My trip to the Lisboa area, and Porto are, as they say, “Up in the air” for now. My friend has not yet closed on her beach home in Cascais, due to many issues related to closing the sale. So, as always, I have a Plan B just in case.
So, after a few days in Munich, I will either take the train to Slovenia, then maybe on to Athens, or perhaps make a little side trip to Albania.
The train from Munich to Ljubljana is rather short, just over six hours. And very affordable. It takes about the same amount of time as flying. In fact, travel experts are suggesting I fly into Venice, and take the bus! I don’t think so!
Actually, I ended up in Lisboa on Monday. I decided that heading south was a better idea. The people and food in Lisbon are very interesting. Then after stuffing myself full of lobster, and fresh seabass, I decided to fly up to Porto.
Why? It is the home of Port wine, at one time quite a favorite. In fact, you may remember that Mr. Mike and I chased all over the southern Portugal area for vintage ports. It turns out that one of them, the 1963 Quinto do Noval is the envy of every port drinker in the world!!
I just did not realize Porto is the second biggest city in Portugal, and just seems too busy for my liking. I was expecting a sleepy little port village, but instead, it is the hotbed of growth and construction.
So, I am headed out of here tomorrow for Warsaw (to visit a refugee camp), Munich, then close the trip in Istanbul.
I apologize for not sending this in November while I was in Europe (with a bad cough). I was sick for another two weeks after returning home.
I forgot to send this back in November. I was golfing in Portugal, back in 2002.
Not long after 9-11, my buddy Mike and I went golfing in Spain and Portugal. We decided we were not going to let a bunch of terrorists dictate our lives and travel plans. We spent a week in Spain, on the Costa del Sol (Puerto Banus), and a week on the Algarve, with side trips, including Seville and Lisboa. Since then, I have returned to Spain, but not Portugal. Why has it taken so long to return?
First, why is Lisbon called Lisboa by some people, me included? Many think it is just the translation from another language. Why is Christopher Columbus called Cristobal Colon in Spanish, Cristoforo Colombo in Italian, and Christophorus Columbus in Latin? In French, Lisbon is Lisbonne, and in German it is Lissabon. Others say Lisbon’s name was derived from Allis Ubbo, meaning safe harbor in Phoenician. Or maybe they just decided Lisboa sounds better? Different names for places in other languages are called exonyms and seems very common in Europe.
What do Portugal and Japan have in common, besides tempura? The Portuguese were the first Europeans to reach Japan back in the 16th century. And they left a linguistic mark on the Japanese, such as pan, probably came from the Portuguese pao(bread).
Portugal is also the westernmost point (Cape Roca) of Europe. Look on a map! Portugal also has 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites. And it is the largest producer (50% of the world’s supply) of cork, which we need for wine.
Now, for the first time since 2002, I have a great opportunity to return to Portugal. I plan to visit the Lisboa oceanside suburb of Cascais. Why? A dear friend is buying a home in Cascais. Cascais is often called the finest resort town on the Portuguese coastline (better than the Algarve?). And I plan to buy and leave a bicycle there for now and future use.
Historically, Cascais was a sleepy fishing port. But in 1870, King Luis I declared Cascais would be the summer home of Portuguese nobility. Cascais became a sophisticated and refined destination. Today, it is still a charming town with a strong fishing heritage, with 19th century grandeur, and expectations of modern tourism. Fortunately, it has been responsibly developed into a popular resort town.
The historic center still has cobbled streets, a fort, museums, with many bars and restaurants. To the north is the wild and untamed Sierra de Sintra coastline, with surfing beaches and dramatic natural scenery. And Cascais is just a short 30km train ride into Lisboa via the Linha de Cascais” urban railway.
My route to Cascais is rather circuitous. But I did find an outstanding airfare. I leave SFO and land in Istanbul on Turkish Airlines. From there, I will spend a few days in Munich, before flying to Lisboa and Cascais. I love Munich, from my very first visit back in 1971 to the famous Oktoberfest. On the return, I will have an overnight layover in Istanbul, giving me enough time to shop, eat, and spend the night in the city.
Would you like a souvenir from Lisboa? Their most popular souvenir is canned fish! This would be sardines, mackerel, tune or anchovies.
Ginjinha is Lisbon’s most popular drink. It is a sweet liqueur made from soaking Ginja berries in sugar and alcohol. Little shot shops can be spotted almost everywhere. In my culture, we make a sour plum liqueur by soaking the plums in raw sugar and vodka. It is called ume-shu, and perhaps a distant relative?
Can you believe Lisbon has a Market of Female Thieves? Known as “Feira da Ladra” in the Alfama district, the market is a secret, so they say. It is held twice a week near the National Pantheon.
The weather in November is quite pleasant. Most days are sunny, and a bit breezy. Mostly, the people here are so friendly, and the food is both delicious and inexpensive compared to many of its northern European neighbors.
Traveling and seeing the world is something that you will never forget. Adventures and experiences are some of the best things that money can buy. Traveling can be affordable. You can travel the world much cheaper through travel hacking and using points from travel rewards cards.
As you make your travel bucket list, make sure to put things you would be interested in. May it be adventurous, or to see beaches and cities, make your list your own and enjoy the journey. These 25 travel bucket list ideas are here to help you to create the best list possible.(I will only include those that I have done)
Viva Las Vegas
Probably one of the easiest and closest places to visit. Vegas offers gambling, shows, shopping, golf, dining, nature, and in my case, dear friends. When my Mom was alive, we celebrated her birthday every December in Vegas. How I miss those days.
Santorini, Greece
While it is a couples place, the sunsets, offbeat minerality of the wine, and friendly people make it a unique experience. How many times can you actually stay on a former volcano with beautiful caldera views? If you only get to choose one island in Greece, choose Santorini. The sunsets are simply magnificent.
Paris
After being treated so badly in the 70s France of de Gaulle, I have slowly warmed up to Paris, and mostly the French countryside. I love Bordeaux, Loire, and Champagne. I attended my first French Open tennis last May. I plan to watch the Tour de France one day, and perhaps combine it with the Olympics in 2024. Oh, and the museums are quite interesting as well.
Grand Canyon
This is probably one place a person can visit a multitude of times, and always be overcome by its majesty. My suggestion for a first visit is taking the train from Williams to the South Rim. And make sure you have the burger at the El Tovar, best ever. Just be careful around the rim, or on the trail down to the bottom.
Boat Ride in Venice
I have just awful memories, a stinky, sewage filled city, with overpriced hotels and food. At the time, I thought it was the biggest tourist trap in the world. I vowed never to go back, unless I brought a clothes pin for my nose! Ask me how you spell gondolier? A$$hole!! Maybe the Venetian Resort in Vegas is a better option? Or the klongs of Bangkok, often called the “Venice of the East!” Definitely the klongs.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Another tourist trap, but a fun tourist trap, with good food, friendly people, great bars, and a beautiful old walled city. Just too many people in a small area. Try to find a quiet hotel off the beaten path and plan some excursions (Montenegro) outside of the city. There are many islands along the Dalmatian coast that are beautiful, with fewer tourists, and nice cycling routes. And decent wines.
An African Safari
We took several, and most of the safaris are well done, safe, and interesting, with decent food. Mr. Mike and I took four different ones, through Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana, followed by a luxurious two week stay with Barry the V in Cape Town, South Africa. These trips are expensive, and it is not worth cutting corners out in the wilderness.
Diving the Great Barrier Reef
The reef is huge, 133,000 square miles, and with over two million visitors per year. The reef is endangered, so tread carefully, with a reputable outfitter. We went to the far eastern side of the reef, where there were fewer people, more sea life, and quite remote. Nearby the Daintree Rainforest is a definite day trip. The seafood in this area is outstanding and cheap!
The Rocky Mountains
Yes, I miss the days when I skied about a dozen days a year outside of Denver. But winter or summer, the Rockies are magnificent. Take the train over the Continental Divide. I spent many winter days skiing with my Denver based buddies. And many après ski activities that cannot be retold.
The Acropolis of Athens
Though it is a permanent state of restoration, it is the most iconic place to visit in Greece. Down below, Plaka is my favorite section of Athens. The food and people will astound you. I am headed there for the fourth time, to see my adopted Greek brothers.
Sail in Halong Bay, Vietnam
While I am not a big boat or water person, Halong Bay was a good introduction to a boat cruise (overnight), with beautiful views, pristine karsts, and the bluest waters. The water is so calm, it does not feel like the ocean. And the cabins and food were decent!
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
One of my two favorite places in the world (the other is Amazonia). I have visited three times, and hope for a fourth. Our friends there now have children, and I look forward to visiting with them again. The temples are magnificent. The people in Cambodia are friendly, and love Americans. The food is very interesting, with a strong French influence, at very affordable prices.
The Roman Colosseum
My visit was so long ago, but all I could think about were the poor Christians being fed to the lions. The Italians need to do a better job of restoration and limiting access to the ruins. Can you believe it would hold 80,000 people?
Machu Picchu
Just too many people here in a small area. The trip to Machu on the train is tedious, the food is just average, and the area is very expensive. But if you feel you need to go, just go once and be done with it! I much prefer the National Parks in Utah, and Monument Valley.
They left off too many great places to visit and experience.
So what remains on my Water Pail list?
The Australian Open (I have made it to the US Open, French Open, and Wimbledon)
The Orient Express (if I win the lottery)
Traverse Japan from the far north to the far south on the Shinkansen (maybe partly by bicycle?)
Visit remaining Canadian provinces (mostly in the east: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island)
Slide on the salt flats at Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia (world’s largest salt flats)
Another Summer Olympic Games, and my first Winter Olympics.
The Tour de France
Not bad, just seven on the Water Pai list remaining. What about you?
I understand that there can be a weird stigma around eating alone, but that is mostly in one’s head. What dining alone affords you — as I’ve found out over years of being seated solo at tables and bars — is chance. And there’s a lot I mean by that word, “chance.” It could mean an opportunity to meet a person next to you. To linger longer with a bartender and ask questions about the big and small things in drinking (and life). It could also mean just taking a chance to listen, whether that be to your own thoughts or to just bask in the bustle of the city.
From my days of business travel, dining alone never bothered me. But wearing a suit while dining versus wearing Bermuda shorts and a golf shirt are quite different. And these days, everyone has their nose stuck in their cell phone anyway.
But the experience can be enlightening from many viewpoints. First, it is easier to engage the waiter or waitress in conversation. It seems easier to find out which wines, specials or dinners to choose from. Second, it is also easier to engage others in conversation.
A couple tips from a seasoned pro. One, just find a seat at the bar. This is the simplest solution. You will also find other “singles” here. Another tip is to dine at “off hours”, when the restaurant is not busy. Or, if you are really bold ,just sit down at the table of the most attractive person in the restaurant!!
Getting a “to go” order is really a poor excuse to miss some of the most enjoyable parts of your trip. My last trip to Munich was a great example. I was seated on a large table, with what turned out to be two Americans. We started talking about food and football, the two important “F’s”. We started buying each other beer and some shots. Next thing we know, two young German ladies are sitting at the table, buying and drinking shots with us!!! I ended up staying until closing, even though I went for a quiet, early dinner!
Sometimes, dining alone can serve other purposes. The time can be used to communicate back home, make future plans, read a book, or take photos. Or in my case, I try to do all of these things!
But I enjoy trying to establish a relationship with locals, find out what they like to eat, where they hang out, and what they want to know about the U.S. And more often than not, we have a toast to our new friendship!!!
I have loved this city from my first visit in the early 80s, to my most recent in 2013 for Super Bowl 47 (and last year, January 2022). While the food is good, I think it is the spirit of the people here. They have been through so much here, particularly Hurricane Katrina. It seems nothing would ever make them leave the area, no matter how difficult life has become.
Tennessee Williams one said, “America only has three cities: New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans. Everywhere else is Cleveland.” While this might be a slightly judgmental exaggeration, there is no doubt that New Orleans stands out.
So, I will do all the fun, touristy things, like Johnny’s Po’ Boys, some beignets at Cafe Du Monde (not as good as before), some jazz, some oysters at Acme (really amazing!), and Felix’s. Food is important here. Believe it or not, I was walking down Bourbon Street on my first trip, with a few others. I see a short little head pop up and down, and it turns out to be a friend of mine, Don, from SoCal!! Small world.
But let’s take a slightly different look at this ultimately party time city. The focus will be on things I have not done here.
Voodoo and Vampire Walking Tour-New Orleans is often called the most haunted city in America. Unsolved mysteries, black voodoo magic, and local ghosts! We shall see. I have already done the Cemetery Tour.
Banksy Street Art Tour-I guess he hit this city some time ago. I saw his exhibit in Chicago last September and was cycling in Amsterdam when his mysterious black cats appeared.
French Quarter Food Tour-While I have been to most of the famous food establishments, it never hurts to see what the locals regard as the best.
Nawlins Bike Tour-Assuming no rain, expect to see me on two wheels. They say ghosts love bicycles!
Voodoo Museum or Museum of Death-Well, maybe, maybe not.
The Pharmacy Museum-America’s first licensed pharmacy in 1823, by Louis Dufilho, Jr. (It was very interesting!)
I must reveal that my last visit was certainly different (Katrina took a toll), not just because of the Super Bowl. And now, after the most recent storm, Hurricane Ida, I hope the city is back to its usual wild and crazy self.
While I am not the partier I thought I once was, Nawlins can change your mind set in a hurry. Just ask every visiting Super Bowl team who visits.
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From TravelPulse:
There’s no doubt that NOLA has long been considered one of America’s weird and quirkiest cities. The decadent, tawdry and marvelous Big Easy has a peculiar uniqueness all its own. This Mississippi River city’s magnetic appeal is undeniable. And the food? Well, that’s a religion in itself.
Each February, Mardi Gras brings out the bold, the bawdy, and the creative. Mark Twain referred to New Orleans’ cemeteries as “Cities of the Dead” and these bizarre burial grounds are hauntingly unique. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 houses more than 700 elaborate crypts and mausoleums in its narrow labyrinthine walkways. And the city has inspired quite the retinue of horror stories.
Voodoo is still very practiced here – the ancient African religion brought to New Orleans from Haiti. Visitors looking for the bizarre, macabre, and creepy will find it here.
Also, in the best tradition of my regular travel buddy, Mr. Mike, Nawlins is a great walking city. We have walked some of the great cities of the world together: Cape Town, Bangkok, Singapore, Budapest, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Hanoi, Seville, and London.
Walk, eat, drink, shop. Repeat.
And people are very friendly here.
Some suggestions from SheBuysTravel:
Wander the French Quarter
Visit the National WWII Museum
Take a walking tour
Cruise the Mississippi on the Steamboat Natchez
Try some gumbo on a food walking tour
Party during Mardi Gras
Watch a parade
Listen to jazz music
Last time I was here, Elton John was in town.
But I am here to see my friends and enjoy Nawlins, eat some oysters each day, and just watch the festivities from afar.
The main reason I am visiting New Orleans is my long-time friend Kenbob. Ken and I have been friends, since meeting in Chicago, on a business trip in 1980. Forty years of friendship can make anyone endure more than they bargain for. In this case, his wife, Nelly, is a lovely Filipina, and loves the Miss Universe pageant.
I was told that the Miss U is a Filipina addiction or built in genetically, a way of life, perhaps even more. When we met up in Hotlanta a few years ago, the Miss U pageant was held in their hometown of Atlanta. Ken is a lifelong Atlantan, and Nelly is a relative newcomer. But they were staying at the Atlanta Marriott, even though they live in Atlanta. Why? To be close to the action!!! I even got a photo with Miss Japan, totally at random!
In fact, they were in Reno in October 2022 attending the Miss USA pageant. That is how important the beauty pageants are to Nelly. I assume Ken goes along just to keep her happy. I admire his fortitude. Kudos to Kenbob!!!
While I will not attend any official functions, I am certain I will get a big dose of Universe fever from Nelly. I intend to consume my fair share of oysters, roam the French Quarter, and watch the festivities from afar. Very far!
So, while they are attending pageant events, I will check out the music and sports. Maybe the NBA Pelicans (originally the Charlotte Hornets) are in town? Tipitina’s has the Radiators Reunion playing. Or maybe I will just sit at Acme or Mr. B’s all evening? Or I will watch the Niner game on a big screen at Acme.
The first, real Miss U contest was held in Long Beach in 1952. The title went to Miss Finland. It was first televised in 1955 by CBS. The contest has become even more famous since host Steve Harvey’s big mistake a few years ago.
My favorite food spot is the island of Penang (Malaysia), with Athens in second, and Tokyo in Third.
Other cities not mentioned: Vancouver (the best Chinese food in the world, according to my Chinese friends), Lisboa (great, affordable seafood with good wine), Seattle (seafood, pizza, coffee), Kyoto (world’s best tofu), Santa Fe (the epitome of southwestern cuisine), Berkeley (the home of Chez Panisse), Cape Town (Barry the V knows), Munich (love the sausage and pretzels), and Hanoi (interesting blend of Asian and French).
What are your favorites?? I am sure I left your favorites off my list (their) list!
My guess, since both India and China are the two most populous countries in the world, would be rice. Other choices would be pasta, burgers, tacos (wraps), hot dogs, or bread (naan).
But the winner is the ubiquitous American invention, pizza!!
Pizza is the undisputed king of the culinary world, beloved by people of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds. Although it may have originated in Italy (not really), pizza is now popular throughout the globe, offering countless varieties to suit every palette. Delicious combinations of doughy crusts piled high with savory cheeses, sauces and toppings create a truly unique meal that can be enjoyed as a snack or a full dinner. In fact, pizza has become such an integral part of life that classic phrases like “pizza and movie night” are shared among family members and friends in many cultures across the world. It is clear to see why pizza remains one of humanity’s favorite food items after so many generations! Just about every convenience store now sells pizza, along with hot dogs and cold sandwiches.
How many flavors of Kit Kat exist in Japan? Twenty, fifty?
Kit Kats in Japan are a treat unlike any other! There are over 300 varieties of this beloved chocolate bar, giving Kit Kat fans the opportunity to enjoy a multitude of exciting new flavors. From green tea and wasabi to daifuku strawberry and Hokkaido melon, there’s something for everyone to savor. Some people try them all, while others hunt the special limited-edition flavors that come out more rarely. Whichever route you choose, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience discovering all the unique tastes Japan has to offer!
Sometimes, it is the largest section of a convenience store!
So, travelers beware! Pizza and Kit Kats are mainstream. I am too particular about my pizza to eat it just anywhere, And Kit Kats have never been a favorite of mine. I will stick with hot dogs, and Snickers,
For those of you who are ready to get back to exploring big cities and cultural hubs but who aren’t sure where you should start, Expedia has created a list of the top 10 cultural capitals to visit in 2023. The cities were selected based on the number of major cultural events occurring in each destination, as well as the level of its lodging demand and interest online.
The 10 cities were some of the top trending locations on Expedia’s site based on its data for booked travel from 2021 through 2023, as of September 2022. I have been to all except Dubai.
Here’s the list:
1. Edinburgh-though we went mostly to play golf, the Fringe Festival (Edinburgh Tattoo) sounds like a great time.
2. Lisbon, Portugal-my second visit last month, and I become more impressed each time. Food is outstanding and affordable.
3. Tokyo-everyone should go at least once, as the food and culture are over the top! And so clean and safe.
4. Dublin-a bar on every corner, history on every street, a drunk on every corner.
5. New York City-save your money and maybe you can go at least once!
6. Sydney-wish I could go back, it offers a bit of everything.
7. Dubai
8. Montreal-feels like being in France without the a$$holes. Great French food.
9. Munich-probably one of the best places in all of Europe to visit, great beer halls, fun loving culture.
10. Bangkok-probably been a dozen times and can’t wait to go back! The food, tailored clothing and religious monuments are outstanding. Nicest people in the world!
Where do I plan to go? I would like to visit my adopted Greek brothers in Athens, sip Champagne in Champagne, cycle in Germany, and visit one new country, such as Slovakia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, or Estonia.
Quiz: What is the world’s oldest airline?
Established in the Netherlands just two months prior to Avianca, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (officially named Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij N.V.,or “Royal Aviation Company”) is the oldest extant airline in the world. The first KLM-operated flight traveled from London to Amsterdam in May 1920. Onboard were the pilot, two journalists, newspapers, and a letter from the Mayor of London to the Mayor of Amsterdam. Four years later, KLM launched the longest air route at the time, from Amsterdam to Jakarta. Another groundbreaking event took place in 1946 with the first scheduled flights from Europe to New York. KLM merged with Air France in 2004, although both retained their individual operations and branding.
I have not been on a KLM flight since the 70s or 80s!!! But I have seen their planes in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Vienna. It seems their reputation as of late is always late or cancelled!!!
I was streaming Amazon Prime lately, watching “Jack Ryan”, a CIA analyst with a PhD in economics, who morphed into a super agent like Jack Bauer. What made it interesting is that they filmed some episodes in many European cities that I have visited, like Athens, Budapest, Vienna, Istanbul, Prague, London, Rome, and Moscow.
From the Navigator:
With the new year just around the corner and travel (mostly) back to business as usual, it seems that everyone and their mother is making predictions about which destinations will be trending in 2023, and no one can seem to agree.
First, let’s look back at 2022. According to flight database company, ForwardKeys, the most visited destinations of the year were the Dominican Republic, Turkey, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Jamaica. We have been to Costa Rica twice, and I have been to Turkey twice (love Istanbul and the Grand Bazaar).
Looking forward to 2023, there is a city that’s trending on nearly everyone’s list. Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam topped Kayak’s trending travel list and came in 2nd on Google’s. That’s about where the similarities end. Google’s #1 spot was claimed by London and had only one US destination (New York). Meanwhile, nearly all of Kayak’s top 10 winners were countries in Asia and Oceania. I prefer Hanoi, more culture and better weather.
Airbnb’s 2023 predictions gave their top spot to Málaga, Spain but Australia and New Zealand also made an appearance on their list. All three sound good to me.
The most unique list this year was made by Lonely Planet. Their team curated a list of destinations that includes destinations ranging from Ghana to Bhutan. Not sure about Ghana.
Perhaps these lists will give you some travel inspiration for next year or maybe you’ll want to choose a less trendy destination. Either way, you can’t go wrong with any of these picks for your next adventure.
From 2010. Unfortunately, all my Aunts who know how to prepare Shogatsu are getting too old to do all of the preparation and cooking. But the memory will always stay with us. From 2022, my 90 year Aunt in SoCal will prepare a modified shogatsu meal for her family!!!
If you should ever get invited to a Japanese family on January 1, you MUST go! It is a life-changing experience, and ensures you will be invited into perpetuity!!
The three-day New Year holiday is a very special time in Japan, a time of solemn prayers and joyous greetings. While New Year’s Day is a holiday in many parts of the world, the occasion has a unique significance to the Japanese, who take the opportunity to begin anew many aspects of their lives. New Years is regarded in Japan as an auspicious occasion. As such, it is filled with traditional activities which, it is hoped, will result in a more successful year. The people particularly observe the age-old Japanese custom of not carrying-over any debts or tasks from the old year to the new. As the end of the year approaches, therefore, businessmen busily wind up their affairs of the old year. They try to pay all their obligations by New Year’s Eve. Even non-businessmen try to clear the slate by the end of the year. I wish I could do the same.
Homemakers all over the nation work extra hard preparing for the holiday. They must prepare many special foods, clean the house even more rigorously than usual, and make decorations for the holiday season. The cleaning is called Susuharai, or soot-sweeping. Both inside and outside the house, the stains, physical and spiritual, of the past year are rubbed out in order to purify the home and make it fresh for the New Year.
Then, on New Year’s Eve, a pine decoration known as Kadomatsu is set up on both sides of the front entrance. Some homes have elaborate Kadomatsu with bamboo added to the pine, as well as plum branches. The Kadomatsu is thought to welcome good luck into the house. Another, equally-important decoration is the Shimenawa, a sacred rope made of straw on which zig-zag strips of paper have been hung. This is placed above the front entrance in order to prevent “evil spirits” from entering the house.
My favorite part is the food. My Aunt in Fresno has graciously invited us to attend Shogatsu at her home. Many special dishes are prepared for the New Year celebration. An important food at New Year is Omochi, steamed rice that has been pounded and formed into cakes. There is actually a machine that has replaced making this by hand and wooden hammer. This is eaten either grilled on a frying pan or in a soup, known as Ozoni. Vegetable dishes are also popular during the New Year holiday, partly because they are easy to prepare and easy to store. Food shops generally remain closed throughout the holiday period, so it is necessary to stock up on all items.
Offerings are made to the household gods on a small table. The offerings usually consist of Omochi, dried persimmons, dried chestnuts, pine seeds, black peas, sardines, herring roe, a cray fish, a sea-bream, some dried cuttlefish, Mochibana, or flowers made of rice and straw, mandarin oranges, and many other items varying from district to district.
Preparations for the holiday are all completed by New Year’s Eve. By then, all businesses and nearly all stores are closed, and a calm settles over both city and countryside. During the three-day holiday period in Japan, known as Shogatsu Sanganichi , everyone except those who run amusement enterprises or are responsible for essential services, such as transportation, have a period of vacation. For many people in Japan, the year-end holiday actually begins around December 29, when all public offices begin their vacations. Others end their work either on the 30th or early on the 31 st. In recent years, therefore, more people have been taking advantage of the long holiday to travel to the countryside for skiing and skating, or for relaxing at hot spring resorts. We generally are not able to do this here in the United Sates.
On New Year’s Eve, most people spend their time with their families. Sons and daughters who have moved to the city return to their parents’ homes in the country if this is at all possible. That way the entire family greets the New Year together. Many families pass the evening watching special television programs. Others visit shrines and temples where they pray by the light of bonfires.
Customary Shogatsu foods include toshikoshi soba, a long buckwheat noodle eaten on New Years Eve that symbolizes long life. It is also customary to eat Osechi-ryori, a collection of traditional foods served together in the small sections of jubako box. Jubako box
Each food served in the jubako box carries its own symbolic meaning. For example, black soybeans symbolize health, while herring roe symbolizes the prospect of many children. Mochi, or sticky rice cakes, are made in the last days of the closing year, and eaten during Shogatsu. Mochi may be topped with persimmon or orange, and are used as a decoration as well as a food.
It takes several days of preparation and shopping to put this celebration together. In most cases, the home is opened up to friends and relatives. During the course of the day, people come and go. But each time, the host and hostess are expected to join the newly arrived guests in some food and drink. Stick around all day, and you can expect to eat and drink yourself silly for the New Year.
So, we will see all of my cousins, Aunts, Uncles, and some old time friends. We will eat all of the traditional foods and root for the Pac 10 to win the Rose Bowl. For now, this is the best New Year next to watching my Cal Bears play in the Rose Bowl, someday.
How I miss this celebration, my favorite of all holidays.
Jubako box
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