Miyajima, in Hiroshima

Itsukushima shrine in Miyajima is a World Heritage of UNESCO.  Some of my friends from other country came to see Miyajima. However, I've never visited. This time, as I went to Hiroshima University on Thursday and Friday, I decided to stay one more day in Hiroshima. From Hiroshima station, Miyajima is only 30 minutes by train. Then, I took a ferry from Miyajima-guchi to Miyajima.

Approaching to Miyajima

When the ferry approaching the Miyajima, it was hazy. So the gate of the Itsukushima shrine "Oh Torii" (Big Gate), was hard to recognize.

Welcome lady at the port

I arrived at the port of Miyajima. There, welcome ladies were distributing the map of this island. They wear traditional costume of this region. So cute!

Deer

Also deers welcome us around the port. They are not wild anymore because people feed them. So they come to see us or ask us for the food.

Oh-Torii from Miyajima side

After ten minutes walking, I could arrive at the Shrine. At first, we can find the Oh-Torii.

Oh-Torii and sweet couple deers.

I found sweet couples there. How I envy them! I wanted to come here with my boyfriend...

Shrine at the coast of Miyajima

 Anyway, Itsukushima shrine is at the coast of Miyajima. This is why the gate is in the water. Sometimes the shrine itself can be almost in the water.

Inside of Itsukushima shrine

 We can walk the aisle of the shrine. The floor is made by wood. If water comes, then the water can go through in between wooden pieces. Besides, the whole shrine can float. Therefore, this shrine is not destroyed and stays here for long years. This type of building is so rare and amazing!

After visiting the shrine, I went to the Museum of History and Folklore. 

Japanese garden of the museum

I couldn't take the photo of exhibitions, but I took the photo of the garden. The garden was very beautiful Japanese garden. There, I could learn when the shrine was built and how it became popular. Do you know "Tairano Kiyomori"? Actually "Taira" is his family name and "Kiyomori" is his first name. In Japanese we should pronouce "Taira Kiyomori" (without "no"). But we often pronounce "Taira-no-Kiyomori" (with "no"). And he was one of the most powerful governors in Japanese history. He was a Samurai but not related to the royal family. However, he got a power by his political technique. To show his power, he rebuilt the buildings of Itsukushima shrine which had been already in Miyajima. Some royal people visited this shrine after he rebuilt it.

Stairs to Daisho-in

This island is also famous with another big historical guy "Kobodaishi" or "Kukai". He was a high-level monk of Buddhism. "Daisho-in" is a temple built by Kukai. This temple is known as a temple with one-wish-realizing. It means if you wish something and pray there, this wish comes true. I wished one thing which I can't do anything by myself, and prayed for it. It is not directly related to me, but that's why it is impossible for me to work for that. So, it make sense to wish and prayed for it there.

Miyajima is famous for "Shamoji" which is a big spoon for rice. It became Miyajima's artisanal product in the end of Edo era (around 1789-1801) because this shape is similar to the instrument of Benzaiten (one lady god of Seven gods). Today, I found a guy who was drawing the portrait of tourists on the Shamoji. Anywhere in the world, we can find a guy of drawing portrait... I saw several in France (in Montmartre, Paris), and one in Hawaii (in Waikiki, Honolulu). I wonder if it is good for earning money ???

Momiji-manju

In Japan, if you go to touristic place, you can find at least one sweet which is popular in the area. It is Momiji-manju, in Miyajima. "Momiji" is a tree like a maple. The leaf of Momiji is similar to the maple but smaller and thinner. It also turns to red in fall. "Manju" is a type of sweet which has soft outer sponge and Anko (sweet red bean paste) inside. Normally, Anko is stuffed but there are lot of different paste inside such as chocolate, custard cream and cheese!
Today, I bought chocolate one.

Chocolate-stuffed Momiji-manju

Mmmm, yummy! I also found "Nama-Momiji" which has a little sticky outer sponge. The trick is to use some rice flour. This is goood, too. If you have chance to go there, please try some different types.

Shrine in the city

Today,  it was sunny even though it is rainy season in Japan. So, I decided to explore the city center of Nagoya. I left my home and walked to the nearest subway station, and took the subway to the station called "Yabasho". I was thinking to go to the cafe which is introduced in the tourist guide book of Nagoya. On the way, I received the phone call from my boyfriend in Hawaii. I can't talk over the phone in the subway. And then, I called back him at the shrine called "Wakamiya Hachiman Gu". There are many shrines in Japan and normally it is very quiet. That's why I started to talk with him by phone around the gate of shrine.

The gate of "Wakamiya Hachiman Gu"

The gate of Japanese shrine is called "Tori'i". You can maybe find it in Japanese garden somewhere in the world. People call the garden as "Zen Garden". However, "Zen" is one group or type of Buddhism and this gate (Tori'i) is one of Japanese original religion "Shintoism". So two of them are different!

Some other Tori'i gates in Wakamiya Hachiman Gu

There are many Tori'is in this shrine. It is interesting that some big shrine includes small shrines in their land. In general, they have many trees. So it is cool during the summer and it seems nice to take a break. However, you have to be very careful with mosquitoes. I was bitten several places by mosquitoes while I was talking (around 30 minutes). 

Main building of Wakamiya Hachiman Gu

 I was concerned that the god here would feel bad if I stay here and talk for a while without saying  hello to him/her. Therefore, I prayed at the main building before calling. It is like saying "hello" to the god here.

 Later, I went to the cafe near this shrine. It is introduced in the guide. I thought it might be very good cafe. However, I felt it is fine but not so so good. The taste of the food was moderate and the building was old. There were an air conditioner in the cafe making much wind because the building was old and the heat of cooking stays in the room. It was necessary to have such strong machine. For me, strong wind coming to my head directly and it was not so comfortable. Some people may think that "it is a cozy cafe in an old beautiful building". For me... hmmm difficult.

I started to read a book about psychology in the cafe. I became feeling like to read more and more... So I went to the book shop and bought the book about counseling. I am not counselor, while I guess the method for listening to someone's talk will be helpful for my professional and private life. I was happy to find a book which seems interesting. I also found the book about "Ho'oponopono". Ho'oponopono is a Hawaiian word means "practice of reconciliation and forgiveness". The book was close to the book of psychology. Hmmm, it might be interesting to read about Ho'oponopono. So I decided to buy one of the book about it next time. (It seems my mind is still in Hawaii even I am in Nagoya now).

Nagoya and Hawaii

I moved to Nagoya, Japan on May 29th. I organized inside my apartment which is much smaller than the apartment in Hawaii. I can't have a good view from the window. I don't have a big balcony. However, it is fine because I feel safe even without a security of the building. This is an amazing point of our country!

Today, I visited Nagoya Hawai'i Festival today. It was cloudy. In spite of such unpleasant weather, many people were enjoying this festival. I was thinking a reason why I visited this festival... I think I miss Hawaii even though I didn't really like to live in Honolulu. It's surprising for me to miss Hawaii!

I found several things which I liked in Hawaii.

Matsumoto Shave Ice from Haleiwa

When I visited Haleiwa with my friends, we bought some goods at Matsumoto shave ice. Shave ice is called "Kakigori (カキ氷)" in Japanese and I guess Hawaiian shave ice is imported to Hawaii by immigrants from Japan. "Matsumoto" is Japanese family name.

Garlic shrimp

I like several things among Hawaiian cuisine. One of them is this, Garlic shrimp! Whenever I went North shore in Oahu, I ate garlic shrimps. Also, I got garlic shrimp from the International Market place in Waikiki from time to time. I liked Blue Water's garlic shrimp. I also tried to cook myself. The secret of this taste is... Tomato! (just a little bit). I didn't eat garlic shrimp today, but I know it is delicious.

Hall for Hula concert and shops (Oasis 21)

 Not only foods, but also Hula dance attracted many people. Look, how many people were gathering in the hall! At that time, there were invited dancers from Hawaii performed Hula.

Hula dance of Hawaiian dancer

In Honolulu, I often saw "Hawaiian" dancers. However, it is very rare to see them here in Nagoya. That's why many people pay attention to their dance. The enthusiasm for Hula of people in Nagoya is amazing!! Actually, there are many Hula schools in Nagoya. It is very interesting because I didn't find any Hula school in Europe. Japanese likes Hawaii very much in general.

the Gallery of Heather Brown

I also found the interesting thing. Do you know Heather Brown? She is an artist living in Hawaii, but she is not Hawaiian. She is from mainland of United States. It was a bit weird to have a gallery only for her. There are many local artists in Hawaii and I like their works. However, masterpieces of others are not introduced here. I guess it is because Japanese company promotes Heather's work. One gallery in Honolulu who exhibit many Heather's work is owned by Japanese guy. It means... if an artist can catch the heart of this Japanese company, his/her work will be well treated with Japanese as a symbol of Hawaii, I guess...

Strangely, I found another place to miss... Switzerland!

Bakery from Switzerland

Look at the flag! It is Swiss bakery in the same building of Hawaii Festival. I went inside and found Japanese bread. Oh no! Where is "Tresse"? I couldn't find some typical Swiss bread. Tresse is everywhere in Switzerland especially during weekend. This bakery is too modified for Japanese. I found Anpan, Melonpan etc... which I can't find in Switzerland.

Chocolate café of Lindt

I found another Swiss shop in Sakae area (the center of Nagoya city). You know that Switzerland is famous for milk chocolate! One company opened a chocolate café there. I bought some milk chocolate which I often bought when I was in Switzerland.

I was exhausted today by walking a lot around Sakae area, but it was fun! I'd like to find more interesting things in Nagoya.

Return to Japan

I came back to Japan in mid April. I was happy to see my parents, sister and niece. Also, I was  happy to eat delicious food. However, I am disappointed with impolite behavior of Japanese and disorder of public rule. Especially, traffic rule is not respected. When I am in a crosswalk, car drivers often ignore pedestrians and pass crosswalk without reducing the speed. Sometimes, they pass even though I'm right on the crosswalk. Bicycle riders are also so rude! There is a narrow sidewalk near my house and there is a plate saying "Walk your bike". However, many people are riding the bike even there are some people on the sidewalk. I sometimes say "please walk your bike". Some people ignore me and go through, and other people say "sorry" but go through. I am irritated about such rude riders and drivers. I am not sure if Japanese were so rude before I left Japan???
I talked with my friend that Japanese moral degenerated in these couple of years. She agreed and said "it's true". We couldn't find the reason why our moral degenerated. When I went to Geneva, Switzerland, I found many good aspects of Japanese. Especially when the Tohoku earthquake happened, I thought that Japanese are good in moral and I was proud of us. Why did they change?

Anyway, I have to live in Japan for the moment and I am Japanese! Little by little, I have to try to ask people around me to behave with good moral. "Priority" lane or seat should be respected. Yes, we lack of "respect" now in Japan.

Now, I would like to change the topic because Japan has many good aspects too.　The best thing in Japan is food (in my opinion).　
Tsukiji is a famous place for Sushi and Fresh fish because there is a market.

Small street in Tsukiji Market, Tokyo

If you go there, you can find good Sushi restaurants. I went to the small Sushi restaurant called "Okame" where we often went when we were freshman of the company (I was working for the computer company after I finished my master's degree). Here is a link of the website of Okame.

Omakase (special) set of Sushi restaurant Okame.

Actually, Sushi is not only Japanese food. I would like to introduce Houtou which is a thick noodle made by wheat flour.

Pumpkin Houtou

It is traditional food from Yamanashi prefecture where my mother's hometown. I went the restaurant called Kosaku with my mom. The restaurant is like an old Japanese house and the scenery from the restaurant was good.

Kosaku (restaurant of Houtou)

Scenery from the restaurant Kosaku.

I remember my grandma made Houtou when I was a child. There were a lot of pumpkin and the taste was wild! It was hot and good for the winter time.

I am looking forward to discovering new food in Nagoya where I will work from June!

Leaving Hawaii

I left Hawaii on 15th April. On the day before, my friends from our university came to have a drink with me even though it was heavily raining. I appreciate their kindness!!　

For leaving Hawaii, I felt a lot of warmth of my friends and colleagues.

My group of work prepared a BIG chocolate cake with a volcanic PLUME (steam). It was very nice to receive a present and a card with their messages! I had days sometimes difficult work there, but I could obtained nice friends and colleagues. I won't forget days with them!!!

Chocolate cake for my farewell party

The ballet school where I danced (Alive Ballet Academy), I wanted to have photos of them. This ballet school is so friendly and the level of dancing was very goood! They were like a family and I was accepted as the family. My teacher Ms. Maria proposed me to teach the ballet. I appreciate her suggestion though it didn't make true because I left Hawaii just after she suggested me. It might be great if I can teach ballet as I love ballet and I love them!
If I could come back to Hawaii in the future, I would like to teach ballet. So I promise not to quit dancing. I dream of coming back to Hawaii with a better technique of ballet (I will have ballet classes in Japan!)

Our ballet family!

With Ms. Maria

Dr. Sakai is a therapist of Thought Field Therapy (http://www.tftcenter.com). I went to see her because I had a mental problem. I had a little bit of difficulty after I moved to Hawaii. And so my Japanese friend recommend me to see Dr. Sakai.
It was very efficient therapy for me. I shed a lot of tears when I saw her for the first time, and I washed away my sadness and depression. I regained my energy for the work after this session.
Actually, she is a person who experienced a lot of difficulty of her life. And she became a very helpful person after she had overcome her problem. She went many places such as an area after the genocide or natural disaster. She saved me, too! I shed tears again because of her warm heart, this time. (I can't introduce her words of the last session, as it was very personal, sorry)
Now, I am thinking to learn how to arrange  TFT for others. In fact, I would like to help someone. This is maybe the way TFT spreads in the world. I think it is amazing that I want to help someone else now!! When I had a depression, I couldn't think about someone else at all. I was very selfish at that time. She changed me. I have now a positive energy to go forward slowly.



I am grateful for everybody I met in Hawaii.

THANK YOU!!

Last Trip to Big Island

 I went to many times to Big Island (Hawaii Island), but this is the last chance during this stay (1 year from April 2012) in Hawaii. The trip in March supposed to be a last trip, but I got another chance to visit Big Island because my friend came to Hawaii for her vacation and she wanted to visit Big Island. She asked me to show the volcano which I worked for one year. Yes, I showed her the fantastic nature of this volcano!

The last shot of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater.

We looked Halemaʻumaʻu crater from the overlook beside the Jagger Museum. Do you know Dr. Jagger ?? He is a founder of the Hawaii Volcano Observatory. Last year (2012) was a 100th year for Hawaii Volcano Observatory and they made memorial coins of quarters.

Memorial quarter for 100 years of Hawaii Volcano Observatory

We also looked my field (Pu' Puai/Kilauea Iki) and Thurston Lava tube.
The day we went to the Volcano National Park, we were very tired to arrive at a hotel in Kona because we couldn't find the hotel in Hilo side. It was because of Merrie Monarch Festival. It must have been great if I could see the festival. It is the top Hula competition in Hawaii! I love to see the Hula dance. Anyway, do you know how long does it take from the Volcano national park to Kona??
We took more than two and a half hours. When we arrived at the hotel, it was already around 8pm.  The road was dark and narrow... Next time, I strongly wish to have an accommodation in Hilo side or close to the volcano.

By the way, it has been 10 years since I visited Kona town last time. It was the time I came to attend the conference called Cities on Volcanoes 3. We went to see the Pu`uhonua O Hōnaunau National History park. It was nice to see the traditional Hawaiian site. Especially, I was happy to see the place related to Queen Ka'ahumanu and King Kamehameha 1st. Actually, I started to like the history and culture in Hawaii because I read the book about the bibliography of King Kamehameha 1st (Link to the amazon of this book). It is written in Japanese by Japanese author (it's a pity that English speakers can't read this). Their life was romantic and dramatic if the book tells the truth. 
 This time, we didn't visited the national historical park but visited the Hulihee Palace in Kona. We can't see the inside of the palace, but the building itself was beautiful and modern. I deamed to live in such beautiful house. In fact, it was not very very big palace.

Hulihee palace

 In Kona, we had relaxing time. We stayed at the cafe next to the ocean for a while... What a peaceful moment! (compare to the hard driving the night before).

The scenery from the cafe by the sea

 As my friend wanted to buy the Kona coffee, we visit several coffee shops in Kona. We found one shop and talked with a shop keeper. He explained some coffee types and gave us tasting samples. It was fun to listen to his talk. I dream to live in Big Island and have an organic farm. So it must be nice to have a contact of a guy who knows how to cultivate the land, I thought. His explanation was interesting and the coffee was good although I prefer stronger taste like European style espresso. (I got addicted to the espresso when I was in Geneva, Switzerland). 

Joe (a shop keeper of the coffee shop: right) and me (left).

My friend liked Big Island very much. She said that we had a supporting god during the travel. Maybe... yes. I always feel so fun to see around in Big Island. I am impressed nature and history each time I visit Big Island. I hope I can come back to Big Island someday.

Happy Easter Holiday

Pineapple train of Dole Plantation

On Easter Sunday, we went to Dole Plantation in Oahu Island. A train called "Pineapple express" is a popular excursion of this park. Children like this train which goes through the pineapple field. So, we went there for my friend's daughter. They are very happy family and I really love to hang around with them.

My friend and his daughter waiting for the train

Family photo in the train "Pineapple express"

Do you know that pineapples are so delicious in Hawaii? Yes, it is very good because they are gathered when they are almost ripe. It's nice for us to have a piece of pineapple just after getting off the train. And another popular thing in Dole Plantation is Pineapple ice cream. I love it!

 

 

I am holding a pineapple ice cream (Waffle Cone $4.95)

Actually, the history of Hawaii is related to the pineapple and sugar cane fields. Many people came to Hawaii from Asian countries including Japan. I heard somewhere that the condition of labors were not so good.  They worked hard and feel the gap with their dream. Most of people from Japan expected to have easier life in Hawaii and that's why they decided to come to Hawaii. I was very happy to eat such delicious ice cream. However, the taste of history of pineapple plantation was a little bitter.

Anyway, the daughter of my friend were very happy with the train and ice cream. We shared two ice creams, but they ordered another one as it was so delicious!

After we get back to Honolulu, I introduced my boyfriend to them. This was the first time for me to introduce my boyfriend to someone else. So, it became unforgettable day for me.

Happy Happy Easter!!

Aiming higher

Finally, I leave Hawaii on next Monday.
It is the moment I feel a lot of things.
I have to say good bye to many people for the moment and so I am a little sentimental.
For my work, I also think many things.

Last year, I had good motivation for my new project. It was great to see many people in Hawaii and to discuss with people in similar field and different field. However, I had a difficulty as well. My supervisor said that I can't use the data which I supposed to analyze. Maybe it was just because the data was not yet available, but I felt it was a political problem. Actually, I couldn't clarify the truth and I lost much motivation for my new project.

However, nature saved my motivation.

Halemaumau Crater in the day

Halemaumau Crater in the night

Halemaumau crater, which erupted in 2008 (most recent eruption), still emits hot gas. During the night, we can see red color because there is a hot lava lake in the crater. I was very happy to see such mysterious nature.
Even though I worked for simple tasks in the field such as digging, measuring bombs and taking grain-size sample, I feel happy to be on the volcano.

Digging the ground to take out the volcanic bomb

My field work is not fancy at all!!

Today, I discussed again with one guy. He gave me a good advice to work as a researcher. He is quite cheerful person as well. I am actually very honored to discuss with him because he is an specialist in numerical modeling of volcanic eruption. I asked him about the support, but he can't support me as he is already retired. However, he said that he recommends me to be independent ... with a smile.

"Wow, it must be great to be independent!", I thought. I was pouting like a small child when I lost some motivation for the work. If I will be independent, I don't need to rely on someone and pout like a child. I can be an adult as a researcher. And... it is possible, I thought.

I made an mind. I aim to be independent as a researcher. Aiming higher!!!

A journey

Poster picture of "A journey" the performance of ballerinas from Allive Ballet Center

The story was...
Three young mermaids leave their watery home for the outside world on the advice of a lying shark. By the end of their adventures, the trio learns the key to the true meaning of happiness. 

The ballerinas performed on the stage of Paliku Theater, in the Windward community college on Saturday 31st. And I went there for helping them. I was very happy to be involved in this show. Actually, I wanted to perform by myself but it was difficult for me to have time to prepare.Therefore, I wanted to be in the supporting side of the show. My role was a chaperon of little ballerinas. It was fun to be with them. At first, they have just ignored me but later that they started to talk with me. I was happy only with this fact.
The scenery of backstage reminds me of my childhood. I also danced ballet on the stage when I was 5, 7 and 16 years old. I didn't know that it is hard to take care of children in backstage. At that time, my mother was taking care of my sister and me. And she worked as a leader of all chaperons when I was 16 years old because she had an experience of several stages of us. I feel grateful for her now.

The show itself was really impressive. They danced very well. I even noticed how they improved their basic skills of dancing. Also the production and the staging was nice because my ballet teacher Maria worked hard for that. I liked the background with water and fishes. It was a pity that I couldn't take the picture as it was prohibited.

I got a nice picture with my friend. She started ballet recently and she worked so hard. Now her dance is beautiful! I am very impressed her presentation. She improved not only the skill of steps but also the way of showing.

My friend and me

She introduced me this ballet school and I am sure that this is a best ballet school in Honolulu. It is very important to have an enthusiastic and encouraging  teacher. Plus ... everybody enjoys dancing!

Here, I can feel that everybody likes dancing. I only have two weeks in Honolulu. Maybe I can take only two classes or three classes at this ballet school. I would like to enjoy dancing as much as possible!!!

One of the most beautiful sisters in out school

At last... I'd like to introduce our star sisters. There are many beautiful ballerinas in our school but I just got a picture of one of them. Thank you for the nice performance to all ballerina performed on Saturday.

Trip to Big Island

Kau Coffee is getting popular these days in Hawaii. Kona coffee has already a reputation in the world but the Kau is not so famous. It is grown around volcano and the taste is actually almost the same level as Kona coffee. Some people says it is even better than Kona coffee. I don't see the big difference and I like both. We found the Kau coffee place on the way to Green Sand Beach.

Kau Coffee factory

 It was fun to talk with the shop keeper. She designed the label of the coffee and her arts are also in the shop. The designed squash (Hyotan in Japanese) was on the table.

Designed squash in the shop of Kau coffee factory

Later, we went to Green Sand Beach and the Hualalai to look for the xenolith of olivine. Xenolith is a name of the rock which magma took from the part of the mantle. Upper mantle include a lot of olivines (peridotite), and so sometimes we can see such green rock in the lava flow. We, geologists are so excited to find such big batch of olivines.

Olivine Xenolith in the Lava flow of Hualalai volcano

 On second day, we had a break as a volcanologist and had a tourism to Waipio Valley. It is not totally volcanological field trip, while it was a chance to see how volcanoes make beautiful scenery. In fact, it is great to see the variety of nature in Big Island. Local people come to the beach in Waipio Valley with a 4WD car and they enjoy beautiful beach. If we had time and swimming suits, we could have swam there! It's my dream to swim there.

Waipio Valley

Even though I visited Big Island many times, I didn't reach petroglyph. I don't know the age of these petroglyphs exactly but I guess it is not so old. It is quite interesting to have such petroglyphs in Hawaii because their language didn't have own characters for writing, someone said. Is it true??? Maybe they had some writing signs even though it was primitive. These petroglyphs remind me of the evolution of Chinese characters.

Petroglyph

象形文字 (http://baike.steelhome.cn/doc-view-8893.html)

 You can compare these characters from ancient china. They are called Shoukei Moji (in Japanese) and 象形文字 (in Chinese and Japanese).  So there was a possibility that they had own characters in Hawaii.

At last, I would like to introduce a food in Big Island. One of the most popular food is "Loco Moco".I heard one senate (Japanese-American guy from Hawaii) liked this Loco Moco at Cafe 100. This time, I ordered "Kilauea Loco Moco" because I am working for Kilauea Volcano! It was with 2 spams, several small sausages... etc. Heavy!!! I couldn't finish it. The amount of the meal was DYNAMIC as volcanic eruption.

Kilauea Loco Moco at Cafe 100

I thought this might be a last chance to visit Big Island before I leave Hawaii. However, there is another chance Next Week! My friend from Japan will visit me and we will again go to Big Island. It is the period of Merry Monarch Festival. It must be crowded but so fun!!!

Eating is the basics

Okonomiyaki

Today, I would like to report my eating habit. This is an Okonomiyaki. It is like a pan cake but much cabbages inside. 

Saba (fish), Goma doufu (sesame tofu), Miso soupe and rice.

This meal is quite complete as a Japanese home style. I like eating fish and vegetables together. I would like to say that I am happy to get ingredients easily in Hawaii because there are a lot of Japanese food store and they are not so expensive.

Spaghetti alle Vongole

I sometimes cook something not Japanese. One of my favorite foods in Italian is "Spaghetti alle vongole". It has garlic and salty taste.

From time to time, I try new food or new restaurant. Especially, I like to know which is the best restaurant for the burger!!! This time, I tried "The Counter" in Kahala shopping mall. My friend kindly drove me there.

My burger @ THE COUNTER in Kahala shopping mall.

It is so fun to make your own burger with your own choice. This time I chose, "Beef 1/3 lb", ''Gruyére (because this is most popular cheese in Switzerland!)", "Lettuces, Sautéed Onion,  Tomatoes and Sprouts", "Chpotle Aioli", "Wheat Bun". One special topping is "Avocado"!!, my favorite topping for the burgers.

The life in Honolulu is not always easy but I can enjoy a lot.

Bon appetite!

Happy Year 2013

I was in Japan for a New Year's Day.
I went back to Japan on 28th December and prepared traditional meal "Osechi" with my mother and father. Here is our Osechi and Zouni.

Osechi in Ju-bako and Zouni, soup with Mochi.

 Osechi is in the box called "Oju" or "Jubako". There are three "Ju"s. The first is a "Ichi no Ju", the second is "Ni no Ju" and the third is "San no Ju". I put sweet food such as "Kuromame (black beans)", "Kuri-Kinton (Chesnuts)" and "Datemaki (Omelet with Fish paste)" in "Ichi no Ju". There are some salty food and soir food such as "Kazunoko (Fish egg of Nishin)", "Namasu (Vinegared radish and carrot)" and "Renkon (Vinegared lotus root)". All cooked vegetables (cooked with Japanese soup "Dashi" and soy sauce) are in the third "San no Ju".

 Zouni is a soup with vegetables, some meat and Mochi. Mochi is very important. Almost everywhere in Japan, we eat Zouni which is soup with Mochi. Mochi is a paste made from sticky rice. We have so many variation of Zouni soup but we are sure to have some Mochi inside.

Toso (Sake with some spice)

We also have Toso in the morning of new year's days. "San ga nichi" is new year's days from 1st - 3rd January. Toso is sake with some spice. We can buy "Tososan" which spice for Toso at the pharmacy. You see such beautiful pot and sake cup which is called "Sakazuki".

I was so happy to have a new year's day with my parents in Japan because the day is so special for Japanese and it is a day for family (I think). I couldn't come back to Japan last year because I was working for my PhD thesis.

Now, I have a new life. It is not really easy... I was disappointed from time to time last year. I couldn't like a place where I live. However, now I am feeling one thing is very important... HAPPINESS.

It is miracle to be here without any big health problem or any serious problem of family. I have many good friends and we support each other. I have also nice colleagues, now. However, I know that people can easily die. I thought so when my grandmother died. I felt so when my senior died. When I read one book, I really regret that I had considered to suicide myself. I should live and enjoy as much as possible. I have to appreciate my life! The best way to appreciate my life is to feel the happiness, I think.

Sometimes, I can't feel happiness.  I complain a lot and just feel that I am so miserable. NO, I am quite LUCKY!!! My friend made me realize so in the beginning of this year. I appreciate him too.


This year, I would like to try to feel happiness as much as possible. I would like to smile as much as possible. I would like to look for the happiness without complaining my situation. I wish everybody's happiness as well.

Greeting to everyone...

 All the best in your year 2013!!