Secrets from the Wilds of Hokkaido

I toggle between expat (currently) and diaspora (usually). I live in Furano, Hokkaido, Japan, but have lived in seven countries so far. I write freelance, live freely and am unearthing Secrets from the Wilds of Hokkaido right now.

[longlostlucy]

Artful fun at Fukiage and Goto Sumio | ANA EXPERIENCE JAPAN

Travel information about attractions in East Hokkaido. It also includes reservations for restaurants and activities all over Japan, such as maiko experiences. The website provides support for various travel situations, including free WiFi information, ATM information, and coupon information. Experience Japan hand-in-hand with AEJ.

Oh look. I’m online. In a swimsuit.

[longlostlucy]

Cycle the ancient samurai trails in Shikoku | ANA EXPERIENCE JAPAN

Travel information about attractions in Shikoku. It also includes reservations for restaurants and activities all over Japan, such as maiko experiences. The website provides support for various travel situations, including free WiFi information, ATM information, and coupon information. Experience Japan hand-in-hand with AEJ.

I was on the last day of this bikeride when my boss telephoned to tell me I had lost my job. So that was nice.

[longlostlucy]

Dietary Restrictions in Japan

In Japan it is usually not apparent which foods are gluten free, lactose free, vegan, vegetarian, halal, kosher, or otherwise suited to a restricted diet. I recently spoke with three visitors who each approached this challenge differently.

I admit the subtext here is stop complaining and and live with it.

[longlostlucy]

Don't Knock Omucurry Until You've Tried It

The town of Furano has a rather unlikely local dish. It doesn’t use special ingredients found only in the wilds of Central Hokkaido. In fact, it doesn’t use many ingredients that are considered typically Japanese. It uses eggs and a sauce that will always have well-guarded secret ingredients. The local dish of Furano is called omucurry, short for omelette curry (Japanese language often uses portmanteaus especially for English words), and you can find it in dozens of restaurants.

Oh Japan, what won’t you have me eat?

[longlostlucy]

Lucy starts a blog (take II)

Three entries into this blogging caper, where I had discussed things like being arrested, illegally migrating to the US, and the Japanese dolphin slaughter, I realised that by signing up to the RSS feed I had...

I can't say it.

Breathe...

...I had arranged for every one of my colleagues in this dignified office to receive it by email. Click for click. Every update.

I believe I have now deleted all the system files for RSS feeds but as my computer is configured entirely in Japanese, you are reading my test.

Because I can't really lean over and say: Hey, were you just emailed a personal diatribe I wrote complaining about you/here/whatyouholddear or mocking how I desecrated the institutions of decency, honesty and the law many times in my  life? Probably including today? Almost certainly including tomorrow?

So I am dabbling in a perched position over this computer that doesnt quite reach where it would be comfortable in this office which I would sooooo like the keys to so I can come in after hours and change around entirely next to colleagues who I like and respect (and some have deep affection for already), typing away.

But I have nearly learned from my mistake and will leave it there for now.

Next I will click and watch closely the expressions of my colleages. Although the Japanese are masterful with facial control and etiquettes of kindness.

I will test their limits -- today and for the next year I am sure.

Unless they sack me.

For moral turpitude.

xx

[longlostlucy]

Did my entire office receive this email, too?

Me. Recently. After blogging with abandon.