In this photograph, we see Genevieve deep in thought on her favorite couch. Genevieve likes to devote at least half an hour each day to quiet meditation over a warm cup of tea. Though Brantley has been urging her to sample Fortnum & Mason's blackberry blend, Genevieve refuses on the grounds of a deep-seated grudge against the shop and tea room. Apparently several years ago Genevieve was taking tea with Michiko Shimamoto, a business associate, at Fortnum & Mason. When Shimamoto requested some more watercress sandwiches, the waiter muttered something which Genevieve says could be construed as "surly at best."
Here she is engaged in ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, and one of Genevieve's favorite leisure activities. In studying the 17th and 18th century trade link between Nagasaki and the Netherlands, Genevieve became fascinated by Japanese history and culture. She subsequently took up the practice of ikebana and has developed a great fondness for the prints of Hokusai and Hiroshige. Her affinity for Japan has opened up new doors for Genevieve as an urban planner; recently she began a project for the Tokyo Underground system, which will be undergoing major renovations in the next ten years.