Skip to main content

Coffee Sunday -- More Mishima and SideCar

A Bookish Adventure and Coffee Discoveries

I wanted to spend more time at that used bookstore I found last week, and it was fun exploring their selection of books. I picked up a few more works by Yukio Mishima. The prices are very reasonable, barely $5 each, which is a steal compared to Amazon, where used copies are often double the price or several times that for brand new editions. Plus, I couldn't find these books at my local library, so this seems to be the next best thing.

Treasure Hunting for Mishima's Tetralogy

I managed to snag Book #4 of Mishima's tetralogy, but I still need to hunt down Books #1 and #2. There’s something enjoyable about this mini-treasure hunt for books, and I'll be in LA and Vegas in a few months, so I’m planning to check out the major used bookstores in those cities. I’m already scoping out potential spots!

Coffee Experience: The SideCar

For coffee, I decided to try a SideCar since I was undecided about whether I wanted an espresso or a cappuccino. Whoever invented this drink is a genius! It gives me the best of both worlds, and I noticed that the cappuccino tends to taste sweeter when I can readily compare and contrast it with the bitter espresso. This particular one was quite palatable, with a hint of sweetness—I'm assuming that’s an indication of the quality of the coffee beans used?

Reading Goals for the Year

This year, my goal is to read a dozen novels, focusing on my four favorite Japanese authors:

  1. Yukio Mishima
  2. Yasunari Kawabata
  3. Haruki Murakami
  4. Ryunosuke Akutagawa

I’m not very familiar with Akutagawa’s work yet, but some of his titles sound intriguing. I know it sounds a bit silly, but that’s how I fell in love with Russian novels—thanks to an obscure book called Smoke by Ivan Turgenev. If I can’t find Akutagawa’s works, I might swap for the classic Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu instead.



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sony MDR-ZX100 vs ZX-110 vs ZX310 Series Headphones

Sony ZX Series Headphones Review: A Budget-Friendly Sound Choice If you’re on the hunt for budget-friendly headphones with decent quality, the Sony ZX Series is definitely worth considering. I happen to own several models from the lineup: ZX-100 ZX-110 ZX-310 Let’s dive into how they compare in terms of build quality, cost, specs, sound, and overall value. Build Quality: ZX-310 Takes the Lead The Sony ZX series headphones primarily feature a durable plastic construction. My ZX-100 has lasted over 2½ years, enduring countless tosses into my backpack and car without any issues. However, the lower-end ZX-100 and ZX-110 models have a significant downside: poor-quality earpads. Over time, these earpads disintegrate, leaving vinyl flakes that stick to your hair and ears. The ZX-310, on the other hand, comes with upgraded earpads that don’t suffer from this problem, making them a clear winner in the build department. Cost Comparison: ZX-100/110 Wins for Affordability While the ZX-310 model co...
9 comments
Read more

Casio G-Shock 5600 vs 6900 vs 9000

G-Shock Preferences and Favorites After trying out several G-Shock models, I've developed a better sense of the specific features and design elements I appreciate most. While features are always a plus, my main priority is size . Here's how some of the models I've tried stack up. Size Preference: DW-5600 Series For overall size, the DW-5600 series stands out as a favorite due to its compact, comfortable form. It’s slim, lightweight, and fits well on my wrist without being too bulky. Although the 6900 series provides the benefit of a well-placed front illumination button, the 5600 remains the ideal size for everyday wear. Best Compromise: G9000 Mudman Series If I had to choose a balanced option between size, comfort, and functionality, the G9000 Mudman series would be it. The buttons are slightly tough to press, but the layout and form factor resonate with what I prefer in a G-Shock. Despite having different module versions (GLX, G, and DW), I find that these models offe...
Post a Comment
Read more

Casio MTD 1010 the $30 Submariner Homage

Casio MTD-1010: The Best Budget Submariner Homage If you’re on the hunt for an affordable watch that channels the classic diver aesthetic of the Submariner, look no further than the Casio MTD-1010 . Priced at around $30 on eBay , this model offers incredible value for anyone who loves a good deal. Affordable Elegance The MTD-1010 strikes a balance between style and practicality. While it features a quartz movement , it captures the essence of the iconic Submariner without being a direct replica or knockoff. This watch embodies the classic diver look with its bold dial, rotating bezel, and luminous hands, making it a fantastic choice for both everyday wear and special occasions. Function Over Frills What sets the MTD-1010 apart is its straightforward functionality. Casio focuses on delivering a reliable timepiece that doesn't get bogged down by unnecessary high-end features. This approach ensures that the watch is both accessible and functional, making it ideal for those who appreci...
2 comments
Read more