school lunch menu

A lot of people have been asking me about Japanese food. I think what they are really asking is, what's up with that school lunch thing? Because all of the other meals I do, are just matters of my picking out the food i like best (usually from the grocery store its salad, camembert cheese (this is one of the only edible cheeses in japan) pasta and if it is affordable fruit). If I go to a resturant, I usually eat Yakisoba (fried noodles), Tempura, or sashimi/sushi. If all else fails I eat a lot of rice.

School Lunch...I am required to eat it, and have absolutely no choice in what I will be eating. Here is today's menu: Half a banana, sesame chicken (which wasn't bad), carrot bread (which was bread with carrot bits that had been soaked in honey or something and tasted like those gummy fruits found in fruitcake.), a bowl of egg-drop/tofu soup (pretty bland, but edible), salad (which was pickles, apples, small fish...with eyes...and chopped pears), and finally whole milk (everyday you get a small bottle of whole milk...complete with paper cap and a ring of cream on top, just like old-fashioned days.)

Kind of makes me miss the DW free lunch and the college cafeteria...I never thought I'd miss those!!!

PS. short comment on the cost of fruit in Japan...I saw a small bunch of grapes yesterday that cost approximately $21. Generally apples cost about $2 each and watermelon can be as cheap as $10-$40 when they are in season. I think everyone must eat canned fruits and vegetables in this country.