Out of My Mind...

Adieu, Mr Sheepy

2011-12-13T08:06:00.062Z

With his Ichigo Kurosaki haircut, he introduced me to streaming anime, which encouraged me into my practicing my Japanese listening. There were jokes about "Fruits baskets", "Death Note", and many other surreal when we conversed. I was able to be a kid again and happily discuss about animation and their stories.
I always saw him smiling. I hope he was surrendered by his close friends and loved ones in his final moments and was able to unload his hurt, pains and troubles before going away.
I wish his young soul now rests in peace in a better place.

Thank you for Mr Sheepy. You will live on in our memories.

Folsogno

2011-10-29T14:03:00.000+01:00

Castello Montebello, Bellinzona

2011-10-28T12:01:00.000+01:00

Leaving Airolo

2011-10-27T16:43:00.000+01:00

Luzern

2011-10-27T14:36:00.001+01:00

Coming from Matterhorn glacier paradise

2011-09-09T10:12:00.000+01:00

Orchestra rehearsal in Zermatt Kirke

2011-09-08T14:15:00.000+01:00

Flash visit in Lyon

2011-08-22T12:26:00.001+01:00

Place Bellecour, Lyon, with 35C

An orchestra full of joy

2011-08-07T22:44:00.000+01:00

Well, I haven't been moved by gut gripping music lately, so this evening was a wonderful surprise: The
Youth Orchestra of Bahia made my day, my week and my month.

I laughed, cried, danced and sighted....wonderful

The difficulties of being parents...

2011-07-11T21:08:00.000+01:00

This is certainly not a title I thought I would write so soon (or so late). But around me, people live their complicated life and I get to see the spilling of renewed happiness, bitter betrayal, sheer helplessness of others. Couple A split up after at least 7 years together. Another couple B split up after miss X met up with her first love at a class reunion, thus having to juggle the new boyfriend, a new job and her two kids, wile mr Y is coming to grasp with the concept of single Dad. Meanwhile, couple C is happily ( I think) nursing their newly daughter. All of them I consider good friends.

I know I shouldn't worry too much about their lives, given that somehow it makes me feel I have no life of my own worrying about them. But I realized they all have a right to their own happiness too and probably struggling to regain that happy moment in time when everything seemed to go according to the plan.

Watching how hard it is to fight for yourself yet care for the kids, I now can understand the sacrifices every parent make for their child. I also learned how painful it is not to point the finger and put the blame on someone, to hold your ground against the general opinion. I have lost a black and white world and I am not happy about it at all because it is not clear where my trust can be given.

At this point though, I probably and finally can appreciate my parents' work and decisions. And no matter how hard I try, I feel my love for them will not be enough to express that appreciation.

Swimming at the mermaids

2011-07-05T13:00:00.000+01:00

Strong wind (20km/h), with gust of wind at 35km/h

2011-07-01T21:40:00.000+01:00

The wind was much stronger today, so we couldn't film at all on the boat, as we were busy navigating and grabbing on to something when we ride those waves against current. I was in front and got a lot of water on me. Fortunately I was covered with my VT sweatshirt, but not waterproof at all.

On the way back, as we didn't feel the wind in our face anymore, I felt the water suck me into its waves. But it was fun surfing the waves to the harbour.

Ahoy Captain!

2011-06-25T10:51:00.002+01:00

I just had my first sailing lesson yesterday, and although there was much anxiety on my part before meting the group of 4, it turned out very well. What else did I expect when the weather conditions were so pleasant, with a bit of clouds just giving enough shade from the beautiful blue sky? I left all my belongings at the gym lockers nearby before meeting with the others.

We met at 6pm by baby plage, where noone was swimming, and proceeded on the pier to board on the Chocoboom, a 17m sailing boat. That's when I realized how small a boat is, and how important it is to know which chords are stable to hang on when walking on the boat.

For about 20-30min, the instructor explained what was important on the boat (coque, quille, safran, mat, grande voile, genois) and what 4 chords were doing. We were given life-jackets, and the plan for the day. Then we hooked up the big sail, and the one in front (genois), pulled them high and exited the harbour with the little motor at the back of the boat.

I fondly remember the words of my high school friend back in boarding school. She had taught me many words that were materializing in front of me, and experienced the wonder she merely tried to describe to me. As the boat zoomed by the small white lighthouse of Bain des Paquis, the motor was turned off and we set the sails for the first time, learning to catch the wind. Because the boat cannot advance when getting front wind, we have to take it always at least at 45degrees, and zigzag on the lake to any destination (virement de bord).

After a few tacks, which I did a few times with another Turkish colleague, we switched position and I handled the rudder (safran). It wasn't as easy as I thought as direction was reversed (pull right to turn left), and needed to constantly adjust. Then we turned the boat around and had the wind from the back.

When swinging the sail from left to right to catch the wind and zigzag, the equivalent of tack is empannage. By the time we turned around, the wind quieted a bit an we no longer leaned so hard when speeding on water. It was at slow duck speed that we cruised back to the harbour, and it would have been a perfect situation to have drinks and suntan when the boat gently floated its way to the lighthouse again. We didn't have a camra but one colleague from London had his phone with him so we snapped a couple of pictures.

I was still at the "driving" position, giving the signal for empannage and happily and entering the parking area. Going back on land was not too difficult and I sensed why Anne was so fond of sailing. The floating feeling was lingering as I walked to the gym to get back my things. I was envisioning a summer filled with sailing.

And last night, I had the same feeling as the night in Amsterdam when I ate those magic brownies: I was floating in my bed, and felt like I was on a waterbed. NO wonder sailors get sick on the ground, and wy they cannot walk straight..:P

Standing egg

2011-06-16T20:15:00.002+01:00

I discovered this simple group, and trying to play their songs but the guitar part cannot be found ...
http://www.allkpop.com/2010/12/unhyped-talent-standing-egg

Zab in Geneva

2011-06-14T17:08:00.001+01:00

Apple store

2011-05-19T23:46:00.000+01:00

Random street view in NYC

2011-05-17T04:34:00.001+01:00

Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii..stupor!!!

2011-04-12T18:22:00.000+01:00

I was idly looking for split ends when trying to stay awake during a meeting when I encountered a shiny strand of hair...it wasn't reddish or thin, it was a spotlessly white/gray and as long as my other hair. What is this feeling? It is shock and also terror mixed with disbelief. This strand f hair has been growing like any other hair, and I only notice it now.

From that time on, all I notice is that strand of hair and I frantically look for it everywhere on my head now, to see if there are more. It feels I changed from a mere teenager to an old woman. I want to protest against the hair and say I am still young and pretty as a 10 year old, but at the same time I am resigned to accept that at my age I no longer can wear mini tank tops (because the belly flab will show) and have some responsibilities (to work to get money to eat)

Life is hard, and today life also gave me gray hair. sniff

sniff, arghh, scratch, atchoum...pouet!

2011-04-07T19:25:00.000+01:00

It's that time of the year, when suddenly a ray of sun catches my pupils and make me sneeze. Like a long learned automatism, my eyes tear up, my nose itches and the inside of my throat starts to tingle. Every single breath of air becomes stuffy with flying bugs, pollens, dust, birds feathers, unidentified particules and and flowery fragrance.

After blowing my nose, scratching my throat with my tongue and picking my ears, it is too late to realize it was done in public. The weather is warming up so that is why it it best to stay on the move by walking, and avoid the public transports where loudly blowing your nose is only attracting attention to you condition.

A superb idea dawned on me today when I entered a pharmacy and asked for eye drops. She offered some and also some allergy medicine (which I already have). I bought them all to stock up for the season and hopefully I will have a scratch-free evening tonight.

pouet!! I somewhow manage to add my own fragrance to the world...

My tulips for you

2011-04-05T17:07:00.000+01:00

Some news about shale gas

2011-04-04T08:17:00.001+01:00

Here is a bit of an interesting article about shale gas. It will be probably more and more in the news from now on and it is interesting to learn about the nature and impact of that new energy source.

April's fool

2011-04-01T00:00:00.000+01:00

Insomnia victim...

My first ...being last

2011-03-27T10:36:00.005+01:00

So i finished the 8.2km race in 1hour 2min, a full 5min faster than what my usual pace during training is. To be fair i was last from the beginning and after crossing path with everyone else encouraging me, i had the full honor of having the green fluorescent motor biker closing path behind me. During the huge slopes upward he would stop 300m ahead of me and wait. After a few encouraging words he would again advance further, and it continued like that until e let me run the last 200m on my own.
At arrival, the commentator was yelling my name to encourage me and incited all other spectators to applaud my achievement, saying that maybe it was my first race (bless!).

I gave my best smile and my best attempt to a sprint on the last 10m and then headed for the prize stand...yes of course I did all this for the prize..which turned out to be a bottle of red wine, produced by the winery where the race started and ended.

I am pretty happy i didn't injure myself on the huge slopes and didn't cramp. I ran out of breath too often to run consistently but i focused on the downward slopes not to roll carelessly. There were scary slopes with beautiful sights of the lake Geneva and the still snowy tops of the Jura.
This means I can increase my training pace to 8.0 - 8.5km/h in the next week and also do the hour run twice a week. GO ME!!

My first good song

2011-03-20T17:53:00.000Z

I finally managed to learn a whole song, chords and lyrics in one afternoon. It is a sort song but I have no more feelings at my left fingertips. It feels lik cold needles are pricking at them as soon as they touch any surface. Maybe I should actually numb them once and for all in ice so that I can continue practicing.

Before I have the confidence to post my cover of the song, here is the original.

Getting off work

2011-03-14T17:25:00.001Z

'dear Father'

2011-03-14T14:16:00.002Z

On friday morning, the live feed on tv showing a massive wave of destroyed habitat trampling over fields, people and everything it encountered put me in a strange state. My first reaction was to check by any mean the welfare of anyone I know in the area affected. The second reaction, most surprising, was to fly there myself and help...
Some people in Madagascar probably live in poorer conditions but somehow I felt more sympathy for a faraway land. Maybe it is because I only had good and precious memories there.
I have thought hard about the second impulse and deduced it could be different things:
-the fact that I long to feel needed again and that my current job does not provide me that satisfaction anymore. In short it is pure selfishness.
-I always want to go to Japan
-maybe I am having my midlife crisis where I feel I would risk my life and do things impulsively
A disturbing nightmare visited me that night where a savage human preyed on another one, eating at his convulsed and foaming face while I watch horrified and unable to do anything but silently scream.
That sight still haunts me during my waking hiurs and I am not sure what inspired that vision.
Over the weeken, I found myself praying for the survivors, that they find courage and strength to go through the difficult life ahead of them: no food, no water, no shelter, no job, etc...and I was unable to pray for my friend when she had her surgery...
They would call it irrational.
In any case I feel I miss the comforting presence of my dear papa in this situation as he experienced disasters like this more often than he wished for.

Little corner

2011-02-12T07:44:00.000Z

Every time I visit the little corner, I have the oddest strongest emotion and promise myself to share it somehow. Maybe it is a sign that I have become a robot at work and the only time I manage to feel anything is in the privacy of a 2 suqare meter.

First there is a whole algorithm in to choosing which stall to use: the place has movement sensing lights and after a few minutes the light goes off in each stall. So when coming in, once can choose among 3 cubicles. I usually choose the one farthest away from the one occupied, or the one with the light off. I probably put too much thought into it...kekeke

One time I was tempted to steal a paper roll as it was very thick paper with cute little flower design. it was a bit strange to be attracted to a shiny white roll like that.

Another time was so disgusted at the traces of mud all over the place on the bowl I angrily yelled how the hell people do their business sometimes.

Finally there is the bathroom chitchat. I never quite understand why people decide to engage in useless conversation in such a place, when clearly all I want to do is clear my mind and relax a bit. So when someone is trying to chat and I am really not in the mood, I dry my hands with that airplane sounding dyson hand dryer...deafening the whole floor in the same process and knocking myself down unconscious for a few seconds...

Let me feel pain...good pain...

2011-01-31T17:11:00.000Z

it was a good relaxing day to try something new, since I got old and all. So I went for a thai massage at this place and got some interesting experience.

First of all it was my time of the month, and I was a bit nervous it would be unpleasant for the masseur. But I had more stressful things to worry about once the massage started. My belly started acting up, and lying on my belly, and him pulling and pushing me flat on the ground like a crepe, I was worried I would just fart out loud...

Somehow though, just as I was about to explode, he pushed here and there on my body and the gaz stayed inside me. not sure if that is good or bad, but I would say at that moment it was good for both of us.

Then lying on my back, my stomach was making all sorts of growling noises that made me laugh out loud of nervousness and embarrassment. It was past 16:30 and I still had one hour to go. It was really nice though, as every part of my body he touched was painful, and his massage really untied some of the knots I have been carrying for years.

I just wish my stomach would stop talking and scare the hell out of me. next time I will try the swedish massage. I bet that is even more painful...

Getting olderrrrr

2011-01-29T23:54:00.002Z

I made my firsta ttempt to Yosenabe to celebrate my last day of 3xyears old with friends. We managed to eat only half of it but most of the seafood were eaten. I made dashi for the first time from scratch and I really loved the taste.

In the nabe we cooked the carrots, shiitake mushrooms, daikon slices (lotus roots), small clams, mussels and we finished with shrimps.

While waiting for the broth to boil, we had pumpkin in soy sauce, tofu with sesame seeds and green onions, and raw tuna salad.

I have lots of leftovers, especially all the meat that we did not cook...

The 6 of them suprsed me with presents and a birthday cake for dessert...so sweet.

One of my guests made a birthday cake for me...More of her creations are at http://www.jucutecakes.com/

Snowboard weekend highlights

2011-01-17T10:15:00.000Z

I managed to score a ticket tot the company's winter sports weekend in Crans Montana, in Valais. It is about 3h from Geneva by coach and this time we were not stuck in snow like last year. In fact, I didn't see any snow at all when we arrived at the hotel, and got a bit worried we would have to get to the glacier before getting any snow. However as we mingled during the apero, those who arrived in the morning and were on the slopes indicated that they had very good snow. The weather forecast was sunny and 13C at the hotel level (about 1500m), so it didn't really feel like winter.

Saturday morning was stressful as we had to pick up the equipment from the rental shop. That morning started with 25min walk to town, picking up my tiny 135cm snowboard (apparently the latest design), and the not so uncomfortable snowboard shoes. Back at the hotel by bus, I found out the instructor left already (it was only 9:15am!) and I had to join them 150m away from the hotel, at the closest lift cabins. But those 150m were on a 60degree uphill slope so it was a huffing and puffing exercise to warm up for the slopes. Got there in one piece and joined a group of 2 instructors and 5 other beginners. After 2 telecabins, 2 chairlifts and a 5 min walk, we finally got to our destination: jardin des neiges, where all beginners get used to moving on snow...usually at the age of 3...

Ready for 2 days of "no pain, no shame, no gain", we launched ourselves on the slope and tumbled, crashed, rolled, bumped like a suicide squad for 2 hours, to finally be able to finish that one slope standing on the board...All in all, everyone managed to slide down the slope on their heels, so it was amazing to look back on the falls we had. In term of body pains, there is no words to describe the butt pains or knee pains...The sunny weather kept the mood high, and a drink or 2 helps relax the muscles.

Lunch was very late as 100 people from Nescafe were ahead of us, so we starved until 2pm before getting our delicious pizza. In the afternoon, I managed to do a right turn consistently but still crashed on the left turn.

The next day, I was up at 7:30am to get to the slopes at 9:00am. The weather was still beautiful and I probably tanned just resting on the conveyor belts. I had my knee pads on but still crashed on my back and butts so that i could not even sit comfortably for breakfast or lunch. Neck and headaches were part of the day as the left turn kept putting me on my knees and back. I was having a Zoolander moment. But eventually, I downed that slope in smooth turns before lunchtime and forgot the pains..until I sat down on the bench to get lunch.

Another hour of practice in the afternoon with the other girl that stuck it up and didn't give up, and we were happy to slide down more comfortably without loosing too many limbs. I really enjoyed it more than skiing, despite the painful crashes. For now, I am recovering with my blue knees, stuck neck and sore buttocks in sunny Geneva.

Sore and wet bottom after a full day of snowboard

2011-01-15T16:15:00.001Z

it's been a while ....Aquarius, but you are puurrfect!!!

2011-01-03T22:00:00.000Z

The sun sign Aquarius is associated to water. People who are born under this sign can be categorized in to two sections. One who are shy, humble, gentle, soft spoken and patient and the rest are lively, exuberant and witty. They become instantly popular for their strong determination and will power. If you know an Aquarius, be sure that he will be you through thick and thin. The Aquarius doesn’t get easily involved into relationships but once they enter into one, they can be the best confidante. They are well known for their devotion and dedication. Honest and outspoken you can be rest assured that if you commit a mistake the person will make you see it and persuade you to admit your flaw till you agree.
They are the eleventh sign in the list of sun signs and are extremely conscientious socially and this is what takes them through to the new age. They have a vision and they can progress long with that. The water bearer is the symbol of the Aquarians and they bring forward life to the people they are with. Original and detached, they are gifted with rare qualities. They are very giving in nature but they give on their own condition and can be quite inflexible at times.
The Aquarius often has an artistic bent of mind. They like to indulge in performing arts and literature. They have their own sets of ideas and principles which they don't like to compromise with. Their imaginations run wild which sometimes make them appear serious or unmindful. This is the phase when they tend to be aloof even from their friends. This is the time when they you should deal with him patience providing him enough space to be himself. They might be rude or resentful during when in a bad mood but you have to know that they don't mean what they say. The Aquarius is arisen when they develop hatred for someone. They might go to the extreme to take revenge.
Aquarius precisely goes around with a sign that says 'Handle with Care' as they can be equally a cranky as they are generally warm hearted and kind. Though unpredictable at times you can always rely on their honesty and loyalty.
Aquarius match very well with Librans and they are considered to be the perfect match. Both go together like a house on fire. So, Librans find your perfect match with immediate affect!

Happy new (rabbit) year 2011!!

2010-12-31T23:18:00.000Z

Closing comments for 2010

2010-12-31T09:22:00.001Z

2010 has been a year filled with painful firsts and realizations, but also some exciting highlights:
-family losses and the realization of being human, the meaning of mortality, and another taste at "regret"
-and also the comforting and beauty of family
-2hour attempt at snowboarding, in rainy weather and mushy snow
-regular badminton games
-getting a fringe again, inspired by some k-drama actress (yeah, it's quite big in my life these days)
-having korean barbecue meal surrounded by posters of kpop flower boys
-learning to control sheer disgust or repulsive feeling toward my 2nd boss to accomplish my work professionally
-looking at some guy and literally wanting to have his baby! (hormones, when did you become so unreasonable?)
-taking a 3D picture in the Sony showroom
-first contact with Singapore, and road trip to Venice

I suppose the o-mikuji I got at Izumo Taisha was right: that it was a crucially painful year but I had to keep believing and be grateful to the (8000+) Gods and I would be fine. Time stops at some point for me and I get to be wondering where I am headed, and many glittering unattainable and possible futures form up in my imagination to get me going. I promised myself to clear my emotions up in 2011 and be as decisive as in year 2009, when I managed to travel to Japan on my own strength.

As I feel weak physically when fighting the cold that keeps me from sleeping, the best cure for me is still to work hard to get that dream situation come true or become that "me" I want to see in the mirror. For the first time, I am noticing it would be tough and tiring. I am tempted to give up but that is no longer an option. A certain sense of urgency has taken over.

For 2010 though, I indeed thank the Shinto Gods for letting me recover with my family and the happiness of my friends.

Tired of waiting - 2PM

2010-12-26T14:00:00.000Z

Getting tired while waiting… (U know?)
Gotten tired while waiting and~
U Know, do you know how I feel?
Gotten tired while waiting~
Do you still remember me? (Oh~ no)
Even if a day goes by, I'll still remember you
Even if a month goes by, I still won't let you go
Can you understand my desires for you? (oh~no)
Going insane while waiting
and each day feels like a year.
Oh~ I, I I I~ was waiting and while I was waiting,( yeah~)
It felt as if you would come back
or if I look back I would see your face

Oh~ I I I I~ am going insane, going insane (yeah~)
I am holding back just in case you come back, (oh yeah~ )
I am still waiting (oh yea~)
Even if a month goes by, I'll still remember you.
Even if a year goes by, I still won't let you go
Can you understand my desires for you? (oh~no)
Going insane while waiting
and each day feels like a year.
Oh~ I, I I I~ was waiting and while I was waiting
It felt as if you would come back
or if I look back I would see your face
Oh~ I I I I~ am going insane, going insane (yeah~)

Why is it so hard
and everything's so complicated in my head.
I was waiting and waiting
and yet no answers from you
I didn't cry because of you
and you didn't leave because of me
So why is it so hard, why is it so hard?

I will wait for a year
or even a decade if I have to.
Oh~ I I I I I I I I will wait and it's fine if tire myself out.
Going insane while waiting
and each day feels like a year.
Oh~ I, I I I~ was waiting and while I was waiting
It felt as if you would come back
or if I look back I would see your face
Oh~ I I I I~ am going insane, going insane (yeah~)

2 suns this morning

2010-12-16T08:08:00.001Z

Somehow the rising sun reflected in a dense cloud this morning..eerie feeling of a 2 sun planet

Very cold cold return

2010-11-28T15:35:00.004Z

Botanical Garden and Marina Bay Sands

2010-11-27T14:22:00.073Z

On Saturday morning, I had to pack all my luggage and check out before joining the others for the day. It was my last day in Singapore o I left my suitcase at reception and put my hand luggage and changing clothes in Mba A. room. And then we set out for breakfast in the food court 2 blocks form the hotel, grabbing bread and buns at a bakery, and water at 711. There was not much opened, maybe because it was a bit early for a Saturday.

We headed out by cab to the Botanical garden for a picnic. it is north of town and looks pretty vast on the map. However it turned out the part we stayed at is very walkable. We met up at Swan lake, which was very refreshing with its shaded shores. I really needed to stay int he shades are the heat was once again getting to my system. I was amazed at people jogging at 11:00 in the sun...

The grass was a bit wet so we ate on a bench beside the pond, watching the turtles swam about. To digest, we started a stroll toward the orchid garden. the greenery smelled sweet and the air was not scorching hot, even if I was mopping my forehead evry so often.

It was hilarious how on the map everything looked so far away, and then in reality we were barely 5min walk away. We got to the Orchid Garden quite surprisingly within 10minutes walk, passing by a misty small waterfall a very long banana set. We didn't visit the Orchid garden because it wasn't free, so we raided the souvenir shop instead...typical :)

Outside, a group of ladies and not so young men were dancing zumba, twisting their hips and torso to latin and club music. it was fascinating and quite shocking for me as they were not shy of the passers by at all, the same way people would to tai chi in the park quite simply.

Having finished browsing about we headed out to Marina Bay sands, the newest hotel/mall/casino development in town.

The inside was all white with huge glass walls letting the daylight inside and giving a soft light to the whole lobby. A group of 4 musician were playing lassical Chinese instruments in the lobby.

We couldn't really appreciate the shops in the mall because they were all completely out of our budget, and most of them weren't even opened yet and in construction. But we walked across some entertaining Las Vegas-like characters.

There was a nice view of the bay and the financial district from outside the hotel. After a while we took the bus to go a bit across the water toward the performance art building, which architecture is inspired by the durian fruit.

There is a grand view of the structure of Marina Bay sands from the outdoor stage. We rested a bit in the building and outside while the sun was setting slowly. We also walked towards the sea lion, symbol of Singapore, so play in the shades and takes in more view.

We probably walked more towards Bugis mall, wherewe had an early dinner in the food court. I had a noodle dish, which the chef freshly made by cutting the noodle from a big dough. So hot and yummy! And dessert was in a popular street in the area, with all kinds of eateries, in a shop called Atchoo or atchoum. mango sago and a chinese jelly that helps digestion.

And with all the food and love from those friends, I was sent away back West, to the land of col and snow...I cannot remember what I did in the plane as I was too full and sad to leave....

West suburb and malls..

2010-11-26T13:35:00.041Z

I woke up quite early to start going on my trip to Nanyang Technology University campus, in western Singapore. I bravely took a bus, hoping it would get me to Raffles or Central. But instead I ended up close to Clarke Quay and had to find the MRT station within a mall with closed up shops still (well, it was before 10:00). But eventually I made it to the train and I could appreciate the small rush hour of students and workers commuting. The weather was so fine, and the vivid colour of the blue sky and the green plants flourishing was really pleasant.

We passed through a Chinese garden which has a pagoda that can be seen from the station. I took the picture when there was noone on the platform, and quite nerously because I was not sure if it was legal or not (LOL).

On the way back, I had some time so strolled about behind the hotel with the street market and the temple.

Later around lunchtime I met with Mba A. family from Jakarta and after resting a bit, we set out for our journey to shopping till we dropped. It was all good because there were so many malls and stores and decorations. And I got to meet cute A. sooo cuuute! But she was acting quite shy around me.

We headed out to Orchard street, the ultimate shopping mall destination. The names of the malls eventually faded in my head, and as usual the food court is what leaves the most impression (in weight), but the sight of the decorations and illuminations was putting everyone in festive mood.

I ate s much bread and noodle that day I think I put up 3kg despite the walking around for hours inside malls. I managed to score 2 CDs from local artists, and polos for men...

Singapore by night

2010-11-25T23:00:00.100Z

Dinner time at 20:00 was set and I was eager to finally get access into the local food. Mr D. and I set out from the hotel by bus (with A/C yes!) towards Chinatown to eat sting ray. Light rain was falling as we arrived in Chinatown, just few steps away from another block of very high and modern buildings.I let myself tempted into getting a stamp with my name, which the vendor said would be ready by 22:00, when the store closes. On our way onto food street, officially known by another name of course, I saw many fans, charms, jade trinkets, incense, chopsticks stores, and also glass bowls painted from the inside. Because it was raining, the streets were empty, save for the river of water draining from the stored opened on the cobbled streets. it was a nice feeling and the temperature was fresh and pleasant.

We ordered a small sting ray from a street stall and settled outside under a big umbrella. It was so good I can still taste it. The spiciness was just right and with the hot sticky rice and greens, it was the perfect meal. Soon it was time to pick up my name stamp, so we wrapped it up with a photo sent to Mba A. and off we went on strolling.

We first passed a Hindu temple full of cow deities on its fence and roofs, right in the middle of Chinatown. Then we passed a nice old Chinese temple, with a street level elevator and not-so-century-old underground parking lot....I was having trouble adjusting the lighting on my camera so ultimately didn't give credit to this venerable building.

Just a block from the Chinese temple lies an area with quaint European townhouses, holding boutique bars and hotels. We even stumbled on a bar that catered to golfers, as you could practice your swing inside with a huge screen and a wii-like golf club to swing. Mr D. explained that hidden rooftop bars were in this area, usually filled with expatriates.

We then walked around some construction sites to end up across Clarke Quay, where crab restaurant were enticing the passers by with their live crabs outside. Unfortunately, I was told I could not take a picture as they were private property...huh? Never mind.
We crossed over the bridge to immerse ourselves in the lights and nightlife at Clarke Quays. There were interesting bar concepts, such as the Clinic, in which your drinks were served into intravenous hospital pouches...further along, there is the Beer Exchange, where you could see from outside the live ranking for the most popular beer served that night.

After escaping a public embarrassment of slipping onto my buttock on the wet pavement (noone saw me, I think) near the Singapore art museum, my feet took me eventually back to the hotel. It was almost midnight and I was feeling a bit tired.

Autum in hot Singapore

2010-11-25T15:35:00.003Z

My plane landed at 02:00am and I barely spent 30minutes in the airport! The baggage claim hall was so beautiful, with a huge bright cascade taking up one whole wall, from roof to the ground. Looking up, palm trees and other leafy green trees are hovering from above. My suitcase came out within 5minutes and after 5 more minutes I withdrew Singapore dollars from the ATM to get myself a cab. There were only 4 people in the queue so I only felt the sticky hot weather for a few minutes before getting into the cozy air-conditioned black car. If I knew the car make, it would have been nice to put it here, but alas, I can also say it looked like one for those VIP cars.

The ride was smooth and the lit up road let me know it was a completely different climate there. More palm trees, bougainvilleas, and other warm country plants were lining the streets. I was sweating profusely in my woolen tights, sweater and ski jacket. The smell of town was much sweeter, like jasmine tea mixed with dim sum and Indian curry.

The reception at the hotel Ibis was not refreshing as it was pretty cold for a service. Even the taxi driver was commenting that they didn't even get out to welcome me or help with luggage and asked me not to tip them. I dragged myself and my luggage up to my room on the 5th floor, facing the back of a temple and another high rise building. I remembered that being seen naked even in the privacy of your own house was illegal so I closed the thick window, turned on the A/C at its max, and stripped the layers of winter clothes...

After a shower, which I hope was not illegal that late at night, I tried to sleep. I was too excited though and probably stayed wide-eye-opened until dawn.

Some daylight took me out of bed and I felt ready to jump into the middle of town, armed with only a map and my phone. I remembered seeing a 711 around the corner and I set out to walk outside. As soon as I got out though, the heat flattened me down to a blob of sweat and I lost my breath after 10m in the sun. I managed to walk 2 blocks, past the Nanyang school of fashion and another design university, to end up all dehydrated in a 711. I asked for a sim card for my phone:

-"hello, could I please have a prepaid sim card?"
-"gfrbgrlbjlrkgj;ewfkef?"
-"eh...what, sorry?"
-"fvrwvjnlk grgrkrgfgbrtoytqw?"
-"sorry, I really didn't get that"
Another clerk, younger, jumped in
Her:"what company?"
Me:" ah yes, of course. Singtel will do"
Her:"passport please"
Me:"huh? oh ok. here it is"
Her:"You can sit over there and wait 10min"
Me:"In that case, can I have this COLD juice please. How much is it?"
Her:"that's 1 dollar. You can also have these buns for 1 dollar. Very good"
Me:"uh no thanks. I'll go and wait"

Feeling dizzy from the language barrier, I perched myself on a bar stool. While sitting at the bar facing the windows, I people watched and tried to imagine their lives: young men taking a smoke outside their offices, drinking cold juice from 711, who were not even sweating! Of course they are used to it, but also they are wearing cotton shirts and trousers. It was only around 09:30am at the latest. After 10minutes, I paid for the sim card, got my passport back, and just prayed it was not hacked. On my way back to the hotel, I stopped by a food mall which was not completely opened yet, but I followed the yummy smell and got to this bakery that had lip licking good looking buns. Two ladies invited me in and I asked for cold milk tea, which the waitress found really strange so the other lady explained how to make it: make tea, add milk and ice cubes...
I happily drank and ate, while my body dried and returned to a non-combustible temperature.
After that, I walked another block to the hotel to have a pee break after all that I drank. Restarting my journey, I walked toward the other direction to discover there was a 711 in the same block as the hotel. DUH.

I got myself a nice cold bottle of water and just walked about, following the shades and the street crowds. Stumbling on some street market, it was fun browsing for clothes and cheap trinkets. At a crossroads, a snake charmer was courting a white flat head snake...yikes! I walked past as fast as I could and ended at Bugis junction, which reminded me of Camden town market. The smell in the air was of Chinese mushrooms, rained on soil and various food.

After 15minutes of walking and sweating, I dropped into Bugis Junction mall and bought myself 2 t-shirts at a Marvel goods store (one Supergirl blue shirt and one yellow soft and thin cotton one). I saw quite a it of that mall while looking for the restrooms. Walking another block towards an unknown direction brought me to Iluma mall, which has a really nice outside look. It was only around 10:00 and stores were only slowly opening.

I found a really nice beach clothes shop on the 2nd floor, and was attempting to choose an outfit from the all so bright colorful choices. Sadly though, the shop keeper informed me that they were not my size and they would be too small...Somehow I was ashamed but perked up when thinking that at least they were honest and didn't try to sell me something that would be hideous on me...SNIFF still!

And so I continued on outside again, with my drenched t-shirt under my summer dress. Somehow I ended up at Raffles City mall, and located the food court, which is in the basement. The surrounding buildings are all high rise financial offices of some sort, and the hip crowd in the mall were very different from the crowd at Bugis Junction. AT Raffles, suits, barely stable stilettos, satin and silk tops were worn by pampered businessmen and ladies. I was disgusting in my pink military camouflage dress on top of a t-shirt glistening dripping with sweat. Luckily the smell of food masked every body odor I may have diffused, and the A/C was doing its job in refreshing my aching skin. I walked around the food court twice, undecided on what to buy for lunch. Eventually I got into a grocery to grab a sandwich but ended up buying coconut juice and more water.

Tired of my lack of decisiveness, I went back up to the ground floor and entered a Japanese fusion bistro (tapas of Japanese dishes), looking outside the mall and perfect for people watching. I needed food in my empty stomach and a bit of rest. Raffles City mall is more of a luxury mall, with brands like Hermes, Chanel, etc...Just watching the people entering the mall was an experience in itself, and the size of the queue at the taxi station outside the mall was even more impressive.

My plans for the afternoon was to explore little India area but it was a bit of a walk. I could get in line and take a taxi, but I was more interested in taking the public transportation. Localizing a bus stop that had the correct bus was easy enough. however I realized I had no change.So I went underground into the closest MRT station, bought a 3 day pass, and hopped in the train, not before hearing the public announcement reminding passengers that eating, drinking or smoking in the train or on the platform is prohibited...well, no wonder everything was so clean.

I alighted at Burgis station, and kind of followed the crowd to end up on known territory at the Chinese mall next to the hotel. I had a shower, drank all the liquids I bought, and crashed of heat exhaustion. outside, the weather had turned into a thunderstorm and I slept with that sweet feeling from my childhood, safely cuddled in bed while the elements were fighting outside and cooling the temperature. My alarm was set for dinner time .

Sayounara Tokyo

2010-11-24T18:45:00.002Z

I was planning to get more shopping done before leaving for Narita airport, but I got really lazy an only walked around the block to check out the winter sports shop and music shops around Ochanomizu. Unfortunately it was too early, as most shops don't open before 10:00am. I couldn't even find the ear sticks I was supposed to get, but was unsuccessful. I only managed to get some regular q-tips.

The weather was slightly chilly so I went back to the hotel to get back my huge luggage and headed out slowly to the airport. I was also trying to avoid rush hour on the JR. In Tokyo station, I picked up a luxurious ekiben (station bento, or lunchbox bought in a station), and ha to wait 30minutes for the next Narita Express. It turned out I was to ride one of the new trains put out for about a few months only.

(narita Xpress photo goes here)

I arrived at the airport almost 5hours before my flights at 07:00PM and seriously had to get rid of the suitcase before browsing for last minute souvenirs. One memorable thing about Narita that I did not notice last year was that upon leaving the train, one has to go through security and passport check. So even before you enter the airport, you are lightly checked, in a sense that the luggages do not go through X-rays but your person is still scrutinized at the checkpoint.

I spent another 600Yen securing a big locker for the suitcase and browsed for the shops with a trolley holding my big hand luggage.I scored postcards, t-shirts, ear stick, and colorful kit kat. I also managed to get some face moisturizer as I was running out of it.

(kit kat shot goes here)

After writing my postcards, I easily found the post office and sent all my mail and packages. I felt sad leaving Tokyo. It may be true that I was treated kindly because I am a foreigner on these shores, and wondered how different it would feel to live there. It also felt very easy to feel outcasted and out of place, as the rituals and customs are so complicated. But mostly I was sad to leave because there were still many places and many people I wanted to meet.

I checked in my luggage as soon as the counter opened, and I got a warning from the kind officer:
-"your luggage is a bit overweighted"
-"oh really?!? oh my!"
-"please be careful next time"
-"uhm..., yes, I will...........................(try)"

And so my 26kg suitcase made it on the conveyor belt without further ado, and I got my aisle seat on a Singapore airlines flight. The plane was not full so there was an empty seat next to mine. I was tired and a bit depressed so tried to sleep and prep myself for the excitement of landing in new territory.

Shimokitazawa, before it dissapears

2010-11-23T18:33:00.028Z

Shimokitazawa is probably the equivalent of Shoreditch in London (or Camden town?), or the village in NYC. A few days earlier, it was the scene of Tokyo music festival. The area is being endangered because of some rail development going about in the midst of town. It is a few stops from Shibuya by metro or private line. There must have been some events going on because it seems lots of students were going in that direction, but getting off at Waseda University. I was tempted to go but felt short on time. Instead I thanked my luck for getting me in a non packed train.

This was my last day in Tokyo, and I didn't want to stress but just roam about and enjoy the walk and shopping. Of course I needed to find some outfit tha will remind me fondly of the time spent getting lost in small streets and getting dizzy finding my way back. There were plenty of cute shoes, handsome waiters, music venues, nail bars, second hand shops, African wares, but also Muji shop and Uniqlo. By the time my feet could not walk anymore, I was holding enough bags to fill another suitcase!

During my rummaging, I got to visit a tiny corner shop filled with summer cotton dresses, owned by this Japanese rasta woman. She told me about the area and how redevelopment would change the feel and livelihood of its residents. Later on, I also chitchatted with an owner of an African shop, from which I bought a cute top made of cotton from Ghana...I almost destroyed the shop when I moved around it, as it was so tiny. Another memorable place was a cute clothes shop where they sold fluo and animal print tights worn by young men. They screamed of fashion terrorism but somehow the Japanese guys wear them quite fashionably.

I really like the feel of this part of Tokyo. Hopefully, when I come back, this area will still maintain its vibe.

Matsushima or following the traces of poet Matsuo Bashō

2010-11-22T17:41:00.073Z

A reference in haiku, this 17th century poet apparently was amazed at the beauty of the bay in Matsushima-Kaigan station. The weather forecast was surprisingly gloom, with clouds and even rain, but I decided nonetheless to head out on my trip north, along the east cost of Honshu island. I had to change at Sendai and take a local train for another hour. It was a bit chilly but by early afternoon I was at my destination, armed with an umbrella and a starving stomach.

Outside the train station, the lady at the tourism office gave me a map in English and marveled at my being from Madagascar. She even knew where it is and gave me a pretty hairpin made locally as a welcome present. She pinpointed on the map the must see landmarks and sent me off to my fate. I originally intended to take cruise from the harbor to view the many islands scattered in the bay, but the rain and cold put me off. Instead I visited all the souvenir shops, looking at heavy and cute teapots, seafood snacks, cakes and green tea kit kat.

Eventually, the small island on which is perched the temple of Godaido.

Just taking a picture without anyone on it was a major challenge as the bridge itself felt like a highway. I waited more than 15minutes to let all the groups of Japanese tourists circle around the building before managing to take a picture of the building only.

After that, I continued toward the long vermillion bridge of Fuukurajima, passing by the playful sea next to the fishermen.

After paying 200Yen, I was allowed to cross the bridge and wander around the island, which is fully a botanical garden. It was a nice walk and the autumn foliage was adding to its beauty. The view on the bay was limited by the fog but was still very pretty and peaceful. The traffic of tourist boats was not dense and disruptive and allowed for a quiet contemplation.

because I still hadn't eaten anything since breakfast, my feet took me back to the mainland and to the nearest shop selling "melon pan": those are stuffed bread really, and I had one regular one and a oyster curry bread. They were hot from the oven so it was very comforting. I also had a regular oyster bun while waiting for them to bake.

On the way back to the train station, I was reminded of the fate of this area, and the natural events that are pretty common in this country when I saw this sign:

As indicated, the shelter was a budhist temple which is on one of the highest hill of the town.

My trip back to Tokyo was uneventful, with loads of salarymen snoozing in the silence cars of the Shinkansen. Back in my room, I washed another load of clothes and kept warm as I was starting to sneeze and feel woozy. I was also probably still digesting the breads and the clean open air...

Deep in Akihabara

2010-11-21T13:39:00.014Z

Thank you for those recognizing the reference to アキハバラ＠DEEP

In any case, Sunday started slowly as I awake from a proper sleep in around 10am. I packed my huge suitcase and we dragged it to the hotel in Ochanomizu JR station to be dropped off. By the time we were out of there, it was almost noon and we were headed for Akiba, just a station away. As soon as we got out of the JR station, I was ocne again overwhelmed by the rattling sound of the various tills, neons, voices calling out to patrons. Even in daylight, the neons and blinking signs were blinding and giving me silent epileptic seizures in the privacy of my eyballs.
After composing myself, I followed E-san through throngs of men looking for some high tech gadgets, or just electrical appliances. Looking up, I saw the flagship store of Yodabashi.

I was not looking for any more gadget to by so we walked toward the minor streets. As soon as we got onto the pedestrian path outside the station though, E-san noticed a maid waitress handing out flyers and fishing out for customers. So we followed her to her establishment, on a second floor of an unidentified building. It was only when I walked toward the cafe that I noticed more maid waitresses like her calling out to customers in the streets. They we very easy to spot since the streets were filled with 99% men.

We unfortunately could not take phhotos or film inside the cafe, but it was a very strange atmosphere: the waitresses, all dressed as french maids, welcomed us as "welcome back lady mistresses" (oakaeri ojou-sama), while welcoming men guests as "masters" (go-shuujin-sama). Inside, the menu was very simple and non-existant since people would not really come to the place to eat but to enjoy the feeling of being served by cutely dressed maids, and feel safe.

I was pretty curious about the other single men pretending to read a book while glancing at the waitresses and the anime playing on 2 walls. They didn't order anything for 20min, but a maid would come frequently to attend to their whispering. I had an ichigo cake) strawberry cake) and a drink, and one maid from Italy actually served us. She is studying Japanese in Tokyo and getting cultural experience and salary from this part-time job. She had us repeat a silly cute charm on the food before we ate it, as the house customs required. The most amazing sight was to see a group of macho guys on the next table, shyly and embarrassingly perform the same charm when their order came...BWAHAHAHAH

We didn't stay too long because after all we were after real food as well, so we looked for a good place to crash and get some food. The area apparently lacked some food joints so they built a huge food mall just in front of the JR station. But we were after more mundane and basic food. Ramen is the local fare at Akihabara, and we found one in hidden street: customers would first make their choice at a machine and pay, then give the ticket to the waiter to get the food. We sat at the bar outside, with a view on the ramen chef. I had miso tsukemen for 600Yen and E-san had ramen for the same price.

I recommend tsukemen instead of ramen if you re not to dexterous with chopsticks, as you only dip the noodles you eat instead of having noodle soaking in broth for so long and ending up having soggy noodles because you are too slow to eat with chopsticks.

After that we split up as E-san had some homework. I needed to get back to the hotel and check in, as well as change because I was having a wardrobe malfunctioning. That evening I merely looked for orange juice for vitamins and grabbed food at 711.

hanging out near Skytree tower, the new Tokyo landmark

2010-11-20T10:18:00.038Z

Saturday started with a fantastic sunny day. As we ate breakfast, E-san's sister pointed out something on TV. The hosts were advertizing some food as Skytree parfait, or burger or ice cream as those were food served around the new broadcasting tower in Tokyo. Because neither of us had ever been there, our first destination was easily decided.

The are looked rundown as there were only small houses and no major retail chains nearby. Also the metro station was not very crowded and we had to follow one of those A-Z mapbook that E-san conveniently brought with her to find the right place toward the tower. Surprisingly enough, the tower is built very close to rail tracks and a canal. On that day, the tower was already 497m high, with a target of reaching 634m when finished in 2012.

It was very impressive and neck-twisting to gaze at the difference in scale with the other building being constructed nearby. We settled across the canal with a superb view of the construction site, and had a "skytree coffee" whie watching the many Japanese tourists also admiring the new tower.

E-san mentionned that here is a way of getting a picture of the tower and its reflection in he canal, so we started walking away along the water, while looking for lunch. We spotted an area map and walked towards one bridge she recognized. We were still in shitamachi and even Asakusa area, even if I had no idea whereabout really. But E-san spotted a nice shoukudo place (home cooking restaurant) where we could sample some simple homecooking recipes. It's one of those small palce with 10 chairs where a single person cooks and serves the food. We asked for a small portion of rice to go with our kuroke (creamy potato paddies). We ate while discussing current drama with the hostess and favourite actors and actresses. E-san made fun of me asking if I really didn't live in Tokyo since I knew more about it than herself.

After that first pit stop, we continued on our journey to capture the 2 towers...Along the way, old town Tokyo was quietly getting busy, while impromptu gardens were lying out on the streets.

And then eventually, we spotted a satisfying point of view and got ourselves a memorable picture. It was my first time chasing for the perfect picture so it was with a sense of achievement that I bagged that landmark in my memory card.

With that, we looked for a metro station and had to walk quite a long time before rejoining civilization, ie sports centre, shopping malls and even a high school volleyball tournament to determine Tokyo representative team in the national high school volleyball tournament....but we were tired and just hopped inside the nearest station toward Ginza.

My first matsuri

2010-11-19T23:43:00.041Z

From Ochanomizu JR station, we rode to Shinjuku JR station. Outside, we walked toward the Flags shopping mall, mainly because we wanted to check out if we could crash into the show "waratte ii to omou". But the entrance was chained. So we just wandered in the shopping mall, until we exited the centre and walked toward kabukicho.

The city lights were turned off and, and after walking past mugshots of hostesses and hosts plastered on giant boards in the red light district, we stumbled on a street filled with food stalls so we hurriedly followed our stomach and landed int he middle of Ootori matsuri, which was at Hanazono shrine. There was a huge quue of people at the shrine and we contented ourselves with the smells and sights of the different stalls before settling for an oden shop.

It was my first time attending a festival like this, in the evening, so I was overjoyed. We walked it off on the other side of the Shinjuku station and got to view the Shinjuku lights, just past Takashiyama department store.

There was a light display made of plastic bottles which was quite impressive: from fr, i really looked like it was made of ice. After that we took a fully packed train to Mikata, with my huge suitcase. I have never been so compressed in a wagon before, and I hope I won't have to be in that situation again. I was lucky I still had intact ribs and face in that motionless stampede.

Flirting with studies at Waseda University and Meiji Jingu, Tokyo

2010-11-19T17:15:00.000Z

I managed to ring the girls in Tokyo for lunch, and also arranged for the evening plans. The hotel was the b ikebukuro so it was very close to sunshine city with all its shopping and playground. I was most curious about the aquarium and wondered if it was the one featured in the j-drama Nanase futatabi (just realized there is a movie too).
So at around 10:00 I was out, after having breakfast on the 2nd floor wine bar...That was the strangest breakfast, as it was a buffet, with Japanese breakfast (pickles, miso soup, rice, fish), korean side dishes (like kimchi), toast and spreads, noodles, and all you can think of eating at lunch and dinner, all that within a space surrounded by shelves of bottles of wine...I was sorry I wasn't that hungry in the morning, and slightly in a rush. My breakfast: natto on rice...

Following and trusting the crowd of salarymen and women walking hurrying to their offices, I remembered that most shops and offices seemed to open after 10:00. Walking past yummy smells of fresh bakery, karaoke establishments, food joints advertising their dishes through sandwich men and women carrying menus, I finally stumbled on one entrance of the Sunshine City...grabbed a map in English and located the Aquarium, as well as a 59th floor restaurants with views. Taking the escalator and going through all the freshly opened and tidy shops was very cool, except for the vendor rushing over to their first customer of the day. In any case though, it was dissapointing to find out the aquarium was closed for renovation. A nice stroll in Namjatown was quite entertaining as well although I forgot to take pictures.

Landing in the 59th floor was a different experience. here the restaurants are hidden behind opaque walls and only a menu is displayed in the corridor outside their entrance. However the Cafe de Crie had bay windows that accomodated my already legs and provided some latte. I have given up trying to understand the name of the cafe...

It was starting to be almost 11:30 and I had a lunch date at Waseda University metro station, so I leisurely got to Ikebukuro JR station and rode to Takadanobaba JR station. From there it was a fun walk on Waseda dori towards the metro station. I saw many Indian restaurants, bookshops, students, cheap and yummy noodle shops (people queuing up outside). In between buildings, small streets lead to quiet residential areas. Eventually I made it to the station and peered with envy at the students rushing out of the station to their classes. Yes, the grass is always greener on the other side...

F-san picked me up after I called her from a payphone, since I had no working sim card (yup, Swiss sim card would not roam to Softbank or other, sniff). She took me to a small eatery owned by this old couple and I had nizakana. It was simply delicious and so comforting. A colleague of hers was eating there as well, and being the only customers, we chatted. His 3rd question was:"what is your goal in life". And I thought I was in a affable, not-direct people kind of country ! Anyway, after the meal, F-san had o return to work, so I gave her omiyage from Switzerland and Kyoto (chocolate and mochi). We walked in front of the Waseda campus landmark, and took some pictures. I also managed to capture the glory o autumn in Waseda.

I wanted to explore the campus but eventually I felt out of place, having no classmates nor classes to crash. The weather was so sunny and beautiful, my initial plan to shop at Roppongi Hills were abandonned for a more outdoorsy activity. So I opted for visiting Meiji jingu . I didn't manage to get to Meiji shrine last year, even if I alighted at the same station (JR Harajuku) to get to Takeshita dori.

After all the busling of shops and restaurants, it was so peaceful to walk in the park, meeting dolled up 3 year-olds after their shichi-go-san blessings, and mingle with other tourists...

There were many charms for students at this shrine: unidentified green pamphlets, o-mamori for success in exams. I thought about getting one for my exam but somehow maybe my share of miracles did not have to be wasted on that exam.

And so 17:00 was approaching and my evening appointment at Ochanomizu had to be attended for a night of exploring....

Still enjoying clement weather in Shirakawa-go

2010-11-18T14:54:00.001Z

I was woken up by the cluttering of cups in the next door room. My room was next to the dining room, and breakfast was ready by 7:30am...I tossed a bit more in bed before giving up to curiosity. To my stupor, there was more to eat than at the previous dinner! I did my best...though I couldn't eat all the pickles.
After lazing up in my warm room and enjoying the view from my window, I started out to walk around the village. The hostess forced me to bring one of her umbrellas as she said the weather was going to be bad. She pointed outside up the hills and they were covered in snow!
And so I climbed up to the point of view, greeting all the old and bent people I met in the still sleepy village at 9:00
.

I managed to run out of battery in the middle of a photo, so had to rely on my phone for the rest of the day. The phone itself only had 20% left of battery so I was glad to go to Tokyo in the evening. Nevertheless, the village was very pleasant and started to get crowded with Japanese tourists by 10:00. I met a couple of Americans, a few Indonesians and lots of Japanese...Most foreigners I met did the Tokyo-Hakone-Kanazawa-Shirakawa-Kyoto route.

By 11:30 i was tired and ready to lunch, but Is till haven't found the relocated village. Because a dam had to be built, they saved a few houses after much pleading and relocated them into a live museum in Shirakawa-go. This museum is next to the bus stop.

I did my best with my poor phone and even managed to take pictures of myself on the bouncy pedestrian bridge that connects the village to the bus stop..

The ryokan I stayed overnight

Exploring Hida in Takayama

2010-11-17T14:12:00.001Z

On Wednesday I leave Tokyo in the morning to go further north and inland to the remote Gifu prefecture.

Kyoto main train station

It is another 4h trip, changing in Nagoya and riding along magnificent views of a river and surrounding fall colours. I was a bit stressing out that I will miss the bus from Takayama to Shirakawa-go, because I didn't really want to arrive during the night since I have no idea how to get to the hotel. But in Takayama I found it easily next to the station. Even better, I had 1h45min to kill in Takayama and most sights were withing 20min walk.

So I saw the small temple and its 1200year ginkgo tree in fiery colour, the old merchants houses, and ate mini tayaki and a meat bun. Takayama is located in the Hida region, which is famous for its beef as well, some special soba noodles and hida miso soup.

And so after much walking around, I boarded the bus for Shirakawa-go, which rode through many tunnels as we got to see the Japanese Alps..

Only 50min on the highway, we arrived at Shirakawa-go, and I had barely 5min of daylight to get a first impression of this UNESCO classified World Heritage village.

But mot impressive of all was the unexpected dinner prepared by the ryokan owner, with local vegetables she grows locally. I even had a taste of the hida beef...

Autumn in Arashiyama

2010-11-16T08:36:00.003Z

So I was out of the hotel at 08:35 and caught the bus to Arashiyama, west of Kyoto an home of zen temple Tenryu-ji and the bamboo grove I saw last year. This time the colours of autumn were in full force and the view magnificent.

The zen garden was so painfully romantic. I saw the bare cherry trees and can only imagine the splendor in spring.

By noon I was in another bus, going across town to take me back to Kyoto train station, and I could send some postcards and eat some ebi yempura donburi (shrimp tempura with rice bowl).

The I hopped on the 100 bus I used to take last year to ride through Kyumizu area on Higashiyama dori, up to the Heian shrine.

My destination was reached: Kyoto craft centre. It does feel like a toutist trap as I only came across foreign tourists. But it is a one stop shop for everuthing Kyoto, even if there are much variety in town. I acquired a maiko kimono... Since I really cannot wear those short sleeved ones that are for married women!

Breakfast of champions

2010-11-16T00:01:00.002Z

Miso soup with lemon and mushroom
A sunny side up egg and a slice of salmon
Salad of greens with fried onions
Rice
Tea
Pickles
Ate it all...

Shopping in Kyoto

2010-11-15T17:03:00.003Z

So i woke up pretty smoothly hearing the shuffle in the corridor, to realize it was 8:49 when my alarm was set to 8:00. Checking it out, I realized the weekend alarm was on but not the weekdays one. I still had time until checkout so I sorted out my things to be used for the next 3 days.
Taking the train was a breeze and the silent car was most welcomed to sleep in.
Arriving at Kyoto station at 12:54 I only got my suitcase sent to my hotel in Tokyo at 14:00 after all the big size lockers were found full and another luggage service only delivered in Kyoto prefecture.
After a nice hot matcha latte, I set out for the ryokan off shijo dori, the main shopping srrret equivalent to Oxford street or 5th avenue. I can boast in sleeping behind the Louis Vuitton shop!
After dropping off my small bag and unfolding a larger one, I was ready to test my plastic money.

Nishiki market

Looking for facewash

One of the sign entrance to Teramachi, another shopping avenue

Pickles, pickles..

In the evening, the mission was to snap pictures in Gion an grab some local food. I settled on okonomiyaki and helped some french tourists to navigate the menu. Somehow I always end up being a tourist guide.

Weird wishes on prayer tablets hanging in the okonomiyaki shop

On the way back, I stumbled on a street with lots of host and hostess clubs. Funnily enough the street name is kyamachi dori ( Japanese fans go kyaaaa when they scream of excitement, and machi means town)
There is also an area where there are only bars.

But I went on to Gion watch some maiko leave their work at around 21:00. I knew there were going to be a sighting because a hide of taxis were stationed waiting for their patrons to exit the different restaurants. Seriously thiugh, these ladies walk so fast you'd have to run after them to get a proper picture. Maybe tomorrow I will have the strength...

Looking for the Gods in Izumo-Taisha

2010-11-14T12:57:00.001Z

I wok up at 03:00am this morning, completely jet lagged still. But I had set my alarm to wake up at 8 so I did my best to go back to sleep...and failed. I napped a bit around 5, but was awake again by 7, seeing the daylight outside and hearing the occupant of the next room wake up and move about her room. She was out by 7:30. They really have an early start over here.

I understood why when I got to the train station and asked to get the tickets and route to Izumo-shi. The clerk asked his colleague and the colleague spent the next 15min in a huge book. I kind of wanted to give up and do the area instead maybe, but I felt bad giving up after he desperately looked for it after 15min. Finally, he emerged and gave me more than I expected. In addition to the train name and schedule he even gave me the platform numbers of arrival and departure!!

And so off I went, very pleased at 9:15 to catch the Hikari again to Okayama...Looking at my tickets I finally realize it would take me 4h to get to Izumo-shi station! I could have left at 4am really.

From Okayama, another train took me across, from the Pacific ocean to the Sea of Japan, passing by Niimi midway, Yunago and Matsue. I arrived at 13:05 in Yazumo-shi and fromt here I had to take another bus for 20min...it was worth it though, as the shrine was not crowded and I could get a nice view of the premises. I am not sure I can get such a view in Ise shrines.

It is also a popular place for weddings, and for throwing coins in the thatched cords to bring luck I think.

I bought an omikuji for 100yen, which is the cheapest souvenir ever so far, but when I asked the miko to explain if it was good or bad. She started up blabbing and I smiled and stared blankly as I even understood less of what she was saying. So I thanked her and left wondering, whether or not to hang the paper for the bad things to be gone with the wind like these:

Because I didn't know how to tie it down, I took it home. i will have it translated somehow. It cannot be too bad because the only thing I understood from the miko was that it is 50/50. For those wondering what a miko is, they're young women working as priestesses or helpers at the shrine.

Finally, it was time to return to Izumo-shi by bus, because I was getting worried there wouldn't be any trains left for Hiroshima, if it would take me another 4h to get back. Luck struck as I managed to rush into the train going to Yamaguchi, along the western coastline, so I was guaranteed a sunset on the Sea of Japan, and would finish my loop of the day.

Tomorrow I m leaving the Hiroshima area and will journey northward. Today was a nice day viewing the colors of autumn in the valley of middle Honshu.

Hiroshima

2010-11-13T08:27:00.002Z

Landing at Kansai International Airport at exactly 9:34am on Saturday, my luggage was searched after the customs officer asked me in Japanese and I answered that it was for 'tourism'. of course he was suspicious, or at least intrigued since I had a French passport, and spoke Japanese, and it wasn't my first entry int he country. Nevertheless he searched everywhere except in the side pocket where I had my Swiss knife and a thread and needle to mend any hemline...Well, at least we made conversation:)

I then made my way to the JR pass window and conducted a whole 'conversation' in Japanese to get the pass and the ticket to Hiroshima. I was impressed myself since I haven't spoken properly for one year and a half! But again, it mostly consited of "onegai shimasu", "hai, hai" and finally "arigatou gozaimasu". Still I was so convincing the clerk didn't attempt even once to speak in English....:)

I realized it's only 1h30 from Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima. That means I will take my time to get to Kyoto on Monday. The express train from the airport to Shin-Osaka left with the cleaning staff cutely waving at the train as it sped off the platform to its destination. I missed a great photo, and even a great video.

I then rembered how cheerful and helpful people are in this country. It is a source of inspiration in term of services. I wish it were like this everywhere. The Hikari Shinkansen stopped at Kobe, Okayama, Fukuyama I think , before getting to Hiroshima. I still enjoy the fact that the ticket controller bows to the whole carriage to greet the customers, and bows again when finished checking everyone in the carriage. It is also thoughtful that all the seats are turned facing forward in the direction of the train, so that everyone is going forward.

In Hiroshima station information office, someone misunderstood my Japanese and gave me a map in English instead. I hadn't eaten since 8:am local time, and I was tired playing treasure hunt (deciphering the signs to find my way in town). So I climbed up in a taxi, and 10min later I was at my hotel.

Dropped my bags and was told to return for check-in at 15:00. Well I had about 1h30 to kill so I proceeded to walk along the Aioi Dori, on main street with lots of department stores (Mitsukoshi, Tokyu Hands, Tenmaya, Fukuya, etc..) and ended up feeling festive about Christmas with all the shop jingles and decorations. And then I got to the Peace Memorial Park and the Gembaku Dome (A-bomb dome):

The cenotaph has colorful and poignant paper crane.

It made me think how tragic it must have been, and how the children on their schooltrip must assimilate the event somehow. On that sad note, I decided to find the Hiroshima castle, before heading out for food before my body collapse.

When approaching the castle compounds, I realized I stumbled on a chrysanthemum flower show. It was quite amazing and I remembered it is the season. One episode of Japanology is entirely dedicated to this flower.

There were all sorts, even the bonsai ones that were so cute.

Impressed by so much craft and hard work, my body finally aknowledged its weakness and I stumbled away fromt he castle, only seeing its outer donjon.

I grabbed some food and feasted on 2 bentos at the hotel. Tomorrow I will eat out. For now, I need my beauty sleep.

Trip preparations

2010-11-07T20:25:00.000Z

Well, part 1 is done, which is doing a suitcase. Even if I will have to do it again, the essentials are packed: first aid, underwear, toiletries, as well as gifts. I hope I didn't forget anyone.

The next few days, the choice of clothes need to be done. My trip will take me from 18C maximum to 31C max. So I need a good collection of warm and light clothes!!! I suppose summer dresses and winter coat should do it, but my suitcase is quite small so I have to be cautious about it. Maybe I am being stupid by bringing the same suitcase as last year, given that last year I had to buy another suitcase and an extra bag to travel back...jajajajaja.

Also I will be moving quite a bit before getting to Tokyo, so I cannot afford to drag around a huge 'empty' suitcase...There are a few things I hope to bring back, and that does not include chopsticks, even if them shops are mighty appealing with their colorful and elegant chopsticks.

It is only a draft of a suitcase. On Thursday, the adrenaline will set in and I will need to put in the dry cleaning items as well, i.e. winter stuff.

Until then, it's cleaning day, and the painful money counting -_-

Mt Pilatus

2010-10-31T08:16:00.001Z

Courtyard view from the hotel, Venice

2010-10-23T20:53:00.001+01:00

Waking up in Venice

2010-10-23T20:52:00.000+01:00

And then they were gone...

2010-10-19T22:09:00.000+01:00

Sadly, I stumbled on a photo that reminded me of that smiley face that I will no longer see.
Kay was a quiet strength during the tumultuous university years. Thank you for those times, and I hope to live up to your memory...

Canteen menu

2010-10-18T14:20:00.000+01:00

Ladies...

2010-10-16T18:51:00.000+01:00

Rediscovering Paris

2010-10-16T08:35:00.000+01:00

Living in Paris for 4 years seems a long time ago. Walking in the small streets around Opera seemed like discovering a foreign unknown city within your own town...I suppose I never ventured in this area before. Similarly, wandering around Gare de Lyon is about rediscovering the sights from days past, and fixing those fuzzy feelings again.

Today is shopping day. No big surprise there.

The sky is blue so far so maybe I will walk around the Marais as well, to test my credit card discipline..muahahahha

Relativity, choice, anchoring, the power of "free" and more

2010-10-10T10:10:00.000+01:00

I finally started reading a book I bought a few weeks ago by curiosity. I cannot remember which article mentioned it, but it was probably one of those social science article.

The book is titled "predictably irrational", by Dan Ariely. It's very informative, and good fun to read. Most importantly, it makes me reflect on my decision patterns, or try to identify some patterns I have if any.

I strongly recommend this for those who have an interest in understanding some unexplicable behaviour, or just some source of cocktail party anecdotes.

A day of shopping and letting go

2010-09-26T20:45:00.002+01:00

Of course, London is a place to make use of the money painfully earned through patience and self discipline. I forgot the white shirts though:(

My partner in crime got a crash course in crowd navigating and bargain hunting, even if it was very difficult on a crowded Saturday on Oxford Street...and also a cold lesson in ignoring strangers..but she certainly failed that one...Being too nice in the city doesn't get you anything but annoyance and disturbance.

Instead, pouring your heart and soul into producing unheard of sounds in the confines of a not-so-soundproof room is the best way to let go of all the worries and stress...and vapor of alcohol..

"the reason money is to be feared is that it can take away all you have"

2010-09-18T14:53:00.000+01:00

Is it too late for a philosophy lecture? I guess I have never thought about it this way. And yet it is so true. When I am busy acquiring and spending money, more tendency to spend I admit, I have never understood that truth. Is that why monks prefer to live on donations? to rely on human kindness, pity?

As I try to plan for the tomorrows to come, I need money. It feels money is easier to gain. I am not good at gaining people's loyalty. Yet I know I am indebted to different friends. Or does debt void the friendship relationship? If you think about it, friends shouldn't be tied by debt. There are people whose goal is to build empires, acquire companies, accumulate vast amount of money. There are those who aim to defend their families, protect their loves ones. And everyone is in both situations really.

Am I defeated because the reality is too harsh? NO. Because I still have the memory of the quiet silent mornings cuddled with loved one, the smiles of my dear family, and moments of discovering beautiful feelings, amazing people and ones I could call friends.

I am glad I encountered that quote. Being naive has it's benefit. But being aware is better.

Flash visit

2010-09-17T18:57:00.000+01:00

A visit from far away home,

After watching the Barber of Seville.

Good lies

2010-09-16T21:52:00.000+01:00

Today was a sh@@$^% day but it started almost nicely. When I entered the office, and my virtual cubicle area, I was told the sun has entered the area, referring to me...it made me smile, even if it was admitted 30sec later that it wasn't an honest comment. A perfectly good example of a useful good lie.

Until Friday evening, I have to lie to my tired brain to keep it from collapsing under stress(countdown before exam) and worry (what the h&&&$% do I wear tomorrow?), and guilt(half marathon training reduced to zero). I am using the pacifying method of "thinking of a happy place"...

I haven't met you yet - Michael Bublé

2010-09-12T12:21:00.000+01:00

Half marathon training DAY 1

2010-09-11T07:24:00.002+01:00

An hour cross training ended up in jogging to the lake and back, finding a colorful balloon hung above the park close to home...Oh what a beautiful feeling, oh what a beautiful day.

Am wide awake at 8am, just craving for water...

"What's in a name? that which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet" (W. Shakespeare)

2010-09-04T08:29:00.000+01:00

So back in the days, an alias, or screename was already put on the debate table. So Montague could be Cruise, and Capulet be Amigdala...or Anonymous.

I cannot find the origin of the catchphrase "my name is Nobody", but I was sure it was some chapter in Homer's Iliad and Odyssey. Lately it seems, the question arose on the question of one's privacy, it's place in society, and how one's identity seems to matter, or not.

Almost everyone is registered to an online social network or two these days. The ones I know usually requires a screename or a name to be picked to identify yourself. I have never thought about the weight of a name: its origin, how it describes you, it is your trail to make you accountable, it singles you out.

I was pleased to read about 4chan on this article. Maybe I was feeling suffocated and needed reassurance that having bad thoughts is no big deal and can still be expressed somehow. Of course, being Anonymous all the time would b unpractical, but it sure is a relief every now and then. Maybe that is why I enjoy moving so often.

Today is my science/technology day

2010-09-03T12:48:00.000+01:00

Tired of looking at the Mont Blanc from the window, my mind gravitates to my multiple email boxes, then to f46&Buuq, then to email again, to finally settle on more serious and compelling publications:
Science Magazine, Technology Review, and the New Scientist.

It is always surprising when the unthinkable technologies used in science fiction novels of the 1980s come to reality before our own eyes. For example in Neuromancer by William Gibson (1984), online data are used to predict trends or behaviour or events, which is then used by the super evolved Artificial Intelligence Wintermute. Isn't this article on data mining and mood swing on the Internet getting closer to that?

Or what about that scene in Minority Report, when Mr Anderton (T. Cruise) enters a shop and a synthetic voice greets him with his name and offers him an array of product. That scene popped to mind with this article on location sensing indoors that would soon be used by real shops.

The Science magazine is a bit more molecular and chemistry oriented, but also has some interesting behavioral science as well.

Someone said "dare to dream" but I wonder how far? I am curious to read today's science fiction novels. All in all, those articles force to ask one's self what the impact would be on the daily life. What if you can buy a synthetically generated organ? Would you bear the spamming upon entering a shop or prefer it to save some time? Will your children be OK to have their DNA put in a database from birth or later on for X reason? How would you protect your privacy?

I love science, I love technology. And it is mainly because they bring change.
Checking out TED is always entertaining, as the discussions often bring out differences in morals, philosophies and ideas...

With only those readings everyday, life is about finding out what is in for me...:)

Sakurambo (Ai Otsuka)

2010-09-01T19:33:00.000+01:00

To jump into september with energy, I need to yell this song karaoke style, while taking a break from studies...

The end of Swiss summer?

2010-08-31T17:33:00.000+01:00

Before the summer windly whiskes away and leaves me with autumn chills and melancholy, here's a quick view of where I spent most of it, if not by the pool and lake. I had a couple of visitors, and the regular white sox cat and millions of pigeons dirtying the place with their feathers and crap...lovely

All in all it was a summer worth the move...I am only hoping the tomatoes, melon and pumpkin will bear fruit to reward me with my hard labor....

Sore thumb and more

2010-08-12T21:59:00.001+01:00

I am almost finished on page 1 of this piece (Hanabi), and realizing I will need the full 88 keys of a piano to complete the piece. I only have 64 keys on mine..yiikes!!

By the way, my heart fluttered slightly for the past 4 days. It makes me smile but makes me sad at the same time. However I am glad it is still able to beat faster on occasions: running 10min, rowing 5min, biking 5min...:)

Somebody's desktop is way too messy

2010-08-11T16:14:00.000+01:00

Swiss 'Fete Nationale'

2010-08-01T19:32:00.000+01:00

Today is a national day. Fireworks have been noisily fired all day, even in the residential areas. Private fireworks have been forbidden due to the recent drought. However today, it is raining.

I have confined myself to the studio, studying and fighting against all the distractions the place offer. Trepidations before an hour exam, constant doubts about its success. Am I reduced to this?

Golf practice at Maison Blanche

2010-07-23T21:54:00.003+01:00

About an hour away from Geneva, at the foot of the Jura, we got to practice at Maison Blanche golf club, with a view on The Alps. We finished off with a dinner at the club's restaurant, overlooking the sunset reflection on the Saleve...

Katie Melua at Montreux jazz festival

2010-07-17T23:41:00.002+01:00

What's in the fridge?

2010-07-14T21:12:00.000+01:00

I admit it, I've opened my fridge to stare lately. What I find in there is very disappointing every time and I end up closing the fridge with a sight.

Top shelf: cheese and chocolate. Also some miso paste and first dashi paste.
Second shelf: some meat I don't have the strength to cook, and some puff pastries to unroll. I suppose it's time to make pizza soon.
Third shelf: avocados, soymilk, creme fraiche, thai curry spices, mayonaise.
Veggie cabinet: lettuce, tomato, cucumber and bananas (maybe some oranges too)

On the fridge door, fron the top:
-soy sauce, lemon, 1 kiwi
-cold filtered water, night cream, day cream, body lotion
-fizzy bottled water, pear liquor (williamine), white wine, soy sauce

Staring at those just fills me up and I end up not eating much in the evening. My appetite just melts in this 30C weather. I just lay down on the futon with the fan in my face...
But you try and list the content of your fridge by memory: it seems like a good exercise, or a waste of time staring at them...?

postcard from Switzerland

2010-07-12T22:03:00.000+01:00

Climbing up to Mount Pilatus (2034m)

Dont look back or you'll get vertigo!!

Going up into the clouds

Silly tourists

Brienz, going to Interlaken

Farniente with a sunset view

2010-06-24T20:17:00.002+01:00

Geneve plage

2010-06-24T16:31:00.002+01:00

Fete de la musique (music festival)

2010-06-20T03:07:00.002+01:00

It was pouring rain most of the time but we managed to secure a dry spot under a huge tree.

I was still sober then, or at least protected by my huge dinner of pasta. The 4 fingers of punch was slowly making its way to my head, and when we started bar crawling, I could no longer take pictures. We did sing a lot, taking a break in an Irish pub before ending up at the Alhambra for some old time music (grease, ace of base, george michael and boy george to name a few). After the Alhambra, it was the isle of something....My feet hurt and I have to drink 3 L of water to eliminate the mojitos and soothe my aching throat...

Err watching football or work?

2010-06-11T15:50:00.001+01:00

Everyone is watching football

2010-06-11T15:22:00.001+01:00

It's 4pm and no more seriousness at work. All eyes ar eon the TV screen above the PC monitors

Eating out at work

2010-06-04T11:37:00.002+01:00

We had lunch outside the cafeteria at work, on the terrace, enjoying the much needed sunshine. The pond is very clean, and the mini waterfall nearby is relaxing...

Sun, wind, rain in Nyon

2010-05-30T20:12:00.001+01:00

A visit from sunny south of France...being a good godmother is very tiring. But it was Mother's day so lil M. was blessed with flea market in Nyon...

Between showers, we got to see the flowery flanks of the chateau de Nyon.

It was sunny enough the day

before to play with the reflections on his sunglasses.

Cool Mint crew dancing on shamisen music

2010-05-19T17:53:00.000+01:00

Those are kids??? Amazing..

A year ago...

2010-05-09T09:44:00.001+01:00

I landed in Tokyo.

Hopefully another trip is in the make and would prompt me to review some of the grammar. I have been lazy lately and not studying seriously. Maybe I should start blogging in Japanese sometimes just to practice writing and constructing correct sentences.
This year will be busy as well: trips to plan, exams to pass (a hard one, CCNA and a boring but necessary one, ITIL), a job searching (because I am bored of the current one), and money to save (the REAL challenge).

For now, I am revisiting my trip by re-reading my own blog, my personal pensieve...

Oi Oi, priviledged one!!

2010-05-06T19:45:00.001+01:00

Yes, I should feel very privileged as I am among the few in my team to have a significant raise. My manager informed me in the form of a hushed conversation and a sealed letter that despite the negative inflation in Switzerland, I am among the very few to have an actual unit on my increase.
Well, I am glad it is a raise, not a salary contraction.

Imagine my surprise when I read the letter and saw that I will have a 1.50% salary increase this year!!!! Well, my feet remained grounded as I was looking for other digits that may have been invisible to the naked eye. But no, that was it. Cute boss was saying he was feeling anxious explaining to some that they have 0.7% or 0.03% increase. So he looked very happy giving me my letter..LOL

So next month will be my biggest paycheck in my life, (actually, the second biggest*), as my bonus and my 'raise' will show up...
sigh...money makes the world go round?

*my biggest paychech was in September, when I received 200% of my monthly salary, as it included my relocation bonus.

Open doors

2010-05-02T21:44:00.000+01:00

This is where I meet old schoolmates (not sure that's really true), 15 years later. Maybe townmates or citymates is a more appropriated term. In any case amazing how time can change memories, perception and more. I witnessed a kind of happiness only palpable because they were doing what they loved to do or enjoyed to do. If you are in the area, be sure to check out their business: Tuscan wine and olive oil.

I spent a rainy afternoon in the painter's atelier turned kitchen/dining area, warmed up by fragrant pasta sauce and green tea, while wine connoisseurs were visiting and making orders for boxes of bottled Tuscan wine. It felt like a flashback voyage, but with a hint of awkwardness. It has been 15 years...Yet it was still comfortable and heartwarming.
Their warm welcome made you want to try the wine they offer, and their increasing business proves they have a fine collection of the liquor. I have only sipped a white wine, but due to my ignorance I am sure I failed to appreciate its quality. However the variety offered made me want to know more about wine.

Be sure to check out Vini Toscani website and their open doors every 2 months.

Tricked at work

2010-04-29T14:05:00.003+01:00

I only wore some light summer clothes. A colleague asked me to be part of his fantasies. Lol.

When it's beautiful outside, work is not very productive.

Fluttering heart

2010-04-25T19:17:00.000+01:00

A few weeks ago, I had the impression I was attracted by H. and may have fallen for him. However as days go by, it started to irritate me the way his presence troubled me and made me say and do silly things. Little by little, I forced myself to ignore his presence, even if in the morning Is till check if he has arrived at work. A simple glance above my monitor would show his straight back.

During the day, my interaction with him would be kept at minimum, but I still crack up at his private moments, like the time he started taking a picture of himself with a cigarette in his mouth and a beer in his hand at his desk. I could not resist to offer to take the picture for him...He might send it to his ex or his girlfriend, but at least it was a fun moment.

The positive energy that I am gathering from the crush is the drive to stand out in my work and be ambitious again. He offers some very kind and encouraging words at times, such as asking me what he should vote for to have my team activity accepted and to be realized. If he was on his own I would have hugged him, but cute boss and another colleague were there as well and there were nowhere to hide.

Sometimes though I am wondering what I could offer him, to thank him for inspiring me daily. I have forgotten the feelings of caring for someone: it can be a selfish feeling to make me feel worthwhile, and a braking element to prevent any change...For now though, I am glad I can still blab silly things such as ' I don't want H. I want D' when someone said I could have H. (to get me to D.)...He was not around this time but I got a curious stare from D's dad..

Strolling in Lausanne

2010-04-24T21:01:00.006+01:00

Originally, I had planned to go to Annecy on a fine Saturday for a shoping trip. But because I had a tennis game in the early evening, and a dinner later on, I decided against it and opted for Lausanne instead.

Morning flew by as I cleaned the apartment and unpacked some of my summer clothes (very optimistic), encouraging the summer and myself to the warm temperature. It was only about 20C but it felt really comfortable.

Eventually, after a nice chat in the train, we got to destination and started climbing the hilly streets of Lausanne. The buildings are much prettier than in Geneva, and the shops are more varied and cater to all incomes. After a nice hike we stumbled on the cathedral. We followed the right of the building and ended up in really quiet streets with beautiful street details.

And we could get a nice view of the city from the 'place du chateau' next to what remains of the castle. There are many old buildings around that square, and university buildings were converted in offices.

They would not let me drive my car near it though!
But we found our way back to the shop I was looking for (almost the sole purpose of the trip): Nature et decouvertes

N. and I met with S. int he shop, and I got out with only a ladybug breeding kit and a vase. We settled on a late lunch at the Manor restaurant nearby, and rolled down the hill to the lakefront, passing by the town hall, grabbing ice cream and chatting on a bench like longtime friends. Unfortunately the view of the mountains were blurred by the haze and we missed the last boat for Geneva.

Around 16:00 we saw the runners for the 20km Lausanne run, and could not take the bus to go up the hill to the station, so we took the metro. But before that, the boys convinced me to get the massage cushion and a hammock from the shop...I was not hard to convince, and they were more than happy to go play in the shop again.

So after all, I visited one shop, walked a lot, got drunk on 2 mojitos while watching runners go down the hill and managed to take pictures of the 4 leading runners and the first women.

I didn't get home before 21:00. In fact I decided to stay longer in Lausanne because my tennis partner found someone else to play with, and the dinner got canceled. So I could enjoy a full whole sunny day outside, getting to know 2 really geeky colleagues.

Springtime in Geneva

2010-04-17T17:17:00.000+01:00

After a much stressed out week, it was nice to wake up quietly and walk 30min to play tennis. We booked 2 courts for 2hours and played in the sun and slightly chilly breeze. But it was very enjoyable to sweat a bit and see so much sun. Going back home we settled on my terrace and had lunch while sunbathing. It wasn't too hot but warm enough to be wearing short sleeves and drinking cold soda and beer.

I can't wait for next week to try out the small golf place close from work. It is in France but barely 5min from work. We visited the place on Friday and they have a practice area, a putting area and even a cute 9 hole circuit. No need to have a whole golf equipment: they lend you the golf stick (hmmm, maybe club?) for free!!! So next week if the weather holds sunny, we will hit some balls at lunchtime...

This is the life...

Curtains at last

2010-04-17T16:58:00.001+01:00

Walking and crossing river Arve on the way to tennis

2010-04-17T16:56:00.001+01:00

At work on a bank holiday

2010-04-05T20:54:00.000+01:00

We worked on Holy Friday and Easter Monday. It was quiet so someone brought their Wii and weplayed all sorts of games while staying close to our desks: super mario, just dance, ping pong, brain quizz, etc...
They look like a TV panel, but they are actually playing Super Mario..hihihihi

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T14:00:00.003+01:00