Unexpected flavor

After living here for more than 20 months, I sometimes think I know how to get around and get things that I want.  But then something happens that reminds me that things are never as easy as they appear.  It can be a huge hassle, like getting lost in a train station (Shinjuku Station is REALLY big and confusing). 

Of course, it can also be a small thing as well.  The other day I stopped by a new coffee shop.  I don't drink coffee.  I haven't for years.  But I do drink tea, chai, and other concoctions depending on the whims of the day.  When I looked at the menu, I saw a matcha latte that sounded delicious.  Matcha is a high grade green tea that has been ground into a fine powder.  Typically it is whisked with hot water to make tea.  Many people choose to mix it with hot milk and call it a latte.  This is what I was expecting.

I got my drink to go and walked out of the shop.  My son and I headed to a park where I could drink it as he played.  As soon as he was off and climbing, I grabbed my drink and took a swig.  I stopped and slowly swallowed.  I looked at the cup as it dawned on me that I had just purchased matcha mixed with coffee. 

It wasn't the worst drink I've ever tried.  But, it definitely was not what I was expecting.

The experience was like so many others I've had in Japan.  I walk in thinking I know what to expect and what I get is just not quite what I thought.  I can't let it get me down.  Instead I mark it down as an "interesting experience" and continue on my merry way.