A Big Birthday and my Family

2nd visit of Spain was first experience of traveling with entire of my husband’s family. What plans this family is always jumbo scale. My mother-in-law celebrated her birthday in Romania for about two weeks. This time, all the family traveled to Spain to celebrate 30’s birthday of my sister-in-law, Fay. Normally, birthday with “0” has special meaning in Switzerland. People tend to celebrate it more than normal birthday.




First celebration was done exactly when the clock hits 12am on July 22. We were at the restaurant, dining around the big round table. We sung a song, 3 TIMES!! and then came big dessert arrangement with candle and message. The restaurant was very nice, organized by parents. We could overview the Atlantic Ocean in Laxe.

Satisfied by beautiful night, we slept next morning until almost 11am.



We woke up in Ponteceso by the knock from Ursula, my mother-in-law, telling us that we will sing a song once again. When we went into the room, another big Tiramis with a message was there, and beautiful flower arrangement by the window. Ursula and Juerg woke upon early in the morning in order to organize another special cake and flower decoration.




Ursula gently picked up flowers from the neighbor. It was as professional as normal flower shop. I could imagine it sold in the shop but what makes it different is that, warm wish of Ursula is included in this arrangement. I believe, she picked up every flower thinking of her daughter.



Fay, a birthday girl.



And everyone celebrate with a joy.



By seeing this photo, you could imagine the family very peachful and merry.
BUT!! This family is the most eccentric and aggresive family you could find in the world!

I experience 2 big fights only during 3 days. If I include small arguments or discussion, I don't know how many they were. Even before the birthday dinner, after checking out the hotel and leaving for Madrid, the family doesn't care about the situation. Everybody speak out until convince the other. (which never happens!)

3 children were raised up to state their own opinion. Even their opinion is against to that of parents, they are allowed to speak out.

I asked Juerg, my father-in-law if it's not too offensive for him. During the middle of fight, Juerg said "it's always practicing. The children might become a leader tomorrow".

This is exactly the opposite education I had. I was never allowed to stand against my parents. I learned how to obey, be patient and accept. It helped me a lot in Japanese society where I had to agree with whatever my boss says.

Here, in the family of my husband, nobody really has a boss. (ok, my sisters do) Juerg is artist, Ursula is doctor and my husband is self-employed. The ability they need is to make decision and not to obey. This does make sense.

I admire how they could be confident with their opinions. But same time, I think it's also nice if they could at least accept the other's opinion, even though they don't agree. This is my small opinion who is pacifist.





Family fight a lot but have fun a lot as well together. Even after lunch, we ordered some dessert and again sung:)
It continued until Sunday night. Juerg, Ursula and Aruischa (older sister)left to the another bar again to organize one last birthday cake for Fay.





And we talked until late.



It was such a densed days. Maybe the stregth of family gets stronger by fighting a lot and laughing a lot all together. At the airport, when we had to leave Madrid and Fay, we are all satisfied with trip and sad to say good bye.

Marriage is interesting. Me and my husband is already a family, only 2 people, but now I really feel that I'm also belong to the family of my husband. I'm grown up in typical nuclear family but I feel very warm when surronded by family of 5 people.
I don't know if I'll have 3 children but one thing I know "I like this family a lot!"
And I would never get bored with this family:)

Spain, second visit

Espana!! For me, second visit. First one was 3 years ago. I visited my friend in Balcelona and then spent 3 days in Madrid alone. I clearly remember how it’s like exploring the city all by myself. It was fun, but now I’m happy to be back in the city with my husband.

The reason of the visit is that the sister of my husband will have a birthday. She is now living in Madrid, already speaks very good Spanish. It is family’s event to celebrate for birthday.
After spent one night in Madrid, me and my husband and a birthday girl, Fay drove down to Galicia. It was about 6 hours ride.



Madrid, Saturday morning.



Leaving the city. Found modern monument!
Some points in the way to Galicia reminded me of California. There is some hills but when the land is flat and brown, it's like the I6 between Los Angeles and San Francisco.




Took a break twice and finally reach coast of Atlantic Ocean!

Fay arranged pretty pension, owned by a Spanish woman. Each room has designed differently. Our room has balcony and the bed was covered by white linen. Looks really southern European.





My husband forgot his swimming pants so we went to a shop to buy one. There was quite a variety of Swim pants and I was recommending some. Then suddenly, a shop staff showed him some other selections which is the last one he may choose. They are very short. Me and my friends often laugh at men who wear such a swim pants. Too tight and looks funny. But somehow he chose them, even bought two!! Of course it was not funny for me at all that he chose something which I hate. My mood for the trip drop down to the bottom.

Anyway, it is family’s event. I cannot be upset forever so I joined and went down to the beach. First time seeing the course of Atlantic Ocean!! It was much more beautiful than I thought! I haven’t seen sand beach for a long time and that made me even more excited. It was such a joy to run on the sand toward the see. Water is not warm but at least warmer than the Lake of Zürich where I always swim.



Above photo, there is a Godzilla in the middle of the ocean. (my father-in-law:)


I enjoyed how I float in salt water, the soft touch of sand and fresh breeze. It was perfect first experience of Atlantic ocean.

When I went back to the beach, my husband was there with ugly swimming pants which doesn’t look sexy at all. But I didn’t know this stupid pants will create one big art.....!

I doubted my eyes when I saw my father-in-law with his new swimming pants! Light blue and there is a big Taurus in the middle!!! The Taurus is insisting himself so strongly and drag everyone’s attention to this certain spot:) My father-in-law, whose nickname is Godzilla was very satisfied with his new pants.




So here is the photo of two crazy men who have exactly same legs. The title of this masterpiece is "No father, no son".

Boat Ride in Lake of Zurich

Summer in Zurich is beautiful. In beginning, it was very difficult for me to swim in the cold water. How I wish I could swim when the strong sun burning me on the land. But once I step into water, I gave up becuase of it's coldness!! But now, water temperature is acceptable for me as well. I could really enjoy swimming just like local girls!! Every weekend we go Zollikon where we could enjoy bathing in organized and friendly atmosphere. Last weekend, we've done something little bit different from ordinary. Boat ride on the Lake of Zurich! Sibylle,a old good friend of my husband own such a pretty boat! She is also very professional to control it and role down! Zollikon, the place where I swim every weekend goes smaller and smaller. Sibylle rolled down all the way to the middle! Water of the Lake is very clean. Some says you could even drink it's water. But here in the middle, it is even more clean! Here, not a single thing floating on the water. It's colour is emelard. Sibylle had a bag full of snacks to enjoy on the boat! Melon and raw ham became great starter. Her hand-made blue berry cake was also a perfect dessert. Sibylle and Markus. Me and my husband. After enjoying some food, of course, we cannot go back to shore without enjoying the water! There is a small steps on the boat. You could climb down or simply dive in. Markus dopped into the water from his back! Around the boat became suddenly our private beach. (private water!) No oneelse but us swim in the water and it was amazingly refreshing. Time went by so fast. When we realized, it was already late afternoon. Sun was still high up, trying to convince us to stay longer. Cheers to beautiful life!!

Schaffhausen and Rheinfall

One wish came true! I wanted to see Rhein Fall for a long time and finally able to visit during this weekend! It turned out to be more than I have expected!!

Schaffhausen is the old city locating by river Rhein. The river had a lot to do with this city for a long time. Those ages, when people can transfer things only by ship, Schaffhausen had a very imtportant role. The city functioned as a custom since all the people, all the things had to change ships due to Rhein Fall. Therefore, the city was flourished by commercial activites. I was very excited to see such a fall which played important role in history, plus only one fall in the river which last for 1300km.




Due to the consecutive rainy days last week, the water amount was higher than usual. The fall was unbelievably powerful and showing us strongness of nature. I was very astonished just seeing it way underneath.



I went closer, eager to feel it's strongness.. Ok, understood. In German, there is an article for each nouns, masculine, feminine and neutrality. Rhein is masculine, while Donau is feminine. "Der Rhein", Yes it is, the river was showing it's maleness!



Along the river, you could also have a small hike. There is a bridge going over the Rhein Fall. You could also have a seat on the bench and enjoy the beauty of nature. I heard that city is planning to illuminate the Rhein Fall in order to attract more tourists. From old ages and up to now, the city is profited a lot from the Rhein Fall.



We also went to Munot, the Fortness of the city. It is now protected as Clutural Treasure. On the way to the Munot, there is a beautiful grape field.



I've never seen grape fields that close! It was long way up to Munot, but I never felt tired because of awesome view. I looked back many times. The more I go higher, more beautiful the view became. Finally I saw Rhein as well.







On the top, there was a canon. But actually in the history, the Fortness was not strong enough to defend from the fire of enemies. So when the city was a batthlefield of war between France and Austria, Munot wasn't even became a target.
I think it is difficult to fight, once you see this peaceful view from the top..



Entire of the tour, we had a special local guide, who always lived in Schaffhansen and love this city. He showed us around including nice old street of the town and very delicious ice cream!! After a long day, we all little bit tired and decided to cook at his place and eat at garden.



Tomomi and Lukas.

By talking to him, I also felt how much people love Rhein. He is now considering to move the town but he cannot think of moving to the place without water.

It was the day getting know to new city and also warm-hearted local man who is proud of the city.

Yuka's Cocktail

Crazy Zürich

To tell the truth, I was thinking of Switzerland as such a conservative country both positive and negative way. People like to wear black, foreigners are not always welcome and obviously insisting not to join EU. But this weekend, my prejudice are 90% wiped out! Switzerland, especially Zürich is not conservative at all. The city showed me it's full power and how open they are!! It was Zürich Festival take place only once in a year like Olympic:)

I was walking down the ordinary way but suddenly heard music from nowhere. I just realized that there is a stereo hang everywhere in the city. And in front of me war people people people,,, No cars, no trams, just many people!

In stead of trams, there is a toy tram machine:)

Many shops are stand in line along the street. I smelled grill wherever I go.

What's great about Zürich Festival is performance. It was of course surprising how endless these food stands and shops are continue but same time, I encounter amazing performance every where.

The above photo is a professional divers who jumped in to the lake from 30m high. As I walk down the street along the lake, enjoying international food stands, I encounter another interesting game. It's cayak polo! Just like basketball but with cayak. It was against Holland and Spain. Holland are so agressive and and precise in strategy! Sometime the cayak flipped upside down!

Not Only in the water but also performance will be found in the sky.


A beautiful show of planes held by professional Checks group. Team leader was a woman. Performance in the sky was also held by super cool helicopter which done crazy back spring. On the ground give it more.

This is a beach football. Tough men are running around on the sand. So exciting to see it in front of you. All of the sudden, I found something exactly like circus.

Crazy balance on the bar... Everything is possible in Zurich during the festival.

Another good point in Zurich! Not only adults but kids can also fully enjoy the festival. Beautiful calm park turned in as a kid's paradise!

This one is motor bike performer. Thrilling performance was held with group of four tough men.

This guy is hardly holding his bike while in the air!!

Even the financial big company was an element of festival. It was colored like crazy. Just by light... Not real paint. What's good about Zürich Festival is that people can really find a way to enjoy personally. The highlight of the festival is fireworks start from 10.30pm. In Japan, in such a special occasion, people are eager to find the best position and squeeze each others. However, here in Zürich, there are no hassle like that.

Here, normally people can swim into the lake, laid down on the grass and relax. This day, it was specially arranged as a place to watch fireworks.

You can get a food like this.

After a meal, wait for the fireworks for a while, chilling on the sands. With blanket, we could lay down on the sand and relax. I was munching ice cream for dessert. How luxurious way to enjoy fireworks!

Then came fireworks! Ok, I was REALLY impressed! In Japan, fireworks is one of the biggest event in summer for every cities. I went to see fireworks many times. However, here in Switzerland, it was completely another different art. First of all, music is played (live) background and fireworks is collaborating with it. Also, the base was fixed four places on the lake. Therefore, entire outlook of fireworks is wide. In Japan, the base is only one so the outlook is more narrow. Fireworks in Switzerland indeed light up entire of the sky. The variety was also more than that of Japan. In climax, hundreds of firework were shoot up and was like a thousands of sunflowers bloomed in the night sky! People are all overwhelmed by this beautiful art. Some goes home but many remain in the city for more party. The city itself was like a disco club. Whenever music play convert to dancing hall. It went until morning and continue over the weekend.

Culture shock at doctor!

My weekend has started horrible way.. I had to visit doctor first time since I moved to Zürich. Nothing is wrong, I'm healthy ever before but I have to have constant check at gynecology. I was nervous of course from language problem but more from how I will be treated. Even in Japan where always go to, I was nervous every time when I visit gyn. So I met doctor. A woman who kindly spoke high German for me. First shock. A chair for internal examination was sitting there facing door. Second shock. There is no curtain in front of this chair. In Japan, when you sit on this chair just like being a frog, you can't see a face of doctor who is checking inside. Like this, patient is less embarrassing. But here, I can't see curtain anywhere!! My anxious was already in full level.. Then the doctor asked me many questions. She wants to know everything about me relating gynecology. I was not able to concentrate 100% since this freaky chair was always in my sight. Then she told me take off my underwear. Ok,,,, here it comes.. I didn't realize but there is a small curtain on the corner of the room and I had to take off underwear. I wore short skirt this date so that I don't have to be completely naked but I was even not allowed to keep my skirt on. She also told me to take off my bra. Why bra as well? Being half naked, my anxious was more than 100%.. Third shock. I had to walk toward the chair in this miserable look. Again in Japan, patient can take off their underwear behind the curtain of chair. Therefore, once you took off the underwear, you can straight sit on the chair without seeing the face of doctor. So I sat down on the chair being a frog. I had to look into the eyes of doctor while she is talking, even though opening legs just like a frog. In Japan, there is a saying "A fish on the chopping board" when man is being helpless from danger. I was indeed A FISH ON THE CHOPPING BOARD!! I don't know whether the doctor was aware of my anxiety or not but she put on gloves on her both hands. Then came something instrument inside. Whhhhhhhh, I hate it this moment. Somehow it heats up for a while. I was praying to finish as soon as possible. Then she started massage my breast asking whether I check my breast condition myself. Well, no... I've never taught to do so in my life nor being massaged my breast ny doctor.. Fourth shock. No she sticked in her finger into me. I was surprised but trying to be calm. But same time she start pushing my stomach which is very tickling. I closed my mouth tight and just wishing that time goes by. FIFTH SHOCK!! Which is the biggest!! Ohhhh, so horrible even think about it. After her finger was removed, I thought it's finished but then all of sudden, she sticked in her finger in my axx. I had to scream this moment. I was too shocked and finally tear came out from eyes... I was really hoping for a word "finish" but doctor is still preparing something which looks very very dangerous.. She is now holding big thick stick in her hand. I was speaking to myself, if that is another instrument, I have to die. But, nooooooooo!! She is putting condom on the stick and adding gel on it!!! Please, let me run away from this room!!! " Ok, sixth shock. Of course, she sticked in this bar into me... Whatever.. I thought I could bare anything now.. But actually not. She never let this bar go from me. She showed me the screen and explaining about my body while this instrument is inside. She moved the bar left and right, back to left again, telling me this and this. I don't remember anything she has said. I was just praying to god. Please just let me go. So my first visit to a doctor has finished, remaining trauma.. I had to have a sip of very good coffee to be back in mood of weekend. Next appointment with doctor is November...
Update: I just found this article in Weltwoche

Yuka's Cocktail