This weekend is a three-day weekend in Japan (Monday is Coming of Age day, a celebration for those who have turned 20 years old over the past year http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seijin_shiki).
Apparently, in the Edo period (the period from the early 1600's until the late 1800's, when the Shogun was in power and present-day Tokyo was the center of government), coming of age day for boys meant that their forelocks were cut off. For girls, it meant that their teeth were died black. I dont think they do that anymore, but I'll check on that.
This weekend, Shinachan tried out the bread-cooking function on the rice-cooker for the first time. She made an apple-raisin pastry that was absolutely fantastic. I came home from my office's beginning-of-the-year party to find this delicious, freshly made pastry, and ate about 1/3 of it before I realized I wanted to take a picture for this blog (picture included). For those interested, please buy an Induction Heating (IH) Japanese rice maker for your bread or pastry making.
Anyway, its a new year and our vacation is, sadly, almost over. But we're looking forward to the great year of 2007!!
Shinako's stomach starting to show a little bit (picture included), and she's even started to feel some kicking.
The night here is very clear and bright this evening(picture included--both of the view to Akihabara and toward the Sumida river). The moon is so bright tonight it looks like a star!
Until next time!
John and Shinachan
No comments:
Post a Comment