The Joy Of Omiyagi

I'm usually not the type to shop souvenirs for friends and family back home (omiyagi) during my travels. I tend to think that those little trinkets would just be tossed aside without a second glance. For all the time and money involved (not to mention precious real estate in my luggages), I may as well spend them on dining and perhaps more gifts for mysef.

However, a recent incident reminded me the true meaning of giving and receiving omiyagi. A couple of weeks ago, AL went to Las Vegas for a business trip. Before he left, I jokingly asked him to bring me back some chocolate from Jean Philippe Maury Patisserie located inside Bellagio. A member at eGullet was working at the patisserie when it opened. His pictures and description of the shop left a deep impression. There is of course the very impressive chocolate fountain. I mean, even if I don't get to go, I hoped that AL would take the opportunity to visit the shop because it looked so fabulous. I knew that his schedule was packed so I didn't really expect anything to come out of that conversation.

A few days ago, while I dropped off my snowboard at AL's place, he gave me a bag of multi-colour handmade marshmallows and a madeleine from Jean Philippe. They were very tasty but more importantly, I realized that it feels great to receive an omiyagi! It's not about what the gift is...it's about the fact that you're thinking about your friends and family back home and take the effort to bring back a tiny piece of your travel for them to enjoy. Those marshmallows really made my day.

At times, etiquette can seem like such a drag but deep down, perhaps there is some wisdom to these age-old customs!