Brother Love's Traveling

I truly believe that music can transport you to another time and place. You hear a song from high school and remember dancing to it at prom. Or you hear a song from long ago and remember sitting on the living room floor while your Dad danced in front of the hi-fi. The first record I ever owned was Prince's Purple Rain, and I listened to that album on repeat. Music has changed considerably through the years. Most people no longer buy albums or CDs since everything is available by download. Concerts are still attended, but the price of tickets has risen exorbitantly. So when my brother got a sweet deal for Neil Diamond's 50th anniversary tour tickets, we jumped at the chance. For $27 U.S., we would see our Jazz Singer at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Michigan.

We were first introduced to Neil back in 1980. My aunt rented a VCR and two movies for the weekend. The first was Kramer vs. Kramer, and the second was The Jazz Singer. We watched these movies over and over until they had to be returned to the video store on Monday morning. The Jazz Singer received critical reviews, even though Neil Diamond never claimed to be an actor and the great Laurence Olivier starred as his father. The movie itself may have been a flop, but the soundtrack was incredible. By Monday morning, I had all the songs memorized (much to my family's chagrin).

When I moved to Japan after university, I found not one but two kindred Neil Diamond spirits. The first was Kelly, who was also from Ontario and grew up not too far from me. She and I would listen to Neil's greatest hits CD and belt out Cracklin' Rosie at the top of our lungs. We laughed at how Neil could make anything rhyme and fit into his songs. The second friend I found a few years later, when I moved into a new apartment. Chris and I watched The Jazz Singer on more than one occasion. We loved both the movie and the music.


Neil is now 76 years old, and his voice hasn't changed a bit. Why did I wait so long to see him in concert? My grandparents saw him years ago at Pine Knob (now DTE), and this was Neil's 59th show in Detroit. The concert was completely sold out, and although a lot of the crowd was older, most people in the audience knew every word to every song. Especially when he sang Sweet Caroline.

So good! So good! So good!

~MT

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 of 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 McGargle's local brew to wash down this delicious lunch.






This meal was by far the best I had in both trips to Ireland. It was mouthwateringly 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 online 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 its 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 mouths 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. SLAINTE!

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 to let them know 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, and 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, and 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 (earpick)

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," and 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 also 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 I found a pair better suited to me. To this day, my Nike tabi are probably one of the most comfortable pairs 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 get 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 travellers. I can't list them all here, so I 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 that 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