I was standing on the platform, waiting for the train to come.
There was a caucasian man standing in front of me.
As we were waiting for the train, his caucasian woman friend, came by and said "hi".
They then proceeded to chat as they waited for the train to come.
The man turns slightly around looking at me and "whispers" to his friend loud enough for me to hear...."slowly sneak in front of me"...
In actuality, letting his friend cut in front of him (and me!)
I smiled at him and said, "you can let her cut in".
This shocked him...
An Asian that spoke English...
He then turns to me and says, "Are you really "Japanese"?"
And while a few years back I probably would've been insulted by this, I found it a bit hilarious...
He then said, "where did you originally come from?"
I said, "From Hawaii".
His face relaxed and said, "ah okay, now it makes sense. I thought your pronunciation was a bit too perfect."
I said, "shh...I'm undercover"
Since moving here, I have gotten used to being seen as a Japanese national who speaks perfect English, instead of as a foreigner.
Most Japanese who meet me for the first time, often are disappointed because I do not look "foreign" enough (meaning I do not have the blonde hair and blue eyes they associate with foreigners).
I have often heard from other foreigners how they are gawked at on the trains by Japanese because they look "foreign".
But have also seen Japanese treat them more hospitably, because they do look "foreign".
I remember when we called the police to have them check on an apartment on another floor of our building because their door was ajar...the policeman asked for my name and when I said, "Kathy"...he looked puzzled and said, "is that your real name?"
Satoshi had to then explain that I was a "foreigner"...sigh.
But anyway, I digress...the train arrived and we all boarded while having a nice chuckle.
How cute is the wasabi container?! Made of wood with a teeny spoon and cover too!
I ordered the Maguro Houjicha (roasted green tea) Dashi Chazuke...so good and just the perfect serving!
I chose the matcha roll cake...I normally don't like white chocolate but that swirl was nice to balance out the bitter matcha.
There was also some konbu cha (powdered kelp) and bubu arare (small rice cracker puffs) sprinkled on the white chocolate to give it a sweet-salty flavor & crunch.
Although we went soon after they opened, we had to wait for a table, still, I'm glad we tried this place and want to come back to try their shave ice.
Bellies full, we crossed the street to Chishakuin.
Click on the photo and you should be able to hear the temple bell ringing.
Their garden area was super quiet and peaceful.
While viewing the garden, we also caught a rare glimpse of a grey heron up close...
Then back down the road to Sanjusangendo.
Amazing display of 1000 kannon (figures for peace) statues inside the long rectangular building.
Every January 14 they hold archery tournaments here too, apparently which used to be held on this long deck.
The double cherry blossoms are in bloom...click to see the video.
And then back near the Kamogawa (Kamo river) we sat and had a snack. (click to view video)
It was kind of summery this weekend, but still comfortable to be out and about.
Saturday, after Satoshi's German class, I wanted to try a Chinese shop, but the line was krazy, so we decided to look for somewhere else to lunch and stumbled upon Papocchio.
The owner is from Rome and much of the staff working is (I think) part of his family...
We ordered the pair lunch...3000 yen (plus tax).
This started with a HUGE appetizer plate.
Fried sardines, roasted veggies, many other goodies and a generous seafood salad...we enjoyed this.
The foccacia and a fried round something were also so good!
The pizza we chose was their "napoletana"...with anchovy, garlic & fresh tomato sauce.
I liked that this was without cheese...the sauce was so good with the saltiness from the anchovies and tartness from the tomatoes!
We chose the hotaru ika (literally firefly squid) tomato pasta.
This was also tasty!
Dessert was a delicious cherry tarte but I spied another table with a piece of chocolate cake...
Delicious coffee to end.
We want to come back to try other items on their menu.
We went to check out the fuji (wisteria) in the Noda area after lunch, but it was a bust, not much blooming and the strands were so teeny.
Still, it was a nice day to be out and about on Earth Day!
If you've ever wanted to bring home Japan with you and like the flavor of sakura (cherry blossoms), I would suggest getting some sakura hanazuke.
It is also called sakura shiozuke.
It is hard to describe the flavor, but I can tell you it isn't like sour cherries nor American cherry flavors.
Depending on which brand you buy...the size varies and I would assume the price too.
This one cost me about 400 yen (tax included) is about 40 grams and is from Kanagawa.
The sakura is packed in salt.
Be sure to wash off the salt before using.
This is one I received from a friend a couple years back and is from Nara and was about 50 grams.
To make sakura gohan...2 servings.
1 cup rice
4-5 sakura flowers
Soak your flowers for about ten minutes to remove some of the salt.
Cook your rice according to your rice cooker.
Drain and chop up the flowers.
After the rice is cooked, add most of the chopped flowers and mix with your shamoji (rice paddle).
With the remaining chopped flowers, garnish when serving.
NOTES: The only thing about this type of sakura is that it can only be found during Spring. Most stores do not carry it year round. This recipe is super easy and a nice way to enjoy a taste of Japan's Spring.
