UK Winery

In Autumn, I visirted another winery in name of  Chapel down ( http://www.chapeldown.com/ ) located in Tenterden, Kent of Southern England.  The harvester has started since last week, but grapes maturity is worried due to the much rain in Summer.  They make mainly sparking wines by using Champagne methods, and still wines mainly, Bacchus and Pinot Noir.  To be honest, sparking was my taste, but I felt that wine made from Pinot Noir is not appropriate to make still wine here due to the lack of temperature.  They open their vineyard to the public and have a restaurant, so I hope that it is an good opportunity for British people to be familiar with the UK wines.  Chapel Down is sold around the UK such as Waitrose and Majestic.  The staff would answer my questions including vineyard fluently, so I suppose they educate staff well.  The place is close to Brighton and a lovely town, Rye.  When you go there, I would recommend to have a side trip to this winery.

 

Thank you for your reading to the end.

The UK wineries

Ridgeview Wine Estate

We visited the UK wineries for the first time with a Japanese wine teacher since I was keen to visit there before.  Firstly, we visited "Ridgeview Wine Estate" ( http://www.ridgeview.co.uk/ ).  They are making five kinds of sparkling wines.  Grapes mainly come from Kent and Hampshere.  Terroir is clay, and limestone seems to see at lower layer.  Grape varieties are the same with Champagne region; Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardoney.  The winery opens to the public.  Fortunately, we were guided tasting, brewery and cellar by an assistant winemaker because they are now very busy due to preparing harvest.  Next, we visited Nyetimber ( http://www.nyetimber.com/ ).  They do not open to the pubric, so we had just looked around the vineyard.  I do not know why they close to the pubric, but I hope that they contribute to the UK wine industry due to introduction the process of sparkling wine and comparing tastes as the UK sparkling wine attracts British people.  Eventually, we made a brief stop at Nutbourne Vineyards ( http://www.nutbournevineyards.com/ ) since they were very close to Nyetimber.  Despite the opening hours had already passed and they worked hard to prepare their harvest, madam welcomed and guided us to their facility.  The number of production is still less, so they do not export to Japan.  However, I could feel their challenge and heart warmed wines. 

Thank you for your reading to the end.

Nutbourne



Nyetimber

Summer opening of the state rooms

I visited the Buckingham Palace ( http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/buckinghampalace/what-to-see-and-do?language=en ) to see the inside.  During the summer, they open the palace to the public.  The palace was designed by John Nash.  We can see the royal collection such as drawings and diamonds.  In particular, A portrait of Rubens and the special exhibition, "The Queen's Williamson Diamond Brooch" designed by Cartier was absorbing for me. 

This visit reminded me the words "Kobe Co.,ltd.".  It was metaphor.  Kobe city in Japan was called "Kobe co., ltd" 2 to 3 decades ago, because the city was in success to sell the name as a brand such as Kobe beef, Mt. Rokko and beautiful night views.  Therefore, people living in Kobe tended to move to other place since they could do almost of everything such as shopping, leisure, and cafe.  The brand reduced the power gradually due to the change of generations though...  London impressed me the similar situation for London brands.  I could see many visitors having shopping bags who bought products at the Buckingham shop.   I had bought a house champagne as well....

Thank you for your reading to the end.

A Friendship Agreement

I went to a reception at the Japanese Embassy to celebrate the signing of a Friendship Agreement between St Ives ( http://www.stives-cornwall.co.uk/ ) and Mashiko ( http://www.town.mashiko.tochigi.jp/ ). Their relationship has been built since 1920 due to building and putting to use the first east asian style "Climbing kin".  Mashiko was damaged from the recent Tohoku earthquake.  Therefore, I strongly hope that this agreement can encourage Mashiko and their economy.  Their major industries are tourism, agriculture and manufacture. Their number of population is approximately 24,000.  The Mashiko pottery has been familiar with Tokyo areas since the 19th century,  because the location is close from Tokyo.  Also, Japanese sake, in name of SANRAN got a gold prize at International Wine Challenge 2012. 

I'd like to visit both cities someday!

Thank you for your reading to the end.

Hedonism Wines

The wine shop in name of Hedonism Wines ( http://hedonism.co.uk/ ) is located in Mayfair, London.  They opened the shop this year and have the best range of fine wines, roughly 1000 spirits and 3500 wines.  Presumably, it is difficult to find enormous number of wines at one shop.  It seems a amusement park for adults. 

For example, Salon which is a famous champagne domane, 1976 is sold at 1,438.70 pounds.  The bottle was put on the shelves as if it is normal.  I heard from the owner of Salon at the session before that riped Salon more than 20 years is much better to drink... The site introduces about 1976 vintage as follows, "Bud-burst took place between 6th and 21st April depending on the variety and the precocity of the terroir. The emergence of clusters was considered generous. Flowering, from around 10th-15th June, came early. Summer weather was extremely hot, the soil already exceptionally dry and drought widespread over the vineyards. The speed of the ripening period, from early August, surprised the majority of winegrowers on holiday and forced to make a hasty retreat to prepare for the harvest.

Someone who will buy it, would you mind to invite me??

Thank you for your reading to the end.

  

Learning and Personality styles

The induction of WBS MBA has been held this week. The purpose seem to establish network amongst students and lecturers, in particular, it will be a critical week for international students just arrived London to adjust the environment and prepare the course. We mainly discussed regarding what a senior manager is. Additionally, we conducted the personality analyses. Therefore, I am showing the tests and results here. Some sites mentioned "as a reference" are not accurate tests on this time.

1. Learning Styles Questionnaire
       (As a reference: http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/styles/honey_mumford.html )
            Activist: B Strong Preference (12 scores)
            Reflector: C Moderate Preference (14 scores)
            Theorist: B Strong Preference (14 scores
            Pragmatist: B Strong Preference (15 scores)

2. The Belbin Test
        ( http://www.belbin.com/ )
            Sharper(SH): 0
            Coordinator(CO): 22
            Plant(PL): 11
            Resource Investigator(RI): 17
　　　　 Monitor Evaluator(ME): 7
            Implementer(IMP): 0
           Team Worker(TW): 2
           Complete Finisher(CF): 11 

3. BIG5
       ( As a reference: http://www.outofservice.com/bigfive/ )
           Openness: 15
           Conscientiousness: 16
           Extroversion: 14
           Agreeableness: 17
           Emotionality: 13

4. Type A & B Personality
        ( As a reference: http://changingminds.org/explanations/preferences/typea_typeb.htm )
            Score: 74

5. Communications Style Inventory
        ( http://occonline.occ.cccd.edu/online/klee/CommunicationsStyleInventory.pdf )
           O: 3
           G: 6 Controller/DIRECTOR
           D: 6
           I: 3

6. VAK Learning Styles
              ( http://www.businessballs.com/vaklearningstylestest.htm )
           Visual: 9
           Auditory: 4
           Kinesthetic /Physical: 17

7. Colour Inventory
       ( As a reference: http://www.online-distance-learning-education.com/personality-test.html )
           ORANGE (Guardian ) : 7 / 15
           BLUE ( Idealist ) : 5 / 15
           GOLD ( Artisan) : 7 / 15
           GREEN (Rational ): 9 / 15

We would often take these tests at enrolment or initiation of compcy.   I suppose that these tests are consistent measurement but a divination technique, because some questions are depended on personal condition such as physical, feeling, environment and background.   For instance, a person analyse as a open-minded by self, but surroundings may judge him/her as a seeking.  I do not therefore like so much...  However, these tools would be useful to communicate with others. Probably, these my opinion would be judged by the tests.........

If you have a time, please try them!

Thank you for your reading to the end.

Kensington Gardens

 

Kensington gardens ( http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens ) is located next to the Hyde park, and very close to central London.  If you visit there, you can probably watch many kinds of birds and listen their singing!  At the same time, people living here take their dogs here, so we can feel having many dogs.  Currently, sweet chestnut trees produce plenty of nuts, so squirrels are eager to eat them.  Here is a lovely place to do a workout!  By the way, this is a first time for me to see the swan legs.  Their webbed feet are so manly...

Thank you for your reading to the end.

 

Umu

The Umu restaurant ( http://www.umurestaurant.com/umu.htm ) is a luxury Japanese restaurant receiving one Michelin star from 2005 to 2010.  I was eager to go since before, but did not have an opportunity in some reasons.  However, a chance came suddenly since I heard that my friend who was a head chef decided to leave the restaurant and move to the Hong Kong.  Therefore, I went there to see him without appointment because he would leave there 2days after!  The dishes were wonderful and customised a little for the UK market.  The time was really luxurious.

Best wishes to him from all of your associates in the UK for continued success in HK!

 

Thank you for your reading to the end.

MBA Program

Consequently, I decided to study MBA at University of Westminster.  To be honest, I had considered for a long time about the meaning of MBA and the university value.  However, everything depends on me how much I study hard.  Despite of recognition in my head, my mind could not be made up.  I should do what I can!  I don't know the results of completion, but I will be able to aim something due to pains.  I suppose that there is no correct answer regarding my decision after examining.  Eventually, I ought to enjoy the school days!  Some classmates from Spain, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, the US...seem to be matured, so we can probably have constructive discussion.  Anyway, I had not written this blog for a while due to busyness (excuse...), I also decided to start writing backdated them again..hopefully... 

 

Thank you for your reading to the end.

 

The IWC Awards dinner

The International Wine Challenge ( http://www.internationalwinechallenge.com/ ) held the awards dinner at the London Hilton on Park lane dated 11th, September 2012.  Fortunately, I could join the party and enjoyed the atmosphere.  They set some section such as not only wine but also merchants, wine education and Japanese Sake.  In 2012, the Judgement of Japanese Sake was held in Japan due to the latest earthquake in Tohoku.  That's why many kinds of Sake brands are gathered in comparison with previous years.  The Japanese sake section has organised by Sake Samurai ( http://www.sakesamurai.jp/ ).  I believe that Sake can attract the UK people and promote in the UK market as a Japanese industry further, because it can be seen that a purchasing price of wine in the UK has risen in recent days.

Thank you for your reading to the end.

Harvesting rice

"The boughs that bear most hang lowest."　
This is a haiku expressed a Japanese mind, whilst a famous Japanese business manager, "MATSUSHITA, Konosuke" who is a founder of Panasonic Corp. used to quote this phrase.  The haiku means in my understanding that higher educated and /or status person behave modestly and appreciate for others.  Almost of Japanese children learn this phrase in a primary school, but I suppose that I did not understand in depth at that time.  At present, I can meet various people, and feel the difference meaning from my childhood.  Although the subject changes, I heard that quoting idiom or maxim recognises nonacademic and immaturity in the UK, whereas the UK recognise that eastern Asia such as Japan and China tend to refer it in some cases.  That was interesting to know the difference of writing style.   

 

The scenery was in northern Kyoto, Japan.

Thank you for your reading to the end.

The Japan Sea

The beautiful scenery at 6 a.m. before sailing the Japan sea from Kyotango.  I often go fishing in Summer, the Kumihama Bay is located in nortern Kyoto.  I suppose that tourists visiting Japan has less opportunities to go to a nature place.  When you go to Japan next time, please discover the different places from famous places such as metropolitan and historical areas.

Thank you for your reading to the end.

Japanese Hot Springs

Hot springs seems a famous tourism place in Japan.  The Japanese feel relax when we have it, even only legs put in it.  Arima ( http://www.arima-onsen.com/eng/index.html ) located behind Mt. Rokko is a famous place of hot springs.

 <Quote> The history of Tousen Jinja (Shrine) which is familiarly known as the protecting god of Arima Hot Springs says that Onamuchi-no-mikoto and Sukunahikona-nomikoto discovered Arima Hot Springs. When the two gods visited Arima, three injured crows drank water from a pool. A few days later, they found the pool curing their injuries, which proved the pool was a Spa.  Only these three crows who found the place of the Spa were permitted to live in Arima and are called “Three crows of Arima” <Unquote>. 

However, many hot springs places reduced visitors due to increasing of various leisure in the recent decade.  Eventually, some organisers attempt to improve the situation and invest facilities in order to invite new targets from inland and overseas.  For example, they build fashionable cafes and provide beauty salon treatments for young women.  Arima seems to be an appropriate place to retreat because the location is not so far from Osaka taking one hour by bus or car.

Thank you foryour reading to the end.



Japanese dishes

I went to a Japanese restaurant in name of Kaishoku Shimizu ( http://tabelog.com/osaka/A2702/A270201/27015533/ ) with my friend in Osaka, Japan.  Those dishes, sea urchins from Amakusa, red sea bream from Awaji... were marvelous!
 

I believe that the Japanese food industry lies at high levels not only Japanese dishes but also various country dishes, because many of us are interested in eating and would like to have seasonal ingredients and sensitive decoration.  According to JF net ( http://www.jfnet.or.jp/ ), Japanese market of restaurant creates GBP1.9bin, market including take-out sells GBP2.3bin in 2009 (GBP1=JPY125, as of 2012).  number of payrolls is 441 million as of 2008.  I have to compare with other countries though..., whilst it can be considered that the customer needs are also high levels not only price and taste but also service.  In fact, the number of restaurant receiving Michelin three star is the largest in the world.   Anyway, Japanese dishes in Japan is surely best for me.

Thank you foryour reading to the end.

 

 

Superdry.

Superdry. ( http://www.superdry.com/ ) is an British apparel company accelerating 79 standalone UK stores, as well as concessions in 71 department stores. Internationally, Superdry. has stores across the USA, Australia, Europe, South America and Asia. They are also a listed company at the London market ( http://www.supergroup.co.uk/investors/share-analysis ). Almost of the Japanese may surprise regarding Japanese language which is drawn strangely "極度乾燥（しなさい）". However, I guess that they must be prefer the balance of these words as a calligraphy, because nowadays, the meaning of this can be confirmed easily since the Japanese exists anywhere... Additionally, it is doubt the correct meaning of "Super dry" used a beer brand in English as well..

Thank you for your reading to the end.

Schloss Gobelsburg

The destination winery was Schloss Gobelsburg ( http://www.gobelsburg.com/index.html ) located in Niederosterreich, Austry. I visited there to see Ms. Yukari Iwashiro, a wine journalist, living in the castle which combined Baroque and Renaissance styles has been since 1100s. If you wish, you can have a wedding ceremony here! I tasted many kinds of Austria wines mainly Gruner Veltliner and reisling. Having a private lesson by Ms. Iwashiro was great experience.
 

This winery, Schloss Gobelsburg (Schloss means Castle) imports their wines to the UK, mainly BBR, Fortnum and Mason or other shops. If you can visit the winery, you can taste an inexpensive bottle, Gruner Veltliner, from EUR6.00 per 75 cl.

Fortunately, I could meet the head of Schloss Gobelsburg, Michael. Amphorae used by Celts and contemporary arts have been collected and decorated by Sir Michael in the cave.

Thank you for your reading to the end.
 

 

 

 



Vienna

Vieena (Wein) was a slightly different from Saltzburg due to the capital.  There has also many traditional and exclusive places.  For example, Palace and Gardens of Schonbrunn ( http://www.schoenbrunn.at/en/things-to-know/gardens.html ) copied Versailles was a prestigious place for Hapsburg Monarchy.  I could observe carefully since the palace prohibited to take photo and provided a guide in many language.  It was not so good (by British English!), and felt their pride.  Hapsburg's assets is over my imagination...  Also, The film festival 2012 was held in front of the Rathaus during summer. I spent a good time with many fancy stools and the movie.  I suppose that the levels of food in Austria was great!  I cannot compare with British....

 

Thank you for your reading to the end.

 

   

Salzburg

This is the first time to visit Austria.  My initial purpose was to go to Winery, Schloss Gobelsburg, though, I took a side trip to Salzburg, because the SALZBURGER FESTSPIELE ( http://www.salzburgerfestspiele.at/ ) was held during summer.  Firstly, I was surprized by fantastic scenery, mountains, river and architecture.  Also, Austrian people seem to appreciate for classical music in comparison with other nationalities.  Salzburg is famous for the movie as a locale, "Sound of Music", Mozart as well.  After spending here for two days, I travelled to Wein by train.  The view from the train in summer was also marvellous.  It takes about three hours from Salzburg to Wein, so I strongly reccomend to this course.

 

Thank you for your reading to the end.

     

 

 

 

The Brecon Beacons National Park

The Brecon Beacons National Park ( http://www.breconbeacons.org/ )  is located in northern parts taking 1 hour from Cardiff.  The nature scenery seems to remind me Japan and New Zealand.  The water falls such a picture would refresh people who are tired have stress... The town held the Jazz festival, so we could enjoy listening music all over the place.

 

If I have next opportunity, I'd like to trek.

 

Thank you for your reading to the end.

 

    

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

The taming of the shrew Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. The theatre is open-sky theatre, and the audience can feel atmosphere with standing. The most attractive thing was that Catalina's facial expression had changed obviously by the story. It was very attached to me in comparison with TV dramas.

Thank you for your reading to the end.

 

Innocent drinks

 Innocent Drinks ( http://www.innocentdrinks.co.uk/ ) is my favourite beverage company.  The company was established by Rich, Adam and Jon who are graduated from Cambridge.  Also, they export to the EU.  The reason why I like them is their vision in terms of ethics and quality.  Their price setting is a little expensive in comparison with other juice, but if you drinks once, the smoothie is thick and valuable.  Especially,  I like detox super made from pomegranates, blueberries & acai, because I feel that my skin becomes beauty! 

 

Thank you for your reading to the end.

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is a famous orchestra in the UK based on the Royal Festival Hall, London. ( http://www.royalfestivalhall.org.uk/index.html ).  The orchestra was established by Sir Thomas Beecham in 1946.  There are great opportunities to touch with arts and music in London, and people can enjoy it at the low costs.  Today, it was very fortunate to enjoy Mozart at the front stalls, despite I had the cheapest ticket.  The British gentleman which I met at the beer bar before the performance presented the ticket for nothing since his friend did not come to the Hall!

Before coming the Hall, it was happened to come across Queen Elizabeth Ⅱ on the way to the celebrity art event at the Royal academy of art!  It was the first experience and I felt happy to see her posh smile.  That fortunate may a gift from the queen????

Thank you foryour reading to the end.

Singing' in the rain

"Singing In the Rain" at the Palace Theatre ( http://www.singinintherain.co.uk/ ).     Leading actor was Adam Cooper who performed the swan in Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake.  Although he changed the career from a ballet dancer, his performance make me satisfy.  When I arrived at the West End, a light rain began to fall...Is this a modern interpretation of the theatre???

Thank you for your reading to the end.

Chawan exhibition

A chawan exhibition of a Japanese artist, Koji SHIRAYA's work. Those chawan are used for Usucha generally.   He experimented more with different textures in his ceramic work by using the River Thames' clay.

http://www.kojishiraya.com/

Thank you for your reading to the end.

Westminster Business School

Westminster business school ( http://www.westminster.ac.uk/courses/subjects/business-and-management/master-of-business-administration-mba ) is located in Marylebone at Baker street tube station.  The building is now under construction to complete at the end of August. 

I have already joined four business schools which is ranked within top 100 of Financial Times.  To be honest, the atmosphere and presentation of them were very sophisticated, whereas the school seems immature in spite of history.  The slide and mock lecture were equal with others, but unfortunately their motivation looked lower.  I suppose that they have a strong potentiality to achieve the grade and celebrity.  The number of current students are about 24, additionally, the portfolio of student's nationalities are well diversified Russian, Indian, British, USA and so on.  It is certain that the rankings are in proportion as tuition fees.  In particular, majority of young MBA students tend to go to famous schools to get high salary jobs.  The school asserted to target managers as candidates to promote senior level of managements.  It seems that they understand well the social and practical organisation.

 Afterword, I will write up a MBA table which I joined sessions in fact.  Recently, I would like to say candidates who consider to go to MBA that you ought to join various sessions as much as possible, and consider what you want to be and want to study, because there is no correct answer.  Depends on the schools, many factors are different such as location, tuition fees, ages, experiences, nationalities, network, curriculum and rankings.  Firstly, which factor is prioritised for you to study because this is a huge investment of time and money including risks and returns.  Otherwise, you won't be success on business as a manager who lead a company.  Practically, you will learn the difference between social economy and school study, because you can make an effort by yourself at school, but almost of businesses won't be success by only your efforts in terms of economy, associates and disaster.  Students should have to remember that various experiences can be helpful to overcome difficulties rather than studying.  Of course, studying is important as a basement of business.  Everything is up to you and enjoy your life!

Thank you for your reading to the end.

A Japanese ceramic artist

 

A Japanese ceramic artist, Koji SHIRAYA, who lives in London placed his pieces on exhibition at MOKSPACE near the British Museum. The picture is melting pots which you can display and use as candy boxes or up to you. It was gentle colour and texture. If I start working and getting salary again, I am keen to ask him to make a wine cooler someday!

Thank you for your reading to the end.

 

 

 

The Christie's wine course ~Classic grapes and styles~

Christie's ( http://www.christies.com/ ) is a famous name of an auction house.  They provide art and wine school in New York and London.  I have already studied at Academie du vin in Japan and at BBR in London, but I wanted to know how difference it is.  Christie's wine course is founded in 1982 by Michael Broadbent Master of Wine ("MW") , then Head of Christie's Wine Department, and Steven Spurrier,  whose Academie du Vin in Paris provided the basis of the course. Both of them are still actively involved in the course.

Christie's education is a real school not precious atmosphere namely BBR.  The course provide 5 times for 2 hours from evening.  Most of teachers are master of wine or Mr. Spirrier.  At the beginning of the class, Mr. Spirrier talked welcome greeting and MW started teaching the basic of  wine tasting how to taste and express.  I suppose the course is suitable for young people who start working as floor staff at restaurants.  We can taste eight kinds of basic wines there per day.  Today was focused grape varieties namely Saouvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Rielsing, Gewürztraminer for white, and Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Malbec, Tempranillo for red.  Unfortunately, it is too basic for MW to teach those kind of knowledge, therefore, I suppose the teacher is no need for MW and looks abandonment.  I can understand them because wines of school are poor for MW who tastes many kinds of fine wines everyday, certainly, it is necessary for them to taste such wines in some times.  It is better for me to listen their seminars such as their experience and study not basic knowledge which we can learn through reading books.  Actually, the balance of tuition fees and qualities are adjusted in this country.

Thank you for your reading to the end.

French Flower Arrangement

This was a first time for me to try French flower arrangement, bouquet.  Although I have learned Japanese flower arrangements, Sagagoryu and Mishoryu-Anke.  However, each style is far different in terms of volume and colour.  Even French style and England style are different, for example, I suppose French flower arrangement is in a bold and flexible manner, whereas English flower arrangement is geometrically-designed.  Japanese style may be similar to English style rather than French style.

The flowers for this arrangement were roses, apples, poppies, viburnum and ivy.  The total weight was pretty heavy, so rapping stems were a tough job.  Almost of my arrangement was supported by the teacher...but I really found enjoyment in arranging flower.  Live flowers make me happy!! 

Thank you for your reading to the end.

HEC Paris

I visited HEC ( http://www.mba.hec.edu/ ) to join an information session for full-time MBA in Paris, France.  I was a greater interested in France MBA how difference from the UK.  To be honest, the place was not Paris, near though.  Probably. if I join this course, I have to live in accommodation during 1st semester, because there is less transportation and shops...I felt it is a kind of university arrest.  Certainly, our purpose is to achieve MBA study and establish network with association, not just a overseas study.  Then, I experienced the class of micro economic which was the cost of supply and demand since that was the first class of 2nd semester.

Actually, the university grade seems high and provide unique curriculum such as army training!  Although I have joined some information session in London, but I have never heard such a program.  In fact, executive soldiers would join and achieve top grade in some business school.  Top managements of giant corporation will have to have not only skills and knowledge, but also toughness in terms of mentality and physically.  Also, those managers tend to gather and conflicts with inside and outside of the companies.  Otherwise, the companies won't survive or will have to downsize.  I suppose that managers ought to recognise the strategies not only gaining profit for themselves in short-term but also having employees and their families.  Of course, employees and their families also have to consider about company management.  If not, the tragedy may happen to workers and companies.  I believe that it is a kind of role of managers.

I have already aged to do army training, but this session inspired me many things.  I hope those students lead companies and organisation correctly in the future.

As an aside, meals of canteen were variety and rich in comparison with the UK...obviously.

Thank you for your reading to the end.

Bordeaux ~wine tour~

Bordeaux has a long history to trade wine mainly Ireland and England, and major three rivers namely Garonde, Garonne and Dordogne. The left side bank is consisted of Medoc region which is a greater famous for five premier grands crus; Chateau Laffite-Rothschild, Latour, Mouton-Rothschild, Margaux and Haut-Brion made from mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, because their terror: gravel is well-drained soil and suitable for Cabernet Sauvignon. Whereas, the right side bank is consisted of Libourne region including Saint-Emilion and Pomerol which is famous for Chateau Ausone, Cheval Blanc, and Le pin which is made from mainly Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and their terror is mainly clay. ( http://www.bordeaux.com/uk ) Their taste is therefore gentle rather than the left side ones.  Baordeaux is also famous for dessert wine namely Souternes made from Semillon, particularly, d'Yquem is a special wine.

If you want to visit wineries and cannot drive, to join a tour is recommended, since each wineries are located in the vineyard and difficult to find wineries.  I also joined the tour, Ophorus ( http://www.ophorus.com/multi_day_trip.html ) .  They provide various tours such as a half day or full day, and private tour.  My joined tour was to visit Saint -Emilion which is in the right bank, mainly Chateau Soutard of grands cru classes and Chateau des Laudes and Galeteau of Grands cru.  Bordeaux wine classification is complicated because the definition is different depends on the region.  Above pictures are Chateau Petrus in Pomrol.   Below pictures are Chateau Soutard ( http://www.chateau-soutard.com/ ).  The most surprised thing was a huge facility investment not only vintage equipments but also decorated facility such as platform of stainless tanks and maturating room which is in the motif of their character.  To be honest, I cannot understand the reason why the decoration is necessary for the tank platform...  Although I could understand that Kloster Eberbach ( http://kloster-eberbach.de/ ) has invested facilities and they explained us to reduce the hard work of underground for employees.   However, those kind of consideration might be caused by living in the UK...I thought that French people is good at enjoying all their life.  We, consumers, need to consider suitable wine prices.

By the way, I will report the cafe and oysters.  Bordeaux's representative sweets are Canelé and Macaron de Sait Emilion which is a original macaron.  I ordered a cafe, but additional sweets seem larger than cafe~.  Perhaps, Canelé was thought up to use of egg yolks because egg white is used for removing grout of wine. 

Finally, Bourdeaux is close to the sea, so people are likely to enjoy seafoods.  I tried Oyster with Bordeaux white wine which was Graves region blended Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon 2005.  Those combination was lovely! 

Thank you for your reading to the end.

Languedoc & Bordeaux

Between the terms, I had decided to visit Bordeaux and Paris for one week.  I had booked a Easyjet ( http://www.easyjet.com/EN ) flight from Luton air port to Bordeaux though, unfortunately I could not ride it, because London buses and a coach were late over my imagination.  It was a interesting experience that many strange people such as binge and travellers who do not enough money tried to get buses every station.  Therefore, it took a long time rather than daytime... That was over my imagination.  Sometime, I felt sorry for bus drivers to meet such people every time.  Eventually, I could not ride an aero plane, then I chosen the flight of next day, but I did not want to travel the same itinerary.  I decided to go to Montpelier which is a part of Languedoc, France.  It is possible to go to Bordeaux by train, but took for 4 hours.  The Mediterranean ( http://www.ot-montpellier.fr/jp/ ) had a carefree atmosphere, in particular, I felt comfortable since London had rained everyday and looked around the city until the train time. 

When I arrived at Bordeaux at night, I could the watch beautiful night views.  Bordeaux ( http://www.bordeaux-tourisme.com/ ) is  famous for not only world heritage but also wine.  In their history, Bordeaux has a strong relationship with Ireland and England.  Furthermore, it can be considered that their tourism industry is matured and earn privilege, so people were a greater familiar with tourists.  I strongly recommend to visit there once.

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Speak Easily

For the Japanese, the pronunciation is a subject to communicate in English.  For sure, it is possible to communicate without correct one, but if we want to speak English on business, we need some training to improve them.  At the same time, we may listen English easily.  I went to "Speak Easily" ( http://www.speak-easily.com/ ).  They focus on correction of pronunciation to BBC English, so students starts facial massage to relax cheek muscle/bone and tongue.  Basically, the movement of them is different from the Japanese, also English has indeterminate vowel.  The school was fantastic experience for me because they explained to us logically.    However, we have to continue this after the course for a while.

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Imperial College London

Imperial College ( http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/business-school ) is probably defined as a popular college amongst the UK citizen, in particular, Science, Technology and Medicine.  Next to the college, the science museum and the national museum of science and industry are located.  The college provided the information session for MBA course, so I joined there.  The first impression was that almost participants looks peaceful, but some of them looks adult business people.  (I suppose that some students are too young to study bissiness management..inmatured)  Then, a mock lecture, strategic management held was interesting and practise for brainstorming.  Furthermore, their presentation was a great, because they explained from the view of students, it was likely to be therefore easy for students to imagine after entering the course and focus to study what students want to do.  Certainly, presenters of each business school studied presentation skills though, the presenters were humanity and strategic.  This impression may be caused by my experiences since I have already joined other two session, but I supposed that those kind of humanity presentation is important from now on, because the development of social network services sometimes lead to escape from Internet communication.

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Tom Bradley

Tom Bradley ( http://www.myspace.com/tombradleymusic ), his live music was held at 100 club in London which has managed since 1942 ( http://www.the100club.co.uk/ ).  The first British Jazz drummer played here.  Therefore, if you visit there, you can see many historical pictures which many musician played there.  He is not only very kind and nice guy, but also has a great voice.  Additionally, he is playing an acoustic guitar.  It can be strongly recommended to listen his music performance once.

Thank you for your reading to the end.