Love on the Rocks

On the eve of St. Patrick's Day, we found ourselves in Killarney and after a day of sightseeing, we decided to spend the night enjoying some Irish whiskey. Just minutes from our hotel was a bar that offered an "Irish Whiskey Experience". They offered a few different classes to choose from, but our reservation was made at the last minute so we got the Distiller's Apprentice class, an introduction to Irish whiskey.

Being from Windsor, Ontario, we are no strangers to whisky (see how Canadians drop the e in whisky?) Canadian Club and Crown Royal are produced here. The difference is we tend to mix our whisky. As I mentioned in a previous post, my drink of choice is a "riot" (rye whisky + diet Pepsi). When we told our guide Allan about this, he cringed and told us we were doing it wrong.

With his vast knowledge, Allan explained that Irish whiskey was to be savoured on its own- with no mix- not even ice. After starting with a sensory perception quiz where we sniffed different ingredients that go into whiskey, we watched a film on Irish whiskey and how it's made.






Then came the sampling. We compared 4 classic styles and under the guidance of Allan, we learned how to appreciate the whiskey. Being ideal apprentices, we were able to identify the citrus, spice and oak flavour in each glass. My favourite was Redbreast, a single pot still whiskey, dubbed the "Irish Nectar".






The class lasted an hour and after sampling the 4 whiskeys, we were feeling comfortably numb. After chatting with a lovely couple from Put-in-Bay, Ohio, we made our way to a local pub for some fish and chips.

As much as I enjoyed the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, this experience was equally worthwhile. There was a plethora of whiskey available, the staff was both friendly and knowledgeable and the atmosphere couldn't be beat.

~MT

Sheepdogs

No, this post is not about Canada's rock band, Sheepdogs. Instead, I'm referring to Jack, the border collie who stole my heart on a sheep farm in Sligo, Ireland.  We visited the Atlantic Sheepdog, home to shepherd Martin Feeney, his 300 sheep and 9 working dogs, including Jack. Martin was a grand host, describing the history, land and work that goes into running his farm.




Even on little sleep, Martin was entertaining, showing us his different sheep and introducing us to these adorable lambs that were born about 8 hours before we arrived. I was so excited to hold this little gem.









Martin was full of information. He explained how the expression black sheep came to be. We often use the expression when referring to an odd member of our family but did you ever wonder why? Martin explained that in sheep, it's a genetic effect where a recessive gene manifests itself. He showed us the difference between white and black wool, and explained the black wool is inferior and lesser value because it can't be dyed. I've used the expression before and had no idea of its origin!


As informative as Martin was, it was Jack that stole the show. As soon as Martin released him, he was ready to work. Take a look at his skill and determination. There's a reason he's one of the top 3 sheepdogs in all of Ireland.

Jack never took his eyes off the sheep

The most noteworthy feature of the sheep would have to be the spray paint on them. These markings are for the farmer to identify which sheep belong to him. They are also used during the lambing season and to identify any problem the sheep may have. With 300 sheep roaming around, it helped Martin to have an 'F' on them to distinguish between his sheep and his neighbours. As my cousin Kristopher said, that's a whole lot of F-ewe's in the field!

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the sheep farm. It was certainly one of the highlights of my trip. Stay tuned for my whisky experience...




**If you get a chance, give the Canadian band Sheepdogs a listen. Their song, "I Don't Know" is pretty good.

~MT

Steak and Guinness Pie...oh my!

Since my last post was about the Guinness Storehouse, I figured I'd continue the theme and post about the most delicious dish I sampled in Ireland...Steak and Guinness pie.

On our second day in Ireland, while walking the streets of Dublin, we came across a lovely pub, The Ferryman Townhouse. An old Georgian building that overlooks the River Liffey, this charming pub looked inviting. Music could be heard from the sidewalk and when we opened the door, wonderful scents from the carvery greeted us.

Having difficulty choosing what to eat, the chef suggested the daily special. He said the Steak and Guinness pie was something you must try before you die. That was all the convincing I needed.  He had me sold with that slogan and gave me  a few chips on the side (that's french fries to most of you). I ordered a pint of McGargles local brew to wash down this delicious lunch.






This meal was by far the best I had in both trips to Ireland. It was mouth-watering delicious. The meat was so tender and flavourful. The pie crust added a nice texture to the stew. I highly recommend a trip to this pub while in Dublin. The atmosphere is delightful, the food and drink are unbeatable, and if you are too pickled at the end of the night, they have rooms upstairs.



Returning home, I thought I could try and recreate this dream dish. I searched on-line for a recipe. In hindsight, I wish I had asked the chef for his!








I found something similar on allrecipes.com (my go-to website for recipes) for a Beef, Mushroom and Guinness Pie. After reading all of the reviews, I tweaked it slightly and came up with this.

It definitely didn't look the same or taste as heavenly as the Ferryman's. For a first attempt, I'd say it wasn't half bad.








I enjoy cooking (and eating!) so it was fun to try this recipe. I figured that if it didn't turn out, at least I had the remaining Guinness to drink. I had to buy a 4 pack of tall boys as they didn't sell single cans at the local Beer Store. Steak and Guinness pie is a dish you must try in Ireland. I dare say it's even better than the fish and chips!


~MT

Guinness

There's no middle ground when it comes to a pint of Guinness...you either love it or hate it. This dry, Irish stout has a distinct flavour that has been around since it's origin in 1759. The production of the "black stuff" takes place at St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin. On a recent trip to Ireland, my sister and I visited The Guinness Storehouse, a building designed in the shape of a giant pint of Guinness. The 7-floor pint tells the history of what goes into making the world famous beer.

Beginning the self-tour on the ground floor, we saw the 9,000 year lease Arthur Guinness signed back in 1759. Making our way up the pint, we discovered how Guinness is brewed and stored and where it is sold around the world.

It was interesting to watch videos of the  men making barrels and how important this job was. For nearly 200 years, these highly skilled craftsmen created barrels by hand. Referred to as "coopers" these men would spend years as an apprentice before honing their skill. Unfortunately, they became a dying breed with the introduction of stainless steel barrels.






On the 3rd floor, we visited the tasting room. If you've never enjoyed Guinness, you will learn to appreciate the flavours and blend that go in every glass. Made from yeast, barley, water, roasted malt extract and hops, Guinness is often referred to as a "meal in a glass". We entered the Velvet Chamber, where the lights were dimmed, we were given a tiny pint sized glass of beer, and instructed to sniff first before tasting the beer, letting it rest in our mouth before swallowing it. This was my sister's first taste of Guinness!

Onto the next level, you see the variety of advertising Guinness has used over the world through the years.

You could get your photo taken with
a number of the different ads. 

Who could forget the famous, "A Woman Needs a Man like a Fish Needs a Bicycle" ad? Irish band 'U2' also used the line in their song, "Tryin' to Throw Your Arms around the World".

You even leave with a certificate.

The next level was perhaps my favourite. It was here we enjoyed the Connoisseur experience, and learned to pour a proper pint. First, you grab a room-temperature glass. You begin to pour at a 45° angle until the beer reaches the Harp level. Then you let the beer settle. Once it turns black, you pull the handle and fill the glass to the top. It should take 119.5 seconds to pour a Guinness. You need patience when ordering this beer! 🍺

When you are finished pouring the perfect pint, you take the elevator up to the Gravity Bar where you can enjoy your drink while taking in the amazing panoramic views of Dublin. You will see landmarks such as St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College and Croke Park. When you exit, you go through the gift shop where you can purchase your own Guinness pint glasses, BBQ sauce, t-shirts and other goods.

If you ever find yourself in Dublin, a trip to the Guinness Storehouse is a must. Even if you don't like the beer, you will come to appreciate it and all the work that goes into making this brew. Besides, it tastes much better in Ireland. SLIANTE!

Stay tuned for some more tales from my trip to the Emerald Isle 🍀.

~MT

Are We There Yet?

I find the anticipation of a trip exhilarating. Booking time off of work and then looking online for a destination. Contacting my travel agent (yes I still use a travel agent from time to time). Confirming a destination and place to stay. Working the last shift before a trip and leaving the standard "I'll be out of the office until...." as my email reply. Walking out of work with an extra pep in my step knowing a new adventure awaits.

I pull out my trusty Big Red suitcase and start to get organized. I get the required currency and contact my credit card company that I'll be out of the country. I check the weather and pack the necessary items. I double check my list and make sure that I have everything I'll need.

The day finally arrives. I kiss my family and my dog Kirby goodbye. I head to the airport where I check in Big Red and say a prayer that it'll arrive at my destination. I go through security and make my way to the gate or lounge. I purchase a drink and a couple trashy magazines, catching up on celebrity gossip. I feel the tension leave my shoulders and I start to relax both physically and mentally.

I look around the airport and watch others as they prepare to fly. Where are they going? Are they running from something or towards something? Are they sad to leave or excited to reach their destination? Will they be meeting someone they love upon arrival? All these people with their own purpose and story.

I believe that it is through travel that we find our true selves. We leave the cares of work and home-life behind. We can relax and enjoy our surroundings, slow down, stop rushing and worrying. We are able to relish the sights surrounding us, welcoming unique experiences, a variety of people, a different culture, and above all, a new adventure.

Ireland's calling. Just a couple weeks away. First trip of 2017...I can't wait 🍀 !

~MT

My favourite things in Japan

Happy New Year readers! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and are holding fast to your resolutions as we begin February.

This post will focus on some of my favourite things I brought home to Canada from Japan. I figure if Oprah could boast about her favourite things, then why can't I?

I can't compete with the Big O's Organic Grow Kit, Scented Fire Starters or a Poinsettia Flower Pot Cake, but hopefully you will be interested in some of the items I've chosen.



1) HANKO (Seal)
A hanko is a personal stamp used in lieu of a signature. This stamp is used for personal documents, work contracts, art, bank statements, among other things. Since my name is lengthy (10 letters in my first name alone), I liked the concept of stamping my name instead of writing it. Japanese have their surname on the stamp but considering my name isn't Japanese and doesn't have any Kanji characters, they used  Katakana letters for MARI  マリ. I very rarely signed for things in Japan with the exception of my cell phone contract. I'm sure there is a risk of Hanko fraud as a stamp would be easier to duplicate than a signature.

マ MA is the top character and RIリ is the bottom.

2) MIMI KAKI (Ear pick)

I'm a fanatic for cleaning my ears and love Q-Tips. We even had a dog named Q-Tip growing up; a fluffy, white American Eskimo. In Japan, cotton swabs are replaced with a MIMI KAKI (mimi means ear, kaki means to pick or scratch). Made out of bamboo, metals or plastic, they help clean wax from ears. I loved mine so much, I brought it back to Canada and still use it. I also continue to use Q-Tips and never buy the cheaper cotton swab brands. They aren't as good and some things you shouldn't scrimp on (I feel the same way about ketchup, mustard, vanilla extract, toilet paper, Bran Flakes, pop/soda and vodka).

If you look closely, you will notice E.T.
on the end. Japanese never miss an 
opportunity to add a character 
to something. 

3) JIKA-TABI (split toe shoes)

I'm a sucker for shoes, but my first glimpse of jika-tabi had me feeling dubious. They didn't look very sturdy or sensible. After doing some digging, I discovered they not only have rubber soles, but are extremely comfortable. Instead of Wellies, the Japanese wear knee-high tabi which are useful in the muddy rice fields. Tabi are often worn by construction workers, farmers and other workmen.

Just do it!

I had to get in on this fashion trend so found a pair better suited to me. To this day, my Nike tabi are probably one of the most comfortable pair of shoes I own.

4) GAIJIN CARD (ARC-Alien Registration Card)

Foreigners staying in Japan for longer than 90 days are required to register. This entails filling out an application form, showing your passport and some I.D. and getting fingerprinted. It's mandatory for foreigners to carry their passport or Gaijin Card with them at all times. The card is necessary to open a bank account, get a cellphone or a driver's licence. The card provides pertinent information such as name, DOB, passport information, address, length of stay, status and occupation. The card was much easier to carry around than my passport. In recent years, the system has changed and foreigners are now given a Residence card.

5) HON (Books)
As a young girl, I'd walk to the Book-Mobile every Tuesday after dinner with my older sister and check out 8-10 books to get me through the week. I've been escaping in books since I can remember. Although purchasing books in Japan was ridiculously expensive and the local library's English section was a mere few shelves, my love for books never waned. There were some memorable authors I came across or was introduced to by fellow teachers and travelers. I can't list them all here, so have chosen the most memorable.  I've reread some of them, picked one or two for my Book Clubs, and have held on to these gems for years.

These books (with the exception of the  study books at the  bottom of the pile) are all  entertaining and worth the read.  Marian Keyes, a best  selling  Irish author  does chick lit like no  other. "Sushi for Beginners"  is an amusing work of fiction which also glimpses the dark  side of reality.  Wally  Lamb's "She's  Come  Undone" tells a  story  of Dolores Price,  a 13 year old sarcastic,  wounded girl and her journey into adulthood. Banana Yoshimoto became one of my favourite Japanese authors and I quickly devoured all of her books after reading "Kitchen", her novel about mothers and the power of the kitchen and the home. John Kennedy Toole's "A Confederacy of Dunces" was published in 1980, 11 years after his suicide. I took a sick day from work to read this book. The eclectic character of Ignatius J. Reilly, a 30 year old living in his mother's basement in New Orleans is a character you won't soon forget. Christopher Moore's "Lamb" is an amusing story told by Christ's childhood pal, Biff. While some may be offended by the topic, it's a funny and touching story of the life of Jesus. John Irving's "A Prayer for Owen Meany" is a spectacular story of friendship between the narrator John Wheelwright and Owen Meany. Owen is a remarkable boy and believes he is an instrument of God. Irving writes in caps when Owen is speaking, as he has a weird voice that sounds like he's shouting through his nose. The most memorable quote from Owen is READING IS A GIFT.

Finally my favourite book that I brought home, was one I was personally involved with. Along with five other English teachers, we created "Fried Sushi", a collection of short stories. It was an enormous amount of work but I enjoyed every step of the process. Published in 2002, this book contains stories of romance, tragedy, adventure and a few laughs.

Japan offered many things that made my favourite list. I had to stop at 5 or this post would have gone on too long. Although I doubt your reaction will be like Oprah's fans, I hope you found this interesting.



~MT

Tis the Season

I have always enjoyed the holidays and this time of year. My birthday is Christmas Eve and that probably plays a part in it. I enjoy the sentiment of giving and receiving cards and gifts. I love baking and enjoying tourtiere (French Canadian meat pie) with my family, especially while listening to Neil Diamond's The Christmas Album. Hearing him sing "O Holy Night" gives me chills.

The other day while I was out shovelling a boatload of snow in -7°C temps (before windchill), my neighbour made a comment about how the only white stuff he wants to see is some sand on a beach, somewhere hot. It's common for Canadians to escape to a hotter climate in the Winter. I didn't spend a Christmas away from home until the age of 24 when I moved to Japan. It wasn't tropical but there wasn't any snow to shovel.

While living overseas, I tried to make a trip home to Canada for the holidays, but for my 28th birthday, my friend Kate and I planned a trip to Thailand. We not only wanted to escape the cold, but also Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas is You blasting from every department store in Japan.

We made reservations at a fairly new resort called "Health Oasis" in Koh Samui, where they had morning yoga on the beach, cooking classes, detox and cleanses.

Kate, Pountong and myself

The main purpose of our trip to the Oasis was to study Thai massage. Our instructor was Pountong Suwanatrai, a lovely woman with very limited English. She provided some hand-outs so we would understand what the course entailed. We learned that a full Thai massage generally takes three hours but two hours is adequate.

During the week, Pountong took us through the 16 positions of a full body massage. She would practice on each of us while the other took photos, documenting the step by step process. The movements are both slow and methodical.



The massage begins with the feet as there are numerous pressure points; a stepping board to the rest of the body (pardon the pun).

My body was covered in ink. I had dots and numbers all over so I wouldn't forget when and where to apply pressure.












After massaging both my neck and head, my instructor gave me a karate chop on the head which felt surprisingly good.





To pass the course, we had to give Pountong a complete, full body massage. Shortly after I began massaging her, she fell asleep. I became worried how she could grade me if she wasn't awake. My frantic whispering to Kate woke her, and in her limited English she explained that falling asleep was a compliment. It proves the client is relaxed and enjoying the massage. Reassured, I continued the massage and Pountong dozed off again. She awoke smiling when I finished, and said I passed.

At the end of the week, both Kate and I were
rewarded with our certificates.

We still had ample time to enjoy ourselves after class each day. Our bungalow was steps to the beach and we spent a lot of time swimming and working on our tans. The serene setting allowed us to read books, talk with other guests and walk the beach. We visited the steam room most nights and felt both relaxed and rested. 

On my birthday, we went for a turkey dinner at a nearby restaurant. The turkey was a surprise as we were so accustomed to eating local Thai fare. Kate informed the staff from the Health Oasis that it was my birthday and they were kind enough to send over a birthday cake. We met a few expats and had fun celebrating the holidays with them.

Spending my birthday and Christmas in a foreign country was certainly different. There was no sign of Santa Claus, no snow and no presents under a tree. No midnight mass, eggnog or caroling. I have to admit that being in the sun, soaking up the heat, and swimming in the ocean were fair compensation to missing out on the holiday I would have spent back at home. 

Many people ask if I still utilize the massage skills I learned in Thailand. When I first got back to Japan, a few of my friends were lucky recipients. However, I don't utilize it as much as I should and feel my skills are rusty. My nephew Drew and my dog Kirby reap the benefits these days. Drew tends to kick me a bit more as his feet are sensitive. There's no chance of him falling asleep like my instructor!

Kirby is the perfect massage client

Now that I've got the fireplace going as the cold wind blows outside, shortbread cookies baking in the oven, Grandma Brooks' ceramic tree lit, and Love Actually playing on t.v., I feel thankful to be home in Canada and celebrating the holiday in a traditional setting. I don't care much for the commercialism surrounding Christmas, but the general spirit around the holidays is what I've come to love and appreciate. Escape to a warmer climate if you must, but for me there's nothing quite like a Canadian Christmas.



Wishing a safe and happy holiday to each one of my readers, wherever you may be celebrating. Until 2017...

~MT