Wagashi (和菓子) are traditional Japanese sweets that are typically enjoyed in combination with a cup of green tea, especially the types made of mochi, anko (azuki bean paste) and fruits. Wagashi are typically made from plant-based ingredients. They are completely different from their counterparts found in other countries. Usually less sweet, they match perfectly with a cup of green tea for a sublime Japanese teatime.
Jade is a very unique and distinct looking gemstone that has been prized since ancient times. Master craftsmen across centuries and cultures have fashioned a swath of objects from the in-demand stone, including jade jewelry, plaques, sculptures, and even vessels. Today, these valuable artifacts can be found in museums and illustrious collections the world over.
The demand for jade gemstones and jewelry is on the rise. If you plan on buying jade either as an investment or solely out of interest in jewelry, you should know that there are three important things that determine the value of jade — color, cabochons, and maintenance.
Back in the ’70s, cacti were a prized gift you would receive during Christmas. In its glory days, it was a sought-after item for all ages. However, after the ’70s, they lost their charm and immediately joined the not-so-merry band of dusty collectibles like vinyl, MINI cars, and whatnot in the bargain stores. But the thorny yet frail body is back to show its worth, as millennials have reignited the trend once again.
I sat with my friend in a well-known coffee shop in a neighboring town of Venice, Italy, the city of lights and water.
After the Lunar New Year, the second-most important Chinese holiday is the zhongqiujie (中秋節), or Mid-Autumn Festival. It is a festival for a reunion under the full moon that often appears on the 15thday of the eighth lunar month, which is the day of Mid-Autumn in the traditional Chinese calendar.
Mochi is a very popular rice cake in Japan. It is made from a unique type of glutinous rice called mochigome. The grains are round and sweet. When boiled or steamed, the rice grains stick together. Afterwards, the rice is mashed to form a paste which is shaped into buns the size of your palm. Mochi has a similar form called dango. It is made from sweet rice flour or mochiko. A soft and chewy dough is made which can be used to form small pieces to eat.
Mochi is something you can’t get away from in Japan. It’s one of Japan’s most interesting foods, and it’s so chewy and delicious that mochi alone will have you yearning to return to an authentic Japanese mochi shop once your vacation is over.
Most of the structures built by the Seljuks, who ruled Anatolia between the 11th and 13th centuries, are adorned with tasteful tiles. The different interpretations of the tulip featured in the astonishing geometry and wonderful color spectrum of Seljuk art are a vivid sign of the flower’s presence in Anatolia during those times.
To prepare the dish, you will need about 250 grams of dry chickpeas, a quarter cup of olive oil, a large onion, 1 garlic, 1 bay leaf, salt, pepper, and lemon. First, you need to soak the chickpeas for at least 12 hours. Rinse them thoroughly and place them in a pot with water. Once the water starts to boil, take out the chickpeas and begin rinsing once again, focusing on peeling off the skin.
Other theories suggest that jiaozi was an imported idea from Western Asia. But no matter where it came from, jiaozi will always be a symbol of happiness and prosperity in China. On the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year, people eat dumplings between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. Fitting enough, this period of transition between the old year and the new is called jiaozi by Chinese.
Another coffee shop to check out is Who Together — a café that’s almost magical because it’s nearly hidden behind the garden trees. To discover it, you have to look for a feline or two. Expect a café filled with cuteness, as cats freely roam the area. Inside is a pastel-colored haven and feline illustrations fill the walls. You can take a seat on a tatami mat to enjoy your refreshments. Of course, the coffee here adds to the “zen” atmosphere with the slightly acidic taste coming from the Ethiopian and El Salvadoran beans they use.
Whether you are visiting China, eating in a classy Chinese restaurant, or forging deals, you have to be informed about how you should behave in this kind of setting.
In life, being able to remain calm is not only a kind of wisdom, but also a kind of resilience. Learning to keep calm is a valuable asset. It will let you see that once the stormy sea and dark clouds appear in front of you, anxiety and distress not only do nothing to help you, but oftentimes make things worse
People often have a mistaken notion that intelligence is something modern and that the ancients were not as wise as we are now. If you harbor such beliefs, the following words of wisdom from ancient Greek thinkers and the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu should change your opinion.
Several poems in Centuries refer to the Easterner as well as to the changes he would bring to the world. I’d like to analyze three of the poems in hopes they can inspire people and get them thinking about the significance of these prophecies.
According to legend, we owe many delicious things to the Battle of Vienna, such as the creation of the croissant, the bagel, and the spreading of coffee.