Tokyo Fiancée by Amélie Nothomb (2007)

A young Belgian woman is in Japan to earn money teaching French.  One day, in answer to an advertisement she had posted offering her services as a French teacher, she receives a phone call form Rinri, a University student who needs extra tuition. He comes from a rich family and is expected to follow in his father’s footsteps at jewellery school. As the lessons continue they slowly grow closer. In due course they become lovers and get engaged, despite his parents’ disapproval.

Author: Amélie Nothomb was born on July 9, 1966 in Belgium. She is from a distinguished Belgian political family. During her infancy she lived in Japan, China and other Asian countries. Amélie has written twenty-two novels.

My thoughts: I found this novel refreshing and inviting, a voyage to Japan and an insight into Nippon culture through this romance between Rinri and a Belgian woman. Amélie Nothomb draws the story from her time in Japan during the 90s highlighting the differences and, at times, the clashes between Western and Japanese cultures  As I read this novel I always had in mind my school friend M. who comes from Japan, a country I have never visited but dream of getting to know one day.

Save one last dance...

The beach/pool season has nearly finished, the long walks in flip flops as well, the days begin to get shorter and the return to school is on the way.

To say goodbye, last Friday, I put on my “summer outfit", a coloured tunic with shorts and sandals on my feet and waltzed off for one last summer dance in the streets of Geneva ... my favourite ice cream (Manu Gelato) could not be missed!

With great sadness? No, because my other favourite season is just around the corner, the autumn.

Reader's Look

Tunic: Millennium from O-Top

Shorts: Calzedonia

Sandals:  Vincci Malaysia

Watch: Breitling

Sunglasses: Prada 

My long walk began in Old Carouge and ended in the emblematic Geneva Vieille Ville. I was able to speak to the "young" artist, Steve Martin, who is exhibiting his paintings at “The Nest Gallery” until the end of August.  I was also more than happy to get to know the works of the renowned painter from Bangladesh, Ahmed Shahabuddin who exhibits at the “Daniel Besseiche Gallery”. His paintings touch me enormously!!!

As for me, I'll just buy my flowers and set off back in a minute....I wish you all have a lovely week!

The Nest Gallery

Rue Etienne-Dumont 14

1204 Genève

www.nest-geneva.ch

Galerie Daniel Besseiche SA

Rue Henri-Fazy 4

1204 Genève

www.dbesseiche.com

Brown Muffins

A former work colleague brought these muffins to the office once: we loved them. She gave me her muffin recipe which is so successful that even my mum is a fan.

1 cup of self-raising flour

1 cup of wheat bran

¼ cup of sugar

1 cup of milk

1 egg

2 teaspoons of olive oil

½ teaspoon of salt

Sultanas

1. Mix together the dry ingredients.

2. Mix the liquid ingredients; egg, milk, oil.

3. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry.

4. Add few sultanas.

5. Butter a muffin mold.

6. Bake in a moderate oven (180°C) for about 25 minutes. Cool muffins in the mold.

Serves 4 to 5