I visited the splendid Zoo de Doué (zoo of Doué, France) on 17 April 2006 to discover with François-Xavier this place he loves. I greatly enjoyed the zoo because the animals are beautiful and placed in environments apparently appropriate and well-thought for both the hosted species and visitors.
17 April 2006
Exhibition at the zoo of Doué (France) on 17 April 2006
Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2006-04_fr-doue.htm
I visited the splendid Zoo de Doué (zoo of Doué, France) on 17 April 2006 to discover with François-Xavier this place he loves. I greatly enjoyed the zoo because the animals are beautiful and placed in environments apparently appropriate and well-thought for both the hosted species and visitors.
I visited the splendid Zoo de Doué (zoo of Doué, France) on 17 April 2006 to discover with François-Xavier this place he loves. I greatly enjoyed the zoo because the animals are beautiful and placed in environments apparently appropriate and well-thought for both the hosted species and visitors.
28 March 2006
Ph.D. graduation in Japan on 24-28 March 2006
Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2006-03_jp-tokyo_phd-graduation.htm
I graduated from the doctoral course of 総合研究大学院大学 (Sokendai) at the university campus in 葉山 (Hayama, Japan) on 24 March 2008, and attended a related ceremony at 国立情報学研究所 (National Institute of Informatics) in 東京 (Tokyo) on 28 March during which I received a commemorative medal. The first ceremony gathered graduates of that semester from partner research institutes all over Japan, whatever their field; the second gathered only information technology graduates from my institute. These events ended my studies in computer science after three years of study and research in Japan under the supervision of 橋爪宏達 (HASHIZUME Hiromichi).
I received my diploma after the redaction of my thesis in English, a final presentation in front of all my thesis committee members, and the publication of my research in a scientific journal and at several international conferences. I am satisfied with the topic of my research (human fundamental needs in wearable computing) and with my achievements at 総合研究大学院大学 (Sokendai) and 国立情報学研究所 (National Institute of Informatics) considering that I spoke no Japanese when I came.
These three years were a great experience: it was my first long-term stay abroad, I learnt much, and I pondered about life; however I was socially unsatisfied. I visited famous places, attended festivals, and learnt Japanese; I can now discuss everyday topics without much trouble. As a novice scientist, I spent numerous weekdays reading about computers, people and the environment, using the excellent digital library of the institute. This new life gave me time and materials to think about what I want to accomplish in the long-term, what I want to do on a daily basis, what I want to experience, and where I want to live; answers still elude me but I fortunately clarified what I do not want. I just regret that the institute had so few students (60?) on site and that it was difficult to make friends with the Japanese, get to know them, and spend time together, which contrasts much with my stay in Seattle (United States of America) from July to September 2005.
Now, I hope to get a motivating and enriching job in Japan, properly learn the language, experience the culture in depth, and visit the country.
I graduated from the doctoral course of 総合研究大学院大学 (Sokendai) at the university campus in 葉山 (Hayama, Japan) on 24 March 2008, and attended a related ceremony at 国立情報学研究所 (National Institute of Informatics) in 東京 (Tokyo) on 28 March during which I received a commemorative medal. The first ceremony gathered graduates of that semester from partner research institutes all over Japan, whatever their field; the second gathered only information technology graduates from my institute. These events ended my studies in computer science after three years of study and research in Japan under the supervision of 橋爪宏達 (HASHIZUME Hiromichi).I received my diploma after the redaction of my thesis in English, a final presentation in front of all my thesis committee members, and the publication of my research in a scientific journal and at several international conferences. I am satisfied with the topic of my research (human fundamental needs in wearable computing) and with my achievements at 総合研究大学院大学 (Sokendai) and 国立情報学研究所 (National Institute of Informatics) considering that I spoke no Japanese when I came.
These three years were a great experience: it was my first long-term stay abroad, I learnt much, and I pondered about life; however I was socially unsatisfied. I visited famous places, attended festivals, and learnt Japanese; I can now discuss everyday topics without much trouble. As a novice scientist, I spent numerous weekdays reading about computers, people and the environment, using the excellent digital library of the institute. This new life gave me time and materials to think about what I want to accomplish in the long-term, what I want to do on a daily basis, what I want to experience, and where I want to live; answers still elude me but I fortunately clarified what I do not want. I just regret that the institute had so few students (60?) on site and that it was difficult to make friends with the Japanese, get to know them, and spend time together, which contrasts much with my stay in Seattle (United States of America) from July to September 2005.
Now, I hope to get a motivating and enriching job in Japan, properly learn the language, experience the culture in depth, and visit the country.
22 February 2006
Trip to 那須 (Nasu, Japan) on 21-22 February 2006
Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2006-02_jp-nasu.htm
I visited 那須 (Nasu, Japan) for the first time on 21-22 February 2006 to relax in the mountains with めぐみ (Megumi). The omnipresent snow created a special atmosphere, both calming and providing a feeling of remote exploration. I was very surprised and moved by an endless field of statues of 地蔵 (Jizo) because I had never seen such a thing and because these statues were each provided to pray for the death of a young child.
I visited 那須 (Nasu, Japan) for the first time on 21-22 February 2006 to relax in the mountains with めぐみ (Megumi). The omnipresent snow created a special atmosphere, both calming and providing a feeling of remote exploration. I was very surprised and moved by an endless field of statues of 地蔵 (Jizo) because I had never seen such a thing and because these statues were each provided to pray for the death of a young child.
10 December 2005
Trip to 長崎 (Nagasaki, Japan) on 06-10 December 2005
Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2005-12_jp-nagasaki.htm
I visited 長崎 (Nagasaki, Japan) for the first time on 06-10 December 2005 to attend the 2005 International Conference on Embedded and Ubiquitous Computing (aka EUC2005), where I gave a talk. During my stay, I was moved by 長崎原爆資料館 (Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum), and enjoyed the vast 平和公園 (Peace Park), the rebuilt 浦上天主堂 (Urakami cathedral), the strange but impressive 福済寺 (Fukusai temple), and the relaxing グラバー園 (Glover Garden).
I visited 長崎 (Nagasaki, Japan) for the first time on 06-10 December 2005 to attend the 2005 International Conference on Embedded and Ubiquitous Computing (aka EUC2005), where I gave a talk. During my stay, I was moved by 長崎原爆資料館 (Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum), and enjoyed the vast 平和公園 (Peace Park), the rebuilt 浦上天主堂 (Urakami cathedral), the strange but impressive 福済寺 (Fukusai temple), and the relaxing グラバー園 (Glover Garden).
27 November 2005
Trip to 鬼怒川 (Kinugawa, Japan) on 26-27 November 2005
Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2005-11_jp-kinugawa.htm
I relaxed and enjoyed 紅葉 (autumn colours) at 鬼怒川 (Kinugawa, Japan) on 26-27 November 2005 with good friends: Alexander, Christian, Kathy, and 亮助 (Ryosuke). First, we visited the city and relaxed at a scenic 露天風呂 (outdoor spa). We then had a delicious and copious traditional dinner at 丸京旅館 (Marukyo ryokan). The following day, we spotted a rainbow at 虹見滝 (Rainbow waterfalls), and strolled at the nearby 龍王峡 (Ryuo gorge), admiring crimson and gold leaves.
I relaxed and enjoyed 紅葉 (autumn colours) at 鬼怒川 (Kinugawa, Japan) on 26-27 November 2005 with good friends: Alexander, Christian, Kathy, and 亮助 (Ryosuke). First, we visited the city and relaxed at a scenic 露天風呂 (outdoor spa). We then had a delicious and copious traditional dinner at 丸京旅館 (Marukyo ryokan). The following day, we spotted a rainbow at 虹見滝 (Rainbow waterfalls), and strolled at the nearby 龍王峡 (Ryuo gorge), admiring crimson and gold leaves.
20 October 2005
Fashion show of wearable computers in 大阪 (Osaka, Japan) on 20 October 2005
Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2005-10_jp-osaka_iswc-fashion.htm
I attended demonstrations and an evening fashion show dedicated to wearable computers in 大阪 (Osaka, Japan) on 20 October 2005 as part of the 9th International Symposium on Wearable Computers (aka ISWC2005), which I attended for work. The demonstrations included a TextileNet vest that conducts electricity to components placed on it by 戸田真志 (TODA Masashi), a vest that contains an interactive interface by a Fraunhofer institute, and a dress that emits light by チームつかもと (Team Tsukamoto). The show featured numerous luminous accessories and garments by チームつかもと (Team Tsukamoto), difficult to properly photograph due to the darkness.
I attended demonstrations and an evening fashion show dedicated to wearable computers in 大阪 (Osaka, Japan) on 20 October 2005 as part of the 9th International Symposium on Wearable Computers (aka ISWC2005), which I attended for work. The demonstrations included a TextileNet vest that conducts electricity to components placed on it by 戸田真志 (TODA Masashi), a vest that contains an interactive interface by a Fraunhofer institute, and a dress that emits light by チームつかもと (Team Tsukamoto). The show featured numerous luminous accessories and garments by チームつかもと (Team Tsukamoto), difficult to properly photograph due to the darkness.
12 September 2005
Hike at Mount Saint Helens (USA) on 12 September 2005
Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2005-09_us-mount-st-helens.htm
I hiked Mount Saint Helens in Washington State (United States of America) on 12 September 2005 in company of Ruth to see for the first time the site of a devastating volcanic eruption. We drove a few hours from Seattle, visited a museum dedicated to the 1980 eruption then walked for a while in the area. In some places vegetation was non-existent, dead trees killed by toxic fumes stood still, and animals were scarce. Ruth was a great companion for the hike as she is my preferred geologist and a former NASA employee.
I hiked Mount Saint Helens in Washington State (United States of America) on 12 September 2005 in company of Ruth to see for the first time the site of a devastating volcanic eruption. We drove a few hours from Seattle, visited a museum dedicated to the 1980 eruption then walked for a while in the area. In some places vegetation was non-existent, dead trees killed by toxic fumes stood still, and animals were scarce. Ruth was a great companion for the hike as she is my preferred geologist and a former NASA employee.
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