track file

_posts/2021-10-19-indoors.md

@@ -36,3 +36,5 @@ postcards.
 
 _this post first appeared at 
 [the forum of Postcrossing](https://community.postcrossing.com/t/where-to-find-postcards-in-singapore/222304)_
+
+_P.S. Update, as of 23 December 2021: I've just terminated my account at https://www.postcrossing.com/ as I fear that sending postcards around the world may damage the environment._

_posts/2021-12-08-indoors.md

@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+---
+title: "tried out a grand piano"
+layout: post
+---
+
+Today I plucked up the courage to walk into a piano showroom, and asked 
+if I could play on a particularly handsome grand piano. 
+
+"Yes, you can 
+try it out," said the staff, and so I did. 
+
+First, I tried some 
+arpeggio(s). Then, a song from a contemporary movie. 
+
+It was a great 
+pleasure. The piano responded to my touch in a magical way, 
+demonstrating extraordinary sensitivity to even the most subtle of 
+nuances. 
+
+I looked at the staff of the showroom (a middle-aged and 
+confident lady), and it seemed she was enjoying the song, too. 
+
+I would 
+later enquire about the piano, and only two words remain in my memory: 
+"top-end" and "hand-made". And, its logo says: Shigeru Kawai. 
+
+But all 
+too soon, it was time for me to leave (I have a limited repertoire), and 
+I bade my usual farewell to salespeople: "I'll think about buying it". 
+(Which is true, I do think about how many years of slavery to a mean 
+boss I have to endure, in order to afford stuff like that). 
+
+But the 
+staff was quick to reassure me: "No obligations at all! We're happy you 
+came here to try our piano."
+
+Well, it was a nice experience, and I thank (a Biblical) God for that.