Pretty Presentation

I have been tutoring two Japanese teenagers this summer and it's been a lot of fun. The Japanese have a high respect for packaging and presentation. You would never see a Japanese give a gift without it looking beautiful, regardless of what was inside; Gifts of money are no exception. Each week I look forward to getting paid. Of course, it's great to get the money, but I love to see the beautiful creation their mother has created. She uses origami paper and discreetly hides my check inside.

I realize this practice won't win any "sustainabilty" awards but I think the art of wrapping in Japanese society reveals so much about their culture. Open up a bag of cookies - each cookie is nicely wrapped. Taking a lunchbox to school? In Japan, it would be wrapped up in a furoshiki. Giving a gift of money in a formal situation requires the use of a special envelope, called shugibukuro.

Even Japanese homes can be considered a "wrapping". The deeper inside the home you are allowed, the closer you must be to the family.

But, I digress, I just love my little envelopes. Which one do you like best?

Has anyone heard of the Shimizu Pyramid? Japan has developed the plans for an enormous pyramid to sit in Tokyo Bay and house close to one million people.

A huge hollow structure that could withstand tsunami, hurricane and earthquake, this structure would be made out of carbon nanotubes.

This dream city would ease the strain on Tokyo, where people are packed in like sardines. It also has the potential to save thousands of lives by blocking strong tsunami waves from crashing into the "mainland".

Although there aren't plans to build this pyramid yet, the Japanese are always testing their design and engineering feats. I love thinking about how amazing it would be see Shimizu built and maybe even move there myself. Driverless pods could torpedo people throughout the structure and...imagine the views. I love the Japanese!

Pass the honey!

I was recently given a gift of honey from my very dear friends. This honey, from Honeyville in Durango, Colorado, is amazing. It comes in so many great flavors, like peanut butter, lemon, pumpkin spice and one of my all time favorite flavors, cinnamon! Not only that, but they also have hot fudge, jams and adorable candles. Doesn't everyone love honey? What a great gift - thanks guys! If you are getting married soon, you can give away honey as your wedding favors - how delightful!

Let me also take this opportunity to talk up southwestern Colorado. How awesome is Durango? A little difficult to get to, this gem in the mountains is like a secret hideaway with an adorable downtown, great skiing and can I say it again...Honey! If you are looking for a great place to vacation, I recommend Durango or Telluride (5 stars!)