Let me introduce you the popular dessert among Chinese and Japanese – the red bean soup. Culturally, red bean is a symbol of faithful love, according to the Chinese poet Wang Wei (701-761). He wrote: 紅豆生南國，春來發幾枝。Red beans grow in south, new branches come with the spring. 願君多采擷，此物最相思。I advice you to cherish them, for they can most represent …
This is one of my favourite bread in Germany, its name is Hefezopf. Traditionally, in the area I live, Hefezopf is for breakfast or tea time during the weekend. It is also for the special event like birthday party or having guest. Since I am no more living with my adopted German family, …
Make yourself a cup of tea, and let us read a poem about Mid-Autumn Moon written by Su Dongpo (1037-1101). A little cultural background before reading the poem. Mid-Autumn festival is an important festival for Chinese, Japanese, Korean to be with family. Full moon is round, round in Chinese calls “yuan” 圆. When family is …
Last year summer, I was in some places in Thüringen to attend an organ academy. My first stop is Eisenach, the birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach (1685- 1750). Bach is my all time favourite composer, of course, I visited the Bach museum in Eisenach (Bachhaus Eisenach), where he once lived. The exhibition begins with Instrument hall. …
What has been written in the sand last only until the next ocean wave to wipe it away, without leaving a trace nor proof. But the one who wrote the message in the sand, and the one who understood the message will keep it in their heart and treasuring it dearly. Like music. Once played …
As my train slowly arriving in Leonberg train station, the small drops of rain were getting larger and larger. As I stepped out the train, Leonberg welcomed me with lightning and storm and heavy rain. The little umbrella that I have was rather useless in this situation. Anyway, for me who grew up in Malaysia …
Have you ever been to a place, when you leave, you are taking a message with you? Recently, I was in Frankfurt, and I am taking back this message with me: come back to now. It is actually an advertisement for contemporary art collection in Städel Museum, and it inspired me. When I think …
Finally, the time has come to share with you my favourite poem Septembermorgen by Eduard Mörike about my favourite season – Autumn. It is talking about on a September morning, where the woods and the fields are still dreaming, but soon you will see the Autumn – the golden world. And I, on a September …
Sinn. This poem continue with the old tale which made Heine felt so sad. Heine took me to Rhine river and told me the old tale. Once upon a time on this rock, sat a charming beautiful girl called Loreley. Under the golden evening sun, she combed her golden hair with golden comb. Shimmering, glittering, …
The place where I am right now is the right place for me at the very moment. Therefore, stop wishing I am somewhere else, but to pay proper attention to this very place. To be fully present in the city. …