I had to leave, from the urban jungle to a provincial backwater. Munich was calling. What a difference 600 kilometres make. More extremes may hardly exist. However, I like both. One of the cities, because it is always fast forward and full on, the other one because it is so ueber classic, just as classic as a place can be. I had a meeting with a customer, talking about its new hotel concept in the town. It is not easy to create modern buildings in Munich. It is almost a nightmare to work in the framework of monument protection. Sometimes work is so cruel. Sometimes it kills me. I’m working anyway, let’s see how it goes...
If you want to discover Munich, you have to see it thought the eye of a local. In my case, the eyes of Jürgen and Alexandy. They showed me the new places to be, the IT things. We started at the new Jewish centre, a landmark for outstanding, modern architecture. This enormous block and the way this monument is placed in the centre of the square, is very progressive for a town like Munich. I love it. And if you fancy something really trendy, you might like to get real kosher food there. The chef gets an A+. I wasn’t sure about kosher food before I tried it. I was not convinced, but after I tried it.... Rezzo, please forget about your prejudice, don’t judged before you try. Honestly, the food was not bad.
If you walk up the road from there you get directly to Cromma, one, or maybe the design shop for furniture in town. You really should buy a water purifier there. Water purifiers are of these amazing things you will never use, but you definitely have to own it. Only because of it’s stunning look. For sure the guys and I went also to POOL and POP – the label temples of Munich. I always spent at least one hour there because you’ll simply discover the latest trends. Whether you’re looking for shoes, shirts, fragrances or anything else. I think POOL is a concept store with the right look and feel. Cambis, knows how to satisfy the crowed.
Another thing was even more important than shopping. I really needed a new hair cut and my Berlin hairdresser Andre was so far away. So what to do? Where to go? I was in Munich. So as you can see, i was not that happy. :-)
Forget about the hairdresser. Wasn’t Tokyo waiting for me? Where? When? What? I got confused, but I found the simple solution, Alexandra, she always manages to do what you want to. :-( But she decides without giving you the feeling you aren’t controlling your life. I was still recovering, not sure if I could fly, But I could fly. She booked my fligh, while I went for the last supper in Munich. A carrot ginger soup with prawns, a dream, a short one, for sure, and then I was already on the way to Tokyo.
I went there to manage a fair construction. Already at the airport I got the first impression of Japanese professionalism. JAL brought me totally relaxed to Tokyo. The Japanese capital is another place, another urban metropolis. Big, bigger, different, totally new. Never blow your nose, - the city will blow your mind. When I arrived, the cherries were still blossoming. Probably I never will, but if I ever will get married, I’ll do it only in Japan, only during the blossoming of the cherry trees.
In Odaiba, the new quarter, you’ll find nowadays another imitation of the Statue of Liberty. After the Eifel Tower, one more European symbol, there aren’t so many in Japan. The hotel I stayed was good. A small room, I did not expect something bigger. Guys I was in Tokyo, do I have to say something more? The hotel has a great Spa with a nice pool , that is always enough to survive. I think Tokyo is really thrilling. Have you been there? We talk about islands totally obstruct with ancient and new buildings. It feels like anti headache drinks, doesn’t it? But quite honest I have to admit, it is great to see the old and the new, the big and the hype. Let me tell you a secret, the REAL Muji-Shop, is still in Tokyo, even there is nowadays also one in Cologne. At the Tokyo store, you’ll find everything to buy, everything your Habitat heart desires. Afterwards, if you still have money, don’t miss to relax at the Shiseido Spa, otherwise you can continue shopping at Ginza.
Japanese design is probably the most exciting thing on the planet. Not only the fashion also the architects and their creations are an absolute must. I think it is absolutely fascinating and stunning how the Japanese learned to implement new designs without losing traditions.
The booth was finished, my task fulfilled. I did it in time. My short stay in Tokyo, only four days, were over. I spent my last minutes in town buying Matcha powder. I am addicted to it, to my Matcha Latte Macchiato or to Matcha-tea ice cream, stuffed in fried puff pastry. It is simply delicious. And let’s not forget the world famous Sushi.
JAL brought me back to Cologne on a save, agreeable flight, including a fleece mask.
Arrived totally relaxed at home, I felt already the stress coming back. Sorry, I was in Tokyo the world most hectic city, and I survived totally relaxed. But back in Cologne.... Welcome to the stressed, overrated provincial backwater. I totally forgot about that. I have to move. I want to go on. So you better watch out...
See you soon
Rezzo
