Coffee Break (Monthly Report) January 2024 issue

Marshall Elliott Ginsler Viner Exchange Coordinator

New Year holidays, winter in Japan

Hello. This is Marshall Elliott Ginsler Viner of Sagamihara International Lounge. happy new year. I look forward to having a good relationship with you this year too.

Did you all have a relaxing New Year's holiday? I went to see the sunrise for the first time in my life, and it was so beautiful. Then, at the beginning of the year, I went to visit the New Year's shrine, got lucky in my fortune, and had my first amazake (sweet sake), which was delicious, so it was the best New Year.

Winter has finally arrived, but this is actually my first winter in Japan. After all, it's different from the winters I've spent in Canada so far. It goes without saying that here in Sagamihara, we don't get much snow and the minimum temperature rarely drops below 0 degrees, but there is a more interesting difference. That's the indoor temperature. In Canada, even if it's freezing cold outside, it's usually warm inside. Even if you turn on the heater in your room or office in Japan, it often only gets warm in one part of the room, or it still feels cold.

What do you usually eat and drink in winter? I had a hot pot party with some friends in early January, and I was happy because I was able to eat a lot of vegetables and meat, and the food was delicious. I also received some yuzu from a volunteer at the lounge, and I used it in stir-fried squid and miso-grilled chicken thighs, and it was refreshing and delicious. Also, the other day I tried Imo Kenpi for the first time and I couldn't stop eating it. I can only thank the inventor. If you have any recipes or dishes you recommend, please let me know.

Well, it looks like the cold weather will continue, but please take care of your health.