My German husband’s not usually much of a cook, but he can turn out a mean Zwiebelkuchen. Literally translated, a Zwiebelkuchen is an onion cake, which doesn’t sound that appetising. But apparently it’s not all in a name.
My first memories of Zwiebelkuchen are from outdoor parties like the annual wine festival where local vineyards sell [...]
You don’t find the real Russia in an expensive St Petersburg hotel - we found it in Valentina’s kitchen. I’ve been lucky enough to spend a few weeks in Russia twice, and each time I’ve avoided hotels or hostels and instead found accommodation through a homestay programme.
Homestay Hosts - Widows and Families
In my experience, a [...]
People often ask me about what really makes up Australian culture, and I’m never quite sure what to tell them about. Australia Day tends to rate highly, though, and I think this year’s experience of our national holiday gives a pretty good explanation about at least some aspects of what it means to be an [...]
I admit that I usually get a good giggle out of photographs of so-called “Chinglish” or “Japlish” signs: those curiously-translated instructions that sound almost lyrical instead of comprehensible. But I usually get a dose of guilt along with the laugh. Who are we to laugh at an attempt from a Chinese or Japanese speaker [...]
I’m still a little baffled by modern Japanese marriages. Back on my old blog I wrote a post about the National Chauvinistic Husbands Association in Japan. Yes, such an organisation truly exists, and double yes, there’s a need for one. And the story behind all that’s an interesting one.
Why Japanese Men Need A Chauvinistic Husbands [...]