Eat Your Kimchi

Simon and Martina are back from Rome and tell you what it's like to holiday there. Simon says it's the most beautiful city in the world. They loved the artistic graffiti and ALL the delicious food. They also noticed how 'touchy-feely' the Italians are. A few funny stories ensue...

Simon and Martina have done a lot of travel around the world. Through their time planning holidays, they've come up with their number one travel tip.

Simon and Martina's number 1 travel tip! This week Simon and Martina are in Rome! They've noticed people are collecting sights like Pokemon; taking selfies, looking at the photo and then leaving the sight, without taking it all in. The EYK duo have a few travel tips for you - don't over plan. Also Simon's favourite memory sounds like a glorious day we'd like to be part of.

Simon and Martina want to try and record a podcast episode in a Roman pub but it is proving difficult! 

Simon and Martina discuss the controversy around YouTuber Logan Paul and the backlash over a recent controversial video he filmed in a Japanese forest. They're not just upset, or angry, about that video though. This is a bigger issue for them.

Simon and Martina tell you about Ramen that tastes like a Thanksgiving turkey, amongst other things. They discovered the Ramen shop while out walking on their date night (CUTE). The line for this place continually goes out the door and even has sake in their vending machines. They also talk about the importance of complimenting a chef and Martina updates you on the health of an important member of the family.

This week, Simon and Martina reflect on Jonghyun's death. They talk about how SHINee started their interest in K-Pop and tell you their favourite songs from the band. They also talk about how the industry could better look after their artists and ask you for your ideas.

This week Simon and Martina party in Japan for Bonenkai (Japanese drinking party) season! They talk about some strange things they've observed people doing and their experience eating delicious gyoza. In the middle of the ep there was a mini earthquake that struck when Simon was telling a story! 

Simon and Martina go in-depth on their pancake experience in Japan, which was like nothing they've ever experienced. We just thought we'd give you a little something to make you drool...and put on your 'must-eat' bucket list.

This week Simon and Martina had the most incredible pancake experience ever. They found a place in a 'sad mall' (they also explain what a 'sad mall' is). The pancakes were super light and fluffy, and souffle looking. It was a huge place, was totally crowded and there was a waiting list. When you order, it takes at least 20 minutes for your meal to arrive because there's a special way to make them. The dish came with three HUGE pancakes with fluffy cheese. It's made with egg whites and has a meringue-y texture. The pancakes were insanely tall. They were so good, the duo don't think you can even call them pancakes. They were like an egg cotton candy, but denser than cotton candy - it was just incredible. They've never experienced anything like it. It's not just a pancake....it's like nothing that exists.

Simon and Martina have stumbled on a restaurant in Japan that sells a drink that - in the words of Simon - "tastes rank." The duo think it takes the fun out of a soft drink. They describe it as something that tastes like Vegemite (but not in a good way)...

This week Simon and Martina found two amazing eateries that you all need to try when you go to Tokyo. One place had the best Kimchi the duo have had in Japan so far and the other served up the best Ramen. When they first went in to the Ramen place, it was small (we're talking tiny), with the slowest moving line ever. You were squished next to an air-conditioning unit and everything looked black, grimey and oily. Then they saw the bowls of Ramen and thought they'd made a huge mistake. There was more food outside the bowl than in it; so many bean sprouts. It was massive, they've never seen a bowl of Ramen so big. But, it was DELICIOUS. They have two favourite Ramen places in Tokyo, but this place was out-of-this-world. It was some of the best Ramen they've had all year!

This week Simon and Martina give solid relationship advice. The duo have been married for 10 years and they're more in love than ever. They say you should buy flowers, or something small, 'just because' and not just for special occasions, to show them you're thinking about them and you care about them. Buy a choccy bar and write a cute sticky note with it for when they get to work. It's the little things. It's nice to have someone appreciate you; everyone feels good when you know someone thinks you're special. Don't forget to let your partner know you care about them (even if you've been together for ages). Have date nights, spend moments, be intimate, talk to each other. Don't get too wrapped up in 'things' so you forget about the people who are there for you and who love you.

This week Simon and Martina talk about a neighbourhood party in Japan. They went in a hipster area. You could BYO meat, but they also paid $10 and food was provided. There was a DJ, games (which Martina won) and they met  people from all over the world. Simon says he's never been in a room with so many different nationalities. Martina has lost her voice; the music was cranked up really loud and they had to shout to be heard. Simon met a girl from a Japanese hip-hop group and she talked to him about being an indie artist in Japan. Trap music is becoming popular here. And this week, Simon and Martina have relationship advice for you...

This week we're feeling all 'naaaw' and warm and fuzzy because Simon is talking about how in love he is with Martina after they've been married for 10 years. He loves being with her, she's his best friend. He's doing marriage right and doesn't need marriage advice from anyone. If women try to flirt with him he runs away. He had to separate from Martina for a few hours this week, which leads to a rather funny story at the Polish embassy in Japan...

While Simon had an adventure going to the Polish Embassy, Martina had an adventure of her own thrift shopping. Martina loves thrift shopping and well Simon hates shopping period! Also, Simon and Martina's neighbour gives them a plant, will they kill it like every other plant they've owned?

This week Simon and Martina went to the Studio Ghibli museum in Japan for the second time, and it was better than their first visit. This time they watched the movie, which they say you have to do if you go to the museum. There are movies that don't air anywhere else in the world. They got to see an extension of the Totoro Universe. It was incredible. There was a special food exhibition that was amazing too! They learnt that chopsticks are one of the hardest things to animate; the exhibition was brimming with food from Spirited Away. There's also a cafe with food and interesting food facts from anime movies, and a full interactive kitchen you can go in to. So much cheese. Have you been to the museum? Any recommendations? 

This week Simon and Martina talk about police bikes in Japan. They're really slow because they're not automated bikes; the duo want to know why they don't have motorised bikes because they go slower than other bikes (like the ones Simon and Martina own). Police booths are also interesting. Have you seen them?

This week Simon and Martina talk about how accessible Japan's transit system is. A friend of the EYK duo, is visiting them in Japan and she uses a mobility aid at times. Simon and Martina have noticed what it's like getting around on public transport in Japan when you need assistance - phenomenally well (from their experience so far). When catching a train, there's a ramp set up so you avoid the gap when boarding, and when you arrive at your destination the train staff have called ahead; they know what train car you're in and are waiting at your station to set up a ramp for departure. There's an amazing elevator system too. It's seamless, and once again shows how helpful and respectful Japanese people are.

This week Simon made an observation (by himself) so he needs to share. Once he woke up at 7 am, without an alarm, feeling awake and like he didn't need more sleep, which is weird for him. So he got up and went for a walk to see what 'normal' people do in the mornings. In Japan, they have certain bells that ring at different times, with different sounds. They have bells at 8:20, 8:40 and 8:45 - in Kichijoji at least. Very interesting. There were people everywhere until 8:45 and once that time hit everyone was gone (to school and work). Amazing!