Surviving Fugu and Getting Engaged

Just a few highlights on my two weeks in Japan. Many more blogs to come on Japanese food, fashion, culture, religion, wildlife, and people. A quick overview...we were in Japan in the height of fail foliage (I love saying that word!) and got a great flavor of Tokyo, Kyoto and surrounding Kansai region.

To get right to it, the picture to the left is the last evidence of a single TLC. Unsuspectingly snapping photos like the Japanese tourist I am, a plot of proposal was in the works. A few moments later, in the foothills of the Arashiyama region, just past the bamboo forest, atop a bridge, overlooking the city (ok, ok) Wyatt proposed! I said "Of Course" : )

Another pinnacle moment in Tokyo was facing the fugu. I really wasn't seeking it out when I arrived in Japan, but by the end I was ready for the challenge. Fugu is the deadly blow fish that you may have seen highlighted in the Simpson's as Homer hilariously deflates the deadly puffer. I read on Wikipedia, that 100 people a year die from fugu poisoning, the toxins are 160,000 more deadly than cocaine, and 50% fugu deaths caused by liver, 43% caused by ovaries, and 7% caused by skin. You can see me posing with the puffer preconsumption as they are coyly swimming outside most fugu establishments. We opted to try just the fugu sashimi (thinly sliced raw fish). Without request, they also presented a salad of fugu skin (seen here)! Having read up on the more deadly skin, I was a little scared with the first bite. The fugu itself did not have much taste, but the accompanying ponzu sauce made the dish delicious. Next time I am ready for the 6 course fugu feast! By the end of the meal, Wyatt noticed a bit of numbness in his mouth and leg and I kept think my hand was going limp, but this all was likely paranoia. You can see a picture post fugu below, WE SURVIVED! (Notice us siting on the floor, I love that about Japan : )

Switching gears, I received the freebie of a lifetime yesterday! I filled out an online form for a free Nestle Cacao Reserve Chocolate Party (literally 5 min application). I was notified to be one of the 1000 winners nationwide. I received boxes of truffles, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, hot chocolate, exotic chocolate totaling over 500 pieces of chocolate! This is not your run of the mill Nestle either, the milk chocolate is 35% Cacao and dark is 65% Cacao. After a box of truffles last night, I can happily endorse this product as a quality chocolate product. Check it out here and apply for future chocolate parties! Cacao National Reserve

Thought for the day: Embrace the blow fish, harness the Cacao.