Wabi-Sabi Sole

Finding Beauty with Imperfection

Author: wabisabisole Page 22 of 54

Nagano Purple 

By

On September 30, 2017

In Grapes, Japan, Nagano

This morning Manami and I met at the Starbucks in Zushi for our English session. During our conversation, she asked me if I was familiar with Nagano Purple – a type of grape. No, I wasn’t. She explained to me that Nagano Purple is a grape grown in Nagano. Nagano is about a four hour drive from where we live. The 1998 Winter Olympics were held in Nagano. Also, we took a trip last December to Nagano to see the snow monkeys. 


Back to Nagano Purple grapes. The grapes are plump, delicious, and very special when in season. She also explained that the best way to eat the grapes is to peel them. Peel a grape? I commented on that being a very tedious chore and asked why. She said it made them taste better. 

After our session, we went next door to the grocery store. She showed me the Nagano Purple and insisted (in a very kind manner) on purchasing a cluster for Dave and me. You can tell by the packaging, they are very special grapes. 

The grapes were wrapped in a paper/plastic bag and then set in a plastic dish. The pink foam protected them from being bruised. 


This evening, I unwrapped the grapes and tried them. Wow. They were delicious   Ginormous purple grapes without seeds. Juicy and sweet. 


I decided to give peeling them a try to see if it made the grapes taste better. I tasted them and felt they tasted less acidic without the peel. Donning my scientific research lab coat, I conducted a blind taste test on Dave. He also agreed the peeled grape tasted noticeably better. This very scientific experiment proved Manami correct and taught me (yet again) to listen to the advice of my wise Japanese friend. 


I know you’ve heard me say, “Nothing says love like fresh cut fruit.” I probably need to amend my saying to include freshly peeled grapes. A tedious task that takes love and enjoyment to a whole new level. 

Coffee Plus

By

On September 29, 2017

In Coca-Cola, Coffee Plus, Japan

Some of my favorite things to share with you are “only available in Japan” products. The latest is coffee blended with Coca-Cola. Yes, extra caffeinated Coca-Cola. I have been on the hunt for this since returning. Guess where I finally found it! On Base!!! In the vending machine by the gym. Seriously!! 

The small can is served cold and only ¥130 – about $1.15. Notice the blue coloring underneath. In the summer, all the machines serve cold beverages Warm products are red and offered in the cooler months.  


Coffee Plus Coca-Cola. 


As with so many things in Japan, the can is tiny. Here is a picture with a regular 12 oz can of La Croix. 


Here was the pour. It looks like a tiny glass of Coca-Cola. 


As I went to take a sip, I was hit with a strong smell of coffee. The taste wasn’t unpleasant. It tasted like Coca-Cola with a hint of coffee. Or maybe like coffee with carbonated vanilla flavor. The after taste and lingering taste reminded me of coffee more than coke. I felt like maybe I have coffee breath, slightly. I should probably brush my teeth. Simultaneously, I have carbonated beverage burps that taste like Coca-Cola. Sounds delicious, huh? 

The caffeine is advertised as 34mg at only 42 calories. Remember, it’s a very small can. 


By adding coffee, the amount of caffeine is increased by 50%. 


I would give this a 3 out of 5 stars. It’s not terrible or bad tasting, just not my taste. I switched out my sodas for carbonated water several years ago. Maybe Japan will figure out a way to caffeinate my fizzy water. 

Imperial Palace

By

On September 27, 2017

In Imperial Palace, Japan, Tokyo

Sonia was able to register us for a guided tour of the Imperial Palace Grounds. The East Garden is free and open to the public. (I made a note to come back and visit this part next month when the leaves are changing.) The part of the grounds we toured are only open to registered guests on a daily basis and the general public on the Emperor’s Birthday and the second of January. 

The guide spoke only in Japanese. Fortunately, there was an App we could download that provided both audio and written descriptions of the significant parts of the tour. It was not as entertaining as the English guide at the Kirin Factory, but just as informative. 

Before I begin with the details of the tour, let me take a minute to share details of the Imperial Palace. Tokyo became the official Imperial capital in 1868 at the end of the Edo Period. The former Imperial capital was Kyoto. The original Imperial Palace in Tokyo was destroyed during Workd War II bombing raids. Only a few of the traditional buildings remain. The Imperial Palace grounds include about 1,150,000 square meters or approximately 284 acres in the middle of Tokyo. It is surrounded by a moat and rampart (stone wall) with eight gates. 

To access the start of the tour, we were required to use a special entrance – the Kikyo-mon. We arrived about 30 minutes early and were united with a large bus group. The tour consisted of about 200 people. 


As we began the tour, we passed a large rock wall, known as the Kikyo-mon Stone Wall. The wall provided security and protection. Also, carvings are present signifying the family crest of the worker who helped build the wall. These carvings exist on all the stone walls surrounding the palace grounds. 


The Fujimi-yagura watch tower was reconstructed in 1659 and one of the oldest remnants of the Edo Castle. The rampart is approximately 15 meters high and the watch tower is 16 meters high. 

Notice the beautifully manicured trees. The style is “niwaki” meaning “garden tree” because they resemble clouds. 


The Fujimi-yagura tower was given this name because before the skyscrapers were built, Mt. Fuji was visible on a clear day! 


The next building was the Imperial Household Agency Building. It was constructed in 1935. After World War II, the third floor was used at the Imperial Palace until the new palace could be built. 


The Palace East Courtyard or Kyuden Totei, consist of a large courtyard in front of the Chowdan Hall of the Imperial Palace. From the balcony, the Emperor and Empress will greet the public twice a year. 


The plaza was HUGE! When open to the public, crowds of 20,000 gather to view the Emperor and Empress! As a group, we pretended to wave to the official party. 


The stones in the plaza are “softer” than normal. In case someone should fall, their injuries should be reduced. 


The Seimon-tetsubashi Bridge is a highly praised and loved bridge. The views of Tokyo were magnificent! 


The Fushimi-yagura tower is one of the most iconic of the Imperial Palace. It is believed to have been moved to Tokyo from Kyoto during the 17th century. 


This large entry and stairway is where the Emperor will greet official guests to the palace.


The remaining part of the tour took us down several beautiful tree and mosquito lined streets. We came away with lovely pictures and not so lovely bites on our ankles! 

The moat is behind the large tree and in front of the stone wall and full of lotus plants! 


It was a very cool tour and experience. I was very appreciative of Sonia for arranging it and inviting me. I will look forward to returning next month and visit the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace when fall finally arrives and the leaves start to change. I’ll probably skip the New Years event. The thought of 20,000 people in that plaza kindof stresses me out. Not to mention the crowded trains to get there!! 

Home Again

By

On September 25, 2017

In Family, Friendship, Japan

Dave and I returned home Sunday 9/24 after a fabulous two week vacation visiting with family and friends. We spent time in Indiana with his family and enjoyed the opportunity to relax and catch up. Jakob, Carmen, and the three grandboys drove up to Indiana and surprised Dave. 


Plus, there was a fabulous surprise party hosted by Bob and Tish to celebrate Dave’s promotion. Family and friends came from various parts of Indiana, Georgia, Colorado, and Florida to see us. It truly was a special week. My only regret was not snapping more pictures of everyone. I suppose I was too busy chatting! 


The second week we spent in Virginia Beach enjoying time with our friends. Dave and I made a point to see sunrise each day on the boardwalk. 


We enjoyed as much beach time as possible. 


Our friends, Jennifer, Danny, Campbell, and Chase came up for the weekend to visit. They joined us for morning jogs, beach time, and numerous laughs. 

Many of the laughs might have been because of Danny. 



Jennifer, Campbell and Chase were sports with the moisture masks. More explanation on that soon! 


We celebrated Jeff’s birthday.  


We celebrated Big Jeff’s retirement. 


It was a wonderful week in Virginia Beach. Mark, Roxanne, Sue and Jeff were amazing hosts and made coming back to the ‘hood feel like home. 

And I can’t forget to add a picture of Little Melissa aka Springer aka Small Fry. She’s always popping in with a smile and a story or five. 


Thank you family. Thank you friends. You made our trip special and full of so many memories. We miss you all so much already. 

The Crossroads of America

By

On September 8, 2017

In Beer, Japan, Udon

Dave and I are headed to Indiana for a week. We plan to spend some quality time with family. I’ll do my best to keep up with Wabisabisole. However, the same applies. I’m going to take time to be present and enjoy family time. Plus, I know my cell signal will be nonexistent for part of the week.

After Indiana, we are going to Virginia Beach for a week to celebrate a dear friend’s retirement. We are very excited for our trip and look forward to time together and with family and friends. 

Before leaving Japan, we enjoyed one last bowl of Udon and beer before our flight. 


As always, thanks for reading! 

Birdies

By

On September 7, 2017

In English, Japan

Today was hectic. As hectic as the day before a two week American vacation should be expected to be! 

1. I needed to meet with my friend who is emptying our dehumidifiers while we are away. Yes, that’s a real concern. Thank you, Jenn, for keeping our house mold free! 

2. I had my Thursday English class from 10-12. Followed by a mani/pedi rescheduled appointment from yesterday at 1:00pm on Main Base. In between, I wanted to drop off two bags for donation at the NMCRS. They are only open the first and third Thursday from 9-1:00. 

I packed mani/pedi clothes and shoes just in case I needed to change in the car from teacher clothes. Being a former swimmer, I can change easily and modestly just about anywhere! 

Things became hectic when English class ran late. I was cutting it close getting to my salon appointment on time and I needed to drop the donation. While stuck at a train crossing, I slipped off my skirt and put on my slouchy pants. At the next stoplight, I called the salon to say I would be about 5 minutes late. No problem. After dropping my donation at 12:57, another car was backing up. I used these 30 seconds to change from a teacher shirt and cardi to a comfy tshirt. At 1:03 I checked into my appointment at the salon. 

Whew. The appointment was relaxing. I drove the Hooptie over to Dave’s work and left it for him to drive home and I took the train. Finally at home, I sat down on the couch. I was proud of my well managed day. I pulled my hair into a pony tail and touched my ears to make sure my birdie earrings were still there. This is a habit I easily do a dozen times a day. Nope. The left one was missing. My heart sank. Dave gave me the birdie earrings easily 11-12 years ago. I was so sad. I checked my closet and shower. Nothing. I sent Dave a text, breaking the bad news. When he came home, he brought in my bag of car changing teacher clothes. I searched through. Nothing. We ate dinner and I explained my day. As I was cleaning the dishes, he grabbed a flashlight. He went to the car to look for my earring. I reminded him to look for the backing, too. Not even five minutes later he came back with my left birdie earring. I’ll be honest, I cried when I hugged him super tight. I was so happy. 


I can add this to the list of things my husband has found for me. 

1. I lost one of these earrings within the first six months. He found it. 

2. I lost two diamonds out of my wedding band as we were leaving for vacation. He found them when we returned! 

3. And now, the second time I lost a birdie earring. 

He has officially won the title of “Eagle Eye” and obviously, my heart forever. 

Ps. I’m so excited to vacation! See you soon! 

Sweet Treat Thursday 

By

On September 6, 2017

In Japan, Kawaii, Sweet Treats

For several duty stations, I developed a habit of baking for Dave’s command on Wednesdays for him to take to work on Thursday mornings. I think it started in Memphis because I wanted one brownie. Not a whole tray. I baked the tray of brownies and cut out one of the center ones and sent the rest of the tray to Dave’s work. The rest is history. I crave a sweet, bake it, and send the rest to Dave’s office. My favorite cookie to make is salted caramel chocolate chip cookies. They are delicious and a crowd pleaser. 


Living in Japan has enabled me to step up the presentation of sweet treats for command MWR fundraisers. 


I wrapped two cookies in each bag. I simply printed the cute labels. Kawaii! 


For ¥100, I was able to purchase 6 bags. The closest ¥100 store is one train stop away in the Shinzushi train station. Yes, I don’t even have to leave the train station to shop! It’s not the amazing four-story Daiso near Yokohama but, it had the perfect little baggies for tomorrow’s sweet treats. Kawaii bags are part of my list of things I love about Japan! 

Dr. Fish Foot Massage 

By

On September 5, 2017

In Chinatown, Dr. Fish, Japan, Yokohama

A visit to Dr. Fish foot massage in Yokohama’s Chinatown has been on my list for a while. To be honest, one of the reasons I haven’t gone was the thought of fish snacking on my feet freaked me out. I almost chickened out today!

Katie and I went to Yokohama’s Chinatown to have lunch, explore, and visit Dr. Fish.


For lunch we stopped at a delicious sushi place that serves tuna rice bowls, my favorite!


After lunch, we made our way to the Fish Foot Massage. For ¥1000 ($9.50), you can soak your feet in a fish tank for 10 minutes. Students and kids are cheaper.


The facility is full of tanks. I was secretly hoping it would be too crowded and we would need to come again another day. Alas, no. It was empty.


The receptionist escorted us to the foot bath first. Here we washed our feet before dipping them into the tank.


She then showed us to our tank and instructed us to dip our feet in. I was following her directions perfectly until I saw the fish schooling under my feet before I put them in the water!! OMG! Look at all the fish! I was a little scared and decided to wait for Katie.


Together, we plunged our feet into the fishies.


Look at the grimace on my face!!! It tickled. It really tickled.


Katie and I tried to decide if it was their mouths or their fins that tickled. Both. Seriously, OMG! Both. It was weird and anything but relaxing.


At times one of us would need a break and lift out our feet. When we did, the fish would go immediately to the other person!


Close to the end of our time, Katie commented how long 10 minutes seemed. I couldn’t agree more! We also discussed how was this sanitary, relaxing, or ok? We decided – because Japan. I’ll keep my fins fingers crossed I don’t start growing scales.


Finally, the receptionist told us our time was up. We were so relieved. Whew. It was such a weird experience. When you visit we can easily add this to your itinerary. You’ll love it! Or at least I will love watching your reaction!

Yummy Goodness 

By

On September 2, 2017

In Jagabee, Japan

Japan pastry snacks are amazing. We don’t always know what we grab, but most of the time the pastry is delicious. Check me out – WUBA gotta eat! 


So, the square thing closest to me was corn bread with whole kernel corn. This only proved the reason to buy more. You may only like half. The chocolate doughnut- winner! 

The other great discovery this afternoon was that it is Grand Jagabee season. Think of them as dehydrated french fries with brie cheese flavor. They’re “oishi des” (delicious).  I’ve started my accumulation. Not to worry, I’ll bring some back to the US next week. It will rock your snacking world! 

Lotus

By

On September 1, 2017

In Japan, Shrine, Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū

Warning: for my readers who experience Trypophobia (fear of clusters of holes or bumps) you might want to stop reading. See you tomorrow! 

At the Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine in Kamakura, there are large lotus plants growing in the ponds. 


It wasn’t until I lived in Japan that I understood the complete lifecycle of the lotus plant. Before I lived in Japan, I would have referred to these plants as lily pads. Clearly, they aren’t. Because a lily pad leaf sits on the water and the lotus plant leaves rise above the water. 


The ponds were lovely. 


I enjoyed walked around the ponds and as I did, I noticed most of the flowers had already bloomed. Only a couple remained. 


More prominent are the lotus seed pods. Once you notice them, you can’t stop seeing them. 

A couple up close pictures. They are everywhere! 


In the U.S., we are used to seeing lotus seed pods dried. Often they are placed in a fall flower arrangement. 


Rarely do we see the actual lotus root available for purchase in the produce section of the grocery store. 


Or added to your Sushi bento box. 


Here is a visual of the lotus plant lifecycle. 


I hope you feel complete now that you are more familiar with the lifecycle of the lotus plant. If the lotus seed pod pictures bother you, you might have trypophobia. 

Page 22 of 54

Previous

Next

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén