Traditional Japanese vs. Nolan Children

We are staying at the Hotel Matsui in Kyoto, Japan in a modern Ryokan. This is a regular hotel with traditional Japanese style rooms. That means large room, tatami mats on the floor, single table in the center. Our beds are rolled up futons that are unfurled and beautifully arranged for us by the housekeeping staff every night. They also leave an oragami crane on your pillow.

Our meals are served (breakfast and lunch) right in the room, on small trays, by the most lovely women. We sit on the floor on pillows. Each meal is more perfectly prepared, beautiful and elegant than the last. However the items included in the meal have been a challenge.

Tiny whole fish, lots of sashimi, (read chuncks of raw fish) lots of little things made of tofu, soy, or of some other unknown origin and lots of things that look like decorative bathroom soaps.

Seaweed wraps and rice cakes along with miso soup and sashimi is a delightful meal for me. But for breakfast? Not so much. The kids are getting very thin.

But they love the tradition of the yukata. That is every time you come into your room you remove your shoes, clothes and put on a robe. We do a lot of sitting around without waistbands pinching us these days. Now if only I could lay my hands on a cooked peice of chicken....