In this episode of the Culture Travels Podcast (that recorded live in studio on the Fireside Chat App on February 5, 2022), I was joined by middle schooler Maya and her mom Manami, as they taught me how to make mochi and we chatted about Japanese Canadian culture. As is the case when you are hanging out in the kitchen and baking and chatting with friends, this is one of … [Read more...]
Canadian Vegetarian Foodie Travel Advisory : Peameal Bacon is NOT a Pea Protein Bacon Substitute
Growing up Canadian, it had never occurred to me that this would need to be said, that is until my friend David from Canada married an American ... peameal bacon is not a pea protein bacon substitute! Fortunately David did manage to warn his new bride seconds before the faux pea protein and very real bacon was consumed. To be fair ... So What the Heck is Peameal … [Read more...]
I Hate Loud Music: Carnival in Trinidad
Imagine the Academy Awards, New Year's Eve and World Cup Soccer, all rolled into the most important day of the year. It’s Carnival, and the Caribbean Island of Trinidad claims to have invented it in the new world. This is serious business, with contests, royalty (kings and queens of music), costumes, and newspaper articles offering everything from editorials (has Carnival in … [Read more...]
Mochi Cooking Lesson with Manami and Maya on the Culture Travels Podcast – February 5, 2022 at 10 am PST / 2 pm EST
In celebration of the New Year on both the Gregorian Calendar and the Lunar Calendar, Manami and Maya (Saito) Calvo are teaching us to make a traditional Japanese sweet treat to ring in the New Year, mochi, on the Culture Travels Podcast. To learn to make this favourite Japanese treat of 12-year-old Maya's, join us on the Culture Travels Podcast on February 5th, 2022 at 10 … [Read more...]
An Owl of a Difference on Salt Spring Island for Aki Otsu
Sometimes it takes crossing an ocean to the other side of the world, leaving the big city, and meeting a majestic creature to truly find your calling and passion in life. That was certainly the case for Aki Otsu. Aki worked in IT, both while in Japan and as he began his new life in Vancouver, BC. At least he did until he and his family moved to Salt Spring Island and he … [Read more...]
