one adventure at a time

I've lived in Japan since last December and I will try and continue to blog about the strangeness and awesomeness that is Japan until I leave (this December)

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Looks like spring!!!

I always wonder why Sakura is such a hype in Japan when it’s is really Ume (plum) that starts off spring.

My guess is that with Sakura comes warmer weather and with that Hanami (花見). Flower (花) watching (見) is a huge part of Japanese culture (actually anything that let’s people share food and alcohol is) and has become the symbol of spring.

These pictures where taken in Dazaifu, where plumtrees are part of the town’s history and therefore everywhere. Although I do wish it had been sunnier I feel like plums are the real ambassodor of spring.

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Since it’s been quite rainy these last few days let’s look these pictures I took when I went to the beach on Saturday.

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The Shirako surprise

OK, to be fair I had watched this video some time ago, so calling my encounter a ‘surprise’ might be a bit strong. I knew this existed - as a food - in Japan. But still I wasn’t completely prepared for it at the bottom of my chawanmushi.

Now, what is this delightful looking mass of ...stuff?

Shirako (白子) literally means ‘white (白) children (子)’ and is actually quite a nice way of saying ‘seminal fluid’ or ‘fish sperm’.

‘Cause that’s what it is.  And although I was already suspicious when I laid eyes on it I’m not a picky eater and willing to try anything (most things) at least once.

As I bit into it it burst open, because - you know - there’s liquid inside. I guess it would make for a better story if I’d thrown up, fainted, lost my will to live or all of the above but I’m sorry to disappoint.

The taste plus the texture reminded me of egg yolk. Although the irony of the matter wasn’t incentive enough to finish it all.

It is always funny to me that the same people who peel their grapes, because ‘ew’ eat stuff like fish sperm, sea urchin brain and every part of a chicken.

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People say “You don’t know how much you'll miss something until it’s gone”. I didn’t realize how much I’d missed Izakaya until the food was sitting right in front of me.

On top: Anago (穴子) which literally means ‘hole穴 child子’ belongs to the eel family and although it doesn’t have a lot of flavor it is quite tasty.

On th bottom: Chawanmushi (茶碗蒸し) litterally ‘steamed in a tea pot’ is a type of egg custard. In this case it contained mushrooms, shrimp, green leaves (?) and Shirako. The latter being quite the surprise for reasons I’ll explain in my next post.

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Although finding the correct domestic terminal, gate and baggage drop proofed to be an almost impossible task I still had a bit of time to admire Haneda Airport.

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Back in Japan!

I’m bringing this blog back from the dead! Well, at least resurrect it for the next 5 weeks, because that’s how long I’m gonna stay.

Enjoy!

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One of the perks of overnight flights: Watching the sun rise and set from above the clouds

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It's cold in Germany and I needed some pics of Japanese summer.

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I bought this, because my lips are always really dry during winter time and this was advertised as a "lip mask". At home I really looked at the packaging for the first time and couldn't stop laughing. 

"Check!!!" You can also use this to soften/moisturize your nipples!!! "Feel it"

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Kouyou is the Japanese word for the colour of autumn leaves and it's common in Japan to go out of your way to go to a particularly beautiful  place. 

Pictures: Dazaifu, Japan

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Where to go:

If you're craving ice-cream go to Samurai Gelato.

Why?: It's called Samurai Gelato, the staff wears cowboy hats, it's not too expensive and it is DELICIOUS! 

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Christmas decoration in Fukuoka, Japan. (wow I really suck at this blog thing...) 

Japanese people love sparkly things and go all out during Christmas.

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Quick Tip: In Japan there is always a right way to open something packaged and if nothing indicates how to do it you will need scissors.

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Faces of Japan

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source: (x)

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I'm back in Germany BUT I still have so much stuff to share with you guys - like pictures and survival tips - that I want to continue this blog for a little while longer (although I suck at running this thing...).

Also: Happy New Year!!

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Hiroshima is the city of origami cranes and truly beautiful.

It seems that every monument,statue and park is dedicated to world peace.