Gallimaufry#162

Just a gallimaufry of photos and ramblings 📸

Nature always finds a way

Delicate purple flowers blooming defiantly from a stone wall

TREES

I love trees. The way their trunks twist and branches reach feels like time made visible—quiet, patient, full of stories. They carry a kind of wisdom in their knots and curves, like they've seen everything and still keep growing. There's something poetic in how they stretch toward the sky, steady and unhurried, always becoming, never finished.

Curiosity

DINNER - Yakinuku 

Japanese Yakiniku literally means "grilled meat" and refers to a style of cooking bite-sized pieces of meat and vegetables over a direct flame, often at the dining table. It's a popular and social dining experience in Japan, combining elements of barbecue with traditional Japanese flavors.

Key features of yakiniku:

1. Grill-it-yourself style:
   Diners grill their own meat on a charcoal or gas grill built into the table. It's interactive and communal, making it perfect for friends and family.

2. Types of meat:
   Beef (gyūniku) is king, especially cuts like short rib (karubi), tongue (tan), and sirloin (rosu).
   Pork, chicken, and offal (horumon) are also common.
   High-end yakiniku restaurants may serve wagyu beef, known for its marbled fat and tenderness.

3. Seasonings and dips:
   Meat is usually lightly marinated or served plain with dipping sauces.
   Common sauces include tare (a sweet soy-based sauce), ponzu (citrusy soy), and sesame oil with salt and garlic.

4. Side dishes:
   Rice, kimchi, lettuce for wrapping meat (similar to Korean BBQ), miso soup, and various pickles.
   Salads and cold noodles (reimen) are also popular accompaniments.

5. Origins and influence:
   Yakiniku was heavily influenced by Korean cuisine, especially after World War II.
   While it's now distinctly Japanese, some yakiniku restaurants still serve Korean-style banchan (side dishes).

6. Dining experience:
   You order raw meat from a menu and cook it to your preference.
   Many places are all-you-can-eat (tabehoudai) or à la carte.

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

Despite what the "Heidelberg" sign might suggest, this is not a quaint corner of Germany. No bratwurst or beer gardens here!

Instead, this scene is set in Greece! It’s always fun how signs and little details can create a moment of confusion—until you look closer!