December 2022
I saw Bryce this week. We pulled into the carpark at the supermarket and walking out the doors towards us was Bryce. Same stature. Same man-bun. Same skin. Same eyes. Same age. Apart from the face mask (or maybe because of it!) he looked just like Bryce. I tried not to stare. And suddenly there was a tightening in my chest and my heart ached and I felt a twang of homesickness. It felt so unusual, the kids and I have settled really well into Japan and the life here, but in this moment, I instantly missed my home, and I missed my people. Memories came flooding in of Australia. I sat and let myself feel. Despite the last few years leaving a sour taste in our mouth, we sure did have some good times, and good friends, in Australia.
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I tipped the shopping bag upside-down, emptying the contents. Then, playing Tetris, I selected the items one by one, packing the rice crackers, chocolates and other light-weight goodies into the box. I knew this is going to cost a lot to post, so I bought nearly everything from Daiso (the “$1” shop). I was willing to spend the money on postage. The box was going to my family extended in Australia. We celebrate Christmas bi-annually and our family in Japan was going to be missing the event this year. I wanted to send a little bit of Japan over to them. I scribbled a note on a Christmas card for everyone and popped it on top.
Going onto the Japan Post website, I put in all the appropriate details of the parcel; the to and from addresses and the details of the contents. A QR was sent to my email.
With kids in tow, we went down to the Post Office where I scanned the QR code. A second later the printer spat out the labels. The kids were impressed. I carried them over to the counter, allowing the clerk to fix them to the box for me (I’d hate to get it wrong!).
She started reading the label.
“Cho-co-la-te?”
I opened up the parcel and showed her the “Pocky” chocolate.
And so the drama began…. You can’t send chocolate to Australia. I wanted to argue. I know you can’t send eggs or meat products, nuts or honey. But chocolate? The dairy was cooked, surely it wouldn’t be a problem?? I was willing to risk it, so confident that Customs wouldn’t take it out. Missy was hugely concerned.
“What do they do with the Pocky if they take it out?” she asked me.
“They probably throw it in the bin,” I responded.
“Throw it out?” she squeaked. As though she was speaking up for a stray cat that didn’t have a home, having the utmost pity and compassion, she stood up for the Pocky.
“Mummy! Please don’t send the Pocky! I don’t want it thrown in the bin!” her voice was getting higher in tone with each word. “That would be such a waste!” she was near moaning.
“Oh fine, we’ll take it out.”
Relief washed over her body and she just about hugged the two boxes of chocolates as I passed them to her.
The clerk grabbed a pen and put a line through “chocolate”.
Satisfied with everything else, the labels went on the box, tape sealed it and on the scales it went. I was ready for the bad news. ¥5,200 (about $60). I handed over the money and mentally justified my actions. It was for my family. It was Christmas. If we were in Australia, we’d be spending more then that on Christmas presents anyway.
The next day I was hit with the sudden thought: oh no! I included the Cheese Almond rice crackers!!!!!!!! Why didn’t I think to take those out??? Now I started moaning, my favourite rice crackers might end up in the bin at Customs and I could hardly bear the thought!
The parcel arrived early to Australia. I couldn’t believe it only took a week, even at this time of year! AusPost must be finally upping its game! The box was still sealed. Much to my huge relief, Customs hadn’t opened it. I could now rest at ease. My family wouldn’t receive a half-empty box. They would get to enjoy all the goodies.
A few days later the thought dawned on me… why didn’t I just buy some Japanese snacks from Ichiba Junction, the online Japanese grocery store in Sydney, and have it delivered to my parents?? I could have saved an arm and a leg in shipping, and spent that on more Cheese Almond rice crackers! And I could have sent some Pocky too!!!!!!!!
For anyone in Australia wanting to enjoy Japanese goodies, check out Ichiba Junction!
Almond Cheese rice crackers can be found here
Pocky chocolate can be found here
If you want any other Japanese food suggestions let me know!
(NB: I have no personal affiliation with Ichiba Junction, I won’t be receiving any kickbacks for mentioning them. We just liked shopping there when we were in Australia.)