I had always wanted to go to Spain. I just really love to enjoy culture from a different part of the world and Spain had come to the top on my must-go list.
スペインにはずっと行ってみたいと思っていました。日本からだとなかなかヨーロッパに旅行するのは大変です。働いていると長いお休みも取れない。実家を離れて暮らしているとお盆や正月は帰省したいと思うし…。私は2010年から2年ほどロンドンに留学していて、きっとそれが最大のチャンスだったのですが、タイミングなどが合わず、この国は「いつか行きたい国リスト」にずっと鎮座していました。
この夏、イギリスに移住してようやくスペインに行くことができましたので、ブログにまとめようと思います。
Day 1: San Fernando
We stayed in San Fernando since that is my boyfriend's hometown. It was very hot and dry, so although I do not drink alchohole, I enjoyed iced lemonade very much. Through this trip I found that Spain is actually the best place to drink lemonade!
私たちがこの旅の拠点にしたのは、マドリード郊外のサンフェルナンドという町です。理由は単純に私の彼の実家に滞在させてもらったからです…。
話には聞いていましたが、スペインは暑い！そしてすごく乾燥している！お肌には大変過酷な場所です。でもその代わり、冷たい飲み物がすごくすごくおいしい！私はお酒が飲めないのですが、この滞在中はレモネード中毒になりました。
Day 2: Madrid
We started our exploration with Madrid. There are a number of historical places, giant office buildings and administrative offices, and you can see this is the centre of Spain. There are many cars and people, and I felt the energy which only large cities have.
初日はマドリード観光です。スペインの首都という機能を果たす一方、多くの歴史的建造物があり、スペイン文化の重みを感じることができます。プエルタ・デル・ソル（写真４枚目）では大みそかのカウントダウンが行われる、マドリードを象徴する場所のひとつです。
Day 3: Segovia
Segovia was really pretty. The aqueduct represents this city, which was overwhelming.
We also visited the inside of Alcazar. It was built at the beginning of the 13th century, and is considered to be a historically important place in Segovia. Disney's Cinderella Castle was inspired by this Alcazar, and this gives a sense of fantasy. From the top of the castle you can see the Cathedral with a beautiful view.
この日はセゴビアを観光しました。サンフェルナンドから車で１時間半くらいの場所で、マドリードを拠点とする人なら日帰りが可能です。
代表的な３大スポットは、水道橋、カテドラル（大聖堂）、アルカサル（城）ですが、特に私はアルカサルをお勧めします。ここはディズニーのシンデレラ城のモデルのひとつとされていて、セゴビア自体は古都でわびさびを感じる一方、いわゆるおとぎの国のお城な佇まいのアルカサルがアクセントになっている感じでした。入場料を払うとお城の上まで登ることができて、そこからはセゴビアの町が一望できます。
Continue to the 2nd part...（パート2へ続く）
I have decided to start my blog with cooking instructions. What I often asked by my international friends is how to cook Japanese rice, so hope this helps you a little. I will talk about as much details as possible so that I can clear concerns that those who are new to this could have, but if you have any questions, please feel free to ask me!
Firstly, before I begin, I would like say cooking rice is pretty simple": What you need is just rice and water! You do not even need a rice cooker!!! Although there are a number of methods and what is the "proper/best" way to cook Japanese rice is controversial even in Japan, I think we should take it easy. I am sure there are lots of people who want to try but have not cooked yet just because that is unfamiliar to you. I know what it is like since I have not cooked couscous yet for that reason. However, at least regarding Japanese rice it is pretty simple to cook!
Also I would like to mention that rice is healthier than other carbs. For example, bred contains butter and salt and you often even spread another butter or jam, whereas you cook rice only with water. Also you get some water from steamed rice, which helps digestive systems. It would be even better when you cook brown rice. Personally I do not cut carbs because I feel I need it, but I always try to choose good ones. So here is my procedures...
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What You Need:
1. Japanese rice
Akitakomachi is my favourite brand. Sasanishiki and Koshihikari is also recommended. Also in Japan I think the brand called "Milky Way" is popular especially among younger people. If you live in outside Japan, you can try any sticky (Japanese) rice or short grain rice though I do not cook Thai rice since that tastes and smells differently. Japanese rice is sweeter, and sticky obviously.
A half cup of uncooked rice should be for one person. I always cook 2-3 cups of rice at a time, and freeze some rest as individual pieces of each portion. Ideally rice should be cooked every time you eat for the best taste and flavour, but I think it is also important for you to use your time wisely. You ltsaucan microwave for a few minutes and I would say it is still really good!
2. Water
You need 1.3-1.5 cup of water per one cup of rice. Brown rice requires more water, I would say 1.8 cup of water.
3. Others
Some people put a pinch of salt. My grandmother from my dad add a spoon of Japanese sake. However, personally I like to cook with just water when I cook white rice. I often put a little salt when I cook brown rice.
Directions:
1. Rinse your rice
Get a saucepan with a lid, and put your dried rice in it. Put cold water until the rice is covered and stir the rise gently by using your hand. You should drain the water a few times until the water is clear but 2-3 times of changes should be enough and it does not have to be "perfectly clear".
2. Soak for 30 mins
Put water according to the amount of your rice and leave it for 30 minutes. I found this an important step since this makes rice fluffy and sticky.
3. Boil and simmer your rice
Set the saucepan uncovered on the hob. Boil your rice with the highest heat possible. Once it is boiled, then lower the heat as much as you can and put the lid on. Simmer the rice for 10-12 minutes. One very important point: do not take off the lid, do not stir the rice and just leave it for at least 10 minutes.
4. Leave for 10 mins
Check your rice and see if it is cooked. You might find small holes on the surface of the rice when it is well cooked. If it is still watery, cook for another a couple of minutes, but please make sure that it will not be overcooked. You might need to cook longer for brown rice. Once it is done, remove the saucepan from the heat, fluff the rice gently but quickly with a rice scooper or spoon a couple of times from the bottom, and let it sit with the lid on for 10 minutes. This helps rice absorb the water and you will get the best texture.
5. Serve
Enjoy!!!
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I had rice porridge for lunch today. I cooked it from frozen rice! I like plain steamed rice, but also enjoy adding some arrangements.
In addition to the simple cooking procedures, a good thing about rice is that it is inexpensive. Some of you might think Japanese food is costly in Europe or America, but if you get 5kg of rice, it lasts for ages. Currently I live in the UK and I think rice is cheaper than bread or pasta.
When I started livig in the UK, I had tried to eat more bread and pasta since I wanted to experience British food culture, but at a certain point I came back to rice for all those benefits I mentioned in this post. YES, rice is soooo good!!!
