December 19, 2015

Zurich, Switzerland

How on earth is it almost Christmas?!

We’re currently en route from Krakow to Zurich. I’m drinking tea by the window on our second flight of the day, looking forward to our concert in Bern tomorrow with the sensational oboist Albrecht Mayer, and wondering how we’ve done twelve concerts in six countries already this month. I’m very excited that I’m seeing my parents later this evening. They flew out to Vienna earlier this week to see relatives and enjoy Christmas markets, and yesterday they look the epic nine-hour train journey from Vienna to Bern, changing trains just once in Zurich. Some of our closest family friends live in Bern, and so this concert gave us an excellent opportunity to spend some time together and to have a taste of a Swiss Christmas.

I’m also very excited that it’s only ten days (eek) until Jules and I fly out to Japan for two weeks. It’s such an extraordinary country. I’ve only been once - last May, with my friend Sophie, when we had finished touring the Far East with concerts in Hong Kong. This time, Jules and I are in Tokyo for the most part, excepting a short trip skiing and a flying visit to Kyoto. The food in Japan is among my favourite cuisine in the world, and I love so much about the whole national aesthetic. Beautiful, functional clothes, clean streets, hyper organisation. It’s a country that, despite being very busy, can make me feel so relaxed. I promise we’ll take lots of photos to share when we’re back next term.

For now, merry Christmas, and see you soon!