花より男子
Hana yori Dango
The dumpling is better than the flower
Since when are -- in our superabundant society, where tons of food get wasted every single day -- basic needs more important than beautiful things? This goes double for Japan -- a country where almost every girl is super slim and everything seems to be measured in levels of cuteness.
A country where even practical things have to be stylish in order to be considered worthy.
How could a proverb like this possibly originate from Japan?
But once I got to know the culture a bit I found out that the dumpling really is more important than the flower.
I think I'll grow some Aloe Vera.
Great -- it tastes wonderful with yoghurt![^1]
If you make the dumpling well enough it can even be both at the same time -- cute and tasty. It's like reaching nirvana -- only with food and cute little things.
So this year, when the violets came out, I decided to turn them into a delicious little snacks by coating them in sugar.
Instead of just looking at a bunch of flowers a few times, I can now take pleasure in their beauty and mesmerizing fragrance for a long time -- all while enjoying a delicious and healthy[^2] snack.
I don't feel like I've procured Zen yet, but really when you think about it these Asian proverbs are actually quite fitting -- even in our overfed society.
[^1]: Now (european) girls here is a question: If you hear Aloe Vera do you think skin care product or food? [^2]: I've added some Pulmonaria (Hänsel und Gretel) which is supposed to be great for your lungs and stuff.
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babs on :
Obviously, I think of skin care AND food :p but then, I also know that you didnt just take any Pulmonaria but "Pulmonaria officinalis" hehe. I didn't know you re experimenting with herbs recently. By the way, sugar-coated violets were the favourite sweet of Sisi. And its your mistake for posting that you made some, because next time I drop by for a tea, I ll pester you for one. I always wanted to try it.
alexander on :
Sure it's Pulmonaria officinalis. That's why I wrote "Hänsel und Gretel"
Oh I also have a citrus mitis and a citrus fortunella japonica in my room now =) I'll bring a citrus mitis as well as some violets. Do you have time next week?
babs on :
... I do, but only after Thursday. I ll spend the beginning of the week trying not to fall asleep in a dark, windowless room with an electronmicroscope. Today I started nodding off right in front of my professor. She was standing 2 m away from me, explaining the device. It was most embarrassing but unless I was using the microscope myself, I kept falling asleep and waking up again - until one of the scientists took pity on us (or just poor me) and brew some coffee. I never knew there exists a cross between mandarine and kumquat. Want to eat it now
I got to study a bit on the weekend but I can ALWAYS make time for sugar-coated flowers... and you, of course :p