A picture of home

A while ago I spotted a painting in my daily newspaper that attracted my attention because it looked familiar in style and content. Upon closer inspection, I realized that it was painted by Egon Schiele and depicted Stein a. D., where my parents live and mom was born.

I had no idea that Schiele painted landscapes, but I quite liked the picture with its two central churches, the Danube and the vineyards in back. Since both of our children were baptized in one of the churches (the lower one; the uppoer one, the "Frauenkirche" is decomissioned and serves as a war memorial), I went on the internet and ordered a poster. I paid 50 USD, which I felt was expensive, but when the package was delivered some 3 weeks later (from China), I realized that I had purchased an oil painting on canvas. I had it framed and it now adorns our entrance hall and is a constant reminder of Wachau's natural beauty.

Memorial Day Celebration

This is Memorial Day Weekend in the USA. Memorial Day is a holiday in USA and serves to remember and honor all the men and women who died serving their country at war.


A tiny group, comprised of 2 Americans, 2 Japanese, 3 Austrians and 1 boy from Iceland attended the ceremony at the Foreign Cemetery in Kobe. A wreath was laid down at the monument for American Servicemen and then the US Consul, Mr Howard, gave a small speech.



Afterwards we enjyed the natural beauty of Futatabi, walked around the lake, saw turtles and carps and felt disappointed that there were no boats for hire, as the water level of the lake was too low.

Conrad's Concert

Last Friday we followed Conrad's invitation to the 3rd and 4th grade concert at Canadian Academy.

The concert was followed by an exhhibit of the children's artwork.

Family Hike

Golden Week in Japan! Sunshine, blue sky, no school for Conrad and Cyd and a perfect chance to take the family out into the hills of Kobe. Daddy was allowed to carry little Eva.