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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

Admiring California’s Super Bloom!

On average, California is gifted with a “Super Bloom” once every 10 years. Miraculously, this 2019 super bloom is the second within the last three years!

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If you’re unaware, a super bloom is not some sort of apocalypse-type-flowering event. Rather, it’s the name of the phenomenon in which there is an outbreak of flowers that greatly exceeds the norm. The only chaos you’re bound to find during this naturally-occurring affair is the thousands of other locals, tourists, and travelers seeking out this nearly once-in-a-decade experience. 

Colors Of The Rainbow

However, that nearly “once-in-a-decade” experience is changing. The last super bloom in Southern California took place in early 2017. Californians only had to wait a mere two years for the mesmerizing bloom to take place again. This year, an abundance of early spring rain and mountain snow have allowed these valleys to show their true colors. The cooler temperatures are also allowing the bloom to last longer than usual. Nonetheless, photographers and Instagrammers alike are capturing fields of desert dandelions, pink sand verbena, purple lupine, and vibrantly energetic poppies. 

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How Far Do I Have To Go?

Those located in California or travel near its borders don’t need to go far to enjoy the state-wide beauty. Traces and patches of the super bloom are visible from areas north of San Francisco all the way down to San Diego – over a 500-mile stretch. We recommend you do all your own research if you plan on making the trip of one the various parks and locations to enjoy the lovely flower but we wanted to include to give you a head start in research. If you’re near Southern California, we suggest you look into Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Desert Lily Sanctuary, Mojave Trails National Monument, & Diamond Valley Lake. 

BORREGO SPRINGS, CALIF. - MAR. 13, 2019. Wildflowers bloom near the Mile 31 marker of Highway S-22 i

 

Tips To Make Every Trip Worthwhile

Additionally, we’re providing a few tips to make each planned adventure as organized and fulfilling as possible.

  • Before you bother driving or hiking to these locations, consult with the Theodore Payne Wildflower Hotline. The bloom report is released every Friday.
  • If possible, visit during midweek to avoid traffic congestion on weekends.
  • As parking is not a given at any of these locations, be sure to pack the essentials: water, snacks, sunscreen, hats, and hiking boots.
  • Cellphone coverage may be questionable. Always bring a physical map if you plan to separate yourself from your vehicle. 
  • Many state parks, dogs are simply not allowed on trails & in wildflower fields. You are welcome to walk them in campgrounds and on designated roads. Leashes are a must. 

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Destinations

Check Out The Next Generation Of Theme Parks

From Disney’s new Star Wars Land to Universal Studios Beijing, there is something for everyone in these fantasylands.

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The world of theme parks is about to get really exciting in the next few years. A whole slew of awesome new parks are slated to open soon and each one has something exciting. From Disney’s new Star Wars Land to Universal Studios Beijing, there is something for everyone in these fantasylands. Let’s check out the newest crop of theme parks and see why you should be so excited.

 

Pandora – Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney is set to unveil their latest creation, Pandora; the World of Avatar is an expansion to their Animal Kingdom in Florida. This groundbreaking theme park puts visitors into the world of Avatar and sets them on the planet of Pandora. James Cameron, the director who brought us Avatar has been deeply involved in the planning and execution of the new park. Expect lush forests of bioluminescent creatures and out of this world technology.

 

Disney’s Star Wars Land

Disney is doing it again but this time in both Florida and California, wherein 2019 it will debut the Star Wars land. Disney purchased the Star Wars rights in 2009 for a record 4 billion dollars and has been steadily exploiting the franchise. From the concept drawings, you can tell it’s going to be massive in scale and should fully immerse fans in the Star Wars universe. I know people will start lining up for these parks early so be prepared to wait a little bit.

 

Paramount Park, London

The long-anticipated London theme park has gone through some setbacks but it seems on track for a 2022 opening. Expect rides from Paramount icons like Star Trek, Indiana Jones, and Iron Man. This 3 billion dollar theme park better live up its enormous hype or there will be some salty Brits.

 

Universal Studios Beijing

Disney recently opened up in Shanghai so of course, their bitter rival Universal Studios had to open a park in the region. So enter Universal Studios Beijing, the mega-park set to open in 2020. There are plenty of fun parks in China but none are expected to be as grand as Universal Studios Beijing. They are attempting to build a park with heart and soul, so expect something huge and grandiose.

 

Warner Bros. World, Abu Dhabi

Expected to rely heavily on the brands biggest stars, Looney Tunes, and DC Comics. The completely indoor theme park will open in 2018 and is expected to dominate the landscape of Abu Dhabi. The UAE (United Arab Emirates) is a little overloaded with theme parks as of recent but this one is expected to be massive.

 

Wanda Theme Parks

China’s richest man owns Wanda Theme Parks and his goal is to make his theme park company bigger than all others. There are ten mega-theme parks expected to open in the next 5 years in China and that sounds crazy. These theme parks will put all other Chinese parks to shame as they are investing in Hollywood franchises and other huge budget trademarks.

 

Expect huge things from these mega parks in the next few years as the technology and budgets just keep growing and getting bigger.


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Destinations

Float Up To These Top US Swim Up Bars

Spend your vacation wet from the waist down and full of booze from the bar up.

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What’s more Spring Break than drinking a stiff cocktail while floating in a swimming pool? I can’t think of anything, so why throw on your swim trunks and saddle up to the best swim up bars in the U.S. with help from us at Jetlaggin. We found the top swim up bars around the nation and wanted to tell you why they’re so awesome. Spend your vacation wet from the waist down and full of booze from the bar up.

REHAB BEACH – HARD ROCK VEGAS

Do I even need to continue with this list after we talk about the ultimate pool party? Forget a swim-up bar, this is a full-on swim up a nightclub in the middle of the day. The pool party at the Hard Rock casino in Las Vegas is so awesome I’ve stayed in on a Saturday Night in Vegas because I wanted to really enjoy Rehab. In the summer they throw this ultimate pool party every Thursday to Monday, so tie your suit tight and get ready for the time of your life.

SERENITY POOL – FOUR SEASONS MAUI

Quite the opposite experience from Rehab, Serenity Pool at the Four Seasons in Maui is a classy and sophisticated swim-up bar for the vacationer who wants some peace and quiet with their Pina Colada. Lucky for you, there are three different swim-up bars in three completely different pools at the Four Seasons, so if you want to party, just head over to the Adult’s Only pool.

MUD HUT SWIM-UP BAR – KALAHARI WISCONSIN DELLS

Maybe you can’t make it to the coasts, fear not my friend, and check out the Mud Hut bar in the Kalahari resorts at the wonderful Wisconsin Dells. Imagine a swim-up bar and insane water slides mixed together, yes, it is heaven. This place has it all and it’s half indoors so even when the weather is bad, you can enjoy a stiff cocktail then head down a badass waterslide. Checkmate, sorry Maui, you lose to Wisconsin again.

HOTEL BLUE – MYRTLE BEACH

Myrtle Beach is what happens when NASCAR heads to the beach so expect plenty of cutoff jeans shorts, Lynyrd Skynyrd T-Shirts, and Budweiser being slung at this hotel pool bar, but it’s a great time. These country folk knows how to get down and if the adults only pool is a rocking please do come a-knocking, you won’t regret it.

AMA BAR – THE FAIRMONT KEA LANI MAUI

This is the fancy swim up bar we all have fantasized about but never really thought was possible. This hotel is a real fancy joint so expect an upper-class type of clientele so no beer bongs dudes.

DIP AQUA BAR – NEW YORK

New York City’s only swim-up bar is obviously a hot spot, there’s only one. The Room Mate Grace in Times Square has an indoor pool that is open 24/7 but the bar is only open from 10 am to 8 pm. They host a very popular gay night on Wednesday and there is a cover charge every day of the week.


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