The current typhoon striking Taiwan has indirectly affected us. It sent us a soaring heat, causing records that Hong Kong had not seen in 130 years.
It is not only the temperature; pollution peaks are also at a high.
As a result, the Australian of my heart and myself take turn to go out if we need in order to keep the children safe inside.
We keep them occupied.
Héloïse decided to read a book offered by Mrs. Sano, the mother of my Japanese host family. It talks of the traditions of Japan.
It is a beautiful book in color for the kids.
Héloïse came to show me the page dedicated to the “yuzu” and the family bath.
“Yuzu” is a form of Japanese citrus, very close to the lemon.
“Maman, tell me, Mrs. Sano, does she really take bath with lemon?”
“Yes, my dear, I can even tell you that this type of bath usually appears on the third week of October”.
I can also tell you that the first time my Japanese mother had prepared a “yuzu” bath for the whole family, she had forgotten to warn me.
I found myself alone and completely disoriented in front of the family tub.
I could see a dozen yuzu floating on the surface.
I had never seen yuzu in my life. I was really wondering what to do.
Should I press them in the bath to express their juice? Should I eat them while enjoying this great moment of relaxation?
The answer was very different Héloïse.
I just had to admire them bobbing on the surface of the water and believe that their vitamin C would protect me from winter colds.
When I looked up from the book, I found Héloïse fascinated, her eyes glazed, staring into dreams.
What a pleasure to see that my love of Japan had been magically communicated!
“My darling, if you love Japanese traditions, Maman has plenty of stories to share with you.”