Since we have been together, Johan and I have lived in four different cities, in four different countries and on three different continents. We have almost always lived “away” from our families. Life is exciting, but holidays become a big balancing act. Somewhere along the line, we stopped making everyone else happy and focused on us.

Yesterday at our Thanksgiving lunch, we went round the table and shared one thing that we were grateful for. It was amazing how many times we clapped, cheered, clinked glasses…because, the reality is, we have a damned good life…

Since those long-ago days, eating turkey and drinking red wine on Long Island with my girlfriends, I have lived in four different countries and three continents. For me, the Thanksgiving Day celebration has deepened and broadened over the years… friends, family and dreams all pile in to one big fat day full of good vibes and good food. 

I am not sure exactly what motivated me to add camping to my bucket list…but I can tell you now, now that I have done it. The best reasons to go camping – to be cold and damp, to not sit down once in 72 hours and to come home with pains in places that I never needed to know existed – simply boils down to 3 crazy truths.

We have had that little apartment in Klosters for almost eleven years now. We’ve spent each and every winter weekend there, Christmases, New Years Eves, Winter Breaks and every other free day in between….but when you have the chance to see your old home thru the eyes of a tourist, something unexpected happens.

Before Japan, I wasn’t actually that sure I was a passionate mother.  I didn’t spend the time on it that other moms did.  I assumed they were better. I thought I was missing something….and then I was invited to create a vision board….and the fairies came…..

Coming from Switzerland, we are very used to snow. Everyone drives four-wheel drive automobiles, the trains and trams leave and arrive on time all winter long and families own multiple shovels. I cannot remember school ever being cancelled in the years we were in Zürich. That is why the past twenty-four hours have felt like a magical holiday for us.

After visiting Shimoda over the summer, I fell in love. I wrote about this love affair for Discover Out Loud....I know I am a die-hard beach girl, but upon returning last weekend, I just couldn't resist the urge to dream about living there forever and ever. The pictures tell the story. 

I feel the need to write, to capture these moments, to explore my more creative sides. Moving to Tokyo has started a journey - and this is my space to capture that journey. 

The visit of Johan’s parents, our first house guests in Tokyo, seemed so much more important. It felt like a chance to take stock of all we have gained through this move.