Mushrooms, Munitions, and Centenarians: An Okinawan Foray
Recounting a recent trip to Japan's Hawaii and some of the mushrooms encountered along the way.
Recovering from a rather dramatic accident at Sueyoshi Park last week, I'm left to share my tale from the comfort of my bed.
My previous visits to Sueyoshi Park had been nothing short of adventurous. There was an incident involving an unexploded grenade I found nestled in the undergrowth. A photo op and a hasty retreat later, the chilling encounter etched an eerie vibe into my memory. It was also comical trying to explain to the hotel staff what I'd found that day. I gave the GPS coordinates, and the authorities extracted the grenade. Good deed done for the day!
On another note, the park also boasts its fair share of shrines, a population of snails that surpasses any count I've seen before, and spiders galore that are pretty hard to ignore. And, of course, the cautionary Habu signs - a nocturnal venomous pit viper whose presence adds a dash of trepidation.
After a fresh spell of rain, I returned to the park, only a couple of stops on the monorail.
This time I met other fellow photographers. Our conversations, underscored by gestures and expressions, revolved around the shared enthusiasm of photography, our interest in the wood ear mushrooms, and a fascination for a unique pink kingfisher. One man's Bluetooth speaker echoed bird calls.
After parting ways, I decided to head down a shaded path. The serenity, however, was short-lived. A slippery stone step caught me off-guard, sending me airborne, my back ribs bearing the brunt of the impact. The sharp, sudden pain was blinding. I tasted blood, and I couldn't move.
My bird-photographer friend rushed down to my aid. His understanding and immediate response to my agony resulted in me getting to the hospital, an act of kindness I'll always remember.
A quick check-in at the ER, a couple of tense hours, and a much-awaited X-ray later, I was relieved to find no broken bones. With a hospital card bearing my name in Kanji, a prescription for painkillers, and while still reeling from the shock, I couldn't help but rate my unexpected ER experience 5 stars.
A couple of days go by, and I'm still in pain. Watching a centenarian effortlessly reach for an item on a supermarket shelf reminds me of my current limitations. But amazed at how the older folk get around.
A Glimpse into the Mushroom Varieties of Okinawa
If you ever find yourself in Japan, you'll be amazed by the variety of mushrooms, or "kinoko," as they say. My mind wanders to edible mushrooms, a notable contributor to the overall health and longevity of the Okinawan populace. In particular, two beloved local varieties: the shiitake and the matsutake.
Shiitake mushrooms, native to East Asia and integral to Okinawa's diet, offer various health benefits. Known for their rich flavor and meaty texture, they enhance many dishes. They're a nutrient powerhouse, rich in fiber, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, with a unique compound, lentinan, which may boost immunity and fight cancer. Additionally, these mushrooms are known to promote heart health by reducing cholesterol.
The Matsutake mushrooms, on the other hand, are often referred to as the "truffles of Japan."
They are rare and cherished, their spicy, fruity aroma lending an exotic touch to various dishes. While their unique taste contributes to their appeal, matsutake mushrooms also bring a wealth of health benefits to the table.
In Okinawa, mushrooms are not just food; they are deeply woven into the local culture and traditional medicine. Consuming shiitake and matsutake mushrooms regularly could be one of the factors behind Okinawa's reputation as a "Blue Zone" - regions of the world where people live longer, healthier lives. Okinawans seem to have unlocked a secret to maintaining good health and longevity.
Despite my recent accident at Sueyoshi Park, I remain hopeful about my recovery. And inspired by health-conscious locals, I plan to incorporate their wisdom into my own diet too.