haramaki

Yesterday's weather was one of the worst I've ever experienced. It was raining and very windy! I had to go grocery shopping but didn't know when the rain would stop, so I put on raincoat and braved the wind and rain.

Needless to say, I was soaked by the time I reached the supermarket. I did my shopping quickly and rushed home so that I could change out of my clothes. They were so soaked they felt just like when you take them out half-way through a wash cycle! I hope I don't catch another cold (I've already had two this season!)

I have only spent one winter in Japan; when we first moved here, and this is my second.

All the other winters were spent in Hawaii (where I'm from). So, I don't really know what winter is all about. After reading about "haramaki" (stomach wrap) on Amy's blog, Blue Lotus, I had to go out to get me one (or two)...this little piece of material wraps around your mid-section and REALLY keeps you warm! (Thanks for sharing, Amy!)


For lunch today, I bought a teriyaki chicken sandwich with veggies on chapata bread. I looked on the internet and chapata bread is also called ciabatta bread. Ciabatta bread originated in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy.

Its name means "slipper" as it is said to resemble a well-worn slipper. Its light airy texture is due to its long rising time and the use of a wet dough. It is an unusual process in that the dough is not punched down to elminate the air bubbles as with other breads. It needs to be handled with great care so as not to lose the air bubbles that have formed after the long rising. (from The Essential Baking Cookbook) This sandwich was really good because they had huge pieces of teriyaki chicken in it.

I ate my sandwich along with these cute potato snacks called "Jumpy's". They are shaped like little kangaroos. Satoshi got them in a snack bag from Australia Airlines. And wouldn't you know they are made by a company called the REAL McCOY snackfood company!

Hope you have a nice week.