Five senses #21

As you like this column a lot (and me too), here is a new episode of “Five senses” in order to share with you my latest discoveries which I hope will tickle your 5 senses too!

 

SIGHT

A new plant has just appeared in my living room: the Calathea orbifolia. I love the way it looks and the design of its leaves, but I’ve heard that it is difficult to maintain.

To keep it healthy, we advise avoiding draughts, placing it in a rather bright environment and only watering it when the soil is dry.

I placed it in front of the radiator but don’t worry, it’s not working at the moment, given the milder temperatures. So fingers crossed that it will be around for a long time to come and in good shape!

 

TOUCH

“Isle of dogs” Editions Abrams

 

Being a huge fan of Wes Anderson‘s work, I tend to collect all the books related to his films. The latest is the one about the film Isle of Dogs, released a few years ago, which I really liked.

On the programme, detailed behind-the-scenes photos, drawings, inspirations, interviews: a real mine of information and a treat for the eyes if you’re a fan like me.

 

 

TASTE

Foodie Love until may 31st 2022 on Arte

 

Thanks to your and the photographer Émilie Guelpa de Griottes’ recommendations, I discovered the Spanish series “Foodie love” on Arte and it was a big hit!

If you like food, spicy romances, lilting accents and Japan, you can’t help but love this series full of humour, originality, sensitivity and sensuality.

Laia Costa and Guillermo Pfening

 

I’m trying not to spoil, but during 8 episodes of about 30 minutes, it’s about two people who meet in a café and then continue their date in a cocktail bar, a ramen stall or a gourmet restaurant. The seduction game is full of panache and complicity. Their passionate (and sensual) way of talking about food makes you want to fly to Barcelona (or Japan). The charm operates with a word, a look, a joke. We gradually become attached to the characters, discovering a touching fragility and some secrets.

The emotion and the greed are there: this mini-series was a real good surprises!

 

SMELL

 Hibi “Oak moss” incense

 

I particularly like candles to give a cosy spirit to the house but I sometimes burn Japanese incense from time to time, for the visual and olfactory serenity it brings me. Here are the two types of incense that I particularly appreciate and whose smell is not too heady.

HIBI : This mini incense stick in the shape of a match is intended to burn for 10 minutes by placing it on a small adapted mat.

 

Encens Nippon Kodo Kayuragi “White Peach”

 

NIPPON KODO : a Japanese brand of incense sticks created in 1575. I particularly like the “white peach” scent in the kayuragi range, but you can also find more woody (Japanese cypress), spring (cherry blossom) or tangy (orange mikan) scents.

There are a few different varieties in the shop of the House of Japanese Culture if you want to get an idea of their scent.

 

HEARING

When my favourite artists start hosting a podcast, I’m over the moon. The 2 podcasts I’m mentioning are in English.

AT YOUR SERVICE : The singer Dua Lipa welcomes a guest from different worlds: journalism, fashion, music. The interviews are conducted in a natural tone while remaining interesting and inspiring. Dua seems to be curious about what she will learn from her interviewer and it is quite pleasant to listen to.

Credit photo : British Vogue, Dua Lipa

 

TURN UP FOR THE BOOKS by BBC Sounds : if you like to read and discover new things, it is interesting to follow Dan Smith‘s (the leader of my favourite band Bastille) discussions with Irenosen Okojie and Simon Savidge. The guest changes every episode according to the theme (love, family, politics, society, adventure…).

Credit photos : Leonardo Veloce pour Behind the Blinds.be, BBC Podcast

 

It’s a great way to expand your reading and why not start reading the novels in their original English version (which would also help me improve my English). (English translation by Quiterie)