It seems so simple. You’re in a foreign land known for its massive rice consumption and you just can’t handle anymore stir-fry whatever. Look, this is where I am at the moment. Every day, nearly every meal, if I’m not cooking, is served with rice or a small cabbage salad. It’s like potatoes or bread in the Western world. I haven’t been cooking this week as we’re traveling. Whenever we’re jet-setting (snicker), we like to get airbandb rentals because it can not only be similar pricing to a hotel, but it’s someone’s house, so there’s a kitchen, sometimes a laundry room, and other amenities that make it more comfortable. Last Christmas, we even stayed in one with a hot tub in the back yard and a giant fish tank in the master bedroom! SCORE!

But when you’re away from home, cooking for yourself is a hassle without access to a kitchen or at least a decent toaster oven and microwave. We’re in Yokosuka, Japan (pronounced Yoko-ska) this week for business and the land of noodles and soy sauce is not always kind to me at restaurants. For lunch today, the farmer’s market and local 7-11 saved the day. It’s strawberry season in Japan! HOORAY! I’ve heard Germany’s strawberries are bitchin’ but I’m rooting for these Nihon bad boys: 

You’re probably thinking, “Oh, those are big but they’re probably white inside with little flavor.” Dude, these are NOT your run of the mill berries from the grocer that were GMO’d to death. They aren’t pretty on the outside, bland on the inside airhead models with nothing to do but lounge in their red gowns. These are perhaps the juiciest, sweetest things I’ve ever put in my mouth. And I’ve had mangoes off a tree!

Meow, you shmexy tarty things you!

They were my saving grace today when I really needed a quick lunch but was tired of sushi. (I KNOW! Who DOES that??) So I chopped up a few berries and heated them with some premade rice at 7-11 and soy milk and sugar. Simple and simply delicious!

I promise these really are this color inside. I did not edit nor put a filter on my camera to get this gorgeousness. Just damn delicious!