Japan's Food & Drinks - Week 1

Something everyone needs to experience when studying abroad is, without a doubt, the food from the host country. And... well, drinks too. Why not?

If there was any doubt the Japanese disliked fish and tofu, it was dispelled by this meal. It's pre-Western era Japanese food catered to those with older cultural tastes. Can't say I was totally into it since 3/4 the meal involved mushy and/or weirdly-textured items, but there's obviously a market for it since the place was packed. Since we're in Kyoto and all, there was a bit of distinctiveness to this specific Ganko restaraunt- it is placed in what used to be a (pre?) Meiji-era emperor's garden.

And here's some finished ramen. I really can't remember where I took this, and all I know that it is in fact a finished ramen bowl.

Of course, we hit up a liquor store, and there's tons of imported goods. Japan's all about the booze (whether you see it or not). Imported goods are a mixed bag- some things you think would be exhorbitantly more expensive are actually close to American prices, while some run-of-the-mill brands (like Budweiser) are hugely overpriced. Wild Turkey, for instance, was going for $12 a glass.

My beer of choice one day was this little guy. Satan Red. With a name like that, you can't go wrong. First "sweet" beer I've ever tasted, and while it was great for the first few chugs, I can't recommend a whole bottle of it. It's like drinking apple cider, Sweettarts, and liquor. Mmm, mmm!

There's definitely more to come in terms of food. In fact, I just took a culinary class in downtown Kyoto at a Food Network-esque professional kitchen, which far exceeded my expectations as to what our program would offer for a free class.

Good times so far. Making life exciting while in an apartment is difficult since you don't have your host parents to rely on for tips, help, and whatnot... but keeping busy definitely isn't hard this time around.