Writings and Travels of Lina Em
Switzerland?! Now that’s a destination I don’t hear often. Why are you going?
I suppose it’s with natural surprise that I get asked to explain why I am heading to such a destination. It’s not exactly the best season to attend with rain always being forecasted.
Continue reading “Switzerland Day 1: From Geneva to Montreux”
I have a dog that at the sight of a suitcase, he will have the worst explosion, of the stinky sort. He is absolutely notorious for getting sick, getting anxious, and sad and depressed, wallowing in the closet somewhere when he gets the slightest sense that I’m packing up to go somewhere.
So I had learned long ago that packing must never happen until he’s gone off to doggy camp. That, of course, leaves me with very little time to prep and organize.
Switzerland has never been on my list of countries to visit, since I don’t enjoy the cold. I prefer warm weather, old buildings, history and romance, or blazing sun on white sand beach with warm teal water. And since the country is in fact surrounded by the Alps, it didn’t seem like the most seasonable situation for me. Weather Channel is forecasting rain the time I’ll be there. Alas, temperature and precipitation aside, who could refuse a request to be a date at a ball in a palace?
Continue reading “Meet Me In Switzerland”
Sure, flea market is not the correct term used for events like this. But calling it LIC Open Market for Expensive Food and Tinkeries doesn’t ring the same bell. It’s quite long and cumbersome to roll off the tongue.
From stall to stall, I enjoyed viewing different food, reading ingredients, looking at the colors, the richness and the beauty of all the food out for display. It takes you out of the city mode for a few bit of seconds before you have those annoying rushing-off-off-somewhere-New-Yorker pushing their way to get to something. I mean, what exactly are you rushing off to in Long Island City? It’s literally a ghost town.
Continue reading “LIC Flea Market Opening Weekend 2014”
I had never doubted my feelings for him nor his towards me. But I would not go so far as to say our relationship is a dream with roses and happiness all the time. After all, a relationship is about growing and changing with someone and like many changes, it’s hard and often scary. But the highs are high and the lows are just average, never so drastic as to make me waver or question the relationship.
Continue reading ““Ring”-ing the New Year”
At the beginning of the year, I made a list of 13 restaurants I needed to try this year. I find making these lists really help me to explore different areas of New York. Unfortunately, I only made it through 9 places but they were all very good places, worth checking out.
Continue reading “9 Places I Tried in 2013”
When I was in college, I took a philosophy class. Specifically, Philosophy of Happiness and it was taught by a nun, since I attended a “Catholic affiliated college”—the term used in order for the school to maintain its government grants, which I partook in some of those grants. It was a very broad topic, allowing me to read into the dying art of philosophy—dying because it has been converted to new age or self help. Through my readings, I stumbled upon forgiveness, which is a highly relevant for me because it is one of the core teachings of Buddhism as I was taught but never took to heart. Forgiveness is the hardest value to learn, moreso than patience, and its worth is often overshadowed but it is the means to a road for happiness and true fulfillment.
Continue reading “The Concept of a Cramped Heart”
5 January 2014
I have worked with a lot of foreign companies and have many foreign friends. They are quick to agree that the US have the worst vacation and sick day policies in the world.
This concept of working harder and longer hours, which is exacerbated by the rise of start-ups, where one is so passionate about one’s job, one is willing to do it freely and happily but I am going to admit, I hate it. If people truly love their job because it is their vision and goal in life, I’m very happy for them. But for the most part, people work to get by paying bills and keeping oneself with modern accommodation and luxury.
Continue reading “Extended My Last Two Vacation Days in Nice”
4 January 2013
Cloud and rain clung tightly to Liguria, unloading more rain, as if the Northern Apennines have caught some lifeless prisoners and kept them swirling around the foot of its range like lost souls moaning for a way home but have lost their directions.
We took a cab ride from Genoa mid-morning and made our way through torrential downpour, fog, and humidity. We stopped only once at an Autogrill, which is the highway shops selling food, coffee, and gifts. Its food is much better than ones you would find in America.
Continue reading “Rainy Ride to Nice”
3 January 2014
Another rainy and cloudy day hung over us like a sore thumb. I woke up late and quite miserable, wishing I were home. I hadn’t done any art work as I had wanted, my writing was stale, and my photographing halted by obligations. My vacation became less of a vacation. I try my best to be appreciative that someone paid for my trip. I never had to open my pocket for money. But it made me feel trapped and suffocated.
Continue reading “Tanti Auguri with Family Friends”