This is the entrance hall of 伊豆榮梅川亭, Izuei-Umegawa-tei. They serve you delicious 鰻=unagi, baked eels and other Japanese cuisine. It reminds us of Shin’s father who passed away 16 years ago. He was a public servant for Tokyo Metropolitan Government, often contacted his son to dine there. Mei-Shun was always happy to hear his invitation, never interrupted their good communication. Dad-in-law kindly understood her thoughts, always handed Shin 2 cups of 餡蜜, an-mitsu sweets on his way home.
Shin went on 1-week business trip to Europe last week. How strongly Mei-Shun wishes a story by respectful Mr. HOSHI, Shin-ichi would come true, in which our houses can be changed into airplanes. Well, in current reality, husband is always gentle enough to do wife a favor for cosmetic items. She has been excited to experience body oil for the first time. A brochure published by A airline co. says it has a scent of berries, yet it is rather a vegetable juice. No problem anyway, he is safely home.
… will be postponed to Tuesday. Mei-Shun visitied her mother staying in 草津 with a handmade birthday cake and Shin. He is always kind enough to agree with his wife’s idea — he had squeezed a vacancy out of his hard schedule, reserved bullet train seats to 軽井沢, Karuizawa with a rental car service. Just one-hour drive brought them to the cottage which Mei-Shun’s late father bought 20 years before. It is really cool and comfortable in summer there. Mom was fine, welcomed her children with fresh vegetables.
昇仙峡, Shosenkyo is one of the most beautiful places Mei-Shun recommend you to visit. White, uniquely shaped rocks give wonderful contrast with clean, emerald water especially in winter followed by simmering hoto. It is a miso stew with various vegetables including pumpkin, Japanese white radish, carrot, leak, etc. while meat and hoto noodle. We found it nice in summer as well with egg plant, cucumber, tomato and okra today.
偕楽園 accommodates a lot of old, beautiful trees represented by 梅＝ume, or plum which blooms in early spring. It makes the garden so crowded that Shin and Mei-Shun never approach there, while months except for February and March find them in serenity. On the top of their recommendation list is 吐玉泉, togyoku-sen found below. Water flow from many natural springs are collected into the lowest point, put this marble rock called 寒水石 as a well curb.
Have you ever seen this cute, white creature? Looking like a baby, it is a delicacy of cheese ball filled with strings and cream. An Italian master living in Hokkaido is the only person who has technique to make it in Japan, Shin said. He seems quite right — one of Mei-Shun’s best impressions on that area is amazingly tasty dairy products, followed by potatoes and beer.
It takes only 2 hours and a half to reach Kyoto from Tokyo these days. Sights seen through the window fly away so rapidly that Mei-Shun’s eyes feel it a little hard to recognize mountains, lakes and buildings well put within her memory. It may not be even a trip for those used to such speed — yet this inveterate stay-at-home could do nothing but going out for a haircut today.
Kaori-san, please take our gratitude. You gave us another chance to come to this beautiful, ancient capital of Japan. Current rate of yen, however, might make our regular hotel here booked out — that is why we enjoyed a stay at our favorite one in Osaka last night. We took a local train after a slight exercise of walking to the station one more stop away. Clouds in the sky and summer hats nicely protected us from ultraviolet rays.
It is a decade ago when Shin was transferred to and stayed in Osaka alone for half an year. We discussed over and over whether Mei-Shun would go with him or stay in Ibaraki with mom-in-law. The latter finally won our choice, so Mei-Shun visited his apartment only twice when he moved to and leave that room.
They followed a pair of glasses from Niijima Island, included in Izu-Shichi To=seven islands of Izu where volcanoes are so active that we can enjoy nice hot springs while 抗火石=kouka–seki, meaning the rare lava-rock, is used as one of ingredients to make such beautiful olive green arts.
meishunkikunoe 