Bromptoneering…

Posted on by helenhmk

Today was a public holiday in Japan, and we had an invite to join five Brompton riders in Chiba.

We caught a train out to the JR Abiko Station (couple of changes) to meet the other riders. Riding away from the station to Lake Teganuma we passed a public library – yes I did go inside for a quick look, it was open even though it was a public holiday!

Back on the Brompton we were cycling alongside the lake which is known for lots of bird life. As it was a sunny day there were a fair number of people about. We stopped a few times for photos, and to look at the Moa statue outside the bird museum.

We continued on.. and it was just a really lovely ride towards the end of the lake, where we stopped for an early lunch. We managed to beat the crowd and get in first… given there were seven of us.

We enjoyed curry, and Japanese hamburger (oh sooo tasty!). Back on the bike we continued on the route. The path was great as it is continual all around the lake a bit like alongside the River Torrens at home, but wider and better sight lines. We took a few photos and the next stop was a farmers market… oh this was a delight. There was a lot of produce from local farmers and producers. I wish I could shop here – there were so many items I would love to have taken home to my eat. As Chiba is home to peanut growing we also had to try the icecream, even a few other Bromptoneers had not had previously tried. The ice cream was simply devine- I don’t recall seeing this flavour at home.

Next stop was a doughnut and coffee shop which is associated with Brompton/cycling as they have an event on the weekend. I enjoyed my traditional cinnamon with a cold coffee, perfect energy pick me up to get us through the back streets to a railway station.

Todays ride all up was 28km and it was certainly was great day on the Brompton. The local Bromptoneers were great hosts and certainly know the area well – we really enjoyed the experience and hope to see them again.

Trains

Posted on by helenhmk

Catching trains in Tokyo is a delight. Especially on public holidays, as it’s not as busy! These photos were taken before 9am, when the train would be a little busier. Today we will be cycling along one of the many rivers with other Bromptoneers from Tokyo.

Not just street food…

Posted on by helenhmk

Takoyaki in Australia is pretty samey, ball shaped batter with octopus in side, cooked in small metal pan. When finished they are topped with Takoyaki and mayo and topped with bonito flakes. Generally seen as street vendor type food in markets. I’ve never had a variation on the flavour – until last night.

Following a day of cycling around Osaka, dinner was at a local bar called 極楽たこ望. Takoyaki was first created in Osaka around 1935 by a street vendor, so it seemed appropriate for us to be enjoying the style of food. As there was five of us, I was impressed there was table inside this small bar we all could squeeze around.

One of the delights in travelling with Japanese people is not having to read the menu with google translate even though we’re always willing to give it a go, and allowing others to choose. This is the added benefit when you are able to eat anything.

The first dish was otoshi, always served as a seat charge in a bar (generally) which was fish and tofu. Next up was fish served carpaccio, european style. The first style was your traditional take on the dish, with the second a curry flavour (amazing!!), the third was garlic and herbs, and the last was in a soup based dish…. the food was really enjoyable, and made more so as it was shared with company.