Item # 11: Understanding relativity

Our worldview has been changed forever since Albert's insights on space and time. Or at least for the worldview of those capable of understanding the theory of general relativity...so can anyone explain it to me with simple, understandable, meaningful words? If you have a PhD in Quantum Physics and have some time to spare, get in touch with me. I will listen very carefully to your lecture on e=mc2.

Item # 10: face-à-face avec un cousin

Le singe nasique a quelque chose d'extrêmement humain si l'on considère son appendice nasal qui lui vaut son nom. Cette caractéristique le rend si proche physiquement de nous, êtres humains, qu'un face-à-face avec cet animal doit nous en apprendre beaucoup sur la ligne qui nous sépare de lui (si elle existe). Si vous avez un singe nasique en guise d'animal de compagnie, invitez-moi chez vous pour une séance photo.

Item # 9: dining at Mr.Puliafito's en tete-a-tete

Miam miam miam. Already hungry ;-)

Item # 8: Carmen

"Toreador, prends ga-a-a-arde, toreador, toreadoooor". This opera from Bizet is one of the tunes I continually sing, out of the blue, for no reason but the pleasure of singing. The trouble is that I've known this Opera forever, I trace it back to a CD my dad bought once and that I have lost in the meantime (don't tell him, I've always denied it). I would love to see it on a special stage: Verona. I can also settle down for Avenches and its arena here in Switzerland, it would be a perfect start before seing it in more grandiose location.

Item # 7: swimming with a beast

Planning on diving in clear waters soon? Take me along. I will be the one insisting on diving where chances are bigger of seing a ray manta. A creature so beautiful and gracious, flying over the bottom of the sea. They seem so peaceful and elegant at the same time. Is it as close as you can get to nature's perfection?

Item # 6: seing a rocket launch

This one probably needs a good deal of timing...being in the right place at the right time, with good weather conditions! It must be breathtaking to witness the power of technology roar in the distance, knowing that a handful of brave scientists take upon the challenge of pushing always further the limits of knowledge, at the very peril of their lives. I can't wait to see that rocket slowly rise in the sky, disappear in the blue and continue its travel in my imagination.

Item # 5: hot air balloon ride

Yes, I am afraid of heights. Yes, I do get nervous on a plane (until the movie starts running). And yes, funnily enough, I think I would enjoy a ride in a hot-air balloon. My region is known for its hot-air balloons annual show at Château d'Oex sometime in March: imagine mountains covered with snow, and a basketful of colourful and customized hot-air balloons defying gravity, wow. I would love to take a ride on one of those and feel the freedom of being suspended in the air...well, my friend Delphine almost killed herself while driving a helium balloon, it didn't quite confort me to hear that story...but I still think I'd be up for a ride so, anyone listening?

Item # 4: Special Nail Polish

I bite my nails and hate myself for that. How embarassing it is to be meet the man of your life and noticing that all he sees is how ugly your almost non-existant nails are. So, get me please that Special Nail Polish that will end forever my biting mania, which I have had, by the way, for the past 29 years. Something that will eventually help me have those normal nails everyone around me seems to have, but me.

Item # 3: learning to sing

You have probably heard me sing already, if not, you are deaf for sure. I also whistle a lot in case you haven't noticed. Music is a gift that a have unfortunately never explored, and the older I get, the more regrets I have about not becoming a rock star! So, if you are a voice teacher, teach me to sing properly. If you are a friend and want to make me the happiest man on earth, arrange singing lessons for me. If you are not a friend, I'll sing to you and destroy your ears as I sing along with the radio.

Item # 2: tracking articles

I know, this is another intellectual thing...it's just that I love to learn and absorb new ideas! And what best than a subscription to a a good magazine? I have two in mind, to help you chose. First and foremost: Le Courrier International, for those who haven't heard of it, it is french weekly magazine which gathers articles from world newspapers and other magazines. Very interesting and pretty well edited. Not too expensive either. Last but not least, The National Geographic, good for travelling around the world without leaving your couch (I got this idea from my dad, who has suscribed to that publication forever now). Aren't these two great gift ideas?

Item # 1: a little bit of music

If you know me right, you must know that I love to read. There is this specific book I didn't buy, thinking that someone would be delighted to offer it to me. Don't laugh, it's called "Classic Music For Dummies" and I would really enjoy learning a little bit more about music and its story. I already bought "Guitar For Dummies" and it didn't get me really far in my mastery of the instrument, but I promise I will devore this one...if anyone thinks of it...:)