Castello Montebello, Bellinzona

Leaving Airolo

Luzern

Coming from Matterhorn glacier paradise

Orchestra rehearsal in Zermatt Kirke

Flash visit in Lyon

 

Place Bellecour, Lyon, with 35C

An orchestra full of joy

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...

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

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

 

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!

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

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

Apple store

Random street view in NYC

Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii..stupor!!!

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!

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

Some news about shale gas

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

Insomnia victim...

My first ...being last

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

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

'dear Father'

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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!!

Closing comments for 2010

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

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

 

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

Very cold cold return

Botanical Garden and Marina Bay Sands

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..

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

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

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

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

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.