1. Japan’s Natto and Rice If you’ve never heard of natto, it’s a sticky, fermented soybean dish that’s beloved in Japan—and a bit shocking to the uninitiated. With its strong smell, slimy texture, and stringy appearance, it’s safe to say […]
1. Japan’s Family Bath Time In Japan, it’s perfectly normal for family members to bathe together, especially in traditional households. This isn’t a hurried rinse either—it’s a time to unwind in a hot tub after getting fully clean outside of
1. The Kingdom of Ebla Tucked away in what is now modern-day Syria, the Kingdom of Ebla thrived over 4,000 years ago, long before many of its neighbors. For centuries, it was a major trading hub, with its own written
1. Japanese Kimonos at Backyard Barbecues There was a time when our moms would proudly float into the backyard in a silky, floral kimono—usually from a department store clearance rack—and it made them feel worldly. They weren’t heading to a
1. Jell-O Salad at Every Occasion There was something oddly festive about a wobbly, pastel-hued mold sitting in the center of the table, full of suspended fruit, nuts, or—brace yourself—shredded carrots. American grandparents didn’t just serve Jell-O salad; they prized
1. Lawn Darts If you grew up in the ’70s or ’80s, chances are you or someone you knew had a set of lawn darts. These heavy, metal-tipped darts were thrown into the air and aimed at circular targets on
1. Grits If you didn’t grow up in the South, you probably stared at your plate the first time you saw grits and thought, “Is this supposed to be breakfast?” Locals, however, know that a warm bowl of buttery, cheesy
