英語学習にも役立つ、札幌の外国人英語教師の英語日記 札幌 英会話 [ステップアップ]

Winter

2010年11月29日 (月)

It looks like winter is finally here. I’ve been a little jealous of all my friends back home. They have been showing me lots of pictures of the snow in Scotland and I was wondering when it would arrive in Sapporo. I would have to say that winter is my favourite season of the year. I love walking around when it’s snowing and for some reason, the winters here feel warmer than the winters in Kyushu. In winter, the city looks so beautiful and there is so much to do in and around Sapporo. Which season do you like best? Why? I’d love to hear your answers.

Xmas holidays

2010年11月24日 (水)

I can`t believe it has been a year already since last Christmas, time really does fly!!!!
I`ve been making plans for my winter vacation.  This year I`ve decided to go home for the Christmas period. I`m so looking forward to a home cooked meal, pulling Christmas crackers and going carol singing with my cousin`s kids. I wonder if it will be a white Christmas in England.  Predictions say yes, so I`ll need to wrap up warm.  If anyone wants any advice on Europe and Christmas, just ask me! I love Europe at Christmas, it`s as cold as ice but there is a definitely a magic spirit in the air.  Anyway, I hope everyone is looking forward to december as much as me.

I love sweets!

2010年11月16日 (火)

I definitely have a sweet tooth (a person who loves sweet things). I don’t really like sweet drinks or chocolate, but I absolutely love Japanese sweets, cakes, and puddings.
In Sapporo, one of my favorite shops is Fruits Cake Factory. Do you know this place? It has the most delicious fruit and custard tarts. I also love macarons (マカロン). Macarons are small and expensive, but very tasty. My favorite kind of cake is mon blanc (モンブラン). As for Japanese sweets, I love taiyaki, manju, and dango. What are your favorite sweets?
I really don’t think I could live without sweets in my life! Do you know any good shops around STEP UP? If you do, please let me know!

keep riding!

2010年10月30日 (土)

With all the snow that`s fallen lately, I`m sure many of you have put your bikes away for the winter. Don`t do it! Keep riding!! You`d be surprised how nice it is to ride a bike along the snowy sidewalks. As more and more people hide indoors from the cold weather, now is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the lessening foot traffic. Plus, continuing to ride your bicycle will keep you in good shape through the winter. Sure there may be some days riding will be difficult, but overall you`ll save quite a bit of money by riding your bike. Don`t worry if you don`t have studded tires – I don`t have them and I didn`t fall once last winter. Just go slowly and enjoy being outside. And don`t forget a good pair of gloves and a hat. Ride safely!

Cooking

2010年10月25日 (月)

Autumn has again come to Sapporo. Time flies! One of my favorite things about Autumn is the harvest. In September and early October there are Farmer’s Markets, where local farmers sell their vegetables, all over Sapporo. One can find all kinds of vegetables, from standard things like potatoes, onions and tomatoes to more exotic things like multi-colored eggplants and habanero peppers. With the availability and variety of all these wonderful veggies, I have felt inspired to cook more than usual. (I like cooking, but often don’t have the time or patience for it.)

Here’s the link:   allrecipes.com

Butternut squash is a light, sweet squash with a mild flavor. It’s great for soup. You can find it at the vegetable market HUG in Tanuki Koji, 5 chome. If you like squash, you will love this recipe. Please give it a try!