Writer's Block
Okay, biggest apologies go out to every one of you, I will not attempt to explain my lack of communication, albeit to say that I was just a little stressed.
So now's the bit where I try to recount everything that's been happening over the last (gosh!) eight weeks. With the help of Lou's diary pages (no, I didn't steal them, she gave them to me) and what's left of my decrepid memory, I will now go back to the beginning and reveal all (no, not in that way. no need to hide the kids).
So, April 26th saw Roberto (the italian) have his leaving party. Highlights of the evening were Alicia's tortilla, and the amount of wine drunk. Also on this same night saw a repeat Kalimocho party in Alberto's flat, which ended up with not many people remembering much of the night, including me, although there are vague recollections of some people close-dancing...
On May 22nd Don Albe (jose alberto to you and me) came over to visit us. Time was spent drinking, chatting, drinking...
Dinner was provided by Olga on May 23rd, so Lou and I went over to Bretzenheim to eat our plate's worth. Very nice. Afterwards, fiesta brava in the Mainzer Kolleg, where it was also the last day behind the bar for Antonio, before he left to go back to Seville. Very good night had by all, Albe certainly enjoyed himself, as did the rest of us dance-a-holics. At about 6am most people made their way home. Apparently Carlitos and Roberto stayed on a bit longer, whilst the latter painted the steps to the bar a nice shade of pink-with-carrots.
After his brief visit, Albe went back to Valencia on May 27th, promising to return soon. So the night of the 26th we had a leaving get-together for him in Hechtsheim Bar, where I got out a couple of special beers that I had brought back from England (one from chocolate, the other made with honey).
June 4th saw a strawberry-party organised by the Hechtsheim halls. So naturally we all went to Carlitos' place (about 3 metres away from said bar) and had our own super party (despite certain people trying to stop the fun).
Lobelto, sorry, Roberto the frog, um, frenchman laid on a Paella on June 6th for his housemates (including Olga) so Lou and I went along to give our opinions.
June 9th-12th I spent in my humble village in England, getting together my books, beer and sauces to bring back to Germany, whilst showing Olga around London on her first trip to the UK (crossing roads was a particular difficulty she had...). During this time Alberto (aka Albakra) and Jordi went back to Valencia for a week (it was uni holidays, honest).
The birth of Marcus the baker happened on June 14th, when, with my newly bought bread-baking machine, I baked my first loaf. Not wanting to die alone, I invited Lou to come along and try the bread first :)
June 15th saw me back in the experiment room in the physics building, where all sorts of computer problems occured. At 8pm I quickly ran away back home.
The preparations started well in advance, for on June 18th the halls of residence in Hechtsheim filled with about 3000 people for the annual summer party. Not before I cooked my Indian meal (a korma, for those in the know) for Andres, Carolina and Olga, and served it along with a freshly baked loaf of bread.
So, as expected of us, we had our own private party in Carlitos' flat. Again, some people not understanding the idea of a private party, nor that a person's toilet is not for communal use for a population of 3000, and that somebody saw fit to steal Lou's camera and also to push over the kitchen shelves. But apart from those little mishaps, it was a very good party, and Carlitos is to be commended once again for his organisational skills.
This Saturday just gone (June 21st) I went on a little shopping trip with Olga, to buy food. Why is this worth writing on this website you may ask? Because when it came through the checkout at 120 euros, and filled two boxes and five carrier bags, and had to be transported back home by bus, I would consider it something out of the ordinary. Highlights of the shopping trip: Colombian fruit (can't remeber what they were called), flour of type 1050 (no, I have no idea what that means either, but it's the one required for some of my bread recipes) and a Tigger toy.
After a meal of chicken with rice (attended by Sylvia), and sleeping the siesta (Olga has a problem with quantities when cooking, so yes, after eating it all up everyone needs a siesta) we had a pasta dish prepared by Nuria, wish was also very nice.
Now that I think I've done the majority of the news of late, I will let you get back to your cups of tea and coffee, that will definitely be cold by now.
Sorry.
Sunday, June 22, 2003
Tuesday, April 22, 2003
Coming and going
So what's been happening lately? Well, in no particular order (okay, in the order that I am remembering them) I went to see the film 'Goodbye, Lenin' with Andres last Tuesday, and would definitely recommend it to all and sundry. A well produced look into divided Germany, both funny and sad.
Many people have been going off on day-trips throughout this country, and some for longer. My own break went through Luxemburg, Aachen, Cologne, Bonn and Koblenz with Martin (long-time friend from Stuttgart), his girlfriend, and his car. Despite a cold Saturday, the trip was great.
As mentioned on Jordi's updated website, Javi went off to Prague, Lou has now gone off to Berlin, Carolina has come back from Colombia, and Dani (el putogues) is off to Italy (don't expect many photos of the sights...). In the meantime I've been doing nothing unusual in working as much as possible, although I did clean and completely rearrange my room on Monday (inspections welcome), and worked up an appetite by running to Jordi and Javi's for dinner, and then running back afterwards (spring makes funny things happen to people).
Another thing of importance, is that Fernando and Joan have now boarded their plane to Argentina, and so wishes of all the best go out to them, and let's see if I get to visit them this summer...
As we have just had a huge thunderstorm, and lots of rain, the weather can described as unstable, so anyone planning a trip to visit me (us) here (hints to any of my friends back in the UK), bring your umbrellas !
now, where did I put my wellies?
So what's been happening lately? Well, in no particular order (okay, in the order that I am remembering them) I went to see the film 'Goodbye, Lenin' with Andres last Tuesday, and would definitely recommend it to all and sundry. A well produced look into divided Germany, both funny and sad.
Many people have been going off on day-trips throughout this country, and some for longer. My own break went through Luxemburg, Aachen, Cologne, Bonn and Koblenz with Martin (long-time friend from Stuttgart), his girlfriend, and his car. Despite a cold Saturday, the trip was great.
As mentioned on Jordi's updated website, Javi went off to Prague, Lou has now gone off to Berlin, Carolina has come back from Colombia, and Dani (el putogues) is off to Italy (don't expect many photos of the sights...). In the meantime I've been doing nothing unusual in working as much as possible, although I did clean and completely rearrange my room on Monday (inspections welcome), and worked up an appetite by running to Jordi and Javi's for dinner, and then running back afterwards (spring makes funny things happen to people).
Another thing of importance, is that Fernando and Joan have now boarded their plane to Argentina, and so wishes of all the best go out to them, and let's see if I get to visit them this summer...
As we have just had a huge thunderstorm, and lots of rain, the weather can described as unstable, so anyone planning a trip to visit me (us) here (hints to any of my friends back in the UK), bring your umbrellas !
now, where did I put my wellies?
Tuesday, April 15, 2003
Weather and News
Germany, are we are in Germany?? You wouldn't have thought so, what with the weather actually being hot (not just the sun being out and a freezing wind). So what do we do when we've got weather unseen here for the last 8 months? We stay inside and work. Yes, bosses seem to think that good weather means people will work faster, so they give us even more to do. Never mind, I can dream of the sea...
Couple of short news stories. First one following on about alternative uses for mobiles, some people just take it too far. And then an amusing story about internet pornography, and how the US government is aiming to succeed in paying off it's national debt, maybe.
smoke me a kipper.
Germany, are we are in Germany?? You wouldn't have thought so, what with the weather actually being hot (not just the sun being out and a freezing wind). So what do we do when we've got weather unseen here for the last 8 months? We stay inside and work. Yes, bosses seem to think that good weather means people will work faster, so they give us even more to do. Never mind, I can dream of the sea...
Couple of short news stories. First one following on about alternative uses for mobiles, some people just take it too far. And then an amusing story about internet pornography, and how the US government is aiming to succeed in paying off it's national debt, maybe.
smoke me a kipper.
Friday, April 11, 2003
Fun for the girls, and windows security update
After the article about the taiwanese women who 'accidently' got her mobile stuck in her rear quarters, comes the news of a new phone luxury called The Purring Kitty that owners of certain nokia handsets can download which makes use of the vibrate function...the rest I'll let this article explain.
And now something serious for users of the windows operating system. A new bug has been found that will allow specially-designed websites to format your hard-disks. More info and links to the patches can be found here.
That's it, nothing more nothing less.
After the article about the taiwanese women who 'accidently' got her mobile stuck in her rear quarters, comes the news of a new phone luxury called The Purring Kitty that owners of certain nokia handsets can download which makes use of the vibrate function...the rest I'll let this article explain.
And now something serious for users of the windows operating system. A new bug has been found that will allow specially-designed websites to format your hard-disks. More info and links to the patches can be found here.
That's it, nothing more nothing less.
Thursday, April 10, 2003
Tuesday, April 08, 2003
News Roundup
Some brief news links.
Naturists are battling the government's plans to outlaw people taking off their clothes in public. They can count on my support :)
Police are searching for 118 missing piglets. The motive is yet unknown, but when a robbery of 100 lettuces and tomatoes follows, my bet's the bakery is next.
Just to prove that Birmingham really is a safe place to live, in a police amnesty on arms (hand in any weapon, and no prosecution will follow) in the west midlands, a slightly unusual piece was handed in. A grenade launcher goes to show that schoolkids are getting slightly out of control...
Finally, a well written article about net censorship and the war that is definitely worth reading.
Back to Mainz, and the Hague carload came back last night, Noelia is nursing an oil-burnt hand, had a great meal (provided by Olga, Bivi, Roberto) and film (la flor de mi secreto) experience in Bretzenheim on Sunday.
No rest for the wicked...
Some brief news links.
Naturists are battling the government's plans to outlaw people taking off their clothes in public. They can count on my support :)
Police are searching for 118 missing piglets. The motive is yet unknown, but when a robbery of 100 lettuces and tomatoes follows, my bet's the bakery is next.
Just to prove that Birmingham really is a safe place to live, in a police amnesty on arms (hand in any weapon, and no prosecution will follow) in the west midlands, a slightly unusual piece was handed in. A grenade launcher goes to show that schoolkids are getting slightly out of control...
Finally, a well written article about net censorship and the war that is definitely worth reading.
Back to Mainz, and the Hague carload came back last night, Noelia is nursing an oil-burnt hand, had a great meal (provided by Olga, Bivi, Roberto) and film (la flor de mi secreto) experience in Bretzenheim on Sunday.
No rest for the wicked...
Thursday, April 03, 2003
Student Cones
Funny title, but it has it's reasons. Not sufficient in taking away our civil liberties, our privacy, instilling fear in the population, now the government wants to take away the life and blood of its students. Yes, they want all traffic cones returned to government departments, and as such, have set up an amnesty so no questions will be asked. So what are we supposed to do now when we come home drunk from the pubs and clubs at 4am ??? At least we can keep the signposts, traffic lights and shopping trolleys... :)
Something a bit more personal now. Don't sit up in your chairs just yet though, I didn't mean that personal !!. Last night saw the Hechtsheim Bar open its doors for the new Erasmus students. After all the newbies went off to bed, we arrived, and had a great time dancing away to hits of the eighties (up-to-date, Germany :)
Well, that's all for now, pictures of Bologna are in progress, and you might just notice a change in me tomorrow.
Wait and see.
Funny title, but it has it's reasons. Not sufficient in taking away our civil liberties, our privacy, instilling fear in the population, now the government wants to take away the life and blood of its students. Yes, they want all traffic cones returned to government departments, and as such, have set up an amnesty so no questions will be asked. So what are we supposed to do now when we come home drunk from the pubs and clubs at 4am ??? At least we can keep the signposts, traffic lights and shopping trolleys... :)
Something a bit more personal now. Don't sit up in your chairs just yet though, I didn't mean that personal !!. Last night saw the Hechtsheim Bar open its doors for the new Erasmus students. After all the newbies went off to bed, we arrived, and had a great time dancing away to hits of the eighties (up-to-date, Germany :)
Well, that's all for now, pictures of Bologna are in progress, and you might just notice a change in me tomorrow.
Wait and see.
Wednesday, April 02, 2003
What a life
Well, for those of you who don't understand spanish, I think I'd better let you into what I've been upto over the last...month ?!!!
Valencia in the Fallas was great, had a superb time with Jordi, Dani, Paolo, and all the others we met there (way to many to list here - sorry!). Some of the most memorable moments were in the street parties, returning home at about 6am, having drunk a little bit :) A certain moment when we circled a tree singing "que nadie mea aqui" (you'll have to ask us for an explanation...) and in the final cremation of the Falla in the square of the city hall, when everybody turned to face the building of the PP (the ruling political party in Spain) and shouted "Stop the war". Very emotional, especially considering that the war then started 3 hours later...
By the way, the photos from the Fallas of 2003 are up, so go have a ganders.
Whilst on the subject of photos, the birthday dinner and party of Jordi, Javi and Lou are also up, as are those of the leaving party of Fernando and Joan.
What else has happened...well, the official changeover of houses has happened, and so Hechtsheim has said goodbye to Jordi, Javi, Juanfran, Carmen and Luca, and hello to Carlitos.
Whilst Dani and Paolo were here in Mainz (yes, they came over here after having been in the fallas) and after having had much fun at the Eisgrub, Javi and I were persuaded (ok, it didn't take much effort at all) to go and visit them in Bologna. Which is where we have been since Sunday until this morning at 2am when we arrived in Mainz.
We had such an amazing time there, it was unbelievable. We ate like kings, had fun at the parties with the friends, family and housemates of our two bologneses, and left with much will to return someday soon (what are you doing this weekend, Javi? :) There definitely are a thousand reasons to come back to this incredible city. The photos will be put up as soon as possible.
Now to a bit of general news. Although we have only just found out, a bomb was left outside the IBM building in Bologna on the 31st, whilst we were there. Luckily it didn't explode.
Best get back to work, catchup time...
Well, for those of you who don't understand spanish, I think I'd better let you into what I've been upto over the last...month ?!!!
Valencia in the Fallas was great, had a superb time with Jordi, Dani, Paolo, and all the others we met there (way to many to list here - sorry!). Some of the most memorable moments were in the street parties, returning home at about 6am, having drunk a little bit :) A certain moment when we circled a tree singing "que nadie mea aqui" (you'll have to ask us for an explanation...) and in the final cremation of the Falla in the square of the city hall, when everybody turned to face the building of the PP (the ruling political party in Spain) and shouted "Stop the war". Very emotional, especially considering that the war then started 3 hours later...
By the way, the photos from the Fallas of 2003 are up, so go have a ganders.
Whilst on the subject of photos, the birthday dinner and party of Jordi, Javi and Lou are also up, as are those of the leaving party of Fernando and Joan.
What else has happened...well, the official changeover of houses has happened, and so Hechtsheim has said goodbye to Jordi, Javi, Juanfran, Carmen and Luca, and hello to Carlitos.
Whilst Dani and Paolo were here in Mainz (yes, they came over here after having been in the fallas) and after having had much fun at the Eisgrub, Javi and I were persuaded (ok, it didn't take much effort at all) to go and visit them in Bologna. Which is where we have been since Sunday until this morning at 2am when we arrived in Mainz.
We had such an amazing time there, it was unbelievable. We ate like kings, had fun at the parties with the friends, family and housemates of our two bologneses, and left with much will to return someday soon (what are you doing this weekend, Javi? :) There definitely are a thousand reasons to come back to this incredible city. The photos will be put up as soon as possible.
Now to a bit of general news. Although we have only just found out, a bomb was left outside the IBM building in Bologna on the 31st, whilst we were there. Luckily it didn't explode.
Best get back to work, catchup time...
Tuesday, March 11, 2003
Excuses, excuses...
Probably due to the previously mentioned workload I had, the last five days have seen me sick. Not in the head, nor literally, rather ill with a fever, high temperature, dry throat, trouble breathing, no strength...and all that without touching a drop of alcohol !!!!
So now you've heard my excuses for not having the time to put up the photos of the party before I go off to Valencia (tomorrow at 7.15 I catch a tram...). Of course, I am not alone, Carlitos will be accompanying me on this journey, so prepare yourselves for what we will bring :)
Recompenses will be granted once (if) I return...
Probably due to the previously mentioned workload I had, the last five days have seen me sick. Not in the head, nor literally, rather ill with a fever, high temperature, dry throat, trouble breathing, no strength...and all that without touching a drop of alcohol !!!!
So now you've heard my excuses for not having the time to put up the photos of the party before I go off to Valencia (tomorrow at 7.15 I catch a tram...). Of course, I am not alone, Carlitos will be accompanying me on this journey, so prepare yourselves for what we will bring :)
Recompenses will be granted once (if) I return...
Friday, March 07, 2003
Another week passes...
So much work, so little time. Briefly though, Last friday the bar was hired out and we had an amazing party for the birthdays of Jordi, Lou, and Javi. The photos of which, will be put up as soon as possible, but due to the fact i am working all hours of the day at the moment, I can't promise when I will have the time (although I hope to do it before I go off to Valencia).
Oh, yeah, that was the other point. Next wednesday I will be flying off to sunny Spain, to visit the Fallas once again. Of course, this means I need to catch up with all the work that I won't be able to do in this time, which is why I have little time :(
One person that has already gone back to his country, is Javi. Before he left, however, he invited us to dine at the Eisgrub on wednesday night. Fifteen spaniards (or south-americans or english...) sat down at a huge table and ate their way through mounds of meat and salads. We also drank a tube of 5 litres of beer, and a couple of 3-litre tubes on top. Coming back home we stayed in the bar for a couple of drinks, where the atmosphere was still flowing.
All in all, a great time.
Anyway, Jordi is moving house tonight, and something else is bound to be planned.
Until the next
So much work, so little time. Briefly though, Last friday the bar was hired out and we had an amazing party for the birthdays of Jordi, Lou, and Javi. The photos of which, will be put up as soon as possible, but due to the fact i am working all hours of the day at the moment, I can't promise when I will have the time (although I hope to do it before I go off to Valencia).
Oh, yeah, that was the other point. Next wednesday I will be flying off to sunny Spain, to visit the Fallas once again. Of course, this means I need to catch up with all the work that I won't be able to do in this time, which is why I have little time :(
One person that has already gone back to his country, is Javi. Before he left, however, he invited us to dine at the Eisgrub on wednesday night. Fifteen spaniards (or south-americans or english...) sat down at a huge table and ate their way through mounds of meat and salads. We also drank a tube of 5 litres of beer, and a couple of 3-litre tubes on top. Coming back home we stayed in the bar for a couple of drinks, where the atmosphere was still flowing.
All in all, a great time.
Anyway, Jordi is moving house tonight, and something else is bound to be planned.
Until the next
Wednesday, February 26, 2003
Birthday Week
This week has to be the week of celebrations. Firstly was the birthday of Laura on Saturday, then came that of Jordi on Tuesday, Lou celebrates on Friday, and Luca on the coming Sunday. Phew! Talk about being busy !!!
So last weekend was celebrated in the usual italian style, with pasta, wine and cakes. Very nice.
Monday night we descended on the bar where Maria and company were working. After quite a few drinks we retired to the TV room where I was verbally attacked by nearly every spaniard (thanks go to Lou who tried to defend me). Of course it was the subject of always, Gibraltar, but it all took place in fun, nothing serious :)
After waking up a bit late the next morning, and spending a day at work and uni, the evening started off with a lovely dinner at Jordi's place, where some great puddings were also brought by. The wine flowed, as did the music, as we set off to the bar of the WGs. Except it was closed (holidays) so instead we invaded Fernando's place :) The atmosphere was perfect, and we all enjoyed a good time.
Of course, this morning not everyone woke up as early(ish) as me...
Until the next birthday
This week has to be the week of celebrations. Firstly was the birthday of Laura on Saturday, then came that of Jordi on Tuesday, Lou celebrates on Friday, and Luca on the coming Sunday. Phew! Talk about being busy !!!
So last weekend was celebrated in the usual italian style, with pasta, wine and cakes. Very nice.
Monday night we descended on the bar where Maria and company were working. After quite a few drinks we retired to the TV room where I was verbally attacked by nearly every spaniard (thanks go to Lou who tried to defend me). Of course it was the subject of always, Gibraltar, but it all took place in fun, nothing serious :)
After waking up a bit late the next morning, and spending a day at work and uni, the evening started off with a lovely dinner at Jordi's place, where some great puddings were also brought by. The wine flowed, as did the music, as we set off to the bar of the WGs. Except it was closed (holidays) so instead we invaded Fernando's place :) The atmosphere was perfect, and we all enjoyed a good time.
Of course, this morning not everyone woke up as early(ish) as me...
Until the next birthday
Sunday, February 23, 2003
Long time, no see, lots done
As seems to be the habit of late, I haven't written anything here for a while. Instead of giving you excuses (like the night shifts I've been working, the extra workload I have this week) I would like to mention the fact that a load more photos have been put up. Get ready, hold on tight, and I'll take you for a ride. First up, visits to Trier and Venice: Photos-Places-Trier : Girl's Day Out,
Photos-Places-Venice and of course, the amazing party that was in the house of Pau: Photos-Parties-Casa Pau.
And that about raps it all up for now, I will return.
As seems to be the habit of late, I haven't written anything here for a while. Instead of giving you excuses (like the night shifts I've been working, the extra workload I have this week) I would like to mention the fact that a load more photos have been put up. Get ready, hold on tight, and I'll take you for a ride. First up, visits to Trier and Venice: Photos-Places-Trier : Girl's Day Out,
Photos-Places-Venice and of course, the amazing party that was in the house of Pau: Photos-Parties-Casa Pau.
And that about raps it all up for now, I will return.
Friday, February 14, 2003
Newsflashes
First up, another four arrests have been made near to London airports, and a Hand Grenade found in the luggage at London Gatwick. The police and soldiers are still on high alert all over the country, so I'm quite pleased I'm away from it all at the moment :)
Now, seeing as it's a certain saint's day, best wishes go out to Valentina. On the same theme, a study into how we fall in love reports that the first 90 seconds to 4 minutes are essential in finding out if we love someone. Well, that's my chances down the drain then, cos it takes that long for someone to understand what I'm trying to say (fault of me not being able to roll my 'r's...).
In Malaysia a slightly unusual request from the government has been issued, that women check the pants of their husbands and take them into a government office to be used as evidence...
Other breaking news, is that along with Luca and Carmen, the Studentenwerk of Mainz is kicking out Jordi and Javi from Hechtsheim !! Could this be the first step in their new apartheid regime? The other tell-tale signs have been the cancelling of Erasmus/Spanish parties in the bar, the non-payment to foreign students who have worked in the bar, and the proposed segregation of foreign students from the Germans in the halls of residence in Mainz.
What next? Seperate buses, trams, toilets, eating areas in the Mensa???
This is not the end...
First up, another four arrests have been made near to London airports, and a Hand Grenade found in the luggage at London Gatwick. The police and soldiers are still on high alert all over the country, so I'm quite pleased I'm away from it all at the moment :)
Now, seeing as it's a certain saint's day, best wishes go out to Valentina. On the same theme, a study into how we fall in love reports that the first 90 seconds to 4 minutes are essential in finding out if we love someone. Well, that's my chances down the drain then, cos it takes that long for someone to understand what I'm trying to say (fault of me not being able to roll my 'r's...).
In Malaysia a slightly unusual request from the government has been issued, that women check the pants of their husbands and take them into a government office to be used as evidence...
Other breaking news, is that along with Luca and Carmen, the Studentenwerk of Mainz is kicking out Jordi and Javi from Hechtsheim !! Could this be the first step in their new apartheid regime? The other tell-tale signs have been the cancelling of Erasmus/Spanish parties in the bar, the non-payment to foreign students who have worked in the bar, and the proposed segregation of foreign students from the Germans in the halls of residence in Mainz.
What next? Seperate buses, trams, toilets, eating areas in the Mensa???
This is not the end...
Thursday, February 13, 2003
Gulf Wars and The Force
With all the news at the moment surrounding Iraq and the impending war, a quick insight in how it's likely to end can be found on the Gulf Wars 2 webpage. It's quite long, but it's also quite amusing.
A recent Census reports that there are 390,000 people across England and Wales who belong to the Jedi faith. How they practice it is not stated, however.
Yesterday saw me cook for Alberto, Susi, Tere, Pilar and Maria and I'm told it tasted quite good. We then went down to the TV room to see Spain beat Germany in a 'friendly' football match.
Tomorrow sees the party in Paul's house which should be very good indeed, Longino (Erasmus in Paris) is coming down to visit us for the weekend (update: he will be returning to Valencia next week, and so will not be coming to see us), and on Saturday there are anti-war protests organised all over europe. Oh, and in Mainz the police from the region were out on strike today.
That's it for now
With all the news at the moment surrounding Iraq and the impending war, a quick insight in how it's likely to end can be found on the Gulf Wars 2 webpage. It's quite long, but it's also quite amusing.
A recent Census reports that there are 390,000 people across England and Wales who belong to the Jedi faith. How they practice it is not stated, however.
Yesterday saw me cook for Alberto, Susi, Tere, Pilar and Maria and I'm told it tasted quite good. We then went down to the TV room to see Spain beat Germany in a 'friendly' football match.
Tomorrow sees the party in Paul's house which should be very good indeed, Longino (Erasmus in Paris) is coming down to visit us for the weekend (update: he will be returning to Valencia next week, and so will not be coming to see us), and on Saturday there are anti-war protests organised all over europe. Oh, and in Mainz the police from the region were out on strike today.
That's it for now
Thursday, February 06, 2003
Le Weekend
Where to begin...
Last weekend was planned thus:
Thursday night fly from Frankfurt Hahn to London Stansted, parents pick me up in car. Spend the Friday sorting out the things I wanted to take back to Germany with me. Saturday morning go to London and catch the plane to Venice. Sunday night return from Venice, collect my bag from home and then catch a plane to Germany on Monday morning.
What actually happened varied slightly from the aforementioned plan.
Thursday night awaiting the flight from Hahn, it was announced that, due to heavy snow storms in London, Stansted Airport was closed, and my flight was cancelled. Great!
The following flight was at 6.45am, so I decided to return to Mainz and spend a few hours there in the company of Jordi, Alberto and Lourdes. Of course, by this time there were no trams any more, so I had to get a taxi back to Hechtsheim. Met up with said people, saw the film of the Kutre Concierto II (which I had missed by being at the airport) and then at 4am left (by taxi again) to catch the bus to Hahn.
Checked-in for this first flight, and waited until they announced that this too was cancelled, as the weather had not improved over london. As the next flight was at 11-ish, I decided it would not be worth returning, so I waited in the airport foyer.
Came and went 3 more flights, until finally, at 6.45pm on the Friday a plane left Germany for England with me on it.
Of course, getting to the UK is one thing, but getting out of Stansted is another. The motorways were blocked, the trains were not running, and there was a 2-hour wait before a taxi would be available (and then a 3km queue for it as well). Of the 10,000 people stranded at the airport, I did not want to be included. So instead, once Kathy had managed to arrive, we went off to the Hilton (the only hotel in Stansted).
As it was Chinese New Year, we sat down for a meal of some oriental dishes before going to bed. Not much time to sleep, however, as at 4am we had to get the bus back to Stansted to go off to Venice. At this time the airport was still closed due to snow, and so in the end we had another 4 hours delay.
Arriving in Venice, we were definitely taken aback by how amazing the city is. It really is a lovely place, with the canals running all through the centre, with gondolas passing by. It was, however, very cold at this time, and so travelling through the city on the vaporettas required scarf, gloves and a lot of shivering.
The youth hostel is very well situated, pretty well equipped, and best of all (unlike the rest of Venice) cheap !!
The Saturday afternoon and Sunday were spent visiting the Basilica, Palace, and all the other tourist attractions, as well as getting lost in the side streets and wondering about aimlessly taking in the views.
Sunday night returned to London, were my parents were ready to collect us, went back to my place, had some dinner (at midnight) and then proceeded to pack my bag for Germany.
Finishing the packing at 2.30am, I decided half an hour was enough for me to rest before getting up, showering and then catching the bus at 4am.
This time it was my fault, but I overslept and finally woke up at 5.30am. Seeing as the flight was at 7.45, and Stansted is about one and a half hours away from my house, this was not good. Due to very good driving on the part of my mum, we arrived there with 10 mins to spare, caught the plane and got back to Mainz ok.
So, all in all, a great holiday. The photos of which will be put up once I get chance to connect from home.
Of other news, I don't really have much to say, seeing as I was not able to read a paper or see the TV during this time.
Tomorrow my class in Classical Mechanics and Thermodynamics has their exam, so I will be there to hold their hands, so to speak. Afterwards we have to mark all the papers, so our Saturday is going to be pretty busy.
Best get back to work
Where to begin...
Last weekend was planned thus:
Thursday night fly from Frankfurt Hahn to London Stansted, parents pick me up in car. Spend the Friday sorting out the things I wanted to take back to Germany with me. Saturday morning go to London and catch the plane to Venice. Sunday night return from Venice, collect my bag from home and then catch a plane to Germany on Monday morning.
What actually happened varied slightly from the aforementioned plan.
Thursday night awaiting the flight from Hahn, it was announced that, due to heavy snow storms in London, Stansted Airport was closed, and my flight was cancelled. Great!
The following flight was at 6.45am, so I decided to return to Mainz and spend a few hours there in the company of Jordi, Alberto and Lourdes. Of course, by this time there were no trams any more, so I had to get a taxi back to Hechtsheim. Met up with said people, saw the film of the Kutre Concierto II (which I had missed by being at the airport) and then at 4am left (by taxi again) to catch the bus to Hahn.
Checked-in for this first flight, and waited until they announced that this too was cancelled, as the weather had not improved over london. As the next flight was at 11-ish, I decided it would not be worth returning, so I waited in the airport foyer.
Came and went 3 more flights, until finally, at 6.45pm on the Friday a plane left Germany for England with me on it.
Of course, getting to the UK is one thing, but getting out of Stansted is another. The motorways were blocked, the trains were not running, and there was a 2-hour wait before a taxi would be available (and then a 3km queue for it as well). Of the 10,000 people stranded at the airport, I did not want to be included. So instead, once Kathy had managed to arrive, we went off to the Hilton (the only hotel in Stansted).
As it was Chinese New Year, we sat down for a meal of some oriental dishes before going to bed. Not much time to sleep, however, as at 4am we had to get the bus back to Stansted to go off to Venice. At this time the airport was still closed due to snow, and so in the end we had another 4 hours delay.
Arriving in Venice, we were definitely taken aback by how amazing the city is. It really is a lovely place, with the canals running all through the centre, with gondolas passing by. It was, however, very cold at this time, and so travelling through the city on the vaporettas required scarf, gloves and a lot of shivering.
The youth hostel is very well situated, pretty well equipped, and best of all (unlike the rest of Venice) cheap !!
The Saturday afternoon and Sunday were spent visiting the Basilica, Palace, and all the other tourist attractions, as well as getting lost in the side streets and wondering about aimlessly taking in the views.
Sunday night returned to London, were my parents were ready to collect us, went back to my place, had some dinner (at midnight) and then proceeded to pack my bag for Germany.
Finishing the packing at 2.30am, I decided half an hour was enough for me to rest before getting up, showering and then catching the bus at 4am.
This time it was my fault, but I overslept and finally woke up at 5.30am. Seeing as the flight was at 7.45, and Stansted is about one and a half hours away from my house, this was not good. Due to very good driving on the part of my mum, we arrived there with 10 mins to spare, caught the plane and got back to Mainz ok.
So, all in all, a great holiday. The photos of which will be put up once I get chance to connect from home.
Of other news, I don't really have much to say, seeing as I was not able to read a paper or see the TV during this time.
Tomorrow my class in Classical Mechanics and Thermodynamics has their exam, so I will be there to hold their hands, so to speak. Afterwards we have to mark all the papers, so our Saturday is going to be pretty busy.
Best get back to work
Monday, January 27, 2003
News Briefs
OK, a quick round-up of what's been going on in the world of late.
Firstly, and most importantly, the EU is redefining the definition of an island !!! According to the new proposals, an island is no longer an island
1) When there are less than 50 permanent residents
2) If it is less than a kilometre from the mainland
3) If it is attached the mainland by a bridge
4) If it contains the capital of an EU state
So, following these new regulations, hundreds of Scottish islands would cease to exist, Lundy (where I went on holiday in September) would become an inhabited rock and the United Kingdom would also lose it's island status !!!
I would just add that this reaffirms my opinion of Europe...
A interesting twist on the old Nigerian email scam, if you receive an email from George Bush asking if you can help him out financially with an oil venture, have a good laugh at the information it contains, as you (if you live in the USA) are already paying the sums requested.
Another IT related newsbite is that a new strain of an SQL-worm has been slowing down the internet over the weekend (so that's why the connection in Hechtsheim is so bad...). The way around it? - update your SQL Server software.
Ever wanted a US Department of Defence military website? Well, now you can, in addition to being able to create any account or domain name you like, you can also alter those of other people as well. Visit The Register for the full story.
On Saturday a tube train came off it's rails in London, injuring 30 people (there were 800 people on board at the time). Reading the accounts, it sounds quite scary.
Okay, now that you're aware of what's happening in the outside world, you can return to your cosy bed...
Bye
OK, a quick round-up of what's been going on in the world of late.
Firstly, and most importantly, the EU is redefining the definition of an island !!! According to the new proposals, an island is no longer an island
1) When there are less than 50 permanent residents
2) If it is less than a kilometre from the mainland
3) If it is attached the mainland by a bridge
4) If it contains the capital of an EU state
So, following these new regulations, hundreds of Scottish islands would cease to exist, Lundy (where I went on holiday in September) would become an inhabited rock and the United Kingdom would also lose it's island status !!!
I would just add that this reaffirms my opinion of Europe...
A interesting twist on the old Nigerian email scam, if you receive an email from George Bush asking if you can help him out financially with an oil venture, have a good laugh at the information it contains, as you (if you live in the USA) are already paying the sums requested.
Another IT related newsbite is that a new strain of an SQL-worm has been slowing down the internet over the weekend (so that's why the connection in Hechtsheim is so bad...). The way around it? - update your SQL Server software.
Ever wanted a US Department of Defence military website? Well, now you can, in addition to being able to create any account or domain name you like, you can also alter those of other people as well. Visit The Register for the full story.
On Saturday a tube train came off it's rails in London, injuring 30 people (there were 800 people on board at the time). Reading the accounts, it sounds quite scary.
Okay, now that you're aware of what's happening in the outside world, you can return to your cosy bed...
Bye
Monday, January 20, 2003
Time flies when you're having fun
I can't believe the date of my last posting. Is it really that long ago??? Well, I suppose I have the excuse that in my previous update I put up a huge number of photos...
So what has happened since then? Let's see what I can remember. Jordi is now in his experimental week, but his bosses still ignore him. I am slowly getting some way with my project, despite my boss never being around. Friday night saw the bar taken over by the spanish again, with a great selection of music, most of us managed to drink a bit as well. Finishing at about two thirty in the morning, those of us still awake (Pepe and Lourdes) went back to my place and watched "Fallen" on my DVD with surround sound. Mmmmm. You wouldn't have guessed that Lourdes doesn't like horror films, except if you lived within three blocks, because when she screams...she screams !!
The other night I managed to cook up a little dinner for a few of us, based on a dish from the southern states of America. I presume it went down quite well...
Having brought over some typical English Christmas food, I managed to serve up an amazing burning Christmas Pudding with Custard, followed another day by Mince Pies. All those that like sultanas enjoyed it (not pointing the finger at Jordi at all :)
Saturday night saw the Mojito Party in the flat of Ramsy and Jorge. Amongst the five-litre barrel of beer I brought along, we drank some nice red wine, and of course the amazing Mojitos. Another cocktail to put on my list of favourites. Of course, there wasn't any Kalimocho, but we enjoyed it none the less :)
Tonight (Sunday) a few of us went down to the TV room of Hechtsheim and watched "Y tu mama tambien". I don't know if it was because the radiator was on so high, or because of the content of the film, but myself and the people around me were definitely feeling quite hot...
Apart from that, nothing else I can remember has happened over the last week (I reserve the right to add anything I forgot later on once someone has reminded me :)
Off to get some shut-eye, goodnight
I can't believe the date of my last posting. Is it really that long ago??? Well, I suppose I have the excuse that in my previous update I put up a huge number of photos...
So what has happened since then? Let's see what I can remember. Jordi is now in his experimental week, but his bosses still ignore him. I am slowly getting some way with my project, despite my boss never being around. Friday night saw the bar taken over by the spanish again, with a great selection of music, most of us managed to drink a bit as well. Finishing at about two thirty in the morning, those of us still awake (Pepe and Lourdes) went back to my place and watched "Fallen" on my DVD with surround sound. Mmmmm. You wouldn't have guessed that Lourdes doesn't like horror films, except if you lived within three blocks, because when she screams...she screams !!
The other night I managed to cook up a little dinner for a few of us, based on a dish from the southern states of America. I presume it went down quite well...
Having brought over some typical English Christmas food, I managed to serve up an amazing burning Christmas Pudding with Custard, followed another day by Mince Pies. All those that like sultanas enjoyed it (not pointing the finger at Jordi at all :)
Saturday night saw the Mojito Party in the flat of Ramsy and Jorge. Amongst the five-litre barrel of beer I brought along, we drank some nice red wine, and of course the amazing Mojitos. Another cocktail to put on my list of favourites. Of course, there wasn't any Kalimocho, but we enjoyed it none the less :)
Tonight (Sunday) a few of us went down to the TV room of Hechtsheim and watched "Y tu mama tambien". I don't know if it was because the radiator was on so high, or because of the content of the film, but myself and the people around me were definitely feeling quite hot...
Apart from that, nothing else I can remember has happened over the last week (I reserve the right to add anything I forgot later on once someone has reminded me :)
Off to get some shut-eye, goodnight
Monday, January 06, 2003
Snow, Photos and News
No sooner than I mention the snow falling in England, and it begins to snow here in Mainz. Yes, this morning saw a cover of white of this city, but not yet deep enough to stay for long. At least it will be a novelty for the spanish looking out of their plane windows.
Finally, and with many apologies for their lateness, new photos are up. Clicking through the links on the left you will find new ones of Nurenberg, more of the Roadtrip, Fernando's Birthday, the Pizzeria, Eisgrub, Halloween, Tortillas de Jorge, Italian Haircut and Random Hechtsheim 2. Phew !
Now that's over with, onto the news. England won the final Ashes test (cricket) against Australia, ending a running streak of victories by the side down-under.
Be careful where you next click, as there are plans to redesign the function of the 'back' button in browsers. If it now goes to the windows site, you know who's been financing this research.
The chief-in-waiting to the European Central Bank (a frenchman) is standing trial for account fraud, in that he allegedly (phew, saved that libel trial) published inexact accounts and released false information. This is the guy that will take over the job of adjusting interest rates in all euro-currency states. Where's your money now? Are you sure?
Well, got my work to get on with, and I expect you want to see all those photos now.
Tara
No sooner than I mention the snow falling in England, and it begins to snow here in Mainz. Yes, this morning saw a cover of white of this city, but not yet deep enough to stay for long. At least it will be a novelty for the spanish looking out of their plane windows.
Finally, and with many apologies for their lateness, new photos are up. Clicking through the links on the left you will find new ones of Nurenberg, more of the Roadtrip, Fernando's Birthday, the Pizzeria, Eisgrub, Halloween, Tortillas de Jorge, Italian Haircut and Random Hechtsheim 2. Phew !
Now that's over with, onto the news. England won the final Ashes test (cricket) against Australia, ending a running streak of victories by the side down-under.
Be careful where you next click, as there are plans to redesign the function of the 'back' button in browsers. If it now goes to the windows site, you know who's been financing this research.
The chief-in-waiting to the European Central Bank (a frenchman) is standing trial for account fraud, in that he allegedly (phew, saved that libel trial) published inexact accounts and released false information. This is the guy that will take over the job of adjusting interest rates in all euro-currency states. Where's your money now? Are you sure?
Well, got my work to get on with, and I expect you want to see all those photos now.
Tara
Sunday, January 05, 2003
News Updates
There was I thinking I could get off early to bed the night before term starts, and I find a load of news that interests me, so in no particular order, here they are:
Good job I didn't arrive on Sunday in Germany, as some maniac hijacked a light aircraft and flew it for two hours around the city of Frankfurt, threatening to crash it into the European Central Bank.
In a BBC documentary, Paul Kenyon investigates how easy it is to steal somebody's identity in Britain by doing it for the Home Secretary (yes, the one in charge of MI5, the secret service) and the author Frederick Forsyth (Day of the Jackel, anyone?). Feel safe now, don't you.
And for those of you yearning for some clips of yesteryear, thanks to the website www.britishpathe.com, you can now view a huge selection of video footage that otherwise would have gone unseen in the vaults of the TV companies.
That's it, ciao for now
There was I thinking I could get off early to bed the night before term starts, and I find a load of news that interests me, so in no particular order, here they are:
Good job I didn't arrive on Sunday in Germany, as some maniac hijacked a light aircraft and flew it for two hours around the city of Frankfurt, threatening to crash it into the European Central Bank.
In a BBC documentary, Paul Kenyon investigates how easy it is to steal somebody's identity in Britain by doing it for the Home Secretary (yes, the one in charge of MI5, the secret service) and the author Frederick Forsyth (Day of the Jackel, anyone?). Feel safe now, don't you.
And for those of you yearning for some clips of yesteryear, thanks to the website www.britishpathe.com, you can now view a huge selection of video footage that otherwise would have gone unseen in the vaults of the TV companies.
That's it, ciao for now
Saturday, January 04, 2003
New Year's Wishes
Well, having not heard from anyone about how their New Year went, I will just wish all the best for 2003, and hope that we will all be able to meet again soon.
Leaving England at eight this morning, and seeing all the fields covered with frost, I realised that we were coming into the coldest time of the year there. Arriving in Germany however, I had to amend that slightly, as over here it's still far far colder. I can't say that I'm not pleased to have a lovely warm radiator next to my bed :)
So I am now stuck here in Mainz, bored moreso than I was in my village, as no-one is back yet (well, okay, some locals are, but none of my friends) and so I am occupying myself with the new DVDs that I bought over Christmas, and with sorting out all the work that I brought back with me and didn't have time to do.
Please somebody rescue me from this fate (I am on my German mobile now if you feel like phoning...)
Well, having not heard from anyone about how their New Year went, I will just wish all the best for 2003, and hope that we will all be able to meet again soon.
Leaving England at eight this morning, and seeing all the fields covered with frost, I realised that we were coming into the coldest time of the year there. Arriving in Germany however, I had to amend that slightly, as over here it's still far far colder. I can't say that I'm not pleased to have a lovely warm radiator next to my bed :)
So I am now stuck here in Mainz, bored moreso than I was in my village, as no-one is back yet (well, okay, some locals are, but none of my friends) and so I am occupying myself with the new DVDs that I bought over Christmas, and with sorting out all the work that I brought back with me and didn't have time to do.
Please somebody rescue me from this fate (I am on my German mobile now if you feel like phoning...)
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