As mentioned before, we spent the better part of New Year's Day driving between Osaka, Kobe and Takarazuka to see Ulala's family. They are nice and all, but it is exhausting (especially with the ever-present language barrier). Next year i am determined to be somewhere else for the new year and we can go and visit people when things are calmer... A nice plan but unlikely.
Here was our day:
First to Kobe to make the required new year's greetings to Ulala's father. His apartment tower always has the nicest holiday displays in the lobby. This pic doesn't really do it justice. It has many new year's symbols; red, bamboo, whatever those are with the berries, the white flowers are often given for celebrations (are they orchids?), and the cards strewn bout are part of a traditional Japanese game, called 百人一首かるた ("hyakunin isshu karuta")、played at new year gatherings. Actually the ones seen here are いろはがるた ("iroha garuta"), a simplified version for kids.
Our lunch place setting. Year of the Rabbit
O-sechi, traditional New Year's food, comprised of many many types of foods, most of which have some symbolic or pun meaning long-life or health. I can't even begin to describe them all.
O-zoni, a traditional soup eaten on New Year's Day. I love the broth but not the giant soft rice cake in it.
The view from Ulala's dad's apartment overlooking Kobe port.
Out in Takarazuka with Ulala's mother's side of the family.
Ulala looking nice for the New Year. In case you are wondering, most of Takarazuka is built on a series of very steep hills.
The temple in Takarazuka we went to for hatsumode.
Back in Kobe with Ulala's dad's family. We ate a massive sukiyaki dinner.
Symian is: stuffed with sukiyaki and o-sechi.
Currently Reading: --
Currently Listening: "Life" by Keith Richards &James Fox / Audiobook Narrated by Johnny Depp & Joe Hurley
Kanji of the Day: 明けましておめでとうございます！ / "akemashite omedetou gozaimasu" / Happy New Year! (said at the start of the new year, when you see someone for the first time that year)
No comments:
Post a Comment