Ever Growing Clutter

If you compared this picture with that on the extreme left,

you can tell that more things have been added to my collection. Let me hightlight the new things - the lovely white storybook (from Switzerland), in front of those cute figurine pencils Peifen bought me. The print of LS Lowry's (my all time favorite artist) painting rested against the wall is a gift from my bro when he last visited London. And the other print hung above it is one I picked up from Puces Marche in Paris. The white with graphic lines porcelain ball is a paperweight from Australia my buddy Melly gave me. The unusual water bottle which resembles a perfume bottle is a welcome gift from Annecy Animation Festival. Together with the wooden box of crayons (in the foreground) which I bought for myself, these two items are the most representative of my trip to France in 2007. Lastly, the cute little "tweed" black and white coat on a torso was made by Diana, a very creative researcher and crafter for So Simple. I feel simply blissed out looking at these precious things everyday.

My French Experience

If it hadn't been for Stripe on 69th, my pet animation project, and my bro's support, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to experience Annecy and Paris in France. Annecy, near the French Alps of France, is where the yearly Annecy Animation Festival is held. It's easily one of the most lovely places I have been, with the famous medieval old town being right smack in the middle of the city centre. My good friend was in Annecy before me and she got the pleasure to check it out first. When she text to tell me she loved the city, I knew immediately I would feel the same, because we both have a common instinctive reaction to the places we like/dislike. Much as Annecy was about work for the reason of my trip, it also allowed my sister and I a really nice time together abroad; something we rarely do. In comparison, Paris turned out to be a little less attractive. Maybe it was crowded and busy when we were there. But the better part was, we got Alison's whole apartment to ourselves. And since it was in the suburbs, it gave us the chance to avoid the hustle bustle of the city when we didn't feel like too much noise. On the whole, I am thankful for having had the chance to see a bit of France, though the ten days I have stayed are not enough to constitute a bonafide French experience. It's more like a little keepsake.