Japan is the land of gift-giving. When you go on a trip you bring back something to give to your friends and family. Usually these gifts are food, such as cutely packaged crackers, candies or cakes with the name of the visited location printed on the wrapper. Shops and shops and more shops sell these edible gifts at every airport or train station. Unfortunately our non-Japanese minds forget this custom and the night before we leave the U.S. we remember panic-stricken and race to the store to buy lots of something edible, small and cute and to give away.
It is tricky to give something that most Japanese will like as well as something that is individually wrapped nicely. It has to look as good as it tastes, or even better. Most American sweets are too sweet, so this time we brought some nuts and cheesy crackers as well. We gave gifts to the different friends who graciously kept our dog, turtle and plants alive. What a blessing to come back and have them all happy and healthy.
No sooner had we given our gift to the neighbor who watered my plants, than she showed up with a gift in return. Oh, the never-ending
Gift Wars. This time it was "Nashi", otherwise known as Asian or Japanese Pear. Each of these juicy fruits were cradled tenderly in their own protective wrapper. Our kids love these crispy apple-like treats; a sure sign that fall is just around the corner. And after fall, comes winter and Christmas...which means it will again be my turn to
give something in return.
