Noren Swing

A massive wave of hot, garlicky miso steam blasted right out beneath the dark blue curtain of a tiny alley ramen shop! Without a single second of hesitation, I launched myself off the rough granite doorstep and clamped both hands onto the thick hem of the split noren curtain. I kicked my legs upward, locked my bare ankles over the heavy canvas fold, and swung upside down right in the middle of the billowing vapor! The draft from inside rocked the curtain back and forth like a wild hammock, washing over me with the mouth-watering scent of simmering pork broth and toasted sesame. Hanging midair in a personal cloud of soup was absolute paradise!