Why I Still Miss Japan

Germany's nice, and all, and there are some things I love about living here. But oh, Japan! Watch this lovely little video and be enchanted.

Chanel No. 5, Audrey, Istanbul

This commercial, directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, has been out for quite some time, but I just love it and had to share it here. Of course Audrey Tautou is fabulous and Chanel No. 5 is a classic, but there's also just something about the luxe feel of this little film that is so mesmerizing. It's fueling my wanderlust and definitely increasing my desire to visit Istanbul, in particular. Maybe next year?

For more glitzy escapism starring Audrey Tautou, see Priceless, which was recommended by Valerie. Fun!

U2, and Summer's End

I know, I know. You've probably been thinking I abandoned this blog. But no--for the past two months I've just had plenty of things to do--and people to see, like this guy:

Yep, it's Bono, fresh off his back surgery here in Germany! While my mother-in-law was visiting a few weeks ago, the Husband and I took the opportunity to head to Frankfurt for our first (not only, if we can help it) U2 concert. I can't say enough about how great it was. Incredible.

No, we didn't use a super-powerful zoom lens. We really were this close! But being on the floor next to the stage meant arriving very early and then standing and waiting for a long time--I'm talking hours. So what did we do to kill time before the concert began? We read the books we'd brought with us, of course! I geeked out on Anne Fadiman's Ex Libris and cared not in the slightest that reading a book at a concert might have seemed more than a bit strange to the sweaty, teeming throng sharing floor-space with us. I'm thinking book-freak Ms. Fadiman would be proud.

Yow! You know, I didn't think I would be so star-struck, but I totally was. Really. Jumping up and down with arms raised overhead, fists pumping, for the entire concert? Check! Singing along continually? Duh! Crying when it was over? Almost!

These guys really know how to put on an amazing show--just sayin.'

Coming up soon on this resuscitated blog: more excuses why I was gone for two months (Paris, Amsterdam, Texas, House Hunters International...).

Fairytale Video: Vanessa Bruno's Le Bel Eté

found at Bakerby

As a pianist, former recreational dancer, and onetime White Sands-sledder, I just had to share this, in case you haven't seen it.  It's so whimsical, and the music by Yacht and Gonzales is inspired.