la porte rouge

Let's all just take a few seconds to savor this quaint pocket of a bakery my Madre recently discovered. 

After her weekly walks, my Mom would rave about the cream puffs from a bakery downtown called La Porte Rouge...and while I understood her excitement over a delicacy such as cream puffs, I couldn't understand the excitement over a Japanese take on a French patiserrie. 

So last week, we decided to go on a little excursion to La Porte Rouge for a birthday "choux creme", and discover what all this talk was about. 

Well, now I understand. 

I was enlightened, my friends. 

La Porte Rouge is the sort of bakery everyone loves to imagine - it's tiny, quaint, only known to the locals, and absolutely beautiful.

When you enter, the large red door is opened for you by the ladies who run the counter...and a little bell jingles as it is opened. 

There is classical music and the smell of baking bread in the air, the chef wears a tall white cap, and when he speaks, he lets out a string of flawless Parisian French. 

For a minute, you feel like you've been transported to Europe. 

But the creme puffs....oh boy, the creme puffs. 

I have no words. 

Since there is no place to sit in the bakery, we brought our little puffs of bliss home to enjoy over homemade cafe au laits. 

And let me just tell you something. I think I went into a state of altered consciousnesses for a few minutes. 

No, I'm not being dramatic. 

Yes, they were really that good.   

If you happen to be roaming the streets of good ol' Kuni-ville any time soon, taste the local delicacies - the lotus roots, Iwakuni-zushi, and rice balls - but save an afternoon for La Porte Rouge. 

If for no other reason, do it for me. 

Do it for the creme puffs. 

You won't regret it.

G

Okinawa: Part two - Okuma

 

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I'm not sure this post needs words. In fact, I'm positive it doesn't. 

Okinawa: Part One - Ocean Park

We arrived home from Okinawa only yesterday morning. I have to admit that it seems like a complete dream. The last time we were in Oki was 10 years ago - I was 7. Memories of that beautiful little island used to float into my dreams and my thoughts in a very imaginative fairy-tale sort of way.

That is until last week.

Last week it was almost as if all my dreams had become a reality. I know that sounds cheesy, but it's true. We finally revisited the little pacific island that I grew up on, and it was so amazing.

I have such memories of splashing and snorkeling in the East China Sea. I remember so vividly the sushi go-round that we used to eat at right next to American Village, and the ramen restaurant that has the BEST pork ramen and kimchi ever. I remember the gorgeous turquoise waters and the coral scattered on every beach. I remembered it all.

I definitely felt like I was living in a dream as we ventured all over the island last week. It was very surreal.

After we toured around our old home, and the middle part of the island known as Kadena, we decided to go up north towards Hedo Point. On the way there we made a stop by Ocean Park.

Ocean Park consists of a park (of course) and the Churumi aquarium. But it is the most immense, beautiful, ocean side park that I have ever been to! And the aquarium is amazing; it houses the biggest fish tank in the world. This tank holds 3 whale sharks and 3 manta rays along with other fish and sting rays.

I have to be honest. I was in a little bit of shock. All the blue water coupled with all the colorful fish was enough to keep me mesmerized for the day;)

I. Love. Sea. Turtles.

The whole time we were looking at the tank, I was quoting the turtle scene from Nemo.

I'm a little bit of a nerd.

This morning it snowed in Iwakuni. I still can't believe that 48 hours ago, I was in this tropical paradise that I have decided to call my second home. And if I'm honest, I can't help but wish I was still there.

But Iwakuni has it's charms, and I have learned to call it home for now.

I have made great friends while I've lived here, I have eaten great food, and I have seen some pretty great things.

I don't know what to say or do, except to give thanks and praise to my Father. I'm so overwhelmed with His blessings everyday; even the problems and struggles that come with living on the other side of the world.

He is so good. And I am so thankful to live.

Thank you for reading;)

Until next time,

G

Miyajima Island

Presently, we are on the beautiful island of Okinawa! It's been 11 years since we last came to this place and it's like reliving a dream. Everything seems so surreal and familiar, and we are simply having the time of our lives.

Amidst hiking beautiful trails and lounging around on the beach for hours on end, I had some time to catch up on my blogging...so voila!

Or as the Japanese would say,

"Doso!"

Last weekend we decided to take a day trip to the beautiful island of Miyajima.

Miyajima is considered one of the most scenic places in Japan, so it's great to be able to live so close to this amazing place! 

 In the Shinto religion, Miyajima is considered to be a sacred island. No body is allowed to be born or die there, and the deer of the island - which are also considered sacred - are able to roam all over the island. The island is one of the greatest tourist attractions in Japan...and I can definitely see why. Going to Miyajima is like stepping back in time. Temples are scattered all over the mountains and old buildings line the streets. When I think of the quintessential old Japanese experience, I think of Miyajima. I'm telling you...it's gorgeous.



One of the most famous attractions on Miyajima is the giant Tori Gate that welcomes all who visit the island. At low tide, people make their way down to the Tori's base and place coins among the barnicles and make a wish. It's kind of like throwing a penny into a fountain.

The maple leaf is characteristic of Miyajima...and I can totally see why. The island is covered in beautiful maple trees that were on fire with fall colors when we visited. These little maple shaped cakes are made freshly on the island in stands that line each street.  We each bought one, warm and steamy from the cakie press, and let me tell you something:

It was amazing.

On the ferry back to the mainland, we met these adorable Japanese school children. We spoke to them in the little Japanese we know, and they kept saying the only English phrase they knew:

"Moneeyyyy pleaseee!"

So adorable. I don't even think they knew what they were saying. But we decided to give them a penny anyway and they thought it was the coolest thing ever.

The sweetest part was when they all tried to give us about 100yen in return which is about $1.20.

Cutest things ever.

So that's it. Our trip to Miyajima.
I'm so thankful to be able to simply drive an hour away from my home, and end up at a place like this. It's amazing to think about, and I feel so blessed!

Thank you so much for reading...expect some pictures from my beautiful Okinawa soon;)