unsurprising 4 pillars interpretation

 First, I found it fascinating to even get it. And I was suprised there were so many water. Two elements are obvious (fire, water) and I am not sure where earth, air and metal comes into play among the othr characters. Nevertheless, a free reading gave the following:

Personality and Character

An optimist with a caring attitude, you are born to be able to think clearly and have good intuition. You are a clever person and can work very hard at complicated and difficult jobs. As a charitable and sympathetic person you always feel pity for the sorrow and pains of others and are willing to help in any practical way. You are not only caring and loving but also generous with your time and are truly good-hearted. As an eccentric and slightly outrageous person you also have a temptation to lie, become lazy and play truant.
You are a gifted person who can accomplish a great deal if properly motivated. You are also good at know-how to manage, handle and use others through your diplomatic talent. You are fast in reacting to situations, catching opportunities and can see what people want from you.

Romance and Compatibilities

You control your emotion with cold and logical reason. Feelings or emotion do not take precedence as you are basically a thinker. You can only get involved in one affair at a time but can be flirtatious. The best way to tie you down as any aspiring mate or lover is to keep him/herself in mystery and not divulge their personal lives. You hate to be tied down, account for the time spent away and to be questioned on your movements by your mate or lover. Gemini, Libra and Sagittarius born in Ox/Rooster years can settle down with you.
You are open and explicitly sexual with men. You like to teach and train your men as lovers and so you often choose younger men as your lovers.

Profession

You are a person with a philosophical and imaginative mind and are curious about everything artistic and manual. Preferring to be part of the enterprise rather than its head, you like to manipulate others. You enjoy working alone at your own pace. Suitable jobs are social worker, lawyer, political activist, travel agent or counselor.
You will achieve much success in the financial field like mortgages, financial futures, stock broking and money market. You are capable in planning, building, developing and operating a business enterprise. In short, you hope to become a capitalist and you often associate with people in high places.

The importance of being number one..

Being first or being best seems to be the main objective around: best in class, first in course, first on the moon, first to arrive, first class cook, etc...On a slow evening, I wondered what the rest of us humans with no known talent or gift could be doing or aspire to. Is there something, anything, that I can be first or best at? Or is the question a self help tool to gain self confidence?

To answer it myself, as expected, is to compare myself to others, for sure. Strangely, being umber one can be assumed as well, which led to differen feelings when it was discovered it wasn't true. Not so much a sense of self importance, but a general assumption when I was young, and the world revolved aroun me (at least that was my idea).

I got a shock when I got the second best grade in Maths. Being stunned and unable to believe the world, nor the teacher. Strangely years later, when I was among the last in class, I didn't feel the same surprise or astonishment, but rather a sense of resignation and amazement at the size of the unknown before me. It felt like I didn't know the world anymore, and that I just needed to find the leading thread among the millions of possibility so that I could make sense of it. Funnily enough, I enjoyed being second and still yearn to be second in many things unindentified, because the spotlights and pressures are less of a constraints.

Being third also came as a suprise, by being rewarded at a pumpkin carving contest. It was indeed the most enjoyable experience because nothing was expected. And it is probably true that bronze medallists are happier than silver medallists in general.

Sadly, I cannot remember being fourth and more. And the majority of us fall in that category, as it is commonly left aside and not rewarded or awarded. I often encounter driven individuals who aim to emerge from that mass of people, to become the best this and that, to survive and make a living. Because indeed, it pays to be recognized.

I do remember being last, on a 8km run, and I wonder if I am recognized...The experience was a character building experience. Sure, there was the outside pressure of finishing the race, but there was also a self that needed to get something accomplished. Maybe in a sense, I discovered that being last was still worth my praise.



It is enough for me to be your number one (so cheesy). Actually, what is important is that I believe I am your number one...

A bit of wine tasting in Lavaux to celebrate

I had wanted to walk in Lavaux all year and finally got some time allocated for it. Originally planned as a training walk for South Korean trip, I did not manage to gather enough people to walk from St Saphorin to Lutry. Instead, A&S and K picked me up and we drove to Chexbres, a small village in Lavaux bordering St Saphorin and Dezaley. I was coming to enjoy some lovely landscape and the weather was just perfectly sunny and pleasant 20-24C to painlessly walk for hours.

It was very impressive to see so many labels of wines in some vineyards. I could not even identify some of them, since I am a novice when it comes to wines. We encountered 2-3 groups of 60 year olds, finishing a visit and a tasting, and some individual walkers as well. The path was so clear and wide and every angle gave a beautiful view: a view of plunging vineyards into the lake, and the Alps across the water; looking back there were more vineyards, small houses and blue sky adorned with fluffy little clouds. Old villages in small islands of concrete and rocks provided the odd ringing bells, and the water was echoing the shouts of the rowing club practicing a race on the lake.

One intriguing sight was that of the many roses blooming beautifully amidst the green vines. A touch of colour (red, orange, pale pink), a faint sweet fragrance in the air, and one could feel at peace. In fact, rose plants are used as early indicator of disease or infection, so they are also tended to meticulously.

As we advanced toward Vevey, which we could see early on, we mainly went downhill. Then we took a sharp right turn and ended up closer to the water, following the signs for Bacchus, a promise of wine tasting. We were getting thirsty, with all the yummy grapes we saw and could not eat. Eventually, we found Bacchus, and lamented about the other cellars that seemed to be already closed for the day, or for the lunch break. We took a seat overlooking the vineyard of the shop owner, and tasted St Saphorin and Dezaley, since we were right in between.

I really liked the St Saphorin, with it's lightness and floral after taste. Maybe I was really thirsty and it was the first wine we tasted. The Dezaley was heavier and had a metallic feel to it. We snacked on tomme cheese and saucisson, and were kicked out at 14:00 since they normally close at 13:00...

So we walked down another 300m, admiring the group taking a dive in the lake across the street, and we arrived at Vinorama, another wine tasting spot where you could taste for free, and watch a lovely video for 10min, narrating a year out of a diary of a local wine maker. This time, we tasted a dessert wine, and just the name itself was poetic enough to make anyone buy it. The dessert wines I saw were called perles d'amour, larmes du soleil, etc...

We could stay for hours gazing at the symphony of light playing on the lake, but we still had to climb back up to the car. We drank the 3 L water I was carrying around, and started to climb the steep stairs we used as shortcuts. I only paused 3 times: to take my breath after panting, then to look back at the view which just took my breath away again. I also realized I did not wear any deodorant that day, so I was trying to keep to the shades. I managed to keep up with them 3 somehow, only lagging 20m behind...My excuse was that I was carrying 3 bottles of wine I bought at Vinorama.

We made it safely tot he car, and cooled down with the wind on the way back, along the shores of the Leman. It was a satisfying day out, and I found a new place to enjoy a poetic walk, calling it fondly my not so distant backyard.

やった〜〜〜

やっぱり　すごくうれい　です。
元気　に　なって、あたらしい　未来　お　みって、希望　お　もって　います。
もっと　勉強　します。

来月　JET の　つもり　働きます。

A week of pain

I didn't really plan it on purpose, but this week was the week of all pains. First there was the cleaning at the dentist, where the drill's contact with some parts of my teeth raised some nonexistent hairs off my legs. The diagnostic was very positive though, as apparently I have clean teeth and even my gums became healthy. It is always satisfying to be told I am doing something right. In any case, I won't be seeing that soft speaking hygienist until in 9 months.

Then this morning I got rid of some unwanted facial hair that surprisingly didn't raise a millimeter during the painful dentist procedure. In a mere 30min, with a thread, a professional kindly pulled the offenders, one by one, painfully protesting to my whole brain. Tears were falling without any sorrow. I knew there was a reason I didn't volunteer for these treatments often!

And finally, the nail fillers this afternoon just finished, after one hour of another professional fiddling with my short nails, filing away the hardened gel, then my own nerves under my poor nails. As usual, the worst part was when I put my hands inside the UV box, and piercing pain shoot through each finger as the gel hardened. Beautiful is made of this stuff...

I am afraid I forced myself onto so many out of body experience to avoid the pain that I may still wandering about, looking for a poem, playing a feel good song....

Or maybe the out of body experience is to look at the result and feel happy all is over...to avoid which reality?

The end of summer at Mont Blanc

The high temperatures of August are becoming memories, and rain and wind are welcoming September. It is on this day that Darja and I are going to Mont Blanc. Yes, as if the landmark were an easy destination next door. I needed a bit of convincing from the other ladies to go, since I am in no shape to go climb some ice walls and walk in neck deep snow...all that in above 3000m altitude.

In fact, it turns out there is a relatively mundane access from Chamonix Mont Blanc. On today's weather, it is very cloudy and rainy, or snowy above 2000m, so we really didn't expect to claim the peak. Nevertheless I woke up at 6am again to go to the airport and wait for the shuttle she booked. After grabbing some breakfast at the arrival terminal, we had to wait for the other passengers. It was a bit strange to wait for a plane to land when you were not expecting anyone.

Instead of leaving at 8:15am, we finally drove off shortly before 10!!! In the van, someone had flown from Washington DC, some from Ohio...I was missing my bed...

We were dropped off in front of the funicular to the Aiguille du Midi at around 11am, and we checked the visibility from the webcams (none), the price and schedule, before wandering in Chamonix to get a feel of things and decide whether or not to go up there. Eventually we took our tickets and hopped on a rather full funicular.

We left the world of colour for a trip towards a thick, fluffy, silent fog, and ended up in a world where white prevails.

There are 2 funiculars to take, and on a clear day, there are many trails worth taking after the first funicular. But we were having a special day and visibility was not optimum and snow made every trail slippery. So we just aimed for the top of the funicular to get to the Aiguille du Midi, appearing in front of a shy white sun.

After taking in the effect of the altitude, and getting frozen by an mini blizzard, it was time to grab lunch. We first settled in the local cafeteria, but soon got ejected since picnic was forbidden. So we ate safran rice, bananas, dried figs, tomatoes, more rice and lots of tea in the funicular waiting room, while watching real brave climbers returning from their forays into the glacier, all dressed in red and wearing killer boots and brandishing spikes...ahem.

For digestion, we first climbed up to the souvenir shop, bought some postcard and settles on the bench outside the toilet to write our memories on the cards. A group of Japanese tourists (hum, I wasn't even surprised) assembled in front of us, after we let or seat to an old couple from Tokyo. We chatted a bit and they were impressed. I was more impressed I was getting more comfortable understanding either Japanese or Korean. It was funny how the tour guide took attendance by calling out everyone's names before setting out. I discovered that each group member had a headset, and the tour guide had a microphone and a radio to describe things instead of yelling out loud her surroundings. Of course, that also meant the members could disperse and wander about freely, to then regroup at her command. It is definitely more discreet that the usual umbrella holding or strange item holding to lead the group.

After we posted our cards, we ventured outside and took more photos of the different landmarks, enjoying the surreal presence of the fog everywhere we looked.

And because there was no visibility, we got to visit the actual construction on top of the Aiguille du Midi for free. There was first a small museum of mountaineering which was showing the different old apparels and tools used to build the funiculars into the rock,  then a short corridor carved into the rock leading to the elevator.  Once outside the elevator, more wind and snow awaited us, as well as the litle sign (unfortunately next to the rubbish bin).

After all the cold, we found a room with huge photos of the mountain chain, like giant postcards mirrorring what was outside the huge bay windows.

We could have stayed longer but it was already past 3pm and we still wanted to walk around Chamonix. So with a last look at the bright snow outside, we set out on our journey downward, across the poetic, magic fog. The trip down to town was as crowded, and we played soundtrack quiz to pass the time while being crushed to pulp in an over-packed metal box hanging from a metal cable over a growing snowy mountain.

Back at healthy breathing altitude, I was horrified to find out more runners were still trickling to the finish line of the ultra trail of Mont Blanc. Those people started running the previous night around 7pm, and were still thriving to get back to this finish line! We walked along the stream, meeting some runners on their way to the finish line, and we applauded them like every viewers. We even cheered for an unknown Japanese runner, only identified as such by the small Japan flag on his backpack. All in all they were all thin, dirty with mud, carrying 2 walking sticks, a backpack and bottle, a surely a dose of mental strength.

We just found a spot to walk on the dirt, and resume our chitchat about the different dramas we had watched.

As evening started to fall in Chamonix, we walked along the shopping street one more time, looking for a cozy coffee shop to rest and wait for our shuttle back. We found this cozy wooden shop in front of the funicular, and chatted about past lives for an hour before hopping into the van again and head back to Geneva airport. A look back provided us with a great view of the Mont Blanc and the Glacier.

A lazy trip to Jungfraujoch

Among the places to see in Switzerland, there is this place called Jungfraujoch that holds the record of being the highest train station in Europe, accessible by public transportation. I was tempted to check what all the fuss was about, and also because the weather was starting to be a little too hot down at the sea level. Switzerland has this advantage of having extensive railways all over its small territory, so for a weekend, there is always a place worth visiting without loosing phone network or 3G access.

First off, I had to get to Interlaken, the starting point of all adventure seeking in the area. It is a hub for hikers, paragliders, or families from the Bern area seeking some rest from playing in the lakes of Thun and Brienz. The train runs so close to the water one is tempted to put a hand out and touch the fresh water on a  hot day.

As I left with my backpack on Saturday, I was packed lightly, with a camel bag for water, a change of knickers, a change of t-shirt, 2 warm sweaters and a ski vest for altitude. I didn't forget a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. However, as I had to change trains in Bern, I realized I forgot a change of pants, and had to wear a pair of leggings only while taking off my hiking shorts for washing (yep, that time...) . I was lucky it was a busy, dark station and I managed to get to Interlaken without dirtying more clothes. I remembered there was a a grocery store in front of the train station, and I grabbed food and the necessary to make my stay comfortable.

After a quick cold shower at the hotel, I played it by ear by checking out the nearest attraction, which was the funicular to Harder Kulm. It was only about 10min ride, but cost 27CHF for a return ticket (I hold a 50% card so that was alright).

Climbing backward, I could see the whole Interlaken and soon the 2 lakes and the snowy mountains in the background. It was thrilling, yet uncomfortable with the heat inside the cabin. At the top though, the view of the 2 lakes, Brienz at the East and Thun on the West of Interlaken was topped byt he view of the creamy snowy mountains that was calling me.

Brienz lake

 

Interlaken

Thun lake

There was a platform hanging on emptiness in front of a cafe restaurant, and all these landscapes and the height would make me breathless. Unfortunately I forgot to get some water with me, and didn't really want to fork out more money, so I took the ride down the funicular towards Brienz lake, to try to catch a boat tour. However, the boat just left and the next one was 2h later. Instead, I explored the Interlaken Ost station and discovered the lockers area to store my things the next days. 

Then I started walking toward Interlaken West station, passing by the main road in town with the Casino, luxurious brand names, dozens of paragliding booths, and the landing green. I returned along the river that was so tempting I almost jumped in to cool down, but I didn't bring a swimming suit. I then sat down to see the paragliders land against a backdrop of blue sky and eternal snow.

After that, it was time to take an early rest. I enjoyed some NHK music program and some Arirang shows before dozing off.

When the alarm went off at 6am, panic followed disorientation, but then I quickly came to my senses, munching on cereal bars and overthinking on what to bring along, the backpack or just the camera bag. In the end, I left everything in the locker at the station, even the precious camel bag, bring only 2 warm jackets and enough money and a bottle of water. 

The train to Lauterbrunnen was empty when leaving Interlaken, but it filled up along the way. By the time we got to Kleine Scheideg, it was packed, and everyone had to change train, which was a rushed affair on the station platform. There were even trains catered specifically for groups of Asian tourists.  While people watching,  I tried to guess what they were saying, depending if they were Koreans, Japanese or Chinese. 

From Kleine Scheideg, the funicular train stopped twice to viewpoints behind thick glass, showing off the sea of glacier.

 

Then 50min from the terrace of Kleine Scheidegg station, we arrived on top, around 10am. The battle for viewpoints and discretion started there, as I was trying not to be squashed between groups. The place was very organized in a sense that all the things that can be done at that altitude were clearly signaled and labeled. It was very accessible as well, with lifts and escalators and restrooms. So one only had to follow the flow of people or the signs. It was family friendly, with snow fun park outside (zip lines, snow boards, skiing, luge) and group friendly (group restaurants, huge viewing platforms). Individual tourists like me had to just work on timing to have a picture taken without a group looming in the background. But it was feasible and I spoke to a lot of Japanese people.

 The main attraction for me was the Sphinx, the highest science research observatory in Europe. It was the scene of the main viewing platform, and also still had areas prohibited to the public, although only a weather research centre seemed to remain.

Another cute attraction was the Ice Palace, which was a gallery tunnel of carved in the ice, with sculpted ice illustrating various local elements (although I don't think they had penguins up there!)

Finally, there was an access to the outside of that crowded place, and there were even adventurous hikers climbing slowly to the top of the Eiger. personally I was interested in crossing the Aletsch glacier, but that would be another trip.

 

Altitude and fresh air digging in my stomach, I sat down for lunch at one of the 2 restaurant (one is a self service Indian restaurant) and ordered the commemorative menu. However, being inside, the lack of air started to manifest and my body suddenly was feeling suffocated and dizzy. I struggle with the soup, took off many clothes, and finally finished the 3 course lunch. I was struggling to stay conscious and went outside for air again before queueing for the train to go back.

The trip down could have been the opportunity to explore the area between stations by foot, but the amount of crowd was discouraging. I could not risk to take the later trains, knowing that more climbers would have the same idea. I was already standing in the packed train for the most part of the journey back, even through the detour of Grindelwald. In that sense, i could not explore the beautiful area and lakes around Grindelwald.

I was dripping sweat in my jacket, in a packed train, in the sun at 25C and I was out of water. The camel bag was promptly emptied. I washed off what I could in Interlaken station, and hopped in the Intercity air conditionned train back to Bern. The train was pleasantly empty, but again filled up along Spietz and Thun as people were going home from their playful weekend on the lake or in the mountains.

The area deserves a revisit, as there are so many things to do. Only 3h from Geneva by train, it is very pleasant and colourful in the summer. Until next time then..

My longest dream in Japanese

Every so often, if I watched several episodes of a jdrama or jmovie, I had a dream where I would speak or here some Japanese expressions or words. Last night however, maybe because I finished a marathon of Hungry and started Legal High, my dream had a full episode in Japanese.

I was staying at a guesthouse, a typical Japanese pension, and preparing for a hike. D. was in my dream  which was a surprise since I've only known her for 2 weeks, and we ended up looking for direction on a map in English. As usual though, we were having a discussion in Japanese, and somehow, like any dream, the setting in my recollection changed.

We were attending class suddenly and the teacher was explaining some situation: a list of events on a timeline based on a paragraph. Then D. interrupted and asked a question about one of the event that got misplaced on the timeline, and I agreed with her. But the teacher ignored her and proceeded with her monologue. So I myself interrupted and naturally formed a correct grammatical sentence, asking a question and insisting the teacher answer and explain.

その ことば まだ って が あります から でんしゃ きません
でしょう
"sono kotoba 'mada' tte arimasu kara, densha kimasen deshou!"
translated into "that word 'not yet' is there so the train has not come, has it?

I insisted and insisted, drawing out more exemple of the usage of まだ...
Then the alarm went off and I went まじで (seriously...)

The brain is such a magical element....

Being friend and a godmother

I sometimes wonder if I'm not the worst friend: never calling, forgetting birthdays. My only redeeming feature is the obsession of sending my friends a postcard when I travel somewhere far and exotic. Which is the only regular correspondence I get to write these days to give some news to all my friends who are all over the places.

Of course, having friends nearby does not guarantee that we would hang out often, a J. told me in Newcastle. Everyone has their lives, their rhythm and it is difficult to meet up regularly,  Sex in the City style. So once a year I try to be a good friend and pay a visit. This time, I went to be a godmother as well, and meet my soon to be 3 year old godchild again.

He is going to pre-school in September and I racked my brain for something that could be useful but gave up with coloring book and stickers..I was looking for a blouse but all they had was plastic and vinyl blouses, which were very ugly.

I woke up at 5am on Saturday to take a 7:40 train to Aix en Provence to meet them, and M. was shy and pretending to sleep in the car until we got to the farmer's market and shopped for vegetables. S and C were as their usual calm and I really love their couple dynamic. Because the weather was scorching hot and it was high season for tourists on the beach, we waited until 18h to go to the beach and have a picnic.

 

We took the highway adin 30min we were in La Ciotat. We first headed towards the Figuerolles, which was accessible through a descent along fancy residentce and restaurant, and a view over the geological rock formation that was the local curiosity.

 

We didn't stay long and soon climbed back up to get to the other beach for the picnic. C took a dive in the 27C water, and M was playing at wetting rocks. We dined on chicken, cherry tomatoes, potato chips, grapes and melon. S was on a  day diet without fiber as she was to undergo a digestive endoscopy and other check ups, so she was on a rice and chicken and meringue diet.

We got back home satisfied and tired, took a nice hot shower and slept like a rock until Sunday 7a, when my body clock impulsively woke me up, despite the absence of any sound I could then hear M. babbling to his parents. But I stayed in bed until I felt too hot and th toilet was calling. After a breakfast on freshly baked pain au chocolat, M and I worked on collecting pine balls when his Mom were doing some real gardening. It was my bonding time with the little man, and we did play nice. We checked the swimming pool temperature, which was only 26C, so we waited till the afternoon to play in the pool.

C came back from his regular Sunday mountain bike excursion, we hung the laundry in the blazing sun, we picked (and ate) some late strawberries and tomatoes for lunch, and soon we had to send C to buy meat for the bbq. While C prepared for lunch, S and I tuned her harp that C made for her, and we tried to play some of her old pieces. I even tried to accompany her while she sung her old motets. It was the first time I played the harp, and the first time we attempted to make music together, but it felt great!

Lunch was the scene of some discipline drama for M, who was punished for not obeying. It was the first time I saw S yell and be that angry....After lunch we all had a nap...

After the nap, before M finished his, we took a dip int he pool to get refreshed before everyone would pack for Monday again. 

Sundays are great, really...and I miss them already.

Climbing the Saleve

Saturday was D.'s day off so we decided to go climb the Saleve. It was supposed to rain but when we met up, it was dry enough and not above 24C, a perfect compromise to allow us to stay cool. We took the bus up to the border and walked to France after alighting at the bus terminus. We weren't sure of the direction or path to take, but we followed 2 guys that seemed like they knoew where they were going. Just in case though I stopped at the post office and asked one of the customers, who confirmed we were right on our way and he also kindly provided more specific directions to the start of the climbing trail. Outside D. told me the guys also walked back to ask fo direction, so we overtook time, while laughing at each other.

We walked away from the funicular, along train track, then a bridge across the highway, and we were at the bottom of the mountain. The path was slippery with pebbles and gravels, but not as rocky as the previous climb I attempted. We were under the shades of the pine trees and a light rain was scattering above us to keep us refreshed. I nonetheless was sweating buckets and took many breaks to catch my breath.

Some parts of the trail was so slippery that they had a metal ramp along them. Some sections were made of stairs which quite high steps. We met some other climbers in ballerina shoes, or some running down the hill like kamikazes. The guys were ahead when we started the climb, but somehow, when D. and I were taking a break on the stairs, they appeared ever so nonchalantly. They apparently got lost.

For me, the most challenging part of the climb was of course the physical effort. but for D. it was the fact that she had to speak I French, since she was more athletic and seemed to take a stroll in the park. That gave me enough time to focus on my stepping and breathing. The subject of the conversation naturally settled on her experience in Japan and her favourite dramas, so she was free to use every vocabulary she knew to express herself.

After crossing a village in the valley, we managed to get a view of the land blow us, and of Geneva.

Then we found the guys behind us again during a break, because apprently they had to stop because of the rain as they didn't bring raincoats....eish, amateurs!

I dragged myself through the trail, but because we were talking about things we liked, and D. kept on stopping to eat wild raspberries, time flew by an the soreness of my legs disappeared by magic.  I also started to eat the berries, and even had a wild tiny but fragrant strawberry. Nothing better than food to make you forget about pain.

 Eventually, after about 4h climb, we got to the top station of the funicular, and admired the view over Geneva. The weather was not sunny and clear so we could not see the Jura across the plain, but we could see the whole Geneva, with the stadium, the lake, the jet d'eau. We decided to have lunch next to the small boot bu it started to rain, so we took shelter under the jungle gym, that felt like a tree house.

We shared her onigiri (rice balls) and my sandwiches, as well as my green tea and her apples. We then found out we were not on the top of the mountain! So we had to climb another 30min to get to the top. What appeared at our destination was totally unexpected, as it was a Buddhist temple.

 

We enjoyed the view once again and decided to explore the surrounding area. We finally got to a known landmark, one that we can recognize from Geneva, the telecom tower:

It was very windy and we could not really rest again as the day was advancing fast (it was 15:30) and we still had to face the descent. So we took a last picture and started to walk while chatting about our favourite asian actors. Well, this got our blood pumping and soon we were expressing our fangirls' love in the middle of the forest to Lee Min Ho, Won Bin, Abe Hiroshi, Oguri Shun, etc...

Although the descent was quite slippery due to the mud, dust and gravel, we managed to be at the bottom of the funicular in about 2-3 hours. We changed into dry, less smelly clothes, finished the leftover food, and hopped on the bus. I took off my climbing shoes to experience foot orgasm in flip flops. Unfortunately, my muscles strted to cool down as well, and soreness took over my legs and lower back. The walk from the bus stop to the house was like the walk of shame, dragging my bag and shoes...but it was a good day.

My French for your Japanese...

I often wondered how I could meet someone that had the same guilty pleasures as myself. I mean the kind of hobby or pleasure that one would draw some weird stares or some "heeeehhhh" from uninitiated audience. Sure, there are more people that know and like manga, and even anime, even if they don't watch it in Japanese. So this day marked my first encounter with another fangirl.

It started out as a simple language exchange after work. We were wondering online on how to proceed, whether there were specific themes we should discuss, such as movies, books, life in Genf, or her experience in South Korea since I was planning a trip there. But eventually we decided to go with the flow. I waited for D. in the sun then took a petit beurre flavoured gelato to cool me down. We started introducing ourselves in French and continued about how we ended up in Genf while looking for a cafe to sit down and chat more comfortably.

We settled in Eaux-Vives, not far from the old town hall, and ordered green tea and Diabolo Menthe. She somehow introduced the subject of Japanese Dramas and Korean dramas, and we soon started to fervently discuss titles, characters, actors, actresses. In French, I was talking passionately, trying to use simple words. After about 30-40min in French, we switched to Japanese, and she was most at ease, as Japanese is her Major (duh!). So it was time for me to find my words, trying to fight the frustration of having too much to say and nothing to express it.

The fact that I could discuss about the series I watched was amazing, since they are all online and in language noone around me understands (Japanese, Korean). There is of course many forums online but it is more entertaining to read the entries than actually participate. Meeting someone in the physical realm was an unexpected event, and it was exhilarating. Speaking was no longer an option, it was a necessity.

Not only did we have the same interest in stereotypical housewive hobby, but we also had the same sources: dramacrazy and dramabeans. Sharing the same hobby kind of made me want to share it even more, since in a sense it became less taboo, less bizarre, knowing there are other real people enjoying the same interest....

And so I happily share my favourite and last watched series:

Latest kdramas:
-God's quiz (season 1 to 3)
-The moon that embraces the sun

Latest jdrama:
-Rich man poor woman
-Tokkan
-Hungry
-Legal High

Favourite jdrama:
-Anego
-Nodame Cantabile
-Liar game

 Favourite kdrama:
-Iris
-Personal Taste

Enjoy watching if you get tempted...

Summer at the beach...

We worked together in London, and we babbled in Japanese to practice the little words we knew then. Since then, she lived 4 years in Sydney, Australia, travelled South Asia, and got back to Germany this year. I was so happy to get in touch with her again, and it's one of those surprises in life.

She left me her sewing set, her straw and flower hats, her Christmas decorations when she left London, and it is with anxious curiosity that I wonder if I should give them back to her, in their very used state.

She endured much personal drama away from her family and I was trying my best to be cheerful and playful while we hung out on a beautiful sunny and windy Sunday. We hopped in her friend's car and drove to Excevenex, on the lake after my future apartment, and admired the kite surfers and windsurfers while catching up.

There was enough sun and wind to make us feel like we were at the ocean, as the waves kept crashing again the sand and grass. The Dutch ladies (Famke and Al) were tanning, while Wu and I  were napping and gossiping about old colleagues. It was an atmosphere of vacation, 30min drive from home, and Wu said she almost felt like she was back in Oz. I was enchanted to discover the beach so near to my soon to be built apartment, and for the first time, actually wished to be forwarded 2 years later...

As the evening approached, people started to leave, stomachs started to growl. Being a Sunday there was no nearby grocery store to grab a picnic, and all the farmer's markets already packed and closed. After a last look at the die hards on the water, and the Dent D'oche in the background which gave me some trouble, we decided to look for food as well.

So we roamed along the beach to check the menu of the different beach-side restaurants, and settled on a place that had a cover band, and an appealing roasted ham.

We waited more than an hours with a drink, because the ham wasn't cooked yet. When our plates came with a serving of ham and gratin dauphinois, we stopped singing along with the band and became so engrossed with the food that we didn't speak until everything was finished. The fact that it was much cheaper than anything we could have fond in Switzerland was also adding taste to the food! I was game for another serving of ham but decided to keep some space for dessert. However, Famke right away asked if it was possible to get seconds...! I was speechless again and happy she took the initiative, and so we ate another serving of honey roasted ham...Yiipeee!

We still got crepe and waffle for dessert, just to follow through the feeling of vacation and doing whatever we wanted to do. The buzz would lift us through our way back to Geneva, where the proximity and the reality of Monday morning was starting to sink in...

 Wu got reacquainted with her stuff she left me, and I bet it felt like when I came back to Raleigh and noticed the things I used to have...a memory of past lives...

Summer in Geneva

Summer day 2012

Today I dressed up pretty with an ironed white shirt and my red linen skirt, and my black and white open toe shoes, to celebrate summer. The weather was nice and I was starting late so had enough time to pamper myself. I hesitated to put my liberty tie on but I figured I would be too dressed up for work and everyone would be in their jeans anyway.

I had an awful day but I managed to finish everything I had to do. I thought about going out to hear the bands playing all around town, since it is the music festival (fete de la musique), but I longed the comfort of my room. Besides, I could just sing out my frustration, now that I have a proper stand to put my lyrics, and a karaoke microphone to sing into!

My terrace is blooming with sunflowers, lavender and tomato flowers, my laundry is washing, and I sing for myself the foreign songs that express my tiredness: tomorrow is Friday!

Let's hike! My survival trip to 2000m

And so I woke up excited to start my first ever hiking trip. I bought comfortable shoes that cost me a kidney and 2h deciding, a 22L backpack that has back ventilation, middle pocket and more, lots of hiking pants, and a walking stick. For sure they were not only for this day, but also for future hikes and the trip in September. I even got a 2L camel bag.

A&S picked me off at 7:45am on a beautiful cloudless morning. We then picked up Lily as well an drove to France towards Bernex. In the car we talked about fainting, accidents, first aids and many more scary things. We could see our destination from afar: la Dent d'Oche. Although I was anxious, I brought enough to survive in case I decided to get lost: Swiss knife, 6 cereal bars, 2L water in the camel bag, first aid kit, a dynamo torch lamp, my fully charged mobile, an apple, 2 packs of tissues, my VT  fleece jacket,  a change of pants (one of the hikers pants), and a walking stick. I was probably missing the emergency flares....

Two other couples joined us and I had to relieve myself on the parking lot before starting on the path that was more has 20% sloped upward with rocks. They warned me the first part was difficult. I huffed and puffed and used my old lady cane as best I could, stopping every so often but advancing nonetheless. The boys were having a  chat while walking behind me, while I was struggling and focusing on where to put my foot next.

After the rocky slopes under the shades of pin trees, we finally emerged onto a valley between 2 beautiful green sloped mountains, where cuddly cows were ringing their bells merrily and refreshing my numbed mind.

We had to go through electrified fences, more rocky paths to finally get to a water point, almost 1h30 after our start from the parking lot. The water was so fresh I washed my head until I got a brain freeze. We had climbed about 400m and it was decision time for the group: go straight for the peak and eat there or go for the lake, have a meal and split there.

So we went for the meal first, and 2h later we were eating at about 500m from where we started.

During the meal, I reasoned that I would also try for the peak since I've been thus far, and also because there would not be another opportunity to go for it: just thinking back at the huffing and puffing would surely not motivate me to come back!

So after a short lunch break where everyone took off their shoes to asphyxiate innocent mountain fauna an flora, we were back on our feet, and climbing hard for the other 500m. We met many other trekkers running down the mountain after seeing the top, and encouraging me. It was more difficult since I wasn't as fresh, and although i coul manage my breath, I was afraid my legs would give in. But I made it to the 2000m to see the lake and Montreux on one side, and the Alps and Mont Blanc on the other side, surrounded by cute mountain goats.

The peak was still out of reach but we soon headed for it,  only to be told back by the boys that it was too dangerous and that even they would not go through. So we got back down the mountain disappointed, but also happy to go back and enjoy the walk down. Our enjoyment soon changed into pain as our toes were taking our weight in the downward slopes. At least there was no way of getting out of breath.

The guys came across the path to climb to the peak form another side and went for it. We ladies came down to the water point to rest and get refreshed before returning to the parking lot with the promise of ice cream. We eventually saw the guys giving signs on the peak and starting to walk down the mountain. So we left as well, arguing that they would catch up with us anyway. And sure enough when we got back to the pine forest, there they were!

We took an easier path down to the parking lot, and exchanging the trekking shoes for flip flop made it so worthwhile! Some hike for the view, some hike for the challenge of going to the top, and some hike to feel that relief of taking your shoes off...I hiked to test the equipment I bought at first, but also glad to have accomplished such a seemingly impossible task for me.

Relaxing around an ice cream cup each, they told me they were impressed I didn't give up because it was a difficult trek for a beginner. I was a bit vexed because the thought never crossed my mind. But it also reminded me how strong I can be despite my initial fears: if I take it slowly, catch up my breath and have enough water, I can do it.

We all yelled at A for tricking us into doing this hike, since she told us she did it with her mom. We also joked that the next days would be the most painful days...But the memory of the view is soothing enough...I might not have been to the 2100m top, but reaching 2000m after a 1000m altitude hike was my first hiking achievement.

I have started training and I will hike more...next month:P
I got home at 8pm, showered and crashed into a deep sleep.