Curry

Curry is one of Japan's most popular dishes.  In the USA, sushi is very popular as a Japanese dish but we don't make it often at home.  Making sushi is usually for a special occasion.  In contrast, many Japanese make curry at home very often. The great thing about Japanese style curry is that with the simplicity of the recipe, everyone can enjoy tasty dish.  Many people have their original recepes.  Japanese curry is less spicy and thicker than the Thai and Indian curry.  Commonly, it is served in three ways which is curry rice, curry noodle and curry bread.  Various types of curry are sold in boil-in-the-bag pouches and roux blocks.  It is not at all an exaggeration to say that curry is the national food of the Japanese. 

ESL 142

The ESL142 was my second English semester at NCC.  Honestly, it was much harder than the previous class.  And I'm sure it's the same for everyone.  I had to do a lot of work within a limited time since I have a child.  I felt I almost screwed up.  However, I thought that It was a great experience.  I have never finish reading English book before, although I tried to read several times.  But surprisingly, I read two books in this semester.  Also, writhing a summary of a book was my first experience. I guess it really helped me get used to writing.  Writing blogs also helped me to create ideas.  Especially, the environmental topic was very interesting for me. I hope I'll be able to this pass class, so I can take a little break to realx and enjoy during the summer.

Sauna

I used like to go to public bath called "sauna" when I was in Japan.  The sauna facility in the city area of Japan is amazing.  They have many kind of large spa pool and sauna, masssage, nail, hair cut, dinning room, and lodging. It is feeling like you are in a resort!!??  Taking sauna bath after work used to be one of the best way to rid of stress for me.  Bathing in a sauna could be unusual for the people from other country because it is done without a single item of clothing on. But don't worry, men and women are separated.  Sometimes, when I had to work overtime until late at night, I stayed overnight at sauna with my co-workers.  It may sounds weired, but it is one of my pleasant memories.  

Ise Shrine

My home town called shima-city in Mie Preficture is located in the southern Honshu, Japan. It is about about 2.5 hours from Osaka by train. Ise Shrine is an important Shinto Shrine located in about 20 miles form my home town.  It has been designated a National Treasure by the Japanese government.  Amaterasu-Oomikami, a god described in Japanese myth was enshrined in the shrine.  The People from all over Japan come to the shrine to pray for a happiness and a healthy year.  People can visit there all year around but the New Years day is the busiest because the first visit of shrine or temple at New Year called "Hastumoude" is one of our important religious event. I also like to visit "Okage Yokocho" next to the shrine grounds where it feels time slipped back to Edo period around 1700s.  I love to eat Japanese traditional sweets there!!