Simple Living

Discovering Literary Gems It was surprisingly difficult to find books by famous novelists at several local bookstores. By chance, I stumbled across a small used bookstore that had an impressive collection of great works I've been wanting to read from authors like Mishima, Chekhov, and Hemingway—all at a low price. For now, I restricted myself to just three books, one of which is The Temple of Dawn by Yukio Mishima. A Dive into The Temple of Dawn This book is the third installment in Mishima's four-part epic The Sea of Fertility , intended to be some of his last published works before his abrupt death. While I would have preferred to start from the beginning, this was the only volume available, and it proved to be an excellent choice. At just 330 pages, it’s much shorter than a typical Tolstoy novel. Surprisingly, the first few chapters read more like a travel guide, with the main character, Mr. Honda, traveling from Thailand to India and back to Japan. The detailed description...

Affordable Old Fashioned Experience I was pleasantly surprised by how inexpensive this Old Fashioned was at a local bar. During Happy Hour, they offered it for just $4.75, which is about the same price as a regular beer. In contrast, other bars typically charge between $10 and $12 for the same drink. Taste and Presentation While the drink wasn't as fancy—using plain ice and whatever fruit and ingredients they had on hand—it tasted decent. The simplicity didn’t detract from the experience, making it a good option for a casual outing. Caution with Consumption The only downside to this pricing is that it’s easy to lose track of how many you’ve had. At this rate, it could lead to consuming a half dozen Old Fashioneds without realizing the total alcohol intake. Cheap but dangerous, indeed.

A Chill Weekend Experience I enjoyed another relaxing weekend, savoring a cappuccino while immersing myself in Tolstoy and listening to music. This simple pleasure continues to be a highlight of my routine. Lunch Delight For lunch, I opted for a straightforward bento box paired with a cold beer. The combination was satisfying and added to the overall enjoyment of the weekend. Conclusion It was a great weekend filled with good coffee, literature, and delicious food, reaffirming the beauty of these small moments in life.

My Coffee Ritual I've developed a habit that has transformed into a cherished ritual: enjoying a nice cup of coffee at a local shop while diving into a novel and listening to music. This routine helps me stay on track, providing structure to my day and motivation to wake up early on Saturdays, typically rising at 7 AM. Benefits of the Ritual The best part about this ritual, which lasts about an hour, is that it allows me to make the most of my day. Instead of sleeping in until 11 AM or later and wasting half the day, I can embrace the morning and set a positive tone for the hours ahead. Commitment to the Routine Sticking with this routine has proven beneficial for my overall well-being. It not only enhances my productivity but also provides a moment of tranquility and joy, making Saturday mornings something I genuinely look forward to.

Exploring Coffee Drinks: The Gibraltar I'm now on my fifth coffee drink concoction, and this time I decided to try a Gibraltar. This drink consists of espresso with some milk, offering a unique take on the espresso-based experience. Understanding the Gibraltar The Gibraltar is similar to a cappuccino, minus the foam. It highlights the balance of espresso and milk, providing a rich and creamy texture without the added froth. Ingredients Breakdown I've been getting the hang of these espresso drinks, and I've noticed that there are just three basic ingredients involved: Espresso Milk Milk Foam My Favorites So Far So far, the cappuccino remains my favorite, as it embodies all three ingredients in perfect harmony. However, the Gibraltar is a close second, surpassing the macchiato in my personal ranking. Conclusion As I continue my coffee journey, I'm excited to explore more variations and refine my palate. Each drink offers its own unique flavor profile, and I look forward t...

Quest for the Perfect Old Fashioned In my quest for the perfect Old Fashioned, I've been sampling this classic cocktail at various bars. Recently, I decided to try it at Nordstrom's. Experience at Nordstrom's Based on what I read online, this version was closer to a traditional Old Fashioned, featuring the right choice of glass, a square ice cube, and proper garnishing. Taste Profile The drink was quite strong, and I found that I didn't start to enjoy it until I reached the halfway mark. Interestingly, the last sip was the best, showcasing the complexities of the flavors as they melded together. Conclusion This experience has motivated me to continue exploring different Old Fashioned variations, as each one offers a unique take on this classic cocktail.

Exploring New Coffee Shop Drinks This coffee shop is quickly becoming my go-to spot as I work my way down their drink menu. Recently, I tried a 'Sidecar,' which consists of a single shot of espresso paired with a macchiato. Understanding the Macchiato From what I understood, the main difference between a macchiato and a cappuccino is that the macchiato doesn’t include milk; it features only foam. While the Sidecar was an interesting experience, I found myself preferring the cappuccino I had last week. Conclusion As I continue to explore different drinks at this coffee shop, I'm excited to see what I’ll try next and how they will compare to my favorites.

Trying a Japanese Twist on the Old Fashioned I've always wanted to try an Old Fashioned after seeing Don Draper enjoy so many of these on the show Mad Men . While out on the town with friends, the bartender offered a variation on the Old Fashioned that featured Japanese whisky and different types of bitters. A Unique Flavor Profile This Japanese version was quite good, offering a distinct taste that set it apart from the traditional cocktail. It was a refreshing change and definitely beats a plain Scotch on the rocks. Future Comparisons I will likely ask to try a traditional Old Fashioned to compare it with this Japanese version. I'm sure both will be excellent choices, each offering its own unique character and flavor.

A Pleasant Surprise at a New Coffee Shop It's funny how life works. I was heading to my regular Starbucks, but it was closed for renovations. So, I continued down the road and decided to try a different coffee shop. To my delight, they offered a unique rendition of a cappuccino. Experience and Presentation The cappuccino was paired with a glass of sparkling water and some bitter chocolates. This combination not only elevated the coffee experience but also added a nice touch to my afternoon. Affordability and Enjoyment At just $4, it was quite an affordable treat. I savored the drink while continuing my journey through re-reading Tolstoy's War and Peace . The unexpected change in plans turned out to be a delightful experience.

Nostalgic Desk Setup from 2012 Browsing old photos, I came across a picture of how I set up my desk in my bedroom back in 2012. It’s remarkable how time flies. Those were good times filled with energy and excitement. Reflecting on that period brings back memories of a simpler time, where my focus was on personal projects and hobbies. The setup was functional yet inspiring, allowing me to be productive and creative. It’s interesting to see how much has changed since then, both in terms of my workspace and my interests.

Weekend Break at Starbucks Drink: I treated myself to a Starbucks ICM (Iced Coffee with Milk and no Sugar), which was refreshing and the perfect companion for a relaxing weekend. Headphones: To enhance my experience, I used my Audio Technica MSR7 headphones. They provided excellent sound quality, allowing me to immerse myself in music while I read. Pen: I brought along my favorite Platinum #3776 Century fountain pen. There's something truly satisfying about writing with a quality pen, especially when jotting down thoughts or notes in my book. Book: I spent some quality time with Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace." This classic novel has been a great read, and it’s perfect for a leisurely weekend. Reflection It was a wonderful day to unwind, indulge in my hobbies, and escape into the world of literature. There's something special about enjoying a good book while sipping a coffee and listening to music—definitely a great way to recharge for the week ahead.

Flight Review: Korean Air on the Boeing 737-900 Route: PUS (Gimhae International Airport) to KIX (Kansai International Airport) I recently flew on Korean Air using their Boeing 737-900 , and this trip marked my first experience with this specific series of the 737. The layout felt quite similar to Air Busan’s A321 , featuring a single aisle with three seats on each side. Aircraft Overview Aircraft Model: Boeing 737-900 Configuration: Single-aisle layout with three seats on either side, providing a familiar and comfortable travel experience. In-Flight Experience Seating: I secured an exit row seat, which offered fantastic legroom—definitely a plus for taller passengers like myself! Meal: The meal served was the standard box lunch provided by Korean Air. While I appreciate the simplicity, I couldn’t help but wish they had offered their delicious Musubi instead of the cold ham sandwich. Beverages: Korean Air also serves beer, which is a nice touch, but I opted for a cold orange ju...

Flight Review: Air Busan on the Airbus A321 Route: CTS (New Chitose Airport) to PUS (Gimhae International Airport) I recently had the opportunity to fly with Air Busan on their Airbus A321 , and I was pleasantly surprised by the experience. I booked a last-minute ticket for just $125 USD , which was a steal compared to the nearly $400 fare from Korean Air for the same route. Aircraft Overview Aircraft Model: Airbus A321 Configuration: Single-aisle layout with three seats on each side, similar to the Boeing 737. In-Flight Experience Service: The flight crew was friendly and efficient, contributing to a comfortable atmosphere. Meal: A simple yet satisfying hot meal was served— Seafood Fried Rice —which I found enjoyable. The meal was well-prepared for an economy flight. Beverages: I also had coffee, which was reasonable in taste and complemented the meal nicely. Overall Impression The entire journey was smooth, and the aircraft was well-maintained. For the price, I would definite...

Coffee Break at Angel-in-us Coffee Angel-in-us Coffee is one of the popular coffee shop chains in South Korea, and it’s become a go-to spot for me when I’m out exploring the bustling shopping districts or malls. Experience The atmosphere at Angel-in-us is cozy and inviting, making it a great place to take a break from shopping. They offer a wide range of coffee options, from classic espresso drinks to unique seasonal beverages, as well as a selection of pastries and snacks.