When I first arrived in Japan, I was informed that the Japanese are known as some of the most energetic consumers in the world. I didn’t quite understand what this meant until a couple of days ago when I was walking around and noticed all the Valentine’s Day decorations. Between the Japanese festivals and National Holidays and then the purely commercial International Holidays barely 5 days can pass when you aren’t obligated to buy some kind of gift. It’s genius. These obligations keep businesses open and people in stores buying things all the time. I recently came across an article in the local Gaijin Magazine: Metropolis. It had a small list of “Japanese” terms for the different types of chocolates we have to buy for one another:

The Japanese have figured out a way to get 2 spending days out of one holiday by designating Valentine’s Day as the “Man’s” Holiday. One month later, White Day (March 14th) is observed as the “Woman’s” Holiday when the men who received gifts are supposed to reciprocate with bigger and better gifts to their female gifters. Sometimes women give each other gifts and even that has become somewhat of a show of who has the most friends. Most of my friends know I’m not really into brown chocolate. Give me fried food any day:

KFC's Chicken Fillet Double

As of February 2nd, Japanese KFCs started carrying the Chicken Fillet Double. I don’t know if this is old news for you all in North America, but it nearly made me fall off the pescetarian wagon. Two chicken fillets acting as “the bun” containing 2 slices of cheese , bacon, and mayo. I just don’t understand how this and other more elevated food can be available here in Japan and I SWEAR, people here are tiny.

Picture of the Day:

The name says it all

Some of you have heard me say, I just don’t believe in going to any restaurant that promises to deliver the world to you. I don’t go to Pan-Asian buffets and expect Michelin level food. Give me a restaurant that promises one or two dishes and do them to perfection and I’ll be there every week (ie, So Kong Dong in Atlanta, GA). I passed by this deep-fried chicken joint on my way home and I just felt a deep connection to the place.

As promised I am including a picture from my last cooking class with Hema:

Nicki, Alexandra & Hema

We had a great time and as usual, Hema outdid herself making so many dishes and providing hot Indian crepes as we ate. That list of recipes on the refridgerator is what we prepared for that day’s lesson in South Indian Cooking. I just can’t get over how flavorful everything is and how even without meat you NEVER leave the table unsatisfied. Hema also had some good advice regarding my upcoming trip and I will take everything to heart. So excited to go to India. My passport finally came back from the Embassy, I have my diarrhea meds all packed and I am ready.

Tomorrow, Cliff and Chase go bird-watching in Ueno. I will go spinning (more on that later) and get my hair cut. Maybe I’ll do something really crazy like get lots of layers and dye it red:

Until next time…