours are completely customizable and aim to provide a memorable experience. I set up trips to Kyoto and Hiroshima for our upcoming guests. Please let me know soon when and where you would like to go during your visit! I’m ready to plan it for you!!

Hyakudan Hina Doll Festival

By

On January 29, 2018

In Hina Matsuri, Japan, Tokyo

My English student, Manami, invited Dave and me to join her for lunch and to visit the Hyakudan Hina Doll Festival. The festival was being held in Tokyo at the Hotel Gajoen.

The hotel was stunning. In the courtyard garden was a koi pond and a waterfall!

We were able to walk around a short path that led behind the waterfall!

The hotel is very popular for weddings and events. Besides the garden courtyard, there were beautiful wall murals, water features inside the hotel, flowers, and miniature Shrines.

Lunch was delicious. We had 90 minutes to enjoy a buffet. It was a fusion of western and eastern cuisine. After lunch, we went to visit the Hyakudan Hina Doll Festival. The Hina Doll Festival or Hina Matsuri is celebrated on March 3rd. The celebration marks the change of the season and aligns with Girls’ Festival. During the celebration, families, display their Hina Doll collection, eat a variety of lucky foods, and pray for the health and growth of girls. The shape and style of Hina Dolls vary throughout the different regions of Japan. This year, the Hyakudan Hina Matsuri highlighted the Omi, Mino, and Hida regions (central Japan).

Only a few rooms allowed photographs of the dolls. This display at the entrance is from a shop in Tokyo. The bride and groom sit on the top shelf. Their servants, musicians, and attendants sit on the lower rows.

This group of pictures features ceramic Hina Dolls.

The old part of the hotel housed the exhibit. We climbed 100 stairs and visited 7 rooms with different displays. Please be careful and watch you step and head!

Here is another collection of Dolls.

Plus a bonus of Manami and me!

After our visit to the festival, we stopped by the Daienji Temple on our way to the train station. The seven Lucky Gods statues were so cute! And the gold leaf Buddha was beautiful.

Dave and I enjoyed the time we spent with Manami. She was an excellent tour guide throughout the day. She flawlessly navigated us around the city trains and the exhibit. It was such a special day and we all enjoyed it very much.

Life’s a Peach

By

On January 26, 2018

In Chu-Hai, Coca-Cola, Japan, Peach

Remember Coffee Plus and Coca-Cola Plus? Have you heard about the latest Coca-Cola flavor that is only available in Japan? Coca-Cola Peach. Seriously!! It arrived on store shelves on January 22nd. From my research, Peach drinks have the highest sales in Japan from January through March. One reason for the “peach season” is Japan’s Hinamatsuri “Doll Festival”, celebrated on March third. During the festival, houses are decorated with dolls and plum flowers (more on that this weekend). The Japanese also love peaches because according to ancient legends, peaches have the power to sweep away evil. Because of these reasons plus, the fact it’s an “only in Japan” item, I knew I had to try it. (Fingers crossed they don’t come out with Corn Coca-Cola!)

On my way home from English class today, I stopped at the grocery store to buy a few items. I saw the Coca-Cola Peach and knew today was going to be taste test day!

While I was at the grocery store, I saw many other peach flavored beverages. I selected four of them. Three of them were non-alcoholic and one was a chu-hai.

I started my taste test with the Coca-Cola Peach. When I first opened it, I immediately smelled a strong peach odor. I poured it into the glass and could smell the peach as I sipped. The taste wasn’t overly peachy. If you like peach and you like Coca-Cola, you would probably enjoy the beverage.

The Gokuri Peach beverage on the other hand, was like drinking peach nectar. It was sweet and very peachy. It wasn’t unpleasant, if you like peach juice. I think it would probably taste better diluted with fizzy water, over ice.

The third beverage was a little intense. It was not at all what I was expecting. It was like a runny peach yogurt. I managed to take a sip, but that was all I could endure. Perhaps it could be mixed with plain yogurt and granola for a sweet breakfast treat. It was just too sweet and too peachy for me!

The last taste test was the peach chu-hai. It was delicious and refreshing. It had the right amount of peach flavor and fizz. Plus, the perfect amount of alcohol for a pre-happy hour, post English class Friday. As I sipped, I felt all evil being swept away! Kanpie!

Here are the four beverages lined up together.

Of the four different peach beverages, I enjoyed the chu-hai the most. I’ll be honest though, I’m not sure I would purchase any of them again. Well, maybe the chu-hai in a pinch if I need to keep evil away! Happy Friday! Kanpie!

Snow Beautiful

By

On January 23, 2018

In Great Buddha, Japan, Kamakura, Shrine, Snow

The snow on Monday caused a lot of chaos. The roads were a mess and the trains were delayed. It took Dave an extra 30 minutes to get home on the trains. One friend told us it took him 2.5 hours to drive home to Ikego from main base (usually this drive takes 25 minutes). The schools on base had a snow day Tuesday and the base told only essential personnel to report. Dave didn’t leave until around 8:00am. I decided to walk down the hill to the train station with him and go for a walk. My walk/train rides took me to Kamakura. My first stop was to see the Great Buddha. He was beautiful covered in his snow blanket.

Instead of taking the Enoshima line train back to Kamakura station, I decided to walk along the beach. It was worth the trip! Don’t let the water color fool you! It would be very chilly. Look at all the snow on the beach.

I continued my walk towards the Hachiman-gu Shrine. As I was walking along the street, I kept hearing this horrible sound (like a belt slipping) coming from many of the passing cars. It took me a couple minutes and then I realized, most of the buses and delivery trucks had chains on their tires! Ha! I haven’t seen those in a while!

The Shrine was very beautiful in the snow.

As I was taking the last picture, I noticed people were entering the Peonies Garden. Surely, it’s not open? Yes, yes it was! I decided to take a walk through. I haven’t been since last April. Dave and I went to view the Sakura trees and peonies. The peonies were beautiful in the snow. Instead of parasols to keep off the rain, they had straw huts to protect them from the snow. Kawaii!

I was shocked and confused to see the gardens open and peonies blooming. Especially, because we went to visit them in April last year. A little research and I learned the garden is open from New Year’s Day until mid-February. It opens again at the beginning of April until the middle of May. So, good news for my friends visiting in April, you will have a chance to see the gardens for yourself! We will keep our fingers crossed the Sakura trees are also blooming that week! ???

I also learned about this unique garden. The stones were a present from the Chinese government in 1984. In China, peonies were planted with these unique and famous stones from Taigi Lake in Jiangsu Province in Eastern China. The stones are now protected by Chinese law and can no longer be exported.

By the time I was returning home around noon, a lot of the snow had melted. The sunshine and rising temperatures helped restore things back to normal. The snow was beautiful while it lasted!

Snow Day

By

On January 22, 2018

In Japan, Snow

You would not even believe the amount of snow we received today. I still can’t believe it. The snow started around 10 am. It snowed briefly and then stopped.

Around noon it started snowing again. It hasn’t stopped. It’s a very wet snow and sticking to everything!

You know what’s funny, at the Ikebana event on Saturday, Miki told me it was going to snow today. Monday? Really? Hai! No. It’s just supposed to rain. This is definitely not rain! I will never doubt her about the weather again!

The snow is so wet and sticky it makes the trees look beautiful.

The good thing about all the snow, it gives me an excuse to don my hot pink snow pants.

Watching snow fall is so peaceful.

http://wabisabisole.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_1422.mov

We left our snow shovel in Great Lakes. I’ve gone out a several times to sweep off our front porch and sidewalk. It’s a big slushy mess.

The toll road between where we live and the base has closed. Needless to say, Dave will need to take the train home. I’m sure they will be delayed as well. The schools have already posted a two-hour delay for tomorrow. I know this sounds familiar to many of you. The good news for us, the temperature is supposed to be in the 50s tomorrow. I don’t think our winter wonderland will last too long!

One last owl planter picture. So much snow!! I took this last set at 18:30 on Monday and it is still snowing!

AFN

By

On January 21, 2018

In AFN, Japan

The government shutdown has been the talk of our town. I know you can relate. We are fortunate that Dave’s command is not affected. The biggest impact we have felt is the reduction of the number of AFN (Armed Forces Network) television channels available. Side note: Back when I was in the Navy, the acronym was AFRTS (Armed Forces Radio and Television Service). We still affectionately refer to AFN as “AFARTS.”

Anyways, normally we have eight AFN channels. After the shut down, all the channels were showing this announcement.

AFN provides access to the three major networks – ABC, CBS, and NBC. We have access to other traditional cable channels, Netflix, and Amazon. We definitely aren’t without television. Just perhaps without access to sports and our favorite evening shows.

The good news, a couple hours ago, Dave noticed the news channel and sports channel were working again. Hopefully, that means everyone will be able to watch the playoff games tomorrow. May the best team win! Go Navy!

Page 14 of 54

Previous

Next

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén