Anna Matsushita

Scotland: The First Encounter with Haggis and Whiskey   On a family trip to Scotland many years ago, we ventured into the crisp embrace of the Scottish Highlands. Despite it being late August, the weather was already chilly, rendering our summer attire woefully inadequate.   Our journey began in Edinburgh, and after some sightseeing, we boarded a train heading towards Inverness, where a newly opened hotel awaited us. Upon our arrival, the hotel manager—a gracious and attentive woman—greeted us warmly. She shared a wealth of information about the hotel's facilities as we settled into our rooms. Keen to shake off the stiffness of the long train journey, we decided to take a refreshing dip in the hotel's pool.   By dinnertime, we were led to the hotel’s restaurant, where a three-course meal awaited. The manager, ever attentive, pointed out that the salad vegetables were freshly harvested that very morning from a nearby farm.   When the main course arrive...

Once, there was a remarkable lady called Mrs P. She had been working at a Japanese company in London for many years, and everyone adored her personality—humorous, fun-loving, and relaxed. Throughout her long career, she was never one to boast, and her charm endeared her to all who knew her. One day, a member of the company organised a barbecue at Mrs P’s house, which turned into a delightful gathering. About twenty of us attended, including children, and everyone enjoyed the festive atmosphere. Drinks were poured for a toast, and the host worked diligently at the grill. Soon, the aroma of sizzling meat and roasted vegetables filled the air. On this occasion, the host had prepared a wide variety of beverages, including wine, beer, soft drinks, and whisky. Each of us picked our favourite to accompany the barbecue feast. Midway through the event, I found myself chatting with Mrs P and grew curious about the drink she was holding. In her hand was a whiskey glass filled with a transparent l...

 One spring, long ago, I stayed in Ireland for a month with a group of friends. We travelled extensively around the country and spent about a week in Dublin. With plenty of time at our disposal, some of us decided to visit Inishmore, one of the Aran Islands off Ireland’s west coast.   The Aran Islands, comprising Inishmore, Inisheer, and Inishmaan, are renowned for their rugged beauty and as the birthplace of the iconic Aran jumpers, famous for their intricate cable patterns. These islands hold a certain charm for knitters and history enthusiasts alike.   Our journey began with a long coach ride from Dublin to Galway, the gateway to the Aran Islands and the departure point for the ferries. Galway itself is a delightful city, known as the birthplace of the Claddagh ring, a popular Irish souvenir. The ring’s distinctive design—a heart crowned and held by two hands—symbolises love, loyalty, and friendship. It is often used as an engagement ring. I recall seeing this ...