Adult Spice

Our friend and New Zeland JET, Telford, came for a visit this weekend, bringing with him a curious new treat...Night Club Pringles!

Yes, yes I know what you're thinking:  "Sweat, mascara, and weak cocktails all captured in the flavor of a chip!?  Surely the Japanese are the masters of the universe at artificial flavoring!"  The simple Japanese at the bottom of the can advertises the chips as being flavored with "Adult Spice!"

Adult Spice?  Habenero?  Jamaican jerk?   Vulcan's Fire Salt?

No, ladies and gentlemen, apparently in Japan, Adult Spice is another word for black pepper (stated prominently on the front as well).  Yes, that's right, these are just regular Pringles with a little black pepper sprinkled on them.   I'm sure that this is merely the precursor to Love Hotel Pringles and Hostess Bar Pringles which, of course, would give other Adult Spices such as salt and cinnamon equal play on the combini (convenience store) shelves.  Scandalous!

In other news, it's getting harder and harder to dig ourselves out of our house:

The snow has been relentless all weekend, and that means, more and more Japanese gals are donning high, spikey-heeled boots and short skirts.  Yes, even in the winter I often feel overdressed here.

We did make an amazing discovery the other day on our snow-trodding way to a hidden micro-brewery, and I especially enjoy how Jacob's fabulous photography skills have me mysteriously vaporizing into the steam:

Last, but not least...incase anyone thinks that we're in desperate need for some visual reminders of home, let me assure you, we're not: