Up to that Big Ramen Bowl in the Sky

Sure to be topping every blog about Japan - Momofuku Ando passed away a few days ago at the venerable old age of 96. His secret to longevity? Golf and a steady diet of Chikin Ramen. Inventor of the internationally ubiquitous Cup Noodles, he most recently invented Space Ram - that's right, anti-grav ramen. While living in Japan, I developed a deep appreciation for the obsessive lengths that many Japanese will go to find the perfect bowl of ramen. It seems like most people not only have their favorite kind of ramen, but their favorite hole-in-the-wall as well. There are a few websites that are dedicated to reviewing various ramen joints; this one in So. CA, this one in Japanese, and the World Ramen Database. World Ramen Database also has instructions for people interested in starting a ramen restaurant (will someone in Missoula please do this!). The Ramen Road Scholar has made it his life goal to eat as many different kinds of authentic ramen all over Asia. If you are planning a trip to Tokyo, hop on a train and check out the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, complete with a 50's era "working-class-neighborhood" theme park. This Japanese man has paired his love of ramen with his incredible geekiness. One of my all-time favorite movies is about ramen. And lastly, you can add to your ever-so-cool vest of flair by purchasing this ramen lapel pin.

And to think I used to live next to this place.

My favorite named theme park is in Gifu Prefecture, and is located about 20 minutes drive from where I used to live. It's called The Site of Reversible Destiny in Yoro Park. Much to my chagrin, I never actually went here because I was afraid of changing my destiny. Things were going ok (although perhaps some of my friends will tell you otherwise) and were very interesting, but it looks like I really missed out. The park's focus is an experience of the unexpected that will "give you many opportunities to rethink your physical and spiritual orientation to the world." Other features include the Critical Resemblance House and Trajectory Membrane Gate. There are some interesting photos of it on Flickr as well