Cold cold cold

After three full days of in-home visits I have to conclude that people don't put much heating in their house. I've been told that housewives think it's s waste of money to heat up the whole house when they are alone. I understand the point yet this is 21st century and there are ways to heat up only parts of a house. 

I have been sitting inside houses with my coat on or on my lap as it seems to be the local habit. Now I understand why so many of my colleagues have a blanket in the office. They have been raised in a country where you cover your legs to stay warm. 

I can't wait to go back to Singapore and feel warm. 

Japanese treats

Ramen for lunch.

Kobe beef for dinner.

I ate very well today in Japan. 

Udon

Udon noodles for lunch

Today Junji recommended a tiny mini restaurant for lunch in between our interviews. Menu: udon noodles which I learnt can be eaten with a bit of soup (my choice) or a lot of soup (Junji's choice).

He suggested to have some rice with vegetables on top in case the udon was not enough. I never finished the udon as those thick noodles are very filling. I tried the rice just to say I tried it but really I was full.

Apparently you are supposed to make as much noise as possible as you eat the noodles. I find it disgusting but it's tradition. 

Thomas' first car

Thomas made his first car at the French class. 

He is officially not a baby anymore even though he keeps on trying to eat his masterpiece.

First business trip since Thomas was borne

It's been a while since my last business trip. Must have been 18 months ago or so. Today I'm flying to Japan excited to hit the road again yet sad to leave my babies.

Thomas will barely realize I'm gone. Oskar will know and I hope he won't give Wolfram too much trouble. Toddlers are very unpredictable. When I told him I was leaving he told me he would cry when I'm gone which broke my heart. Yet a couple of hours later he wanted his Papa to take him to bed because he always prefers him at night which also broke my heart. 

Time to pack and get the passport ready. 

It has arrived

And it's torturing Wolfram that I haven't opened the box yet. 

Heavenly bites

Wolfram is back from Europe with suitcases full of supplies: chocolate, pesto, car seat, diapers, kids toothbrushes, etc. Many of the things we cannot find in Singapore or have to pay crazy money for it.

But more importantly he bought a box of macarons from La Durée.

They are simply incredible. Every bite is a piece of heaven.

Pity there are only 30 of them. 

I'm getting a new laptop

Finally after almost six months of being told to wait, this weekend I could order my new laptop.

Today there was a delivery...

... of the adapter. 

The rest will come in 3-4 weeks. Ahhhhh!