Something Funny Happened at Work Today...

One of the cooks walked in to collect his pay and was sporting a shirt that was reminiscent of a certain pop culture work of art--the Velvet Underground album cover by Andy Warhol. Being a fan of the VU but an even bigger Warhol fanatic, I started laughing like crazy and that of course led to a ten minute explanation as to why I was so tickled by his shirt. Thanks to Google imaging and my toddler-level Japanese, I was able to explain to him that he was sporting a spoof. To the best of my knowledge, this is a tourist shirt from Okinawa of maybe a bar, restaurant or even type of Goya (a bitter melon from Okinawa.)

In any case, it's the first time I've posted anything from my workplace although given the fact that I work with like, forty Japanese--I learn a lot about Japanese culture while on the job.

For those who are totally clueless out there, here's the album: (and jeez, get out once in awhile...)

Get it?

Setsubun-Hello Spring, Devils and Crunchy Soy Beans!

Asashoryu's Coach is one of the Famous Bean-Tossers!

The Crowd at the Bean Throwing Day at Hasedera Temple, Kamakura

Traditional Japanese Dessert of Peas, Mochi (Pounded Rice) with Vanilla Ice Cream

We stopped at an old Japanese house-turned-tea and dessert restaurant. These peas are dried to store and before being served are soaked to revive them. Before eating, we used a tea kettle to pour brown sugar syrup over our sweets.

Pork Rules!!!

If you're ever on your way to or fro the big Buddha, stop at the Katsudon place next to the tracks by Hase station (Enoden Line.) It's the best katsudon I've had! This is Yumi's first time there and Kristy's first time having Katsudon ever!
Ramen-In-A-Can

It's been awhile since I found anything cool in a vending machine. This one had curry, oden and a slew of various noodle-based eats including the classic Ramen!