Green Tea Pearl Soymilk

Soy milk and green tea? That combination didn't sound too good to me. But then I tried Kikkoman's Green Tea Pearl Organic Soymilk and I changed my mind! Really, the taste is much better than one might expect - very smooth and just sweet enough. Plus, it's healthy! Much better than that Caramel Macchiato I usually like to drink...


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Prince charming

Robbing the cradle is all the rage in Japan these days. OK, I'm exaggerating a little. But I read an interesting article today describing the latest social trend in Japan: older women marrying younger men.

I was surprised to learn that in more than a third of weddings in Japan, the women is older than the man. But I guess this news shouldn't be too shocking. Over the years, women in Japan have become more financially independent and have moved away from the traditional role of homemaker - and younger men are often more likely to be accepting and encouraging of this progression.

The average age of marriage for a women in Japan is now close to 30 - and more than a third of women in their early 30's are still single. That sure says a lot about how the priorities of Japanese women have changed!

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Coup de Thailand

I admit that I don't know as much as I probably should about politics - and I don't often make the time to learn more. But I do know the images of tanks rolling through the streets of Bangkok really made an impression on me - because it wasn't long ago that I was there.

We spent two carefree weeks relaxing in Thailand's dynamic capital city, exploring energetic night markets, snapping photos of colorful temples and palaces, eating amazing food from tiny food stalls on crowded sidewalks. During those days, no thoughts of machine-gun toting soldiers or political demonstrations crossed my mind - my biggest concerns were trying not to get ripped off by tuk tuk drivers and making sure I wore proper attire to temples.

From what I've read over the past couple of days, this coup was pretty peaceful as far as coups go. But I wonder about the long-term implications on this country that seemed so laid-back and welcoming while I was there. Will Thailand ever be the same again? Will it be better off? Or is it heading down a slippery slope to chaos and uncertainty?

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Reflection

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Another goodbye?

While I'm on the subject of great places closing their doors for the last time, I heard a rumor that my favorite cafe literally in the world, VIVASH, will be closing for good next week. Say it isn't so!

I can't say enough about how much I love this place. I still remember going there for the first time, not long after I moved to Tokushima - and not long after the cafe opened for business. I've lost count of the number of great times I spent there, talking for hours with friends and enjoying caramelccino and "rare" cheesecake in a relaxing, upbeat setting.

Who knew the last time I went there would really be the last time ever? VIVASH was the one place I looked forward to going back to most on my visits to Japan.

I wish things didn't have to change - but that's life, right?

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All good things...

Marshall Fields in Chicago has closed its doors for the last time. After more than 150 years as one of Chicago's leading retailers, Marshall Fields has disappeared into the history books. Tomorrow the Fields flagship store on State Street will open as Macy's, the chain synonymous with Thanksgiving parades and New York City.

Chicagoans are not happy about the change. Protests have been underway since the announcement was made months ago, with petitions and letters pouring in to Macy's parent company, Federated. A large demonstration is scheduled to take place tomorrow morning. These activities have united many Chicagoans in support of one of the city's icons.

But Federated feels the name change will pay off in the long run - and so the clock is ticking toward the end of an era.

http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org/

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