Valentine chocolates

These were some of the chocolates that I recieved on valentine's day. In contrast to other countries including India where on valentine's day loving couples exchange gifts, in Japan the custom is slightly different. On that day men recieve gifts (allmost always chocolates) from the fairer sex, be it either your girlfriend or any well-wisher. I was abound with chocolates from different quarters coming from two T.shima-sans (jap mom and my dorm manager), Oba-chan (jap granny), dept. staff and beloved k.th.

But the cliche is returning the gifts on 'White day', which falls on March 14th. Haven't heard of this day before coming to Japan.

Y'day in a radio programme by FBC ('Itteirashhai' from Suzuki hanji), there was a talk on chocolates, where in the DJ told that chocolates are good for health (contains minerals like magnesium and calcium in balance) and its a myth that they cause obesity, caries, nosebleed or even pimples. The aroma of chocolates are to be smelt before eating them. A chocolate activates the brain and hence is useful in rejuvenation.

Well, my experiments with those I recieved was a fair success and the one I ate before posting this is still keeping me active!

Souvenir-SNMI 2006 Award certificate

Among different events that occured last year, the one that I cherish most is visiting India to attend SNMI 2006 conference where in I had a oral presentation of my research topic. Though my research topic was a little out of sorts compared to others, I still managed to get an award for my presentation. Though I recieved a memento during the conference, I was surprised not to recieve any certificate. Recently, I recieved the certificate by post. Here it is how it looks!

Ski trip 2007

The previous post highlighted the snowfall happening in Fukui. In fact that was the only time that I could see some snow accumulating on the ground. The ensuing warm days cleared it off the ground in less than 2 days. Since then, only the occasional flurries were seen on some cold days.

Just like every year, the university organized a Ski trip for international students. As usual, the competition to get selected was high considering the no. of students willing to go at concessional price exceeds the selection capacity. But since it was on first-cum-first-serve basis, I got selected as I submitted on early morning hours of application acceptance date. Though the trip was planned for 2 days at Rokuroshi highlands, it was later shifted to 1-day event at Katsuyama Skijam due to little snow at the former location.

The trip was scheduled on 13th February. Fortunately the weather was superb with blue skies, which is perfect for skiing . Though it was my second time, I took time in accustoming to balance even on low-angled slope. My initial few trials also resulted in direct collsion to a colleague. Luckily, she managed without any inuries. Later, did ski carefully only when the surroundings were clear off any people. The best part came post-noon when I along with K.th and S.ley went half-way top of the mountain and started to slide down. The most toughest part of skiing for beginners according to me is the control needeed to STOP or SLOW down the speed, besides needing to make turns freely. While learning that, the safest way to control was only to fall intentionally. Overall it was a great fun-filled day and I didn't want to go back from there, especially after learning to make turns towards the end of day! Nevertheless, the great experience prompts me to go and master skiing in future.

FIRST SNOW FALL OF 2007

Oooopssss...Its nearing to an year after my last post on this blog. Just thought I should not make it to year! So is this post. The last week saw the first snowfall of the year 2007 at Fukui (more specifically at my abode). Its my first too for this winter.

This year is surprisingly a WARM winter ('Dantou' in japanese) by japan standards. In contrast to last year's heavy snowfall and freezing winter, this year was amzingly little snowfall and generally warm and pleasant in most of japan. The snow could be seen only on mountain tops behind my uni and I dearly missed the ALL-WHITE Fukui that I had seen in last 3 years of my stay over here.