Wednesday, February 21, 2007

If only I had paid attention

Sembe is a snack that is nice.
It’s crisp like a chip and made out of rice.

Seasoned with garlic is my favorite,
but really I love all colors and flavors.

No, not all, I must confess;
there is one that causes distress.

Prawn or shrimp or ebi in Japanese –
however you call it, the smell makes me sneeze

Fried or scampi or chilled shrimp on my plate,
I would devour them all and not hesitate.

But, oh, what a surprise for me to discover
That ebi sembe is not like those others.

The next time I shop I will read the label,
to make sure ebi sembe stays far from my table.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Retreat


The ELCA missionaries had our retreat last weekend in Kyoto. It was good to see everyone, but also a sad time, as well, because the February retreat is when we say good-bye to the missionaries who are finishing their service in Japan. I mentioned in my email I would be meeting up with my former housemates while there. We shared a room, so that first night there was little sleeping and a lot of catching up!

Saturday was spent mostly mired in annual reports. Necessary, I know, but I really don't like to give them. We went in alphabetical order, and it's funny, but I was the last one (a surprise to me -- we'll have to recruit from the end of the alphabet next year!). Actually, it was not so bad, because no one was listening anymore by the time I was up. That takes the pressure off!

For a couple hours on Saturday we were loosed from the bonds of annual reports and business meetings. A couple friends and I sampled the wares at the "Salon du Chocolat," a chocolate show from France, but currently touring the world. We did not get to see the fashion show, so I am still a little baffled as to how the models realized to wear their clothes, not eat them! However, if you have the chance, check out last year's fashion show pictures; they are very interesting! http://www.salonduchocolat.fr/uk/index2.php

After eating all those free samples at the chocolate show, we took a walk. Mmmm, but it was good chocolate!