Slightly Peckish Tuesday
26 April, 2011
This week I talk about Japan’s iconic department store Mitsukoshi which features in Junichiro Tanizaki’s The Makioka Sisters and what I had for lunch at the London branch in Umamimart: Slightly Peckish. Check it!
In bookish news, did anyone seen the tv adaptation of The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher on Easter Monday? I was planning to read the book beforehand, but didn’t even manage to open the first page. So I’m going to try and read it this week and catch up online. You’d think being on holiday (especially since I’m bumming around in London) would give me plenty of time to catch up on my reading. Um, no. To be fair, my social schedule is pretty full as I have friends in town plus my mum and I also want to catch Ai Wei Wei’s Sunflower Seeds exhibition at the Tate Modern before it too disappears.
I’ve also grown bored with the tv adaptation of The Crimson Petal and the White after 2 episodes, even though I’m a huge fan of Romola Garai. She’s fantastic in it.
I’m currently reading the 5th volume in Steven Erikson’s Malazan series, Midnight Tides, and it’s excellent as usual although I forgot I need to concentrate as he has introduced another slew of new characters. Re-reading Gardens of the Moon was like re-visiting old friends and only required a tweaking of memory. I’m also starting Tahmima Anam’s The Good Muslim because her debut A Golden Age was one of my favourites of 2009. She is an amazing writer and I’m really excited about seeing her at the Festival of Asian Literature next month!
I’ve also applied for tickets for next year’s Olympics and have bagged some royal wedding merchandise (a £5 coin and Oyster card – both limited edition) although I’ve been studiously avoiding all the programmes leading up to Friday’s big day. I’m just thankful we have another long weekend. But I have to say Regent Street looks very festive with all the Union Jacks strung across the buildings.
So, what have you all been doing?
chasing bawa 
28 April, 2011 at 10:16 am
I have been obsessing about the Olympics! It caused me all manner of angst…and I ended up having to do not only my application, but my mum’s and both my sisters. The whole thing was most traumatic and now I don’t know whether to be i) excited ii) pessimistic about my chances iii) conversely, terrified that I will actually get what I asked for and be bankrupt!
What sports did you go for?
28 April, 2011 at 10:25 am
Same here. After I applied I was terrified that I was making a huge mistake and worried about how broke I’ll be! I really want to see some rhythmic gymnastics, synchronised swimming and beach volleyball. Not mainstream at all;P
28 April, 2011 at 1:32 pm
I’m planning to watch Mr Whicher on catch-up this weekend as I read the book a while back. I put off watching The Crimson petal because I hadn’t read the book but I might just leave it longer now!
As Teadevotee has, I had a last minute dash to the Olympic application. Servers crashing. Panic! Funny how I hadn’t been that bothered about it until it was the final hour!!
I’ve been to Mitsukoshi in Japan. It’s AMAZING. I haven’t been to the one in London though so will have to visit. Also there used to be one in Hong Kong!
9 May, 2011 at 2:51 pm
And there’s a Mitsukoshi in Paris, I think:) But nothing can beat the one in Japan! The food hall is amazing.
Here’s keeping our fingers crossed for the Olympic tickets!
4 May, 2011 at 2:42 pm
Mr Whicher is around the blogosphere at the moment and I’ve got it on reserve at work. Sounds amazing. I love Romola Garai too! She’s so underrated as an actress. I loved her in Atonement. I’ve got Crimson Petal in the line too so I can watch the adaptation (and also because Chris O’dowd is in it).
I sheepishly got some royal souvenirs while in London. Some commemorative mini-plates and book set from Waterstone’s and playing cards which are, at least, useful. I couldn’t find any tea towels though!
9 May, 2011 at 2:53 pm
Haha, of course you had to get some royal souvenirs!!! It’s a no-brainer:)
I thought Romola Garai was magnificent in Atonement too. In some ways, I think I preferred the film to the book.