Brain teaser

I've been practicing to assemble puzzle during the weekdays after school or every Wednesday with Maman. Puzzle is not just fun but good for the brain. Sometimes it could be difficult but I like it because it helps my brain to have a mental activities that keeps the brain young and active .

Now, there you go the finish product. It took me time but I don't care as long as I was able to assemble them. I believe in the saying that practice makes perfect !

Carnival 2009

Our school had an early festivities to celebrate the end of Mardi Gras. The Carnival is one of the traditional festivities by the Roman Catholic. It happens before the Lenten season between months of January and February. The school carnival was successful because everyone wore fantastic costumes during the parade. Here are some pictures of us .

It was a 45 minutes parade around the district. A lot were amazed to see us parading. As the streets a narrow in our place there are few who were not really happy to accommodate us. But at least The Buzz (as how Maman identifies them ) were useful on that day since it is one of their responsibilities everytime there is an event like this.

We did it !

We're back from our winter break. And we have a good news for you. I got my première etoile and Mayumi (Poussin) did great as well. I think, skiing with my Papa almost every weekend has helped me a lot to pass the test. I have learned many things from him. Skiing for the first star course requires a pair of sticks. Indeed, it allows me to learn and practice to change movements inside the tracks. To start with a sequence of basic skidded turns on a route suitable materialized. These skills in terms of "crossing" skis parallel to allow for maintenance of the angles on square. And to know how not to take dangerous slopes. I went with my ski monitor and students of the same level to practice skiing before the exam. Friday we passed the test and fortunately I made it and others did not. I am sorry for those who didn't make it but I am sure they will have get their première etoile the next time. While me, Mayumi had my first medal Poussin with Piou-Piou club. This is my Kuya practicing with the slopes and jumping a little bit !

Nos Papounet d'amour

À un Papa vraiment formidable
Un papa qui aime bien jouer avec nous à presque n'importe quoi..
Qui est capable de nous faire rire à plein et oublier des gros chagrins, au besoin
Qui réussit à nous faire apprendre nos leçons pour l'école et vider nous assiette à table
Qui nous félicitent et nous récompensent pour nos victoires, et nous encouragent à aller de l'avant...
Joyeuse fête Papa! On t'aime très fort !

First step

I will tell you something...last year I didn't want to go skiing as I told my parents that I am too young to do sports. But then, this year I am ready to face the challenge. I have been so encourage when I see my Kuya ski by on the hills, hubs and up in the mountain even taking the Blue hills ski area. Of course with Papa's guidance because it very advance staion for a 6 year old kid . Got so impressed ! He has already his Flocon since last year. I was thinking why not try this year? And so here I am amongst the many Piou-Piou who are taking their first step to skiing. Otherwise, it would be useless not to use my new pair of skis that we bought for a good price.


I took 6 days courses in totality (2 consecutive weekends including Fridays) with ESF and I am happy to start at this age as I can see it would be difficult to start old like my Maman. Okay when I say old, not grey and wrinkled let me rephrase it...older than me, clear enough?

I started my ski lessons from 9 to 11:30 in the morning. Had lunch between 12:00 noon to 1:45 in the afternoon and get back to my ski lessons and finished at 4:30 in the afternoon. My first day was horrible as it was too windy, a violent one. Thinking that a gust of wind blow us off outside from the ski station. I was right! Suddenly the wind got me and I almost fell on the ground, it was a nightmare! Fortunately, was able to balance as I was just right beside the wooden bear. And so the monitors decided to stop the lesson and get back inside the room. My fingers were all very numb in both hands!


Though, this has happened this has not discouraged me from skiing! I am really glad to ski this time because it's a great advantage to learn together with some kids of my age. Learning together involves discipline. One thing I learned also is giving a helping hand in case someone fall to the ground. Never let someone down ! The next day was better. It was sunny and was nice to learn skiing when the weather condition is on your side.

6 candles and growing

Our first post as of year 2009. Sorry we got so busy these past few days as we are always out of town during the weekends. Thanks to Papa's childhood friend for being so nice to lend us the family's flat in the Alps and so we would like to take advantage to go skiing. Since it's so expensive to rent a hotels rooms we are so lucky to have a free accommodations without spending too much. Last weekend January 17, was my birthday and it was the first time I celebrated it in the mountain and so here I am blowing my 6 candles .

On this occasion I am taking this chance to thank my parents who's always there to love and guide me since I came into this world. For giving me the essential things in life . My sister who's there to play and even fight with me but still I love her for what she is. Anyhow, fighting with siblings are just normal and I guess it's how we learn to compromise and settle things diplomatically. To all my relatives in the Philippines and in France who thinks of me during this occasion and to friends too...Thank you !

Christmas greetings

May all the sweet magic
of Christmas conspire
to gladden your heart
and fill every desire.

Light up with smiles.
Pace up your walk
May Christmas come and become an everyday happening
Have a fantastic Christmas !!!

Philippines Vacation Part I

Both of us were really excited to have this vacation. We always asked my Maman when are we leaving for vacation in the Philippines. I'm sure our Maman sometimes is fed up with all our questions . Anyway, that's how kids are right !

Before leaving our parents talked to our teachers that we will be absent for 3 weeks. My teacher prepared my assignments so I can catch up. And even if I will be on vacation I will work on something and will not be lost when I get back as I am in the preparatory section. As for Mayumi, she's still in the little section so there will be no complications. What she did was work with us while I do my homework during our vacation. At least she's learning too in advance.

Now, I will be talking about our trip to the Philippines. We arrived morning on November 3 and we were welcomed by Lolo Oscar and went directly to the house. My Lola, Tita , Tito and cousin were there and they were really happy to see us. What was perfect was that my other Tito who lives in another city (Cebu City) came also with his family on that day. Next day, we went to Club Manila East to have a family get together. Mind you this is our third time to go back to the Philippines and this was the only time that brothers and sisters are complete, isn't that great ! That day was really unforgettable because I saw our Maman indeed glad to have spent it with inexpressible happiness in her eyes. This Club Manila East is located in Taytay Rizal. CME Central is a 7 hectares business and leisure complex with seventy (70) air-conditioned and fully furnished villas that are available for overnight accommodations or for long stays. We liked very much this location as it is clean because picnicking is prohibited to keep the resort clean and organize. Upon paying the entrance you will have this blue bracelet water proof as a sign that you paid the entrance. You have a lot of choices to make from bungalows to air conditioned rooms. They are known with their pool waves where you can surf, big slides and kayaking. We were fortunate as there were few people because it's is not consider peak season when we went there. Be careful during summer it could be crowded.

We spent only 2 days in Manila because Papa couldn't support the pollution and the big city. The next day we went to Quezon Province there at least we have big space, the nature and no pollution. This time we could play without worrying about vehicles passing by as there are few of them. The house is located near the rice fields, around 600 meters from the river and 1 kilometer from the sea. There are only animals like carabaos and cows which are indeed amusing to see. We played with our neighbor Carlo and Ashley and they are really nice. Even if we didn't understand each other we manage to play without creating communication problem . We also enjoyed swimming at the river next to our place with them. We have eaten Filipino cracker, sky flakes...wow this one is really delicious! Our parents have eaten big pomelos and fresh vegetables from the garden of our relatives. Fresh fish that fishermen just caught from the sea. Life is really simple and beautiful !

To be continued ......

One down !

It was Friday morning when I lost my first tooth (December 5, 2008) so I should take note of this, it's very important as this is history . Before we left for Philippines my lower tooth was already shaking so before leaving we went to the dentist and have a little check up. Apparently, Maman was afraid because it's too early and normally kids lost their first tooth at the age of 7, well that's what Maman think. But the dentist told us that it's normal and that some could lost their tooth earlier than expected. My dentist made an x-ray of my teeth to make sure that there is already the permanent one. The result is satisfying and that the permanent tooth is ready. I am just waiting for my tooth to go away and have it taken by my little mouse friend.

I have lost the lower left central. We were on the way to school when suddenly my tooth fell down. We were accompanied my Papa and Maman and I felt that my tooth fell down easily without any pain as if I was chewing something. I gave it to my Maman and she kept it . She told me to put it under my pillow because the little mouse will pass by. I waited for the first night but he didn't appear. The next day, after our school I've checked it and my tooth was still there. So that night, I slept very well and when I woke up my little mouse took it away and left a little gift for me !

Autumn in Marseille

Pictures during our Tita Geraldine's visit in Marseilles. We have walked around 1 1/2 hours before we reached to this wonderful blue crystal clear beach in the Calanques. We would like to swim but our parents wouldn't permit us. Well, we understood as the water is around 12°C! They didn't want us to get sick before we leave very very soon !

Wedding in the Alps Part 1

It was almost the end of August when we attended another wedding of our parent's friend. In fact, the groom was a student of my Papa when they we're young. Papa was an "animateur" (moderator) of the kids in Les Iris. It is an organization but an extra curricular activity and not obligatory. To give you an overview of the association and understand their objective here are they :

Objectives of movement:
- The work welcomes young people during their spare time to accompany them and help them become men and Christians fully committed and responsible in today's society.
- It forms a community of dynamic and generous church where everyone agrees to be active throughout the year.
- He accompanies kids & adolescents and allow games and prayer, build and unify all dimensions of person: physical, spiritual, intellectual and fraternal.

Proposed activities:
Games and Prayer:
- Games: great outdoor games and sports (football, basketball, volleyball, ping-pong, football, table shuffleboard, billiards.
Library, video games, shop manual and artistic expression, cinema, swimming pool.
- Prayer: Prayer, prayer group, Mass, coaching staff, time for reflection, knowledge of witnesses.
Each holiday camps are organized camps fixed games or skiing (winter), camps traveling on foot or by bike, humanitarian camps.

Now, going back to the wedding celebration.....To avoid cramming we left Thursday late afternoon and it took us 2 hours and a half only to reach the Hotel and this time it was really a beautiful 3 stars hotel. Papa wanted us to feel better after we had a not so good experience the last time. Well this one is quite expensive but at least the service is also perfect. We had a make up room everyday, change towels everyday, shampoos and soap including hair dryer. The room is very clean, a bathroom with bathtub and toilet separated. A king size bed for our parents and a double deck bed for us. Breakfast buffet every morning (eat all you can) ! We arrived at 9PM but we had already our MC Donald's Dinner.

Nice presentation


Our double deck bed near the entrance another door that separates the master's bedroom.

Our parents' bed with Cable television, tables and chairs, mini-bar and wardrobe.

Friday morning we strolled around the villages, went to a river and had lunch in one of the restaurants of St. Véran. Get back to Astragale Hotel to relax a little bit after that long walk to get ready for the mass celebration at 4:30PM. The mass was facilitated by Father Olivier Paslac (another moderator of Iris) who was the priest who baptized me (Mayumi) last year. Like the last wedding attended we had a great weather although the Alps has around 2000 meters altitude it was warmer but thanks to the sun we were not with jackets or vests at all. We've already been to their Chalet in the Queyras Alps when he celebrated his 30th birthday but we did not had the chance to explore the villages.

Okay to give you a little bit idea of the lieu here they are. We will continue sharing our adventures on our next post about the wedding.





To be continued.......

Corsica Part 2

Now this will be the continuation of our vacation as promised. If we speak beaches we usually go to Calvi because Papa grew up spending his summer with his parents and grandparents when he was a kid. He has a lot of souvenirs and he likes the place. And since he would like us to know the place we go once or twice there at the same place and same beach. This time our parents changed their mind especially Maman. She told us that we already know Calvi and she thinks that it's time to really explore other beaches of Corsica since we are grown ups. They have been to beaches of Porto Vecchio when I (Basti) was still a baby. We didn't want to travel too much by car so we went to the famous St. Florent. It took us 1 1/2 hr. travel to reach the center. We had lunch and there and visited the city. Maman took pictures as usual.

We went to Belvédère to see the whole city of Qt. Florent.

This is the dike near the Port of St. Florent. People used to sit, relax and do some picnicking.

A typical Corsican store which serves typical Corsican products.

This is us with Papa with Papa waiting patiently to get on board in the ferry to cross the sea going to that famous white sand beach. La Plage de Lotu/Lodu . 20 minutes travel and we're there !


Arriving there we were just surprised. It is indeed white sand, clean and crystal clear water. Before going to the beach you need to inquire what time for the departure and return to St. Florent because there schedules to be followed strictly. You need to check information with Le Popeye, the ferryboat who will serve the tourists. Please take note of this important advise do not forget to bring something with you (drinks, snacks) as there are no bars and restaurants that will cater for you. Don't forget to bring parasol and sunblock protection cream as it could be very hot during the day. Enjoy and see you again next time :D !

Corsica 2008 Part 1

After the wedding we have attended we went home, re-charged the car, rest for few hours. Then finally we boarded to a ship at 9PM going to Corsica. Good thing it was night travel and we were able to rest completely. Totally burn out as we close our eyes to finally catch up with our sleep. We arrived 7 AM in the Port of Bastia and had quite breakfast in one of the restaurants around the area while we waited for the sunrise .

After a wonderful breakfast Papa needed to drive 1 and 1/2 hour to get to the village with 815 M altitude. At last we arrived at home and our parents started de-charged the car. Open the house, the window clutters, water tank, water heater, refrigerator, freezer and everything that needs to be done during our 3 week stay. Since the house is only occupied once a year (every summer) our parents needs to verify everything and it took time of course while we play around the house. While checking we found out another a big bee house like last year but this time it is located in the salon. The journey was a bit tiring and as we reached our destination... all the fatigue vanished especially seeing this beautiful scenery just in front of your doorstep!

Now, things are clearer the next day. Since we didn't have friends coming in this time our parents devoted their time to do general cleaning and repairing stuffs at home. Since the village is 20 minutes going to the city of Corte we went to picnicking at Tavignanu River within the first week of our stay. A river with clear crystal water, green trees and with impressive big rocks and stones.

Everytime we go to Corsica we hike very often but not this time. Staying at home most of the time permitted my parents to work on some thing very special while we play around and help from time to time. My Maman bought us a small swimming pool to play around with and rehydrate since it's quite hot during the day. While Papa is busy working around the house and Maman too !

The adventure will continue so see you next episode..........

La danse des fesses !

I have created a dance of my own. Didn't know that this dance exists already in Africa. Well, at least when I am punish I just dance and my parents will burst into laughter, effective !