Essential tools:

• A bamboo mat (this looks like a small place mat and can be found in grocery stores. You can also use a clean place mat and cover it with plastic wrap)
• A pot or rice cooker

Ingredients:

• Sushi Rice (this is not regular white rice… and nothing can really substitute sushi rice. The grains have a combination of starches that make the rice stick together)
• Rice Vinegar
• Nori Sheets (seaweed paper)
• Avocado
• Crab / Imitation Crab
• Japanese Mayonnaise (regular mayonnaise will also work)

1. Sushi rice is the key ingredient! Sushi rice needs to be soaked and rinsed until the water runs clear (at minimum, not cloudy). While soaking, the rice is absorbing water and preventing the rice from cracking. Don’t skip this step! Follow the cooking instructions on your sushi rice bag – typically 2 cups rice to 3 cups water. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to simmer and cover. While the rice is cooking, you can prep the other ingredients.

2. Halve your avocado, cut in long slices and then spoon out. Put aside.

3. Tear your crab and mix it in with a dash of salt and 2 tbsp. mayonnaise.

4. When all the water is absorbed in the rice pot, empty into a large bowl and cover with plastic wrap.

5. To make the rice sweet, you have 2 options:

• Take ½ cup rice vinegar and ¼ cup sugar and heat in a pan until the sugar dissolves. Stir into rice.
• OR, stir in ½ cup rice vinegar and ⅛ cup agave to rice

6. Keep rice covered and let cool.

Time to roll the sushi!

Lay a nori sheet on top of your mat (bamboo or place mat with a sheet of plastic wrap). Spread rice on 2/3rds of the nori sheet creating a thin covering, leaving a little bit of room around the ends. Helpful tip: wet your fingers first so the rice doesn’t stick to your hands, making flattening the rice out much easier! Flip the nori sheet so that the rice is now on the bottom (this will create an “inside out” roll).

Take your crab mixture and spread over 1/3 of nori sheet nearer to one end. Top with sliced avocado.

To roll your sushi, take one end of the nori over the crab and avocado and tuck it tightly underneath, using the rolling mat to help tighten the roll. Continue tightly rolling, lifting the mat as you go until the whole nori is rolled. Cut into six pieces and serve with soy sauce and wasabi or pickled ginger.

Remember, you can make many variations such as adding cucumber slices or substituting the mayonnaise with cream cheese. You can sprinkle sesame seeds or tobiko (flying fish eggs) on the rice side of the nori before rolling or you could even put all the ingredients on one side of the nori. The options are endless!

Did you know?

• Sashimi (raw fish) is a typical appetizer and is meant to showcase the quality of fish being served.
• In Japan, it is considered taboo to mix wasabi into soy sauce! Smothering your sushi in soy sauce will mask the taste and quality of the fish, therefore it is recommended to dip lightly and sparingly.
• Dip your sushi in soy sauce seaweed side down so that you do not absorb too much soy sauce and overwhelm the taste of the fish.
• Pickled ginger is meant to cleanse your palate between different types of sushi.
• It is considered rude to put your chopsticks into a bowl of rice as it resembles the incense burned at a funeral. Instead, lay your chopsticks on the holder or on top of your bowl.

What are you waiting for? Get cooking!

Photo credit: Veggie California, loozrboy; Sushi, AMagill; Cooked Sushi Rice, FotoosVanRobin; sushi, grendelkahn.

One of the greatest benefits of traveling to Europe during the winter months is avoiding crowds of fellow tourists. If you can spare just a few degrees off the thermometer from the summer months, traveling in the winter is ideal for many. If you are going to visit Europe during the winter, it only makes sense to travel like the locals do.

One city to hit on your wintertime tour is London. This city is heavy with tourists during the summer, so enjoy the shopping, beautiful sites and night life with a little less bustle.  Here is your quick guide to London through the eyes of a local.

Single Best Attraction: The Botanical Gardens in Kew. You can take the Xstrata Treetop Walkway and walk among the tallest tree canopies, literally! This tranquil place will refresh your senses and leave you ready to explore the busier parts of London Town.

Best Museum: Victoria & Albert: This museum highlights art and design from years past all the way to the present. You can find everything from architecture to fashion to furniture art in this unique museum.

Best Local Events Website: Time Out London. This is the best source to find out what’s happening in London on the web.

Best Dance Club: Fabric. If you’re looking for a night on the town, Fabric will not disappoint. This club is one of the biggest, best dance clubs in the city.

Best Hidden Market: Sunday UpMarket is one of the most imaginative markets in London. Get away from the typical tourist markets and head for something more authentic.

Best Kid-Friendly Attraction: The Science Museum. This museum will provide hours of entertainment for kids and parents. Give your kids a chance to get their hands dirty. Explore something tangible.

EuropeanWinterness Contest: Enter daily to win a weekly prize inspired by a great European city. This week we’re highlighting London! Win a 3-hour double-decker bus rental for your and your friends in Portland by entering this week. You will also be entered to win the grand prize of a trip to Europe for two!  Go to http://europeanwinterness.com to enter.

Photo credits: Orchid festival, Princess of Wales Conservatory, Kew Gardens, heatheronhertravels; London snow, Mike_fleming; Two double-decker Routemaster buses, London, Samil Virji.

What are you waiting for? Give us your best shot!

Clues:

1. There are over 250 islands that comprise this island nation.

2. 21, 000 people live in this destination, with only eight islands inhabited.

3. A major television show was filmed here in 2005.

4. Taro is a staple food.

5. Tourism is the country’s main industry, with dolphin encounters, scuba diving and snorkeling some of the country’s coolest activities.

Think you got the answer? Share it with us in a comment!

Photo credits: simonglucas on Flickr

Clues:

1. Travel and Leisure Magazine named this location the “World’s Best City” in 2008.

2. The king of the nation that this city is in was born in Massachusetts.

3. Street food is a big part of the culture in this city. The culinary arts of this country are well-known and celebrated worldwide. You are likely to find lots of sticky rice, spicy green papaya salad, noodle soups, fresh seafood and lots of unfamiliar and delicious foreign items that you must try. Be adventurous!

4. Floating markets are a must-see in this city. Small wooden boats come from far and wide bearing fruit, vegetables and other freshly grown produce from around the country. Floating markets give travelers a blast from the past, and a real-life look into what life was like in this country for centuries. Only a few markets still exist.

Too easy for you? Give us your best shot and answer these bonus questions as well:

1. This nation is called the “Land of ___________”.

2. What does the word “khruang bin” translate to in English?

3. Where is this beautiful beach located (hint: not the same city as highlighted in the clues above)?

If you think you know the city and nation we are highlighting, let us know in a comment! The challenge is on.

Photo Credits: Noodles, scaredey_kat; Floating Market, Chrissy Olson; Beach, knopfzelle.

Earthquake, tsunami
Sight and smell I can’t forget
I am not the same

When we landed in Tokyo, we were the first ones at immigration.  It was a bit of an anomaly, as we not only flashed through immigration but also through customs.  We wielded our Flight of Friendship stickers, our pins, our t-shirts proudly as we exited the airport and prepared to face Japan.  Really, it hadn’t changed, but, really, it had…

You are the first large group to Japan since March 11.

With that simple statement, Sue-san, our tour guide established a sense of urgency in all of us that was quickly quelled by the realization that we were already doing our part. Against many odds and obstacles, we were here.

March 11, 2011 will be the new benchmark for disasters and the effects of the continuing struggle between Mother Nature and humanity.  A 9.0 earthquake, a 10 meter (33 foot) tsunami that, in places, reached 10 km (6 miles) inland and a devastated nuclear power plant that had the world on edge.

A humble group of Americans and Japanese had come to raise spirits, strengthen resolve, provide an economic injection and lend our backs to the recovery efforts. To remind the Japanese that they are real, that they are relevant and that they are not forgotten.  And with that in mind, some of us put on our best “tourist” hats and hit the expectant crowds of Tokyo…  that never materialized…

When people think of Japan, they probably think “crowded” and “packed” anywhere and everywhere, and for many of us who had been to Japan before, we knew this to be true.  So when we stepped onto the grounds of Asakusa, one of the most famous attractions of Tokyo and Japan, the quietude that displaced the normal cacophony of the crowds was shocking.

When a group took to the ocean off the coast of Sendai to visit Matsushima, one of the three most celebrated scenic attractions in Japan (the other two are Miyajima and Amanohashidate), they were the first international visitors the residents and proprietors of the islands had seen since that fateful day.  Imagine not seeing any visitors at the Mt. Rushmore or Carlsbad or Yosemite for over three months.  But this was their reality. You could already see the recovery in the places we visited.  Where once doors were closed, shopkeepers welcomed us with smiles and open arms.  This was indicative of not just Sendai, but Tokyo as well. Visitors can have peace of mind in knowing that Japan is ready to showcase itself once again as a treasure to be taken in first hand.

In the words of a friend: I remember the faces of the shopkeepers in Matsushima who had only re-opened their stores three weeks earlier as we bought mementos that may have been worthless to us, but right then, were priceless to them.

We weren’t there to be a catalyst for change; we were there to be a catalyst to return things to the way they used to be.

Truth be told, the logistics of trying to help with the recovery efforts are daunting, but there are so many more ways that we were able to help, and as strong and stoic as the Japanese people are, one thing was obvious no matter where we went…  Japan needs its friends now, more than ever.

Have no doubt, Japan is on the road to recovery on the backs of a strong, resilient people instilled with dignity and cultural pride. The recent win of the Women’s World Cup by the Japanese Women’s Soccer team demonstrated to the world what the Japanese are all about and that Japan’s future is bright.  Together, we can help get them there faster and in the company of friends and partners. They say that when times are hardest, that is when you know who your true friends are.  Well folks, now is a great time to demonstrate your friendship with the Land of the Rising Sun.

It’s too late to join the Flight of Friendship that Azumano led just a month ago, but it’s not too late to do your own thing and make your own contribution.  Go there, be a tourist, visit friends or family, offer a smile, a nod of understanding and experience that infamous Japanese hospitality.

You can read more about the Flight of Friendship and the people they met, experiences they had and memories they shared on Sean’s blog.

Portland Marathon: October 9, 2011

The Portland Marathon will celebrate its 40th anniversary this October. The Marathon has been named the “friendliest, best organized, most family-oriented race in the country” by Runner’s World Magazine. The publication also named the Portland Marathon “the best people’s magazine in the West” and it has been ranked in the top 10-15 marathons in the US 
for the past 10 years. More than 50% of the runners are female and over 95% complete the marathon and cross the finish line, awaiting excited fans, family and friends. During the course of the Marathon, dozens of live music bands entertain runners as they push onwards. In 2010, 72 different groups entertained along the sidelines.

 Tokyo Marathon: February 26th, 2012
One of the newer marathons, the Tokyo Marathon was established in 2007. In February of this year, 32,000 participants raced through the heart of Tokyo. The Tokyo Marathon has evolved into a great spectator sport, as many of the runners choose to complete the entire 26-mile marathon dressed up in head-to-toe costumes. Runners in gorilla suits, panda outfits and body-encompassing fruit suits are all among the ranks in the Tokyo Marathon. Some costumed runners were spotted making frequent stops on the sidelines to accept miso soup and sake from excited bystanders. Running a marathon through the most cosmopolitan and populated city in the nation will be an adventure to remember.

Amsterdam Marathon: October 16, 2011
This October, the Amsterdam Marathon will host 15,000 runners for both the full marathon and half marathon for its 36th year. Additional events include the 8K run, a 1K run and the mini marathon. The course is designed to highlight several key sights in the city including fantastic views of the Olympic Stadium, built in 1928, the river Amstel, the Maritime Museum, the historic canals, Rijksmuseum and the Vondelpark.

While running marathons isn’t for everyone, it is a fantastic way to explore a new place and accomplish something incredible. Would you ever consider running a marathon in a foreign country?

Photo Credits:First Marathon st Johns Bridge 2, eddiecoyote; 20070218_TYO-Marathon_3287, luxtonnerre; AMSTERDAM MARATHON, Kai Hendry.

Seoul: Tokyo and Seoul are comparable to the sister cities of Seattle and Portland. Neighboring Korea boasts many of the same tastes and activities as Japan, while adding a unique perspective with cultural elements all its own. Seoul is one of the top 10 global cities in the world and boasts an impressive, modern metropolitan infrastructure.

Bangkok: The sights and smells of Bangkok are almost incomparable to other areas of Asia. The city’s night and weekend markets are known internationally and are worth the trip to Bangkok on their own. All five senses experience a journey of a lifetime in Thailand’s most lively city.

Hong Kong: The architecture of this metropolis and global financial center will awe you just as Tokyo will. The culture of Hong Kong is a very distinct mix of Chinese traditions and British influences, and is often described as a place where the East meets West. As a leader in technology and innovation, Hong Kong stands as a powerful international influence as well as a fascinating travel destination.

Photo Credits: Seoul, http2007; night market bangkok, side guacamole; Hong Kong, HerryLawford

Central Tokyo

The Tsukini Fish Market is a creative, unique location within central Tokyo. It is the country’s largest fish market and handles more than 2,000 tons of marine products per day. The sounds, sites and tastes will awe you, and while the pungent smells might not be sweet, they will be memorable.

Western Tokyo

While in western Tokyo, visiting Shinjuku is a must-do for anybody wanting to experience the bustle and brightness that Tokyo is known for. The area surrounding Shinjuku Station (which is the world’s busiest railway station, handling more than two million passengers daily) is the city’s giant entertainment, business and shopping area.

Northern Tokyo

The Sensoji Temple (also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple) is a beautiful Buddhist temple located in Asakusa. Visiting Tokyo’s oldest temple, completed in year 645, is both a historically and culturally rich experience.

Southern Tokyo

For everybody who thought Tokyo is nothing other than a noise Mecca, they will think again when visiting southern Tokyo’s Institute for Nature Study, a nature reserve conserved since 1917. Taking some time to visit this tranquil spot will be a nice change of pace from the bustling downtown Tokyo. Wander around the grounds and take it all in before you return to the city.

Photo Credits: Fish Market From Above, augapfel; Shinjuku, David McKelvey; Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Tokyo, albany_tim; 桜, hiyang.on.flickr

In Kyoto, I can’t wait to see the many traditional Japanese temples that are scattered throughout the area. I’d like to see Sanjusangendo in particular, and its thousand ancient wooden statues of Kannon.

From Kyoto, we’re thinking of taking a side trip about half an hour away to the Himeji Castle. The castle is considered to be Japan’s most beautiful remaining feudal castles, and from the images that I’ve seen, it certainly seems that way.

As for our plans to see the coast, we don’t have any yet. There are so many appealing coastal towns throughout Japan, that it’s hard to find the right one. We’re looking for suggestions or hoping that we make some local friends that point us in the right direction.

Even though our plans aren’t completely sorted out, I do have three big objectives that I must do before I leave Japan: get a kimono In Kyoto, eat sushi and other Japanese delicacies straight from the Tsukiji Market, and buy a useless gadget in Akihabara – the tech Mecca of the world. The adventure is just around the corner…I cannot wait!

Update 8/13/2010: Read all about Raquel’s Japanese adventures in her post trip recap post and video!

1.  World Customs App – iPhone

Especially if you’re a business traveler, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the local cultures and customs. The World Customs App provides a breakdown of key cultural tips right at your fingertips. And the best part? It’s free!

2.  Trip Journal – Android and iPhone

What was that great restaurant you went to that one night in that one place? In order to share your very best travel stories with your friends, it’s good to remember names and locations of the places you visited. The Trip Journal allows you to very easily document the names of locations, route your trip and share photos and tips with your friends and family.

3.  Gate Guru – iPhone

We’ve all been there. You barely make it through security with enough time to grab a bagel and get on the plane, but where do you go? If you’re not familiar with an airport, finding the perfect morning snack or quick dinner can try your patience, but happily Gate Guru removes the guessing game and keeps your patience (and blood pressure) in check. This location aware app will show you all the restaurants, clothing/tech/duty free stores and other amenities conveniently located in your departure terminal. So hold on to that patience and use the security line to find your next preferred foodie station.

4.  Zagat – Android, Blackberry and iPhone

One of the most trusted restaurant guides is not only available on iPhone and Blackberry but is making its way to Android this year as well. Zagat shares location, cost, ambiance, and reviews – a prized feature for dining in your foreign destination.

5.  Currency Converter – Palm

Not all of us are math whizzes who can easily calculate the exact conversion rate from dollars to euros, yen or rubles. Happily the Currency Converter is a quick solution, leaving you more time to decide between those two designer bags you’ve been eying.

6.  Transclick – Blackberry

With 16 languages programmed into Transclick, you’ll have a convenient translator right in your pocket or purse. Can’t find the proper train station? Break out that blackberry, submit your phrase and in minutes you’ll be one your way to your destination of choice.

7. Sit or Squat – iPhone

Laugh if you must that this made it to our top 7 list, but when you have to go, you have to go and it’s best to not stress when you’re looking for relief. This app not only informs you of the closest restrooms, but gives reviews of each location. Whether you’re looking for a quick solution or swank decor, Sit or Squat will help get you there.