Euro Journal: Day 9 Paris: Lunch with Laurent and walking around randomly… by myself! Mon 18 July 2011

This is the day to reunite with the French producer, Mr. Laurent Lavolé. I got to his office on Rue Montmartre at 12.45 sharp as agreed. He took me to a nice cafe near by to have lunch. It was really nice to see him again though it was too short since he's got works to do. He suggested me to go see two famous venues in the area: Galeries Vivienne and Jardins du Palais Royal. They were both very nice.

I was gonna turn back to go to Forum des Images, but I thought since I've come this far, I might as well go straight down. So I walked straight ahead, passed by Louvre, Opera, Galeries Lafayette, and finally went up to Montmartre. After passing by Moulin Rouge, I found Café des 2 Moulins again just up in the street next to it, and it was opened this time. I had a quick coffee there since I was hurrying home to call Steve before midnight in Taiwan.

Unfortunately, I got a bit lost and was getting some groceries. I finally got back around 6.30. Soon after it, Caro, who went to Eric's house to hang out with her dad and little brother more, text me and suggested that we can go to a nice bar called 'Le Piano Vache' where there was a weekly gig on that evening with her friends, Olivier, Anton and Felix.

I went there all suited up since it was cold at night and I don't really get the chance to wear them. So I might as well take the chance. It was a lovely little bar, and the guitar performance was great. We left the bar around 11 and went back after I got a doche de leche crepe to eat as a late dinner.

Euro Journal: Day 8 Paris: Musée du Louvre, boat ride, back to Saint-Michel & Odéon Sun 17 July 2011

Caro and I had another arrangement to meet up with her father and all. Though it was 3pm this time, we still couldn't help to be fashionably late again. The original goal was actually Musée d'Orsay, but the line was simply impossible. So they suggested to go to Musée du Louvre instead.

Talking about Louvre, 'La Jaconte' is of course the most popular attraction, but it was in fact less crowded than I imagined although there was still a great amount of people gathering in front of it and wait for 10 minutes to get to the very front just to take a picture of it. I mean, what is the point?

Since we didn't have enough time, I took a quick stroll on the first floor where the French, Italian and Spain paintings are placed. It was really something rather magnificent. I think I will have to go back to see more of it.

The sun finally came out around 6pm. It was a good call to go on a boat ride. We got on the boat at Pont-Neuf at 6.30. It took us to look around Paris, all the famous tourists' attractions. It was pretty nice besides a bit chilly when the sun moved behind us on the way back.

After dinner in a restaurant in Saint-Michel and saying goodbye to the gang, Caro and I decided to go see a film in Odéon. We still went for MK2 since they had the best choices. I went to see "Beginners," and she went to see "Un Amour de Jeunesse (Goodbye First Love)."

Euro Journal: Day 7 Paris: Jardin des Plantes, Quartier Latin, Saint-Michel & Odéon Sat 16 July 2011

We had an arrangement to have lunch with Caro's father and little brother. We were suppose to be there at 12.30pm, but we were fashionably late to get there almost an hour later. We met at a restaurant beside Galerie de l'Evolution. There were Caro's father Paul, her little brother Paul-Emile, her father's good friend Eric and his daughter Maylis and Manu.

After the great lunch, we took a look inside the botanical garden there. It was really nice. Then we decided to go to the zoo. It was a rare experience for me to see the different kinds of reptiles and other animals all at once. But the truth is that I haven't been to the Taipei zoo for ever.

The long walk made us crave the mint tea in the musk house even more. Besides the tea, we also go some nice arabic desserts. It started to rain by the time we got out of the musk. After saying au revoir to the bunch, Caro took me to the area full of old movie theatres called 'Quartier Latin,' it was really a treat to me. After wondering which film to see, I decided for us that we shall see "Meek's Cutoff," an American western film which got great reviews from the critics, at MK2 Hautefeuille. And it was also a great way to hide away from the heavy rain for a short while.

It was still raining by the time we got out of the theatre unfortunately. We went to a pizza place we passed by earlier and got pretty good pizzas for dinner. Since it's still raining constantly, we had to call it the night.

Euro Journal: Day 6 Paris: Le Marais, Bastille, Canal Saint-Martin Fri 15 July 2011

Caro and I slept until almost noon. We are gonna have lunch with her mom and brother, but it was postponed to dinner. We decided to catch a film before it. I mentioned that I saw a few interesting films that were showing in MK2 cinema. So we set our way to the theatre in Le Marais. Again, we couldn't find any bike in the neighborhood, so we had to take a bus. Luckily, the bus just arrived when we got to the stop close to Gare du Nord.

Before the film, Caro took me to the restaurant she adores a lot, Le Pain Quotidien, to have brunch. It was a really lovely and quite an amount of meal. Then she showed me around Le Marais. The weather was beautiful for the stroll. The MK2 cinema was right beside Centre Georges Pompidou, aka Beaubourg, so it was also convenient for me to take a look at the outside of it.

The film we saw was 'Deep End,' a film released in 1970 by the acclaimed Polish director Jerzy Skolimowski. If it wasn't for Marek, the director I just met in Taipei, I wouldn't have been so interested in it. And the result showed that he made a great recommendation, it was a powerful film. I will write about it as soon as possible.

We walked to Bastille where we will have dinner and passed by a cool lane full of exotic bars, mostly Spanish and Latino. I am already thinking about going back to have a drinking night there. We got to the restaurant, La Table d'Aligre, at 8.30pm and were the first to arrive. Caro's mom and her friend, Sylvie and Anne arrived shortly after us, and Caro's brother Manu showed up immediately as well. The food and drink in the restaurant was fantastic. It's my kind of an ideal Parisian restaurant.

After the dinner, we got back on the bikes to go to a place by Canal Saint-Martin to meet Caro's dear friends, Jules, Olivier, Anton, Felix etc. We planned to stay at a really cool bar there, but they just stopped serving drinks since it's shortly before their closing time when we got there. So we had to grab drinks and drink by the canal. It was a great time getting drunk and chatting there at night.

Euro Journal: Day 5 Paris Quatorze Juillet: Montmartre, Tour Eiffle, Champs-Élysées, Louvre Thu 14 July 2011

Caro and I got up around noon since we both don't have to work apparently. After having breakfast, she showed me the famous Parisian district of Montmartre: where "Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain" took place. We walked all the way up the the church called 'Sacré-Cœur.' It was magnificent, and the view was absolutely fantastic.

We walked back down slowly afterwards, but since it's Bastille Day, the National Day of France, most of the stores were closed, including the café in 'Amélie,' Café des 2 Moulins.

After having coffees at a café near Caro's place, we went back to get ready to go the Eiffel Tower to meet up with Caro's friends for the fireworks. We were trying to get the city bikes, but the ones near by were all taken. After walking pass three stations, we decided to give it up and take the metro instead.

The crowd was huge as expected. We could only find a place at the Fine Art Museum which was not so crowded yet around 8pm, the time which we arrived at. Caro's friend was also late, so we started our picnic first. The Fireworks started shortly after 11. It lasted 30 minutes and was unquestionably gorgeous. Even our view were partially blocked by the giant trees in front of us.

We then strolled to Champs-Élysées and Louvre. It was a pleasant night and the atmosphere was enchanting. After strolling for an hour or so, we finally got the bikes to ride home. It was a bit tough since the way back was mostly uphills, but it was a good exercise for me.

Euro Journal: Day 4 Dublin & Paris Wed 13 July 2011

I got up early before 7 for the breakfast Mary prepared for us. And also because that they were going to take the flight back to Netherlands at 11 something. We said goodbyes to Paul's family at 9.15. I set off to centre Dublin after seeing them off.

The first stop was Trinity College, it was a nice campus and a nice walk. Then I was trying to look for 'The Temple Bar,' the most famous bar in Dublin, but I found Irish Film Institute instead by accident. I wanted to see the films they were showing such as "A Separation" and "Film Socialite," but the times weren't right unfortunately. I only bought a DVD of "The General," an acclaimed Irish film which I've never seen in the store.

My lunch in Temple Bar was an onion crisps and cheese sandwich plus a pint of Guinness (yes, another one). Then I strolled to Grafton Street, where "Once" was filmed. It was a busy street with stores and street artists. I bough a copy of "Once" as a gift to Caro. It has an unique meaning to get it on that very street.

I went to O'Connell street to take the bus to the airport. I felt very lucky to get the time just right to get there without having a single clue. The flight departed on time. I arrived in Paris at around 9, and I got out of the border very fast, especially comparing to UK. Caro was there waiting right outside of the gate. So it all went very well. We got back to hers around 10.30. We had dinner and chatted. Then went to sleep right after 1am.

Euro Journal: Day 3 Dublin Tue 12 July 2011

After breakfast, we started to get ready to leave the hotel and go the Paul's parents'. We got there around 1pm. After a stroll in the neighborhood and rest, we set off for the tour in the afternoon. Paul's parents showed us the seaside which was lovely especially under the beautiful sunny weather. Then we were treated at a very good restaurant in a town called 'Malahide.' The meal was really good.

I wouldn't dare to break the arrangement to meet up with Ciara, one of Paul's old mates, but no one else wanted to join us. So I felt that I still had to show up briefly. But Ciara actually already felt tired at the time I was available. Frankly, I felt pretty tired myself as well. So it was kind of a relief that I could just stay in for the rest of the evening.

Because Showzi wanted some night snacks, we went to the Chinese takeaway behind Paul's parents'. I got Singapore Chowmein which was pretty good, and Showzi got Prawn with garlic and pepper which was also nice. I again passed out soon after getting in bed.

Euro Journal: Day 2: Wedding Day Dublin Mon 11 July 2011

I woke up fairly early due to my jet lag. I took a shower and sorted out my stuffs. It was then I finally realize that I dropped my wallet. So I walked along the way where I walked in from the gate but didn't see anything. I called to the taxi station and the driver. Thankfully, I got the driver's personal number and called him as well. He was still in bed apparently before 9pm, but I got his call within 30 minutes, and he said he found my wallet on the floor in his taxi. He could send it back to me. It was a huge relief.

I was ready before 1pm. All groomed and suited up. Because I was running around to pass messages, I felt the need to get a drink. I got myself and Showzi a glass of white wine. I realized soon after Paul arrived that I would have to read a speech on behalf of the bride's side. That was a very interesting and the one and only experience for me.

The ceremony went very well. We started to have champagnes afterward. I think I must had 4 or 5 glasses within an hour. Then I got a pint of Guinness. The banquet started at 6pm. I switched to white wine again after Guinness. By the time I finished my main course, I felt quite sick and the urge to 'sort it out.' So I went to the bathrooms for a few times then I kept on drinking water. I stuck with water for the rest of the evening.

I made friends with Paul's old school mates who I sat with at the same table. I t was really nice to make new friends. When it comes to the time to dance. I stared to move around and tried to shake the sickness away. I danced like crazy with Showzi and also with Paul's mom, Mary. It was purely fun.

The last bunch of people left round midnight, and we started the next round ourselves. I got two more pints of Guinness, and we were chatting in the suite. Janet, Nick and I were playing cards until 3.30am that we all felt pretty tired and went to sleep.

Euro Journal: Day 1 Taipei - HK - Munich - London - Dublin Sat-Sun 09-10 July 2011

My flight from Taipei to HK departed at 8.30pm. I was actually in a rush when getting to the airport but made it eventually. I even had the time to have a quick chat with Vito.

After arriving in HK, I was shocked by the information of the flight board that I saw: my flight was delayed indefinitely. So I went to the counter of BA, the lady said she will transfer me to another flight. So I got on Lufthansa Airline to Munich instead. I met a Taiwanese girl, Shuang-Ang, who was gonna take the BA flight as well, but because she was still waiting for the result of the search for her luggage, I went on board first.

I arrived in Munich on 5am local time. Soon after I got through the border, I met Shuang-Ang again. She took the same flight. So we went to take the BA flight to London together. It was nice to have a travel company under that circumstance. We arrived in London at 8am. The line in front of the border was really long. We waited for more than an hour for our turns.

The officer was extremely unfriendly. He questioned that why I want to stay in UK for so long. I then mentioned that I've made plans to go to a few places in Europe and had the boarding passes printed out. He asked me to show them to him. Then he asked me what my purpose was to go to Ireland. I said I will attend my friends' wedding, and I showed him my invitation as well. He still looked at me with doubts but let me to go through. It was really disturbing.

Because I couldn't see Shang-Ang and the time was a bit late, I had to run to get to Stansted. I thought about taking the bus straight to there, but the 10.45 one was full, and the 11.45 one would be too late. So I had no choice but to take the train. I transferred twice and finally got to Stansted in time.

It was a relief that my cabin case passed the checking desk of Ryanair. I believe that means my case will be good for any other airline. I arrived in Dublin around 3. Soon after I got a local sim card, I called Showzi right away, and she gave me Paul's number which allowed me to realize that he and his sister, Hilary, were there to pick me up.

I went to the hotel where we stayed for the night and also where the wedding was at. It's called 'The Village at Lyons,' one of the best hotels in Ireland I believe and is located in a really remote place. Because I made an arrangement with Martin to meet up at 'The Long Hall,' a pub in Centre, taxi was the far-easier way to get there. But because I couldn't get through his number due to the errors in the emails and also that I was 45 minutes late. He was already gone when I got there.

I still decided to email him and wait. I had two pints of Guinness. By 10pm, I felt pretty tired and drunk. So I called the taxi and went back. I passed out soon after I got in my bed.

A Brand New Life

A Brand New Life (Ounie Lecomte, France/South Korea, 2009)

What kind of story would attract the acclaimed South Korean director Lee Chang-Dong's support and serving as a producer? (So far he has only served as a producer of two films. He was even only an executive producer of his own work "Secret Sunshine." I have to also mention that the film's French producer Laurent Lavolé was the guest who I honorably hosted in the Taipei Film Festival in 2008.) "A Brand New Life" is such a simple but moving film from the new French Korean filmmaker Ounie Lecomte. Based on her personal experience as a child, she sincerely shares this poignant but very inspiring childhood memories to the audience around the world.

Jinhee was taken out on a trip by her father. Her father bought a wide range of gifts, they ate lots of delicious food, and he even gave her a big cake, but it all turned to a different direction once they set their feet into a children's monastery shelter. It turned out that Jinhee's life will never be the same ever since. This has a similar premise as the famous fairy tale "The Little Princess" by the British writer Frances Hodgson Burnett. Though we think that there would be another harsh supervisor and several kids who try to bully her here through Jinhee's eyes, fortunately, the reality is not entirely so tragic.

The supervisor seems harsh, but in fact, she has a loving heart under her icy face; the crippled sister, who's the oldest among the children, sadly took her fate after the unsuccessful struggle; Sookhee is already an older child than most, she seems capricious at first, but she's very sympathetic underneath. She and Jinhee soon to become inseparable friends. But they still have total different perspectives toward the future. Sookhee, who has watched many of the adopted children left, wish that she would find a good home before she becomes too old, so she tried her best to promote herself once she gets the chance. But Jinhee, who's still waiting for her father to fulfill his promise and come back to pick her up, but the wait seems to be increasingly long and increasingly remote.

Lecomte showed her great talent in this film she wrote and directed for the first time. She presented the very personal story in a very modest and earthy way, but it's even more effective and moving than letting the sentiments taking over. Take the part where Jinhee and Sookhee secretly took care of a dying bird after they found it as an example, it simply conveys the profound meaning of the fine line between life and death. Kin Sae Ron, who was casted as Jinhee, successfully performed as the crucial key to make the film work, whether it's the look when being helpless, or the fake smile when she has learned to be sophisticated, they are all hard to make the audience not be moved.

After Sookhee was gone, Jinhee, who had hope once again in her heart, had lost someone she could rely on. In the meantime, she learned that her father and the family had moved to somewhere no one knows from the headmaster of the monastery. It was the first time in her life that she felt all alone and was left in helplessness and despair. but she eventually learned to face the difficulties of life with strengths. She quickly got a new hope that might become a turning point in her life with her adorable looks. When on her way towards the unknown destination, the warmth when leaning on her father's back on the back seat of the bike suddenly appeared in her heart, but it may only be deeply buried in the memory as the song she sang from her heart.