Prairie Post
January 18, 2014
(Today from Fujisawa)
It is cold, this morning, and there are snowflakes in the air. Most everybody is bundled up in warm coats, except for a few female students who move about in their short school uniform dresses. A gentle wind makes the temperature feel a bit colder – but as they rush into subways, they know they will warm up soon enough.
The crisp air promises a rare look at Mountain Fuji. The much revered peak captures everyone’s imagination here, but on a typical day too many clouds or too much haze prevent a good look at this snow covered, giant cone, a perfectly symmetrical crate that is most often hiding from the public view. Today is no difference. Simply too far away, simply too shy to show, a brief glimpse only allows a remote guess of the base part of this majestic mountain. But then, the next day, the white mountain stands glowing against the dark blue sky, first among other mountain ridges that frame the horizon. The view of Fuji is breath-taking and awe-inspiring, yet the simple shape of this peak is what makes it so popular among those who are fortunate to enjoy the sight today.
A weekend is approaching, and so they visit temples and parks. And Buddha is everywhere here – imposing over towns, resting in temples, echoing peace, calm, and quiet, here in Kamakura, the city of 19 shrines and 65 Buddhist temples. There are serene gardens surrounding these temples, there are lakes and beautifully grafted trees, some hundreds of years old. Nature appears to be in perfect harmony here. Could this be where longevity is born, in the five hills around Kamakura? Could this be where longevity is born, in the five hills of Zen Buddhism, a philosophy that has reigned here for hundreds and thousands of years? Is this the key to a calmer, healthier life?
For visitors from abroad, Buddhist temples may be fascinating but food choices remain perplexing daily challenges. ジャパニーズソバヌードル ツ does not exactly inspire confidence in ordering a meal; シーフード does not help in making quick decisions. But nobody remains hungry at the end of the day, even if the food eaten sometimes remains a mystery. But the local Osaka dishes are tasty indeed: takoyaki – who would have thought that octopus enclosed in ordinary batter or okonomiyaki, a pancake covered with okonomi sauce and mayonnaise, are welcomed changes from regular udon and rice dishes. Every meal is a new adventure.
Food selections are important party elements as well. When invited to a “Western-style” party at the home of a host, it is important to take along some food; only the right choice could be difficult to make. What does one bring to a “Western-style” potluck? Potato salad? Difficult to find. Brownies? A degraded desert. Kentucky-fried chicken? Not an option. Better to go to the best department store in town, where finding the most exquisite food displays is not difficult, because this must be the land of milk and honey, a Schlaraffenland of sorts where one food group looks better than the next: appealing salads, delightful fish, mouthwatering meats, attractive breads, and keki oishi desu. Yes, keki oishi desu, keki is always a good choice, so bring with you the keki and make sure it is well wrapped. And be prepared for the “Western-style” party because they will ask you to pass the taste test: first dried octopus, then fried shrimp shells, and finally small withered sardines eaten with head and bones. These are the snack foods of Osaka, the potato chips of this country.
The students also prepare a welcome party for their honored visitors, with soul-food and Japanese-style caviar, with sushi, tempura chicken, and mini-sandwiches. The professors give speeches, toasts, and welcome words. It is a special time, here, for visiting guests, in this country where people think it gets cold, where everybody is friendly, and where eating is a way of life.