Of People and Places

Ever since I've started learning the language, I have been fascinated by all things Japanese. But, I suppose that's natural. Learning a foreign language is like a portal into a different universe, and it's exciting to discover what that universe holds. In an event two years ago, I had a chance to eat authentic Japanese food, and I quite liked it. It was a vegetarian menu ( I was with a large group with mostly vegetarian preferences). I can imagine the chef scratching his head, wondering how in the world he could make an all- vegetarian Japanese menu! Many around me were excited to begin with, but slowly their enthusiasm petered out. First came Miso soup, and one of the ladies went a bit pallid after three mouthfuls. She barely touched the food that came after that! I for one, love Miso soup. It's very comforting and to me it tastes a bit like our Vaali Ambat ( a konkani curry) with a foreign twist. Then we had Yaki udon and it was fantastic. It's nice, once ...