エッセイ

Notes:
mud pie 泥まんじゅう;
whipped cream 泡立てクリーム;
clam chowder ハマグリ入りのチャウダー

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Nagoya is known for its chicken and miso dishes. Kyoto is known for its tofu. In Japan, each region has its own special food. What about in the U.S.? Each state is known for something, too. Alabama is known for fried green tomatoes. Illinois is known for Chicago-style pizza. Maine has fresh lobster. If you like chocolate, Mississippi has great mud pie (chocolate pie with whipped cream). Nebraska is one of the best places to eat steak. Virginia is the home of ham, and Wisconsin is known for its cheese. Boston, Massachusetts, is known for its clam chowder. Wherever you go, there is something good to eat. (by Prof. Douglas Jarrell)
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Notes:
mystery 神秘的な;
twinkle ぴかぴか[きらきら]光る;

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Early in November last year, I visited Tsumago in Nagano Prefecture. During the Edo period, it was a post town on a highway going from Edo to Kyoto. Historic buildings have been preserved, and there are no convenience stores, light poles, or traffic signals. All the shops close at 5 o’clock. During the dark night, the streets are only illuminated with paper-covered lamps, so the stars twinkle clearly in the sky. I felt as if I had been transported through time to the Edo period. It was like a mystery world. (written by a reader, edited by Prof. Douglas Jarrell)
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