Since we are miles outside Niigata city at the Northern Culture Museum, the taxi driver has kindly waited while I toured the former Ito estate. In that interval the weather has continued to deteriorate. Now high winds drive the rain sideways and flip umbrellas inside out. I’m definitely not going to get a feel for Niigata by wandering through its streets today. Continue reading
On the first morning of harvest, the rice combine conks out.
The Broken-down Combine
Abbotsford Rice Field Harvest Halted
On arrival, I don’t have much information on what Niigata city offers other than a river cruise with three daily sailings and a museum. There’s also a shrine. It’s Japan. There’s no escaping senbei or shrines. Continue reading
Needing to take a long journey in order to get the full value out of my JR Rail Pass, a friend suggests a day trip. From Tokyo it’s two hours one way to Niigata or Sendai. He’s sure I’ll enjoy the view through the mountains or the Tohoku region as the train is a comfortable way to see vast tracts and different parts of the country. Continue reading
Part 5: Musings on Wine and Taste. The final post reprising a 2010 magazine interview with one of my favourite people, sommelier Sebastien Le Goff who has worked in a few of Canada’s and Singapore’s finest restaurants. Continue reading
Part 4: Le Goff Returns to Singapore. The reprise of a 2010 magazine interview (in five parts) with one of my favourite people, sommelier Sebastien Le Goff. Continue reading
Part 3: Sommelier & Manager. The reprise of a 2010 magazine interview (in five parts) with one of my favourite people, sommelier Sebastien Le Goff. Continue reading
Part 2: Sebastien’s Background. The reprise of a 2010 magazine interview (in five parts) with one of my favourite people, sommelier Sebastien Le Goff. Continue reading
Part 1: The Back Story. This is a reprise of a 2010 magazine interview (in five parts) with one of my favourite people, sommelier Sebastien Le Goff. Continue reading
Checking the overhead signs as I stroll through the small railway station on the way back to my hotel, I see an arrow pointing to the public washroom. Right. I probably should make a stop. Continue reading