20 Nov 2009 – Family gathering

15th uncle LAM Tin Cheong, cousin Edith and her friend James are visiting from Vancouver. Wonderful to catch up and thanks to Les & Ivy, we had a small family gathering@their house on Thu with 4 generations, ie nieces, nephews & their kids. Appreciations to cousin Ken & Cynthia for hosting a sumptuous seafood dinner@Ming Kee*** Macpherson Rd, famous for its crab bee hoon=rice vermicelli/noodles (Asian crab pasta!)

The Architect*** Architect Georg Winter is persuaded by his wife Eva to attend his mother’s funeral in the isolated mountain village where he was born. His two grown-up children, Reh and Jan, accompany their parents unaware that they will be dragged into the mysterious past of their father.

Clara*** is the wife of troubled composer Robert Schumann. An accomplished concert pianist, she is reduced to household duties when her alcoholic, mentally unstable husband takes a musical director’s post in Düsseldorf. Her life changes when she watches young composer Johannes Brahms play. Entranced by his brilliant talent, she is drawn toward him emotionally as Robert’s condition worsens. Clara struggles to reconcile her heart with her sense of duty and loyalty. A treat for classical music lovers.

That concluded 2009 German Films for me. The struggle between conscious and emotions can sometimes complicate life! Had a delightful visit from Ting today; she commented that my blog is informative and interesting but not much emotions. Perhaps life experiences have taught me to enjoy a simple life 🙂

A man who is master of himself can end a sorrow as easily as he can invent pleasure. I don’t want to be at the mercy of my emotions. I want to use them, to enjoy them and to dominate them – Oscar Wilde