Xmas approaches and it is still very cold by our standards. I spot something that I never thought I would see on Okinawa – a hot water bottle!

Anyway on Xmas Day we have a fantastic dinner at my place. Few people have ovens on Okinawa so traditional roast turkeys and geese are out. Instead, we have a Mexican/ Spanish extravaganza.

Menu:

Aperitif – Manzanilla de Sevilla

Coctel de Pulpo – http://www.comidamexicana.com/recetas/item/338/coctel-de-pulpo – Champagne

Tacos de Carne Asada, Lengua, Tripas and Pescado – Champagne

Paella – Rioja

Okinawan Salad – Champagne

Christmas Pudding with Brandy Butter – none of us can drink anymore

Dundee Cake – various Japanese tisanes.

It is a staggeringly delicious and fun meal!

Especially good to see guests of honor Naoko and her daughter, who now live in Hokkaido.

Everybody brings something and the cooking is communal, much glee.