Dear, Japan Your Soda is Yummy

So I recently introduced myself to a new store, and I have to say that I may be addicted. My love for this place stems from yearning to travel and learn new things about other countries, as well as an overdose of watching the travel channel on TV. This blog was inspired by Courtney one of my best friends who has recently been stationed overseas in Japan with her husband and baby boy. Just how does my friend fit into this post you may ask? Well then , I will be pleased to tell you what I found in World Market, my new favorite place to shop  that made me miss and think of my beautiful friend. While perusing the aisles I happened upon a whole collection of foods, snacks, and beverages from Japan. I was thrilled with my discovery so I dragged my husband to said aisle and started loading his arms with multiple items.  My husband was more concerned with the lack of ability to read Japanese labels than thrilled with the possibility of trying something new, as I was. Of course there is a English sticker label on the back of the package, but my darling husband only looks at pictures on the front......I failed to inform him of this most crucial element simply for my pleasure. Yes, I am a horrible woman to him, but I made it up to him in the German Chocolates section where he literally looked like a big kid in a candy store. One of our purchases was a quite fruity and not too bubbly type of soda called Ramune. Shirakiku Ramune drink comes in a ton of flavors, we chose Pineapple and Lychee flavored drinks, we both preferred the Pineapple because Lychee was a tad too bitter. The awesome part about this drink is the way the glass bottle is sealed , there is no cap because the opening of the bottle is sealed with a clear glass marble. The marble is held in place by the pressure of the carbonation, and to open the bottle the drink comes with a device to press down on the marble until the pressure is released, and then the marble falls into the specially designed neck of the bottle. When you release the marble there is loud pop and as the marble plops into the drink there is a most awesome display of bubbles in the bottle neck. I had no clue that a beverage could be so much fun. PS. Courtney have fun with all the new experiences in Japan , after all if I can have a thrilling time with a simple foreign soda I'm sure you can have even more fun living there.  Love, Laura