June Circuit, Restaurant Yamaguchi, Murakuni Ramen, and Hokkezaki Path

June 23, 2013

---June Circuit---

This past weekend was the June circuit. This month I rode Fusaichi in the 1 meter “A” class and Fururu in the 110 cm “S” class. Fusaichi is a newer horse at our club, but I love him already! He's a lot of fun to ride, and he's really cute! Also, this month was my first time riding in the 110 cm class, so I was a little nervous.

In the A class, there was a strange angle to the second jump where it sort of aimed into the corner of the arena. My trainer told me when I went in the arena to make sure to not cut the corner to that fence, but then when I came off of the first jump I looked too late for the second jump and Fusaichi got nervous and knocked the rail with a back leg. He was good for the rest of the course though and our time was decent. I was really irritated at myself though for not remembering to do what my trainer said even though he had just said it like a minute before. UGH.

Then in the S class, Fururu was really good for me, but I was being totally stupid and rode her just like I was riding Fusaichi! Even though I know Fururu has a really sensitive mouth, I rode her too strong and her stride became too short. We had a really slow time, and we knocked a rail on the last line because I had a short spot. Also, I feel like my two point was really off last night! Like for some reason I kept pinching with my knees instead of using my calves and I feel like it totally threw me off balance. God, I hope I don't keep riding like this from now on.

Now that the shame of the weekend is over, at least I can learn some things from it. 1. Remember what your trainer tells you. 2. Base your ride on your horse. 3. Don't pinch with your knees.

Okay. I'm just done talking about this now.

July 4, 2013

---Restaurant Yamaguchi---

It looks just like a house from the outside, but don't be fooled!

A few weeks ago for my going away party (Yes, I'll be moving on to a new job starting this August.), My co-workers, the vice mayor (what do you even call that position in English normally???), and I had a lovely dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, Restaurant Yamaguchi, in Chikura. I had actually eaten here once before, for my birthday last October, and the food was absolutely superb. Now I know you're going to think that a restaurant called “Yamaguchi” can't possibly have good french cuisine, but oh my god, this place has delicious multi-course meals, and the best wine I've drunk anywhere. And the atmosphere has this sultry, date-like feel that only a french restaurant can pull off.

First we were given two different kinds of warm bread, which was then followed by a “salad,” a plate of various greens, a dish of chopped up tomatoes and veggies, and some pate.

Salad plate

Next came a bowl of chilled pumpkin soup, which was creamy and delicious. After that was the main dish, of which there are several choices available: fish, veal, and duck. I'm not a huge fan of cooked fish so I chose the duck. It came out so tender and juicy, that it seriously tasted better than any filet mignon I've eaten, and I do love steak!

Duck

Next came our desert, a fruit pudding and a slice of cheesecake, which was followed by a cup of coffee and a plate with a raspberry jelly candy and a truffle. All in all, one of the best restaurants I've eaten at here in Japan for sure.

Desert

---Murakuni Ramen---

Tonkotsu with regular noodles and a boiled egg

I also recently checked out a new ramen shop in Tateyama over lunch with a co-worker. This place is located in Container Kitchen just off the 127 in Tateyama, and they are known for their tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen. The broth was pretty good, but really sweet so I recommend adding in some chili paste. I ordered the normal noodles, but you can choose from harder noodles or noodles that have been more fully cooked as well. The noodle quality was just alright in my opinion as they were quite thin and I prefer thicker ones. The restaurant itself is just a small shop with a counter, and a large deck with plenty of outdoor seating. Next door there is a really cute coffee shop decorated with lanterns. It reminded me of Asian restaurants in the U.S. so I decided to take a picture for the sake of foreigners who might find it interesting? I'm not really sure, but it looked like a chill place so I took a photo.

Chill place next door

---Hokkezaki Path---

Last week, I was informed that there is an amazing walking path just behind my apartment that was actually planned by a co-worker about twenty years ago. Though it was planned so long ago, the path looks brand new! It runs along the waters edge, and on rainy days (such as when I went) you may need to be careful of waves splashing up on to the path. Partway in, there is a small rest area with benches and a table overlooking some rocks jutting out of the bay for a gorgeous view.

Anyway, I officially love this place. Too bad I didn't know about it sooner!