From a reader visiting Japan: A Cup of “Dashi” Soup

I traveled to Takamatsu to slow down. I had no detailed plans. As the plane was landing, I saw a huge hiragana sign. I read it slowly: sa…nu…ki…Sanuki! I love Sanuki udon, but I didn’t realize it was the old name for today’s Kagawa Prefecture. From that moment on, my “no plan” turned into an udon plan. Cold udon, hot udon, dipping udon, even mixed udon. I tried a different kind every day and kept changing toppings. Each one was fun and had a delicious soup. On the last morning, I was full and happy. At the airport, I saw what I thought was a water dispenser, but…it was a soup dispenser! I turned on the tap, and warm soup came out. I drank a cup and smiled. Takamatsu kept surprising me until the last moment. I finished my trip in the best way: with a cup of “dashi” soup.    (150 words)


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