Funny Anecdote

Photo by David Edelstein @jhopes

Happiness is wondering if you’re going to die laughing. 

For example:

While holidaying in Japan, like many tourists we discovered that the Japanese way of doing things is often unexpected.

During our visit, my husband Greg and I, seeking a view of Mt Fuji, took a, tour guide recommended, cable-car up a mountain opposite the famous landmark to, hopefully, catch a view of Fuji in all its grandeur.

Disappointingly, Mt Fuji was shrouded by cloud on this day. As we discovered later, that was not an unusual thing. Our long forest hike, however, was beautiful, though muddy, with interesting shrines, and a temple under construction in the traditional, exquisite, handmade Japanese style.

It was an obvious place for spirituality - nature whispered in soft tweets and intermittent breezes, rustling the leaves of mature deciduous trees and evergreens - releasing fresh, sappy, aromas.

We made our way back down to the town, though relaxed and happy, we were not fully satiated, having missed out on our view of the famous mountain.

Back at the settlement, we cleaned the mud from our shoes. Somehow my shoes, cleaned up better than Greg’s. The husband then decided he wanted to try some ‘Mt Fuji cookies’. I don’t eat short bread, but as I was the more presentable of us, I ventured into the shop to purchase his touristy treat.

Finding it jam packed full of produce, I soon realised that I’d forgotten my reading glasses. Browsing the shelves, I quickly discovered that the cookies were obvious, wrapped in cellophane and sat upon a cake stand. And, much to my delight, on the next layer up, were some colourful macaroons. Typically Japanese in their design, the macaroons were precision-cut into circular scalloped shapes with incredibly glossy glazes. Even the crème fillings had perfect crisp edges. I was pleased that I could join my husband in his enjoyment of a sweet, European inspired, Japanese treat.

After selecting an individually wrapped cookie for Greg, I chose myself a bright yellow macaroon, possibly pineapple or lemon, either would be nice, my mouth watered at the thought.

Returning to my husband with my purchases, I passed him his shortbread and held up my macaroon with a smile, “I’ve got something for me too.”

To which he responded, “Huh!?”.

“I found macaroons on the cake stand”, I stated.

Again, “Huh?!”

I considered to myself, “He mustn’t realise, the Japanese obviously have their own take on macaroons.” So, I passed it to him, so that he could take a closer look. Whereby he proceeded to explain to his blind wife, Mrs Magoo, “This is a packet of Post-It notes.”