I really wanted to love this Bajang (also known as Zongzi). It’s a masterpiece of culinary engineering: sticky rice, savory fillings, and that iconic pyramidal shape, all bound by the ancient technology of the banana leaf. This dish dates back over 2,000 years to the Zhou Dynasty. Legend says it was born as a ritual offering to honor the poet Qu Yuan, thrown into rivers to prevent fish from eating his body. It’s a symbol of loyalty and survival, a portable meal designed for ancient travelers and warriors. As a researcher, I admire the craft. The leaf infuses the rice with polyphenols and a distinct grassy aroma, a perfect example of indigenous cuisine using nature as a pressure cooker. But strictly from a taste perspective? It didn’t click for me today. The flavor profile is complex, dense, and deeply traditional, but sometimes food heritage challenges our modern palates. And that’s okay. My mission isn’t to find "tasty" food, it’s to preserve the taste of history. Is this a masterpiece or just an acquired taste? Have you tried Bajang? Let’s talk in the comments. 👇 Culinary anthropologist tasting traditional Bajang (Zongzi) wrapped in banana leaves at Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown street food market. Authentic food history research and honest review of ancient Chinese-Thai recipes by a cookbook author. Visuals include sticky rice texture, bustling night market lights, and ethnographic food study.

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I’ve been away from the boat for five weeks over the holiday season, and before heading back to life afloat, I made a small pilgrimage into the Japanese Alps. This journey brought me to Saku, in Nagano—one of Japan’s well-known longevity hotspots—to visit Pin Koro Jizo, a beloved shrine where people come to pray for a long, healthy life. I’m joined by my friend Koji—also known as Ninja Koji—a real-life ninja, lifelong book lover, owner of one of the coolest vintage Japanese houses I know, and (full disclosure) my literary agent. 👉 Be sure to check out Koji’s YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@shinkoma_entertainment_2914/videos Sometimes before we move forward, it helps to stop, reflect, and make a quiet visit like this one #PinKoroJizo,, #SakuCity, #NaganoPrefecture, #JapaneseShrines, #LongevityJapan, #HealthyAging, #NeverTooLate, #SlowTravelJapan, #JapaneseCulture, #Pilgrimage, #Jizo, #JapanTravel, #PacificSolo

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When Boris hurts his paw in a sudden bike accident, his best friend Murphy doesn’t leave his side. With clever thinking and a brave heart, Murphy gets help and stays close through every step of Boris’s recovery. A sweet story about friendship, care, and healing—with a happy ending full of purrs and love.

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Dad said since we live on a sailboat, I had to work just like the rest of the crew. So I'm learning on how to pull up the anchor so we can go saililing. But its not going too good. #cutedog #dog #dogsonadventures #dogsonboats #sailinglife #sailboat

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