Saturday, January 17, 2015
Walnut Mochi
As far as I know, my parents' hometown is the only place in Japan that eats mochi dipped in walnut broth paste. I'm not even sure why we use walnuts since the town isn't well-known for it.. but in any case it's a salty sweet paste made by crushed walnuts, kelp-based broth, sugar, and salt. It takes manpower to make it but the end is a very creamy savory tasting paste. As a child I used to just steal spoonfuls of the paste. It brings back a lot of childhood memories and no doubt sentimental nostalgia for my parents. Yum!
New Years
Just to clarify Japan is the only country in Asia that does a full blown New Years celebration on Jan 1; all others celebrate lunar new year.
So while everyone is hung over and sleep deprived from NYE celebrations, we are up early celebrating away our new years. For the first time in a really long time, I put on my kimono as is tradition. Kimono must be the hardest traditional garb in the world to put on... I actually took lessons for a year and it still took me close to an hour to put it on, my skills have waned a bit.
In any case, we celebrate it northern Japanese style, so our mochis our square and we make our ozoni (new years rice cake soup) in clear broth. We also make kurumi mochi, mochis soaked in creamy walnut broth paste which is a regional special from my parents' hometown.
New years celebrations are based on purifying oneself so definitely alcohol is involved. Lots of drinking, lots of eating, lots of talking, lots of tv watching... basically it's a formula of laziness and getting fat but it's great.
Happy New Years everyone! May all of you have a splendid year for 2015!
So while everyone is hung over and sleep deprived from NYE celebrations, we are up early celebrating away our new years. For the first time in a really long time, I put on my kimono as is tradition. Kimono must be the hardest traditional garb in the world to put on... I actually took lessons for a year and it still took me close to an hour to put it on, my skills have waned a bit.
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| I made the bump in the obi a bit too big.. must practice more |
In any case, we celebrate it northern Japanese style, so our mochis our square and we make our ozoni (new years rice cake soup) in clear broth. We also make kurumi mochi, mochis soaked in creamy walnut broth paste which is a regional special from my parents' hometown.
New years celebrations are based on purifying oneself so definitely alcohol is involved. Lots of drinking, lots of eating, lots of talking, lots of tv watching... basically it's a formula of laziness and getting fat but it's great.
Happy New Years everyone! May all of you have a splendid year for 2015!
Year end traditions
A few more pictures from NYE and New Years.
It's been tradition for the past 8-9 years to spend NYE with high school friends so did our annual get together. Thanks Brandon for cooking.
Usually I go out with them to go a NYE party but since I was so tired from the traveling plus tickets were sold out, I spent it with family. My brother made his annual traditional Japanese new years soba and tempura in which he makes the broth from scratch. It's absolutely delicious.
That may have been why I never made it to count down...I fell asleep on my bed by 11pm. Major fail... 2015 is off to a great start!
It's been tradition for the past 8-9 years to spend NYE with high school friends so did our annual get together. Thanks Brandon for cooking.
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| Cheers! |
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| family photo :) |
Usually I go out with them to go a NYE party but since I was so tired from the traveling plus tickets were sold out, I spent it with family. My brother made his annual traditional Japanese new years soba and tempura in which he makes the broth from scratch. It's absolutely delicious.
That may have been why I never made it to count down...I fell asleep on my bed by 11pm. Major fail... 2015 is off to a great start!
Confessions of riding free flighs
Sorry for the delay in posts! I've been crazily studying for finals and writing up papers before the semester is offically over so I hope to update more in detail once we go into semester break at the end of the month. But just wanted to share with you some quick pictures while I was at home.
As many of you know my dad works for an airline company so I get essentially free flights on standby.. which sounds like a sweet deal but it is a nightmare planning around trips on standby.
First of all, airport security are suspicious as f (sorry for the language), because I'm not booked as an official traveler. During holiday season it is a nightmare because all the flights are full. And with all the weather changes, flight cancellations and delays do happen in which you are doomed.
This time it was not exception with some odd issues going on at SFO. Few flights from La Guardia to SFO were delayed so seating becomes changed and overbooked.
Many many skype conversation with dad (who can see the flight database) were involved on strategizing my flights. Depending on which flight you list yourself as standby, sometimes you can get a seat/other times you are denied so it's a huge risk.
All in all, I waited close to 9 hours at the airport before I was able to get a seat - and I was very lucky since I had to ran to the gate 20 min before it took off. The silver lining was that because all the flights were delayed, my suitcases got mixed up on the cargo which took another hour to find my luggage at SFO.
It took me 28 hours to get home door-to-door. But nothing can beat home.
The second we got back, I gave my dad his Christmas present - 2 bottles of Swiss wine to which he responded "let's drink this right now, I'm thirsty". So off goes the drinking family drinking session. In between food, drinks, and the catching up we stayed up until 4am chatting away the night. I was exhausted and tired but a good family bonding times. It's good to be back!
As many of you know my dad works for an airline company so I get essentially free flights on standby.. which sounds like a sweet deal but it is a nightmare planning around trips on standby.
First of all, airport security are suspicious as f (sorry for the language), because I'm not booked as an official traveler. During holiday season it is a nightmare because all the flights are full. And with all the weather changes, flight cancellations and delays do happen in which you are doomed.
This time it was not exception with some odd issues going on at SFO. Few flights from La Guardia to SFO were delayed so seating becomes changed and overbooked.
Many many skype conversation with dad (who can see the flight database) were involved on strategizing my flights. Depending on which flight you list yourself as standby, sometimes you can get a seat/other times you are denied so it's a huge risk.
All in all, I waited close to 9 hours at the airport before I was able to get a seat - and I was very lucky since I had to ran to the gate 20 min before it took off. The silver lining was that because all the flights were delayed, my suitcases got mixed up on the cargo which took another hour to find my luggage at SFO.
It took me 28 hours to get home door-to-door. But nothing can beat home.
The second we got back, I gave my dad his Christmas present - 2 bottles of Swiss wine to which he responded "let's drink this right now, I'm thirsty". So off goes the drinking family drinking session. In between food, drinks, and the catching up we stayed up until 4am chatting away the night. I was exhausted and tired but a good family bonding times. It's good to be back!
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| Ended opening up 2.5 bottles.. alcoholic family :D |
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| Mom's food...I missed this! |
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Grad School: 1/4 done!
It's a bit surreal but the first semester just flew by. It seems like yesterday when I met all my classmates and advisors for the first time. Enough with the cliches but really, everything seemed like it was in a flash. Yet at the same time, many of the classes really had a good impact on me and I have no regrets that I chose this program and came to Geneva.
To clarify, my program is a unique one of a kind. It must also be the freakin' longest program name I've ever encountered in my life: Masters in Standardization, Social Regulation, and Sustainable Development. It's a very new program and it's not well known. However, the concept is valid and very applicable to all fields. In our world today, standardization is everywhere whether we notice it or not. Most often we don't even recognize it. For example, USB is a kind of a standard for data memory systems as is the SD memory card. Organic food labels must pass certain standards or quality to have the certified sticker on the food product. And other minor items but used daily such as A4 paper and metric systems are also all under a standard agreement across different countries, sectors, businesses etc.
Social regulation and development add additional elements this standardization process. For example, in my global health class we discussed about how standards of health procedures must be put in place in order to have safe and effective medical processes especially in developing countries where these standards are not implemented. In our Environmental Policy class we discussed on whether energy saving programs in different cities and countries should be a recommended standard or a law enforced regulation. It's interesting that all these dimensions com together. As we moved towards a more globalized society, these three topics are crucial in order for our society as a whole to advance for the betterment of humanity.
My classmates have also been inspirational and really given me the drive to challenge my thoughts and perceptions. We may only be 13 people but the diversity and various backgrounds that we have have really enriched the academic work as well as social life. I think we've all formed a close bond and I hope that this will continue to grow.
As for my thesis and career trajectory, I am still not sure. Honestly it feels like I've been bombarded with many ideas that I am still trying to sort them out. But I have been definitely inspired by many topics talked in classes, events, and seminars. My aim for next semester is to slowly collect them all into one bowl and formulate my future aspirations and goals.
For now I am going to enjoy the rest of the holiday season and slowly get back into gear for exam mode!
スイスに引っ越して大学院生生活も4ヶ月になろうとしています。最初は戸惑いの毎日でしたが周りからのサポートもあり無事一学期目を終えることができました！今のところ大学院での勉強はぶっちゃけ、楽しくて仕方がない！1日12時間働いて飲み会やら接待やらと忙しくすごしていた日々に比べると毎日が刺激的で学んでいる課題も興味深いものがたくさんあるので本当に1日24時間が足りないくらい。
よく周りから「何を勉強しているの?」と聞かれるのですがさすがに日本語での説明はややこしい ；－－ 学部名は直訳すると「基準化・社会的規制・維持開発」なのでかなりちんちくりんに聞こえてしまうんですよね 汗。簡単に説明すると現代社会においてどの部門でどう基準化を推奨することによって社会的規制を極め、そして発展途上国において開発を進めることができるかという3本頭で研究を進めています。基準といってもピンと来ない人も多いとは思うのですが・・・基準って社会において本当に大事なんですよね。例えば 人の病気を治療するにあたってちゃんとした処置方法を定めないと命の別状に関わって大変なことになりますよね。また発展途上国で安全できれいな水を届けたいとプロジェクトを掲げる前にまず「安全できれいな水」とは何か、そして何を基準それを見極めるのかが大事ですよね。そういう大きな課題もあればＡ４サイズの紙、シャーペン芯0.5mm、摂氏華氏、私たちが日常で使っているようなものも実は基準法が適用されて統一されています。
かなり入り組んだ説明になってしまいましたが要するにさまざまな角度から社会を見ていくプログラムなので就活の面では応用が利いて有利、という風に自分自身では捕らえています。
まだ1学期目が終わったばかりなので卒業論文や今後の進路についてはまだ考えいないのですが・・・ でも来学期までには自分の進みたい分野を決めたいと思っています。
ともあれ、今はしばしのお休み・充電期間中☆ 1月中旬から試験が始まるのでそれに備えてゆっくり体を休ませたいと思ってます ＾＾
To clarify, my program is a unique one of a kind. It must also be the freakin' longest program name I've ever encountered in my life: Masters in Standardization, Social Regulation, and Sustainable Development. It's a very new program and it's not well known. However, the concept is valid and very applicable to all fields. In our world today, standardization is everywhere whether we notice it or not. Most often we don't even recognize it. For example, USB is a kind of a standard for data memory systems as is the SD memory card. Organic food labels must pass certain standards or quality to have the certified sticker on the food product. And other minor items but used daily such as A4 paper and metric systems are also all under a standard agreement across different countries, sectors, businesses etc.
Social regulation and development add additional elements this standardization process. For example, in my global health class we discussed about how standards of health procedures must be put in place in order to have safe and effective medical processes especially in developing countries where these standards are not implemented. In our Environmental Policy class we discussed on whether energy saving programs in different cities and countries should be a recommended standard or a law enforced regulation. It's interesting that all these dimensions com together. As we moved towards a more globalized society, these three topics are crucial in order for our society as a whole to advance for the betterment of humanity.
My classmates have also been inspirational and really given me the drive to challenge my thoughts and perceptions. We may only be 13 people but the diversity and various backgrounds that we have have really enriched the academic work as well as social life. I think we've all formed a close bond and I hope that this will continue to grow.
As for my thesis and career trajectory, I am still not sure. Honestly it feels like I've been bombarded with many ideas that I am still trying to sort them out. But I have been definitely inspired by many topics talked in classes, events, and seminars. My aim for next semester is to slowly collect them all into one bowl and formulate my future aspirations and goals.
For now I am going to enjoy the rest of the holiday season and slowly get back into gear for exam mode!
スイスに引っ越して大学院生生活も4ヶ月になろうとしています。最初は戸惑いの毎日でしたが周りからのサポートもあり無事一学期目を終えることができました！今のところ大学院での勉強はぶっちゃけ、楽しくて仕方がない！1日12時間働いて飲み会やら接待やらと忙しくすごしていた日々に比べると毎日が刺激的で学んでいる課題も興味深いものがたくさんあるので本当に1日24時間が足りないくらい。
よく周りから「何を勉強しているの?」と聞かれるのですがさすがに日本語での説明はややこしい ；－－ 学部名は直訳すると「基準化・社会的規制・維持開発」なのでかなりちんちくりんに聞こえてしまうんですよね 汗。簡単に説明すると現代社会においてどの部門でどう基準化を推奨することによって社会的規制を極め、そして発展途上国において開発を進めることができるかという3本頭で研究を進めています。基準といってもピンと来ない人も多いとは思うのですが・・・基準って社会において本当に大事なんですよね。例えば 人の病気を治療するにあたってちゃんとした処置方法を定めないと命の別状に関わって大変なことになりますよね。また発展途上国で安全できれいな水を届けたいとプロジェクトを掲げる前にまず「安全できれいな水」とは何か、そして何を基準それを見極めるのかが大事ですよね。そういう大きな課題もあればＡ４サイズの紙、シャーペン芯0.5mm、摂氏華氏、私たちが日常で使っているようなものも実は基準法が適用されて統一されています。
かなり入り組んだ説明になってしまいましたが要するにさまざまな角度から社会を見ていくプログラムなので就活の面では応用が利いて有利、という風に自分自身では捕らえています。
まだ1学期目が終わったばかりなので卒業論文や今後の進路についてはまだ考えいないのですが・・・ でも来学期までには自分の進みたい分野を決めたいと思っています。
ともあれ、今はしばしのお休み・充電期間中☆ 1月中旬から試験が始まるのでそれに備えてゆっくり体を休ませたいと思ってます ＾＾
Finland IX: お土産偏
毎回恒例となっているお土産披露 笑
ドイツに行ったときは格安航空券で持ち込み荷物のみ可能だったので液体物はあまり変えなかったのですが今回は荷物を預けられるということで、食品など買いまくりましたよ～
スイスはアジア食品が異常なほど高いのである限り揃えてきました。それにしても北欧でもアジア食品が買えるってええ世界になりました。おなじみのタイインスタントラーメンはなぜかヨーロッパではメジャーに置かれています。７０円ほどなので安いし、お手軽だもんね。
特に嬉しかったのがお豆腐。１丁２５０円、しかもオーガニックです。ジュネーブでは豆腐一丁500円なので倍ですね、かなりありえないです。
なにがなんだかよくわかりませんがスパイスもいろいろ揃えました♪ あとでグーグル翻訳機でみてみます。 北欧はベリー系ジャムが好きなことがよーくわかったので記念に 笑
フィンランドのスーパーで一番感動したのがヨーグルト。ギリシャヨーグルトのようにもた～っとしていて濃いんですよー！しかも１パック６０-８０円ぐらい。もっと買ってきたかった！
フィンランド料理で多分一番好きな鮭のクリームスープ☆ 国民食なようでこういうレトルトがスーパーで売っていました。 多分200～300円ぐらいだったかな？
当初は、別にムーミン目的でフィンランドに行くわけじゃないし・・・とあまり興味がなかったのですが、いざムーミンショップに行ってみると・・やっぱりかわいい。ついつい買ってしまい、挙句の果てには空港でも買い足しました 汗。コップ類が多いのはお土産用だから。かわいくて実用的なので最適なのです。
ペアのマグカップ。かわいすぎる！ピンクはあたしのなので毎日これでコーヒーを飲んでいます。朝から癒されてかなりテンションあがります♪ 笑
これでフィンランドともお別れ。でもまた来るね！次回はもう少し暖かい春か夏にお邪魔させていただきます！
ドイツに行ったときは格安航空券で持ち込み荷物のみ可能だったので液体物はあまり変えなかったのですが今回は荷物を預けられるということで、食品など買いまくりましたよ～
スイスはアジア食品が異常なほど高いのである限り揃えてきました。それにしても北欧でもアジア食品が買えるってええ世界になりました。おなじみのタイインスタントラーメンはなぜかヨーロッパではメジャーに置かれています。７０円ほどなので安いし、お手軽だもんね。
特に嬉しかったのがお豆腐。１丁２５０円、しかもオーガニックです。ジュネーブでは豆腐一丁500円なので倍ですね、かなりありえないです。
なにがなんだかよくわかりませんがスパイスもいろいろ揃えました♪ あとでグーグル翻訳機でみてみます。 北欧はベリー系ジャムが好きなことがよーくわかったので記念に 笑
フィンランドのスーパーで一番感動したのがヨーグルト。ギリシャヨーグルトのようにもた～っとしていて濃いんですよー！しかも１パック６０-８０円ぐらい。もっと買ってきたかった！
フィンランド料理で多分一番好きな鮭のクリームスープ☆ 国民食なようでこういうレトルトがスーパーで売っていました。 多分200～300円ぐらいだったかな？
スイスに戻って食べてみました。レトルトだと思ってたけどこれがかなり本格的！おいしかった～
以外にもコーヒー消費率は世界トップに入ってるフィンランド。やはり外が寒くて日が短いからコーヒーを飲みたくなるんでしょうね （＾＾）。 たしかにフィンランドで飲んだコーヒーは安くておいしい！お茶類もいろいろ買ってきました。旅行先では必ずといっていいほどお茶をよく買います。
ペアのマグカップ。かわいすぎる！ピンクはあたしのなので毎日これでコーヒーを飲んでいます。朝から癒されてかなりテンションあがります♪ 笑
Finland VIII: Extra
In all, Finland was lovely. I was amazed by many things but most importantly the people. They are neither fiesty nor rude nor reckless. I'm sure there are people like that as well but compared to the hectic cities I've lived in, people seemed very tame and poised of their daily lives; I suppose this must the Scandinavian way of life although I do know that I'm stretching myself a bit to make a hugely broad comment.
But in all seriousness I really felt the warmth of the people. Everyone had been very kind and helpful; and their command of their English never ceases to astonish me. If only I can do that with my other languages. The weather was cold and harsh but I can see why people have a higher quality of life; they have some nice coffee and some good lights to keep them sane during the darn and cold days! Nevertheless I would love to come back again in the summer.
I also fell in love with the food. I am definitely making the salmon soup and spinach pancakes for my family.
Now here are a few more extra shots of the beautiful city dressed with snow!
But in all seriousness I really felt the warmth of the people. Everyone had been very kind and helpful; and their command of their English never ceases to astonish me. If only I can do that with my other languages. The weather was cold and harsh but I can see why people have a higher quality of life; they have some nice coffee and some good lights to keep them sane during the darn and cold days! Nevertheless I would love to come back again in the summer.
I also fell in love with the food. I am definitely making the salmon soup and spinach pancakes for my family.
Now here are a few more extra shots of the beautiful city dressed with snow!
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