Family event

Again, I had such a fun time with all the families of Odie. Once in a year, this huge party is held in Basel, hosted by a brother of Godzilla.



For me, it was a second time! I was really surprised, when I first joined the party last year because of this huge buffet! It is as beautiful as the banquet party in 5 star hotel!!



Upon I arrived, I was already totally excited for a fun day..!



This is really gorgeous!! In Japan, I've never seen such a selsction of cheese, even in a buffet in 5 star hotel!! (I always have to compare with 5 star hotel since I belong to it before..)



The bread, Zoft is also hugeeeeee and it's a handmade!!



Fruits are also part of the decoration and the guests can pick them up anytime they want..! This time, our friend from Japan, Morita san was joining and he was totally amazed. He was telling me every time " this is not possible in Japan!":)



,,,which one is Godzilla..? Godzilla and his brother are two youngest among their 4 brorhers and sisters. I can easily imagine how naughty they were..:)

So were eating and chatting whole time.



I also fell in love with this boy..



He likes playing with me and also with Odie.He was so cuteeee! I wish I have such a boy!



In the late afternoon, we went for a walk. "A Walk"? I thought it will be a quick walk. But it ended up as 1 hour long walk all the way to the main station!! Even an oldest sister of Godzilla joined and she walk together without any problem!! This is very amazing!! In Japan, nobody even think of letting 70year old lady walk so long!!



We also walk back to home.. The total distance we walk on this day is about 7km, I assume..



Back to the home, the party has continued..The room is light up cozy and comfy..



Time for dessert! Both cakes were yummy yummy.I already had enough chocolate but I was able to eat two pieces of cakes. Oh noooooo!



I also brought green tea cream with me. I knew someone will bring cakes so some cream to add on those cakes might be an idea. But it seems like I didn't put enough sugar in it.. Since Japanese prefer having less sugar in dessert, this cream was my taste, not for guests.. Next time, I will make something sweet or perhaps Avocado sushi is better..



Finally "Art contest" has begun!!



This is actually an art from the daughter of Godzilla's brother. Two daughters of him are both artist. Hmmmm it seems that Godzilla's relative have all "art" in their blood!



I really really love this family! They are not only kind but all fun and cheerful. I always feel comfortable in this family. Maybe it's also because they are always making effort speaking high German with me. I believe my German skill has been improved from last year so it was even more fun this time. But my goal is understanding Swiss German without having problem. If they can speak Swiss German to me (although I reply then back in high German) it will be even more fun!!
I'm very proud being one of the member of this family!

I cannot write only about beautiful experience!

I had another family Christmas event yesterday. Which was,,,,, most uncomfortable thing I've ever experienced!

In Japan, there is a word "和　WA". This one Symbol means "harmony", "amiable", "relaxed", "unstrained".
Moreover, Japanese food are called "和食　Washoku" = "Food of WA". Harmony and collaboration of each foods are important but also "peaceful dining atmosphere" is extremely important!!

Where was peaceful atmosphere yesterday??

Of course I'm thankful for those who spoke high German for me upon their speech. But otherwise, I had no idea what they were talking about. I only felt tension from the way they speek. Ok, maybe it was worse if I understood what's going on. But anyway, was it not a Christmas dinner??

I know I have to learn Swiss German, that's my problem. But even without speaking Swiss German, I can enjoy in many situation. It was not only my language problem that I felt uncomfortable.



So, I have to drop bomb by writing. Those who destroy "WA" have to be prepared for Japanese attack.

Additionally, my grandma-in-law doesn't like me to take photo all the time so I don't have so much this time.

Thank you for the host who organized the party. I understand that it was lots of work. Thank you for my mother-in-law who introduced me officially to the family. But I hope it would be different atmosphere next time.

Girl's day in Geneva

I don't have so much close friends in Switzerland but I have two really good friends happened to got to know before I move here.

One is actually my only colleague now in Zürich. I have to say it was miracle that I got to know her while she was doing internship in Japan. She is Swiss. The other girl is German who I have been introduced by this Swiss girl before she left Japan.
So we all known each others when we were in Japan but who even imagined that all of us end it up living in same country, Switzerland:)

A German girl is now living and working in Geneva. She once visited us in Zürich so it was our turn to visit her in Geneva.

It was really cold day.


After having a real good French style lunch, we went to check Christmas market. Interesting how it's different from the one in Zürich. The shops standing along on the narrow street, but you feel quite open. It's because there's no tall building on this street.



Suddenly comes huge St. Nicolas giving candies to children.



There were lots of artistic, unique, hand-made items.



We bought Maroni (marrons) from friendly woman,



and hot apple juice to make ourselves warm.



We love Maroni!! But I learned that "Maroni" is actually Swiss German. I was using it without knowing it! They told me that something sounds cute, ending with "i" are often Swiss German. Maroni, could turn out to be very bad one or good one. If it's skin are difficult to peel, that's a bad one. Then you have to crush it's inside while you trying hard to peel it. Good maroni are easy to eat.



Hot apple juice was first experience for me. There were some spice inside and indeed make your body warm!



It was a corner of the city, full of French atmosphere. Sometime I have to wonder if Geneva really a city of Switzerland. It looks like completely a part of France.



We tried ice skating to warm up our body again. But I was so scared since there were too many children going crazy and can be easily crush into you. I like ice bahn where I often go in Zürich better.
But skating with friends are fun!

Time went by so fast. It was already 5pm when we left ice bahn. Geneva and Zürich has 3 hours train ride so we had to leave latest at 7:45.



We went to highly recommended cafe which is super stylish and modern louge cafe,,,



but they serve dinner only apart from 7pm. Shame that...



So we went Italian restaurant near the station where serve everything in jumbo size! The portion of pasta was for 3 people!

We had to crack up seeing other guests who are attacking such a huge pizza and pasta alone. This kind of moment, I miss a lot. Joking around and making fun of others with girl friends.



It was cold winter day but heart warming day with good friends. I could have fun even speaking German entirely. I always have feeling that I cannot find real good friend when I speak German. But they know me from Japan and also patient enough to listen to what I say. I really appreciate that.

Thank you a lot to my sweet friends!