Renata's Sadhana

Ingredients 2 pounds shrimp peeled and deveined 1 English cucumber small diced 3 green onions thinly sliced Creamy Lime Dressing ⅓ cup mayonnaise ⅓ cup sour cream 1 large lime zested and juiced (about 2 teaspoons zest and 2 tablespoons juice) 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 garlic clove minced ¼ teaspoon kosher salt Instructions Make the dressing. To make the dressing, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime zest and juice, dill, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside or place in the fridge. Cook the Shrimp. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until cooked through and pink. Make an Ice Water Bath. While the shrimp are cooking, prepare an ice water bath. Remove the shrimp to the ice water bath using a skimmer. Let them cool for 3 minutes, then drain them in a colander. Chop them into bite-sized pieces. Stir it all together. In a mixing bowl, stir together the chopped shrimp, green onion, diced cucumber, a...

 

Useful tips for planning a trip to South Korea 

Kiyomizu Temple: One of the oldest Buddhist temples. Most visited tourist spot. Near Yasaka Shrine. Near Gion district. Fushimi Inari Shrine: 1000 gates . The most picturesque spot. Near Tofukuji temple (famous during the Fall). Go early in the morning or late afternoon. Kinkakuji Temple: Golden Pavilion. Picturesque view but not much to do nearby. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: Standing amid these soaring stalks of bamboo. Monkey Park : You can hang out with monkeys. Nijo Castle: Historic castle with nightingale floors. Closes early (4pm). Kyoto Samurai & Ninja Museum: Guided tour of Japan’s history, samurai and ninja experience, and more. Nishiki Market: One of the most well known flea markets. Great for food lovers. Geisha Experience Gion MAIKO CHAYA: The venue that holds tea ceremony and show led by a real geisha. Teramachi shopping arcade: Many souvernir shops and specialty stores. Imperial Palace: The residence of the emperor until the Meiji period. Ginkakuji Temple: A temp...

The Ultimate Japan Travel Bucket List 1. Onsen Onsen are natural hot springs known for their relaxing and therapeutic effects. All over the country, you can find onsen towns with a good selection of bathhouses, private and public, outdoor and indoor, where you can soak for an hour or so to rid your body of muscle and joint pains and other ailments. 2. Ryokan Ryokan are inns that offer traditional Japanese-style accommodations. They feature rooms with tatami mats and sliding paper doors, and guests sleep on the floor on futons. They also typically serve kaiseki, or traditional Japanese multi-course meals, for dinner. If experiencing something that is traditionally Japanese is at the top of your must-do list, booking at least a night at a ryokan is the way to go. 3. Ramen Ramen is a popular Japanese food that you can enjoy wherever you are in Japan. It is available at ramen shops, family restaurants, and even convenience stores, and comes in different varieties per region. Its main soup ...

When in Japan, it is highly recommended to experience the diverse and delicious cuisine the country has to offer. All over the country, whether in the big and sprawling urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka or in the quiet and remote parts of Hokkaido and Okinawa, you can find diners, cafes, and restaurants where you can feast on some good tasting, local specialties. However, while there are many places that provide English menus, there are also several that do not. Before your trip to Japan, it is best to memorize a number of Japanese words and phrases that are useful when dining out. Below are 13 of them: Upon arriving at the restaurant 1. “Sumimasen” (Excuse me) – You can use this phrase to call the attention of a staff or employee, if there is no one by the door as you enter. When you say it, slightly raise your hand, similar to what students usually do in class when they have questions for the teacher. 2. “Hitori desu” (For one person) – This phrase is valuable to solo travelers. With ...

Before your trip to Japan, it is important to know basic etiquette and common social rules and norms to avoid any trouble and offending the locals. Below are some cultural faux pas that you should avoid to make your time in Japan stress-free and fun: Do not litter. If you cannot find a trash can nearby, keep your sandwich wrappers, empty soda cans, and other trash in your bag. Do not just leave them on a park bench or on the train seat. Take them with you, and get rid of them when you find a trash can. At department stores, train stations, and tourist attractions, there are garbage bins for burnable, non-burnable, and bottles and cans where you can throw your trash. Do not use your phone or talk loudly in trains. Trains in Japan are usually quiet, even when packed. They have signs that tell passengers to keep their phones on silent mode while on board. On the Shinkansen, if you really have to make a phonecall, you should go to the area by the toilets or between the train cars so as not...

GreetingsHello [Konnichiwa] Hi [Yo] To be used with close friends onlyWelcome [Youkoso] How are you? [O-genki desu ka?] Good morning [Ohayou gozaimasu] Good afternoon [Kon’nichiwa] Good evening [Konbanwa] Good night [Oyasumi] Goodbye! (informal) [Ja ne!] Ja ne is informal, more like ‘see you’. Goodbye! (formal) [Sayounara ]is ‘good bye’ in a formal way. See you tomorrow! [Mata ashitane!] What is your name? [Anatano namae wa nan desu ka?] My name is ___ [Watashi no namae wa ___ desu] Congratulations! [Omedetou!] Happy birthday! [Tanjoubi omedetou!] Good luck!/Do your best! [Ganbatte!] CourtesyYes [Hai] No [Iie] Please [Onegai shimasu] Sorry [Sumimasen] This is the sorry you use when bumping into people, rather than a heartfelt apology. Thank you [Arigatou gozaimasu] You’re welcome [Doo itashimashite] I do not speak Japanese [Nihongo ga hanasemasen] I do not understand [Wakarimasen] Are you okay? [Daijobu desu ka?] Yes, I am okay [Hai, daijobu desu] Numbers and Counting 1 [ichi] 2 [ni] 3...

1. Make sure you carry enough cash since credit cards aren’t that common Cash may be almost dead in some western societies, but Japan is still a cash-orientated society so always carry plenty of Japanese yen with you when shopping, dining and visiting attractions. Credit/debit cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants, but rarely elsewhere.  You can use plastic to draw cash from ATMs at the Post Office or 7-Eleven convenience stores. It’s a good idea to bring some Japanese yen with you. Alternatively, change money at a foreign exchange desk, although you will have no control over unfavourable exchange rates and fees. 2. Learn some basic Japanese phrases to help you on your way Although some English is spoken and signs are in English in popular tourist areas, it is helpful (and courteous!) to learn some basic Japanese phrases. Hello – konnichiwa Yes – hai No – lie Thank you – arigatou gozaimasu I don’t understand – wakarimasen Can you help me? – tasukete kuremasuka? ...

Osaka to Hakone The simplest and quickest way to travel between Osaka and Hakone is to take the shinkansen bullet train from Shin-Osaka Station to Odawara Station and then change to the local Hakone Tozan Line for Hakone-Yumoto Station. Staying @ Yumoto Fujiya Hotel Taking the Shinkansen The Hikari shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station runs directly to Odawara Station in 2 hours and 19 minutes . An unreserved seat on this train costs 12,100 yen. At Odawara Station you can then change to the Hakone Tozan Line which will take you to Hakone-Yumoto Station in around 15 minutes for 310 yen.  Altogether the journey time is around 3 hours and the full fare is 12,410 yen.  In addition to the Hikari service there are other shinkansen services from Shin-Osaka, but these will require a transfer on the way. Also be aware that the Hikari shinkansen is covered by the Japan Rail Pass , but the Nozomi service is not. The Hakone Tozan Line is a private railway and so is not covered by the Japan ...