Life's splendor forever lies in wait about each one of us in all its fullness, but veiled from view, deep down, invisible, far off. It is there, though, not hostile, not reluctant, not deaf. If you summon it by the right word, by its right name, it will come.
Franz Kafka

Norwich this morning.

I see the officials and referee have just won the World Club Championship in Yokohama.
Congratulations Fifa, you win...Sao Paulo did not win, Liverpool arguably lost it with a lack of clinical finishing, but Sissoko's 88th minute goal WAS a goal, clearly.
I am very upset indeed. Liverpool played with every convition to win, but how can you beat a Fifa referee bent on destroying every effort you make?

Corner count: Liverpool 17, Sao Paulo 0...I rest my case.

以毒攻毒

Fight fire with fire

I have just received several sms from my Japanese friends, offering commiserations...yes, I know...next year we'll be back.
Last year I was in Yokohama, and next year will be there again, hopefully with a jubilant Liverpool.
また来年な！！

～～～

A cheerful glorious day. The birches and all trees beautiful, hips bright red, mosses green. I wrote to Coleridge.
-Dorothy Wordsworth, December 18th, 1801

Music: Solid Sessions: Janeiro (chiller twist blue line remix)　

Here are some interesting beliefs which have been adhered to in Vietnam, even today.
I found them charming, and not so different to some we find in Europe, though not all are obvious!!

Don’t express lavish admiration for a new baby, because the devils might hear you and steal the child because of his desirability.

When going somewhere on business, avoid seeing a woman first. If you do see a woman first as you go out your door or on the way, postpone the trip.

Mirrors are often placed on front doors. If a dragon tries to get in, he will see his reflection and think that there is already a dragon there and go away.

Single bowls of rice and chopsticks should not be served at any time. Always place at least two on a table.
One bowl is for the dead.
Never let chopsticks touch others or make an unnecessary noise with them.
Do not place chopsticks in food and leave them there.

Do not hand someone a toothpick.

Never buy one pillow or mattress pad, always buy two.

Do not use a relative’s towel.

Do not overturn any musical instruments, or beat both sides of a drum simultaneously.

Do not cut your finger or toenails at night.

Going dutch with a Vietnamese is not appreciated. If you run into someone at a restaurant and you join his table, let him pay the whole bill or pay it all yourself. The senior person usually pays.

Gifts for brides and grooms are usually given in pairs, including blankets. A single item indicates the marriage is not expected to last long. Two less expensive items are more desired than one nicer one.

Educated people and others who are not in the peasant class do not work with their hands. To do so would appear to try to beat a poor peasant out of his job. In addition, it is considered beneath the dignity of refined people.

Hats are not usually worn inside churches, even Catholic ones.