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Unique Japanese Christmas Treat: KFC Chicken!

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One of the holiday season hallmarks, especially during Christmas Eve, is a sumptuous feast joined by family members. This tradition is celebrated across the globe, including Japan. Let us take a look at how the Japanese celebrate their Christmas Eve.

Unique Christmas Meal

Colonel Sanders seems to be making a buzz this year with his controversial movie and his famous Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe as a Japanese Christmas treat! Yes, you heard that right! KFC for Christmas? It is one of the unique traditions in Japan that makes for a beautiful Christmas.

The Origins: KFC as a Japanese Christmas Treat

Buying KFC chicken as part of the Japanese Christmas Eve menu is very typical according to some local Japanese folks, including Naomi, who have waited in line practically the whole afternoon to purchase a KFC party barrel which is comprised of heaps of KFC chicken, coleslaw, mashed potato, and even a Christmas cake! According to Naomi, this is a tradition she took up even from her parents, who had the same habit of buying the KFC Party Barrel for Christmas Ever. Apparently, Naomi is one of the many local Japanese folks who partake in this unique Christmas tradition.

Happy Holidays from Colonel Sanders

So how exactly did KFC become a popular tradition in Japan? This dates back to the 1950s after World War II, where Japan was slowly bouncing back from its economic setbacks from the war. According to a history expert, Japan was in a place where their economic power was slowly building up, and they were able to indulge in consumer culture. Because of the Western influence, the US was something that Japan adhered to and looked up to – and it was also during this time that western restaurants started setting up franchises on Japanese soil. The likes of Mister Donut, Pancake House, and Baskin-Robbins began to establish their western roots in the Asian country, and KFC was no exception. KFC first launched its restaurant in Nagoya, Japan, back in 1970. Ten years later, KFC expanded to over 300 stores across the country and made over $200 million per year.

During the early 1970s, Japan did not have an established Christmas tradition as less than 1% of the Japanese population identified themselves as Christians. KFC saw this as a huge gap and a marketing strategy. It launched its “Kentucky for Christmas” campaign, which markets a KFC meal during the holiday season as a way for families to bond together over good food. They have also launched the party barrel, which was a perfect Christmas feast for the Japanese families.

However, there are conflicting stories on how KFC became a Christmas tradition. One perspective mentioned that KFC falsely advertised that KFC was the usual holiday meal in the United States to boost its sales. Another story noted that a foreigner visiting Japan requested KFC to deliver their world-famous chicken using a Santa suit. Others said that the chicken was a replacement for turkey for the western celebration of thanksgiving.

No matter the origins of how KFC became a favorite Christmas eve meal, it seemed to have worked because sales are up to during the holiday season. KFC raised $63 million from December 20 to 25 in 2018 alone! People also started to get in line beginning December 23 to taste the yummy KFC chicken with 11 secret herbs and spices.

Destinations

Touring Nashville!

  

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Nashville is one of the most underrated cities in America. And you don’t have to be a lover or even a casual fan of country music to enjoy this great city. So if you’re looking for a simple and fun vacation in an American city you’ve probably never been to before, look no further than Nashville. And when you do get there, be sure to check out all these awesome activities!

THE FOOD… EAT THE FOOD

You could absolutely hate music (which is truly insane) and still love Nashville. Why? Because they have some absolutely amazing food there! And who doesn’t love delicious food? They have just about anything and everything too. They’re most famous for their Nashville hot chicken, but if that’s not your culinary bag there’s something for everyone, from tapas to Italian to plenty of great Mexican and Tex-Mex food.

STOP BY JACK WHITE’S RECORDING STUDIO

Jack White, famously of The White Stripes, started his own record company in 2001 called Third Man Records. But it’s so much more than just your average recording studio. They all have a record store and an actual concert venue in the building! So it’s a great place to take in all the great music Nashville has to offer. And don’t you dare think that’s specific to country music. There is so much other great music being played and created in Nashville. It really is the hub of American music.

GET YOUR DRINK ON

Naturally, a city with a great music scene will also have a great drinking scene. And while you should always drink responsibly and safely, Nashville is a great city to drink as much as you can. Obviously, they have countless places making and service top-notch bourbon and whiskey. But there’s also plenty of amazing breweries. Some of the best include Jackalope Brewing Company, Black Abbey, and if beer’s not your thing, swing by Diskin Cider.

CHECK OUT HATCH SHOW PRINT

Hatch Show Print is a Nashville institution. You can’t walk a block in Nashville without catching a few promotional posters that were made at this print shop that’s been in business since 1879. Even in recent years as more digital and advanced techniques have crept up, Hatch Show has stuck by their traditional letterpress technique and the community has loved them for it. Today, visitors can take tours of the factory and pick up a beautiful poster of their own. Because wall art doesn’t get much better than obscure concert promotions!

MAKE YOUR OWN CANDLES AT THE CANDLE BAR

At this point, if you don’t like great music, don’t care much about food, and aren’t a drinker, I guess I just don’t understand you at all. But! There are still other great activities for you to enjoy in Nashville. And making your own scented candles at The Candle Bar is most certainly one of them. Candle making may not sound all that exciting, but just ask anyone that’s ever checked it out and they’ll tell you it’s definitely worth it. Did I mention you get to pick your own scent?!


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All-Inclusive Resorts Outside The Caribbean!

  

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When you think of all-inclusive resorts you automatically think of the Caribbean and Mexico, which makes sense. Most of the all-inclusive resorts are centrally populated in the Caribbean and Mexico, but there are some other regions that offer excellent resort experiences in less than ordinary places.

All-inclusive resorts are great if you want to stay on a budget, be completely pampered and have a low-stress vacation. Why not veer off the beaten path and try one of these less than ordinary resort locations and expand your vacation portfolio.

 

Morocco

When you think of Morocco, you don’t necessarily think of all-inclusive resorts but this area is a hotbed for these luxury resorts.   Check out the incredible deals offered up at resorts in Marrakech and Agadir, some featuring fun activities like water parks. Many of these resorts don’t offer alcohol since they are located in an Islamic country.   You can have plenty of fun without booze, so give the magical country of Morocco a chance.

 

Arizona

Arizona is the destination of dude ranches and wellness retreats, so find your happiness in the desert. Surrounded by sand is the norm for all-inclusive resorts but most of these have an ocean with the sand, not Arizona. The desert makes an incredible backdrop for some of the world’s best dude ranch experiences. Come to Arizona dude ranches to ride horses, hike and enjoy nature while relaxing on a ranch.

Arizona is also famous for its wide variety of wellness resorts that range from spas to yoga retreats. Let your mind and body enjoy a vacation while you spend a week on a wellness retreat.

 

Brazil

Brazil has enough coastline for all the world’s resorts but they keep there’s more spread out. These resorts are very similar to the ones you would find in the Caribbean but these are often more remote. The average guests at these resorts are Brazilian families as it’s harder for foreigners to reach remote locations. Check out the Northeastern region of Bahia for the most spectacular resorts.

 

Tennessee

When you think of luxury all-inclusive resorts, that last place you think of is Tennessee, but this landlocked state has one of the world’s top resorts, the Blackberry Farm. The 4,000-plus acre farm is the ultimate luxurious resort where all the meals are cooked using ingredients from the far and are masterfully prepared by the top shelf chefs. Enjoy horseback riding and hiking in the glorious backwoods of rural Tennessee. Who knew that Tennessee had such class?

 

Texas

Much like Arizona, Texas has plenty of dude ranches and wellness retreats, but they also have some fun ones on the coast. These resorts tend to shy away from the all-you-can-drink party vibes and lend themselves to the tranquil, relaxing vibes instead. You may not find unlimited booze here but you will find peace and quiet, which are often harder to obtain than adult beverages.

 

Explore your world and find where you are happiest, and revisit that place as often as possible. Everyone has his or her own idea of a perfect vacation, just make yours a reality.


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Destinations

Where To Stay In Paris

  

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Paris is known as the most romantic city in the world. But Paris is also a very large city, so if you bought the plane tickets then you may still be wondering where you should stay. The Eiffel Tower is not a hotel, so you probably need to do some more research to learn where you should stay in this beautiful city.

We talked to our colleagues and, of course, if you’re a traveler like we are then you should know this beautiful city. This is one city that is quickly crossed off any European traveler’s list. We have visited Paris countless times and so we know the best neighborhoods for you to stay in to make the most of your amazing Paris vacation.

MONTMARTRE 

Montmartre is one of the most special neighborhoods Paris has to offer. Tons of tourists flock here daily, but thankfully they have had no effect on the wonderful charm this neighborhood has to offer. Montmartre is hilly and the locals love this place of residence.

You will be charmed by the beautiful streets, shops, and restaurants around here and you can learn about the amazing history Montmartre has in the art world. Staying in Montmartre is a great way to fall in love with beautiful Paris.

SOUTH PIGALLE

Paris has a wild nightlife and South Pigalle is a neighborhood that proves it. You will find tons of trendy bars and it seems like new ones are added each and every day. But there aren’t just bars here, there are also plenty of wonderful restaurants too.

French food is some of the best food on the planet and you can happily pig out at the many delectable dining options that South Pigalle has to offer. If you are tired of eating heavy foods and need something fresh to clean your system then head to the organic market that takes place every Friday at Place Anvers.

BELLEVILLE-MENILMONTANT

Belleville-Menilmontant is home to a bunch of hip new art galleries. Check this place out if you want to see the emerging art scene that Paris has to offer. There are a lot of bars too because artists love to drink, so don’t worry, you can still get a taste of Paris’s thriving nightlife as well.

This is a great neighborhood if you want to experience just how multicultural Paris really is. You can find Brazilian food, Sicilian food, and even Rwandan food in this wonderful neighborhood.

OBERKAMPF

Oberkampf is right next to Menilmontant and is where West-African food reigns supreme. Once you’re done eating some tasty treats, then you can go check out some live music at the many live music venues around here. Then hop into a cocktail bar and drink some delicious cocktails and then get some more late night eats.

This is one more neighborhood in Paris that has tons of bars and clubs, they seem to flood every neighborhood all over Paris, which is a good thing. But partying shouldn’t be your top priority in Paris, eating should.


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