The 31st Episode : Hiyayakko (cold tofu) in Paris
[April, 1991 Paris, France]
April in 1991, my first Europe! Arrived at Paris-Charles-De-Gaulle Airport and took a taxi to the hotel near The Triumphal Arch. Taxi was running on the highway comfortably. All the ground seen through the taxi window was red, red and red. Red clay! I knew the reason why the surface of the tennis courts in French Open Tennis was all red clay.
Checked in the hotel. My boss was to have arrived in advance as he left Japan one week earlier than me to visit Spain. I was to meet him here. A message was given to me at the front desk, that was from my boss saying 'call me on your arrival' with his room number.
After a short break at my room, we went out for dinner. First Europe, France, Paris… I was excited wondering where he was going to take me. Then he said “I miss Japanese food ‘cause I’ve not had for one week long. Let’s go to a Japanese restaurant.” Whaaat? Why was my first food in Europe Japanese food!?!? I couldn’t refuse and followed him relucantly to the restaurant in the hotel. I don’t remember what I had but only one.
It was Hiyayakko (cold tofu). And I also remember the price, approx. US$7.50. Sooo expensive!!!
