I haven't written about Geneva yet. I went to Geneva for the weekend before Christmas; 21st to the 23rd of December. We caught the train from Paris Gare de Lyon at 20:10 and arrived quite late in Geneva because the train had to take a detour via Lyon because of an accident that had occurred on the track between Paris and Geneva on Wednesday. A truck collided with the train. The apologetic announcements in the train pointed out to us that it was the truck's fault and therefore we weren't eligible for a ticket refund. It was annoying because the train had to sit at Lyon for a long time before we could progress to Geneva, but we got there in the end.
I won't go into too much detail about the trip, but it was an amazing weekend. It was the first time I'd left Paris since I arrived here at the end of August, so I was really desperate for some travel time. I went with a friend called Paul, as we both wanted to see Geneva, and we had to make it that weekend because he was busy beforehand, and he left Europe the day after we returned - the 24th of December. He was an exchange student in Paris and now needs to be back in America to finish his studies. Paul organised everything, which made the trip easy for me - all I had to do was show up in the right place at the right time with my luggage.
Geneva was a nice city, and it was interesting to see, especially the UN buildings, which is a huge complex. Unforutnately the weather wasn't wonderful. It didn't rain, which was good, but it was overcast until just a few hours before we needed to be back on a train bound for Paris (again via Lyon). I was very cold, and there were times when I wondered if my hands were still attached even though I was wearing gloves.
All things considered, I had a great weekend, and I'm glad I made the effort to go on the trip. And thanks, Paul, for organising it all.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Ubuntu
I'm planning to install Ubuntu 7.10 on my computer. I've had a few positive recommendations about it, from people I know here who work in computer and/or IT fields. I'm going to set up a dual-boot system, as while I don't really like windows or microsoft, I don't want to delete it until I'm absolutely sure that I don't want or need it. Plus, if I don't like Ubuntu, or if I can't make it work, I need and OS to fall back on.
Any comments or ideas?
Have any of you who read this experience Ubuntu?
Any comments or ideas?
Have any of you who read this experience Ubuntu?
Joyeux Noël!
Merry Christmas everyone.
I hope you all had fun. Mine was a fairly quiet Christmas this year. I had dinner with friends at their apartment on Christmas Eve, as that's the main meal/celebration time in many European countries, including France and Poland. It was a nice evening, and I got home late, so the late evening combined with my tiredness (I hardly slept on Sunday night) meant that I was exhausted by Monday night, so I slept in on Christmas day, not waking up until 10:30ish. I meant to wake up earlier so that I could talk with my family, via Skype, while they were unwrapping presents, but I missed the event, so we spoke later. It was probably a good thing because the connection was horrible enough later, and would have been frustrating while they were unwrapping everything.
I hope your Christmases were fun, and now it's time to think about plans for Le Jour de l'An (New year's eve).
I hope you all had fun. Mine was a fairly quiet Christmas this year. I had dinner with friends at their apartment on Christmas Eve, as that's the main meal/celebration time in many European countries, including France and Poland. It was a nice evening, and I got home late, so the late evening combined with my tiredness (I hardly slept on Sunday night) meant that I was exhausted by Monday night, so I slept in on Christmas day, not waking up until 10:30ish. I meant to wake up earlier so that I could talk with my family, via Skype, while they were unwrapping presents, but I missed the event, so we spoke later. It was probably a good thing because the connection was horrible enough later, and would have been frustrating while they were unwrapping everything.
I hope your Christmases were fun, and now it's time to think about plans for Le Jour de l'An (New year's eve).
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
And now a photo.
I realise that I haven't thrown any photos in here for a while, so here's one that some of you may have seen already.
I bought, at the insistence of my mother, a christmas tree (or saturnalia tree, as I prefer to think of it). I bought it, put it in the corner of my apartment, and put the decorations on it.
Behold!
I bought, at the insistence of my mother, a christmas tree (or saturnalia tree, as I prefer to think of it). I bought it, put it in the corner of my apartment, and put the decorations on it.
Behold!
Il y aura encore une grève!
Les syndicats de la transports en commun ont décidé, encore une fois, à faire une grève contre les changes des régimes speciaux de la rétraite. Le mercredi 12 décembre 2007. J'éspère que le site de RATP ne changera pas avant mercredi car je dois aller à Meudon, la plus difficle place à se trouver où je travail. Aussi, j'ai des cours de français les mercredis soirs, et s'il y a une grève, la prof n'y arrive pas.
Maitenant, le RATP dit qu'il y aura 60% du trafic assuré dans le métro, et plus que 80% assuré dans les bus.
Też, jeszcze nie wiem czy lubię mieszkać w paryziu. Myślę że Tomasz miał racja kiedy on mówił że paryż nie jest aż tak dobry. Czy to nie będzie lepszy, myślę że będę iść do miaste tomasza.
Nie mam dużo kolegów tutaj, nie mam kolegów kto mówi po francusku i kto ja spotkam często, więc myślę że mój francuski jeszcze jest zły.
Pogoda jest straszna tutaj teraz.
Maitenant, le RATP dit qu'il y aura 60% du trafic assuré dans le métro, et plus que 80% assuré dans les bus.
Też, jeszcze nie wiem czy lubię mieszkać w paryziu. Myślę że Tomasz miał racja kiedy on mówił że paryż nie jest aż tak dobry. Czy to nie będzie lepszy, myślę że będę iść do miaste tomasza.
Nie mam dużo kolegów tutaj, nie mam kolegów kto mówi po francusku i kto ja spotkam często, więc myślę że mój francuski jeszcze jest zły.
Pogoda jest straszna tutaj teraz.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
New Door
Most apartment buildings in Paris have two doors on the ground floor. The first door has a combination lock and basically just allows you to get to the letterboxes. The second door is the intercom door so you need a swipey thing or someone to buzz you in to unlock that door. This means that you need to give everyone the code for the front door if you want them to visit you, friends and tradespeople.
Anyway, the front door (the one with the combination) doesn't work terribly well here. Usually you only need to push, rather than enter the combination and push, but it's random. More often than not, it's in the "just push" mode. It's actually still fairly secure because people ing eneral just assume that it works, and then assume that the next internal door works too.
This brings me to the second door, which has never worked. The electronic lock was broken and permanently open. My Italian neighbours told me that this was a preferably condition to before it broke completely when the button to open it from the inside often didn't work, which meant you had to return upstairs and press the buzzer to buzz yourself out. This sounded like a scary fire-trap situation, so I agreed that completely broken was preferable. Anyway, a new electronic lock has been installed and is now in operation, so I have to swipe myself in and if anyone wants to visit me, they'll have to call my intercom for me to buzz them in.
Anyway, the front door (the one with the combination) doesn't work terribly well here. Usually you only need to push, rather than enter the combination and push, but it's random. More often than not, it's in the "just push" mode. It's actually still fairly secure because people ing eneral just assume that it works, and then assume that the next internal door works too.
This brings me to the second door, which has never worked. The electronic lock was broken and permanently open. My Italian neighbours told me that this was a preferably condition to before it broke completely when the button to open it from the inside often didn't work, which meant you had to return upstairs and press the buzzer to buzz yourself out. This sounded like a scary fire-trap situation, so I agreed that completely broken was preferable. Anyway, a new electronic lock has been installed and is now in operation, so I have to swipe myself in and if anyone wants to visit me, they'll have to call my intercom for me to buzz them in.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Friday, November 23, 2007
Which is the third language around here?
I catch métro line 14 on a regular basis, especially during strikes as it's the fully automatic line. I've heard the announcement many times at the end of the line that says "Terminus. Tous les voyageurs sont invités à descendre." and then "End of the line. Would all passengers kindly leave the train." followed by the same announcement in Spanish. Many of the métro lines don't bother saying anything, but those other lines that do either just announce in French or French, English and Spanish. This is convenient for all those people on the métro who speak French, English and/or Spanish. One day, while in the métro/RER station Châtelet-Les Halles, on the RER A platform, an announcement came over the speaker system in three languages: French, English and German. I've paid attention to the announcements on all métro and RER trains and stations in Paris and I've noticed that on the métro*, they're in French, English and Spanish and on the RER, they're in French, English and German. Does this mean that Spanish (or Spanglophone**) tourists/residents catch the métro while German (or Germalophone**) tourists/residents use the RER?
* Except for Pont de Sèvres, the station at the end of line 9, which uses the language set of the RER.
** These words exist. Because I said so.
* Except for Pont de Sèvres, the station at the end of line 9, which uses the language set of the RER.
** These words exist. Because I said so.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
I have voted
I made the trek to the Australian Embassy this morning to cast my vote in this year's federal election. I say "trek" because with the strike I had to walk (briskly) for about 30 mins, from La Place de la Madeleine to the Embassy, which is almost next to the Eiffel Tower. A walk of over 4km. In drizzling almost-rain.
But I did my civic duty, so I hope that my vote contributes to the eviction of that horrible little creature currently running the Australian government. And if not, I just won't return to Australia for while.
Note: As you can imagine, being next to the Eiffel Tower means that the public transport to that area is quite good. This is true, except on days when the silly unions at the RATP and SNCF are on strike.
Note 2: The link above to the map of the trek doesn't seem to work, so I'll leave it there for the time being to remind myself to try to fix it, but in the meantime, if you want to see the path, go to maporama and put the following addresses into the "itinery" box:
1.
country: France
address: La Place de la Madeleine
city: Paris
2.
country: France
address: 4 rue Jean Rey
postcode: 75724
city: Paris
But I did my civic duty, so I hope that my vote contributes to the eviction of that horrible little creature currently running the Australian government. And if not, I just won't return to Australia for while.
Note: As you can imagine, being next to the Eiffel Tower means that the public transport to that area is quite good. This is true, except on days when the silly unions at the RATP and SNCF are on strike.
Note 2: The link above to the map of the trek doesn't seem to work, so I'll leave it there for the time being to remind myself to try to fix it, but in the meantime, if you want to see the path, go to maporama and put the following addresses into the "itinery" box:
1.
country: France
address: La Place de la Madeleine
city: Paris
2.
country: France
address: 4 rue Jean Rey
postcode: 75724
city: Paris
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Cas d'Affluence!
This is a photo from the metro station near my apartment (Chatêlet).
This is the section where the paths to the various lines diverge, and it's still a bit of a walk to the actual platform. The people here weren't moving significantly, and I tried to get to line 1, which is through the people and to the right, and I got through the first crowd, but then discovered another, equally large crowd some distance from line 1's platform, which would have meant a wait of about an hour, or at least half an hour, by which time I'd be late for my first lesson.
So I decided to walk to the next metro stop on the line (Louvre-Rivoli), which was also incredibly crowded. The next station (Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre) was also full of people, and so I decided to walk, as I only needed to get to Charles de Gaulle-Étoile. It also means that I now know that I can walk from my apartment to Étoile in about 35mins if I hurry and walk quickly.
This is the section where the paths to the various lines diverge, and it's still a bit of a walk to the actual platform. The people here weren't moving significantly, and I tried to get to line 1, which is through the people and to the right, and I got through the first crowd, but then discovered another, equally large crowd some distance from line 1's platform, which would have meant a wait of about an hour, or at least half an hour, by which time I'd be late for my first lesson.
So I decided to walk to the next metro stop on the line (Louvre-Rivoli), which was also incredibly crowded. The next station (Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre) was also full of people, and so I decided to walk, as I only needed to get to Charles de Gaulle-Étoile. It also means that I now know that I can walk from my apartment to Étoile in about 35mins if I hurry and walk quickly.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
This could happen to me
I'm scared of this happening to me. I tend to open my mouth very wide when I yawn.
Some things I want....really.... they're not entirely useless....
Well, the first one is this automatic tea-bag dunker. It's quite useless and pointless but I want one all the same.
At the moment my slippers are a style that can only be described as "grandad slippers". I want these, as should any self-respecting Star Wars geek.
I also want this bacpack (Luke, I am your backpack) or this one (keep your things safe it will), this rubbish bin, and these pillows.
I'm not as sure about this. Do I really want/need a slanket? After all, I don't even have a couch on which to lounge while wearing one.
At the moment my slippers are a style that can only be described as "grandad slippers". I want these, as should any self-respecting Star Wars geek.
I also want this bacpack (Luke, I am your backpack) or this one (keep your things safe it will), this rubbish bin, and these pillows.
I'm not as sure about this. Do I really want/need a slanket? After all, I don't even have a couch on which to lounge while wearing one.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Another Grève
Another strike has been announced for Tuesday night and Wednesday. Apparently the trains will stop at about 8pm on Tuesday night, and it's anyone's guess as to when they'll be running properly again. I'm pretty sure line 14 will be normal, as it's the automatic line. I'd like it to be back to normal by Thursday morning, as I need to go to Saint Denis on Thursday, and to Meudon La Foret on Friday.
I also need to make my way to the Australian Embassy at some point over the next two weeks in order to vote.
I also need to make my way to the Australian Embassy at some point over the next two weeks in order to vote.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
I thought the UN was supposed to be a friendly group?
The headline of this article, "UN torture delegate to assess Indonesia", made me wonder why the UN is torturing delegates to Indonesia.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
The latest dance craze in France
Or at least in Paris.
Watch this film clip on YouTube. It is a song called "A Cause des Garçons". It's incredibly popular with teenage French boys who like to practice the dance in the video either alone or with their friends. In public. And by "in public" I mean in parks, in shopping centres, and pretty much any open space that isn't filled with people walking through. They don't seem to mind that it looks ridiculous. Sometimes they have portable cd players, so passers-by can hear the music too, but often they just use ipods or other personal music devices so the random public aren't privy to the sound of the track.
I think it is a silly dance; it's more embarrassing than the Macarena and far more complex, so requires a lot of practice to get it right.
Watch this film clip on YouTube. It is a song called "A Cause des Garçons". It's incredibly popular with teenage French boys who like to practice the dance in the video either alone or with their friends. In public. And by "in public" I mean in parks, in shopping centres, and pretty much any open space that isn't filled with people walking through. They don't seem to mind that it looks ridiculous. Sometimes they have portable cd players, so passers-by can hear the music too, but often they just use ipods or other personal music devices so the random public aren't privy to the sound of the track.
I think it is a silly dance; it's more embarrassing than the Macarena and far more complex, so requires a lot of practice to get it right.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
I see l'hiver on the horizon
The maximum for today, according to the French weather site, in the Paris area is 11 degrees Celsius. This sounds cold, but it's actually a little warmer than yesterday. It was also a little breezy yesterday which didn't help, and I don't know what the wind conditions will be today, though I hope they're better.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Et maitenant...
... Je dois aller, demain, à Meudon, dans les banlieus de Paris. Pour y arriver, on doit prendre le métro à Montparnasse et puis prendre le Transilien jusqu'à Sèvres-Rive Gauche. Du gare à Sèvres, il faut prendre une autobus à Meudon. C'est trois types de transports communes. J'ai peur de la grève, qui continue. Normalement, c'est difficile, mais pas impossible d'arriver au travail pendant les grèves, mais si on a besoin de prendre beaucoup de transports, ça, c'est une problème.
Les trains étaient assez bien aujourd'hui, et j'éspère qu'ils marchent si bien demain.
Les trains étaient assez bien aujourd'hui, et j'éspère qu'ils marchent si bien demain.
I've tried both
... and I've decided on the future of cereals in my apartment. I've been eating Kellogg's Special K with dark chocolate flakes recently, and it's delicious, but I thought I should try Kellogg's Special K with milk chocolate flakes. I bought a packet of each at the supermarket yesterday and I opened the milk chocolate version this evening. It's okay, and I'll definitely finish the packet, but it's lacking something compared to the dark chocolate.
Monday, October 22, 2007
The Strike
This is how my public transport experience turned out on Thursday and Friday:
Thursday: I needed to get to Saint Denis for a class at EDF by 10am. I knew from RATP's website that I'd need to allow extra travelling time to get there. I left home 45mins earlier than usual for this class, and after standing on the platform for line 13 for about 35mins, I arrived on time for my lesson, which actually surprised me and the student. That's fine, extra time was annoying, but I got there in the end, so it was okay. My problems were worse at the end of the lesson though when I arrived at the metro station (Carrefour Pleyel) and discovered that the trains weren't just more infrequent, they had stopped completely, and I was informed that there wouldn't be another train for at least 3 hours. Great. 3 hours is a long time to wait in Saint Denis, so I decided that the only other option, as the buses had stopped too, was to return to Paris (Saint Denis isn't actually in Paris) on foot. It took me 2.5 hours to get back to the school's premises near the Avenue des Champs Elysées.
At least from the school it wasn't far to walk to La Place de la Madeleine, where I can catch line 14 directly back to Châtelet, and line 14 was running because it's completely automatic.
On Friday, the strike continued. In the morning, the trains were infrequent on most lines, but not as bad as Thursday morning, so while I had to get to Saint Denis again, I thought it would be okay as I assumed that there'd be a train to return me to Paris. I was wrong. Feeling a bit annoyed at the prospect of another long walk back to civilisation, but having really no other choice, I started walking back again. At least I knew the way and knew how long it would take, so I knew it was feasible. Well, after walking for only 5 minutes, one of the managers from the school rang me and was quite desperate for a teacher and offered to have the school pay for a taxi to get me back to the school on time for an impending 3-hour lesson, which wasn't one that I was scheduled to take anyway. So I had two choices: Take the taxi and get paid an extra 3 hours for teaching an extra lesson; or walk the 2.5-hour trek back to the centre of Paris.
Another good point: The lesson was fun, the students were nice, and we had coffee and biscuits halfway through.
According to the website, the strike will not continue tomorrow. I don't know if they got what they wanted but for me the important part is that the trains will be running as normal.
Thursday: I needed to get to Saint Denis for a class at EDF by 10am. I knew from RATP's website that I'd need to allow extra travelling time to get there. I left home 45mins earlier than usual for this class, and after standing on the platform for line 13 for about 35mins, I arrived on time for my lesson, which actually surprised me and the student. That's fine, extra time was annoying, but I got there in the end, so it was okay. My problems were worse at the end of the lesson though when I arrived at the metro station (Carrefour Pleyel) and discovered that the trains weren't just more infrequent, they had stopped completely, and I was informed that there wouldn't be another train for at least 3 hours. Great. 3 hours is a long time to wait in Saint Denis, so I decided that the only other option, as the buses had stopped too, was to return to Paris (Saint Denis isn't actually in Paris) on foot. It took me 2.5 hours to get back to the school's premises near the Avenue des Champs Elysées.
At least from the school it wasn't far to walk to La Place de la Madeleine, where I can catch line 14 directly back to Châtelet, and line 14 was running because it's completely automatic.
On Friday, the strike continued. In the morning, the trains were infrequent on most lines, but not as bad as Thursday morning, so while I had to get to Saint Denis again, I thought it would be okay as I assumed that there'd be a train to return me to Paris. I was wrong. Feeling a bit annoyed at the prospect of another long walk back to civilisation, but having really no other choice, I started walking back again. At least I knew the way and knew how long it would take, so I knew it was feasible. Well, after walking for only 5 minutes, one of the managers from the school rang me and was quite desperate for a teacher and offered to have the school pay for a taxi to get me back to the school on time for an impending 3-hour lesson, which wasn't one that I was scheduled to take anyway. So I had two choices: Take the taxi and get paid an extra 3 hours for teaching an extra lesson; or walk the 2.5-hour trek back to the centre of Paris.
Another good point: The lesson was fun, the students were nice, and we had coffee and biscuits halfway through.
According to the website, the strike will not continue tomorrow. I don't know if they got what they wanted but for me the important part is that the trains will be running as normal.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Some Franglish. Because I can.
I went to faire les courses today because I was rather low or out of certain items de nourriture, so I walked to the local supermarché. I left my appartement at 6:45pm and I was back, with everything away by 19h15. Pas mal, if I do say so myself.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Update
Here's the notice for this morning:
A la suite des préavis des Syndicats CFDT, CFE CGC, CFTC, CGT, FO, FSI, SUD, UNSA (BUS, GATC et SAT) pour la journée du 18 octobre, le trafic est très fortement perturbé sur l’ensemble de ses réseaux (Bus, métro, RER et tramways).
- Métro :
ligne 14 : trafic normal
Lignes 1 : 1 rame sur 2
Ligne 7bis: 2 rames sur 5
Lignes 2 et 4 : 1 rames sur 3
Ligne 6 : 1 rame sur 5
Lignes 5, 7, 8, 9, 11 et 13 : moins d'1 rame sur 6
Autres lignes : trafic non assuré
- RER / RATP :
Ligne A : trafic non assuré
Interconnexion suspendue à Nanterre Préfecture
Ligne B : trafic non assuré
Interconnexion suspendue à Gare du Nord
- Bus :
trafic très perturbé
moins d'un bus sur 10 en moyenne
- Tramway :
trafic non assuré
This means that the first line I need to take (14) will be running as per usual, and the second line (13) will have less than 1 out of 6 trains running, when compared to normal days. This will be hell as on normal days, line 13 is packed and crowded. Oh well, I'll see what happens.
A la suite des préavis des Syndicats CFDT, CFE CGC, CFTC, CGT, FO, FSI, SUD, UNSA (BUS, GATC et SAT) pour la journée du 18 octobre, le trafic est très fortement perturbé sur l’ensemble de ses réseaux (Bus, métro, RER et tramways).
- Métro :
ligne 14 : trafic normal
Lignes 1 : 1 rame sur 2
Ligne 7bis: 2 rames sur 5
Lignes 2 et 4 : 1 rames sur 3
Ligne 6 : 1 rame sur 5
Lignes 5, 7, 8, 9, 11 et 13 : moins d'1 rame sur 6
Autres lignes : trafic non assuré
- RER / RATP :
Ligne A : trafic non assuré
Interconnexion suspendue à Nanterre Préfecture
Ligne B : trafic non assuré
Interconnexion suspendue à Gare du Nord
- Bus :
trafic très perturbé
moins d'un bus sur 10 en moyenne
- Tramway :
trafic non assuré
This means that the first line I need to take (14) will be running as per usual, and the second line (13) will have less than 1 out of 6 trains running, when compared to normal days. This will be hell as on normal days, line 13 is packed and crowded. Oh well, I'll see what happens.
Mouvement de grève du 18 octobre 2007
From the RATP website:
A la suite des préavis des Syndicats CFDT, CFE CGC, CFTC, CGT, FO, FSI, SUD, UNSA (BUS, GATC et SAT) pour la journée du 18 octobre, la RATP prévoit un trafic très fortement perturbé sur l’ensemble de ses réseaux (Bus, métro, RER et tramways).
- Métro :
ligne 14 : trafic normal
Lignes 1, 4 et 6, entre 15 et 25 % de trafic assuré
Autres lignes : très peu de trains en circulation
- RER / RATP :
Ligne A : Quasi nul
Interconnexion suspendue à Nanterre Préfecture
Ligne B : Quasi nul
Interconnexion suspendue à Gare du Nord
- Bus :
15 % du trafic assuré
- Tramway :
15 % du trafic assuré
Basically, this means that it's going to be annoying tomorrow. The public transport operators' unions in and around paris have decided to strike and so many of the metro, trains and buses won't be running at their full capacity, if at all. Above it says that line 14 will be unaffected, which makes sense, as 14 is completely computerised and automatic (yet it still has headlights). I need to catch lines 14 and 13 tomorrow, and line 13 will be terrible. It's packed and horrible on a good day. It's possible that I just won't be able to reach Carrefour-Pleyel at all, and therefore I won't be able to reach my lesson. This is annoying because I won't get paid if I don't make it to the class. The unions have organised this strike to protest the president's decision to reduce the number of retirement perks they're entitled to, but they get a really incredibly sweet deal compared to the rest of the population, so they'll get no sympathy from me.
A la suite des préavis des Syndicats CFDT, CFE CGC, CFTC, CGT, FO, FSI, SUD, UNSA (BUS, GATC et SAT) pour la journée du 18 octobre, la RATP prévoit un trafic très fortement perturbé sur l’ensemble de ses réseaux (Bus, métro, RER et tramways).
- Métro :
ligne 14 : trafic normal
Lignes 1, 4 et 6, entre 15 et 25 % de trafic assuré
Autres lignes : très peu de trains en circulation
- RER / RATP :
Ligne A : Quasi nul
Interconnexion suspendue à Nanterre Préfecture
Ligne B : Quasi nul
Interconnexion suspendue à Gare du Nord
- Bus :
15 % du trafic assuré
- Tramway :
15 % du trafic assuré
Basically, this means that it's going to be annoying tomorrow. The public transport operators' unions in and around paris have decided to strike and so many of the metro, trains and buses won't be running at their full capacity, if at all. Above it says that line 14 will be unaffected, which makes sense, as 14 is completely computerised and automatic (yet it still has headlights). I need to catch lines 14 and 13 tomorrow, and line 13 will be terrible. It's packed and horrible on a good day. It's possible that I just won't be able to reach Carrefour-Pleyel at all, and therefore I won't be able to reach my lesson. This is annoying because I won't get paid if I don't make it to the class. The unions have organised this strike to protest the president's decision to reduce the number of retirement perks they're entitled to, but they get a really incredibly sweet deal compared to the rest of the population, so they'll get no sympathy from me.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Regular updates?
Well, I suppose once a month is regular enough to be classes as regular, but hopefully I'll remember to make things a bit more frequent.
Well, I'm in my apartment now, I have the internet connected, and digital, cable television (it's the same price to get a subscription to the internet as it is to get internet and television, so I have television). I haven't finished setting up the television thing yet, I need a customer code and password etc, which I can't seem to find, so I may need to return to the shop to acquire a new one, but it seems to be fine aside from that. Since connecting the internet, I've added a few electronic devices to my apartment, and so I'm fast running out of power points. I fortunately have a 4-point adapter.
In other news, I went to a pub on Friday night after work with a few other teachers from the school that I work for. It was a nice evening, though I really appreciate Australia's laws regarding smoking in pubs. I found it hard to breathe by the end of the night and had a minor headache. I've been told that new smoking laws similar to those in Australia will be in effect as of January, so I'm actually looking forward to that. It'd be nice to go to a pub without coming home wearing clothes that smell as though they've been infused with stale cigarette smoke. Lovely. Well, possibly because I was tired, or because I had a slight headache, or because I was looking forward to being able to breathe some oxygen again, I left the pub and managed to forget to pick up my backpack on my way out. Bugger. So, I hope that a staff member or honest customer found my bag and handed it in to the management there, as I'd like to be reacquainted with my backpack, and with the objects residing inside it. I returned to the pub this afternoon, only to find that it was closed. Of course; it's Sunday and everything's closed on Sundays.
J'espère que j'aie de la chance parce que j'utilise mon sac toutes les journées pour le travail.
Aussi, je commencerai à suivre un cours français bientôt à l'école où je travail.
Well, I'm in my apartment now, I have the internet connected, and digital, cable television (it's the same price to get a subscription to the internet as it is to get internet and television, so I have television). I haven't finished setting up the television thing yet, I need a customer code and password etc, which I can't seem to find, so I may need to return to the shop to acquire a new one, but it seems to be fine aside from that. Since connecting the internet, I've added a few electronic devices to my apartment, and so I'm fast running out of power points. I fortunately have a 4-point adapter.
In other news, I went to a pub on Friday night after work with a few other teachers from the school that I work for. It was a nice evening, though I really appreciate Australia's laws regarding smoking in pubs. I found it hard to breathe by the end of the night and had a minor headache. I've been told that new smoking laws similar to those in Australia will be in effect as of January, so I'm actually looking forward to that. It'd be nice to go to a pub without coming home wearing clothes that smell as though they've been infused with stale cigarette smoke. Lovely. Well, possibly because I was tired, or because I had a slight headache, or because I was looking forward to being able to breathe some oxygen again, I left the pub and managed to forget to pick up my backpack on my way out. Bugger. So, I hope that a staff member or honest customer found my bag and handed it in to the management there, as I'd like to be reacquainted with my backpack, and with the objects residing inside it. I returned to the pub this afternoon, only to find that it was closed. Of course; it's Sunday and everything's closed on Sundays.
J'espère que j'aie de la chance parce que j'utilise mon sac toutes les journées pour le travail.
Aussi, je commencerai à suivre un cours français bientôt à l'école où je travail.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Appartement
Well, I know it's been quite a while, but I still haven't brought the internet into my apartment but I plan to do that as quickly as I can, as I'm sick of using net cafes, and sick of using french keyboards with their silly layouts. Well, they work well for writing in French.
I can find between 4 and 10 wireless networks in the area, depending on the time of day and the weather, but they all inconsiderately have network security, which is annoying.
And yes, I have an apartment - I've been living in it for almost 2 weeks now, and it sure as hell beats youth hostels. It's small, but centrally located, and convenient to the things that I want or need to be convenient to, which is another bonus.
I bought a couple of mugs today on my way home from work because there was only one that was large enough for a decent cup of tea. There were only two others, and they were too small for tea, but they are acceptable for coffee. I also bought a pack of 6 glasses as most of the glasses that were there already seemed barely bigger than shot glasses, and therefore only useful if merely want to sample a beverage.
I can find between 4 and 10 wireless networks in the area, depending on the time of day and the weather, but they all inconsiderately have network security, which is annoying.
And yes, I have an apartment - I've been living in it for almost 2 weeks now, and it sure as hell beats youth hostels. It's small, but centrally located, and convenient to the things that I want or need to be convenient to, which is another bonus.
I bought a couple of mugs today on my way home from work because there was only one that was large enough for a decent cup of tea. There were only two others, and they were too small for tea, but they are acceptable for coffee. I also bought a pack of 6 glasses as most of the glasses that were there already seemed barely bigger than shot glasses, and therefore only useful if merely want to sample a beverage.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Don't use what?
Some of the trains in the Paris Metro have the following warning near the doors:
En cas d'affluence, ne pas utiliser les strapontins.
I know what it really means because I can read French, and some of them have English translations nearby, and my English is fine, but I like to think that it means: If you are rich, don't use strap-ons.
I think my translation is funnier.
(For those of you who are wondering, the real translation is: If the train is crowded, don't use the folding seats)
En cas d'affluence, ne pas utiliser les strapontins.
I know what it really means because I can read French, and some of them have English translations nearby, and my English is fine, but I like to think that it means: If you are rich, don't use strap-ons.
I think my translation is funnier.
(For those of you who are wondering, the real translation is: If the train is crowded, don't use the folding seats)
Monday, August 27, 2007
Je suis a Paris :-)
Well, I made it to Paris, after Lines and then a week in Scotland.
I'm currently staying in a hostel here, and I seem to have acquired a private room, which is nice, and not a lot more expensive than some dorm rooms at other hostels around this place. I'm also "borrowing" someone's unsecured wireless internet connection. Hey; if they can't secure it, I'm going to use it.
The weather in Paris is great at the moment; warm, sunny, and pretty much what you'd expect from summer, unlike the summer that seems to be barely there in the UK. I arrived in Paris on Friday evening, and I'm going to go job-hunting tomorrow. Once I've found a job, I'll change the hunting target to apartment-hunting, so that I have somewhere to live. I think I should find the job first, just to make sure I don't end up with a long commute, such as living in Ile-de-France and working in Lyon.
I flew here with Ryanair, which meant finding my way to Glasgow-Prestwick Airport, which is so far from Glasgow I thought I'd need my passport before getting there, and then travelling from Paris-Beauvais Airport to the centre of Paris, another lengthy trek, though at least in this direction I didn't have a check-in time that I was worried about missing. I think, after flying with cheap airlines in various places, that I've been to some of the most inconvenient airports in the world: Glasgow-Prestwick, Paris-Beauvais, Katowice-Pyrzowice, and Melbourne-Avalon.
I'm currently staying in a hostel here, and I seem to have acquired a private room, which is nice, and not a lot more expensive than some dorm rooms at other hostels around this place. I'm also "borrowing" someone's unsecured wireless internet connection. Hey; if they can't secure it, I'm going to use it.
The weather in Paris is great at the moment; warm, sunny, and pretty much what you'd expect from summer, unlike the summer that seems to be barely there in the UK. I arrived in Paris on Friday evening, and I'm going to go job-hunting tomorrow. Once I've found a job, I'll change the hunting target to apartment-hunting, so that I have somewhere to live. I think I should find the job first, just to make sure I don't end up with a long commute, such as living in Ile-de-France and working in Lyon.
I flew here with Ryanair, which meant finding my way to Glasgow-Prestwick Airport, which is so far from Glasgow I thought I'd need my passport before getting there, and then travelling from Paris-Beauvais Airport to the centre of Paris, another lengthy trek, though at least in this direction I didn't have a check-in time that I was worried about missing. I think, after flying with cheap airlines in various places, that I've been to some of the most inconvenient airports in the world: Glasgow-Prestwick, Paris-Beauvais, Katowice-Pyrzowice, and Melbourne-Avalon.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Dziewięćsetdziewięćdziesięciodziewięciotysięcznik
It's raining again. It wasn't when I wrote that last post when I used the past simple to describe today's rain. Now I need to use the present continuous.
Can you pronounce the title of this post?
Can you pronounce the title of this post?
Last week at Lines
Well, this is my last week at Lines, in Cold Ash. It's been an eventful 5 and a half weeks, or really, 6 weeks since my actually arrival.
On Saturday I'm heading up to Edinburgh in Scotlandshire for a few days to visit Liz and other people. I've booked my train ticket and I'll be travelling with another teacher heading the same way, so there'll be someone nice to talk to on the 6 and a half hour journey from Thatcham. Britain seems like such a small island, and it's stupid that a journey from here to Edinburgh should take so long, but I've been told that part of the reason is that the tracks in this land are shite. Banjaxed, if you will.
After Scotlandshire I'll head to France but I haven't yet booked my flight mostly due to two problems: one is not knowing when I am going to leave the UK and the other is not knowing where I need to land in France. Actually, come to think of it, I don't exactly know where in Scotshire I'll be when I want to depart these wet shores.
Speaking of wet, it rained today. In England. What a surprise.
More suprisingly, it was actually sunny for a couple of days in a row at the weekend!
On Saturday I'm heading up to Edinburgh in Scotlandshire for a few days to visit Liz and other people. I've booked my train ticket and I'll be travelling with another teacher heading the same way, so there'll be someone nice to talk to on the 6 and a half hour journey from Thatcham. Britain seems like such a small island, and it's stupid that a journey from here to Edinburgh should take so long, but I've been told that part of the reason is that the tracks in this land are shite. Banjaxed, if you will.
After Scotlandshire I'll head to France but I haven't yet booked my flight mostly due to two problems: one is not knowing when I am going to leave the UK and the other is not knowing where I need to land in France. Actually, come to think of it, I don't exactly know where in Scotshire I'll be when I want to depart these wet shores.
Speaking of wet, it rained today. In England. What a surprise.
More suprisingly, it was actually sunny for a couple of days in a row at the weekend!
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Try again
This one should work - there was another setting that I missed relating to timezones and date formats, so finally on track now.
Hopefully this sets things right
I know this is my fifth week in Cold Ash, and I only have another week and a half before I leave this small village*, but I thought I may as well change my settings to show that I'm not in Brisbane anymore, in the hope that the times of my future posts actually reflect the times that I posted them. The last one I wrote was apparently posted at 4:49am, tomorrow, and I can assure you that I didn't write and post it tomorrow.
* It lack a cathedral.
* It lack a cathedral.
Wow, this is exciting!
I know I've been slack and I haven't posted in a while. I'd promise to remedy this except that I know I probably won't be able to stick to it.
Anyway, the exciting bit is that I've acquired another language to add to the collection:
Mae fy hofrenfrad yn llawn llyswennod.
Anyway, the exciting bit is that I've acquired another language to add to the collection:
Mae fy hofrenfrad yn llawn llyswennod.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
The usual phrase
Now, I shouldn't have to translate this phrase for most of you, so I'll just mention that it's Turkish:
Hoverkraftim ağzına kadar ilan bilgisi ile dalu.
But, here's the challenge: I'll give you the phrase again in another language, and I want you to guess which language it is;
Għandi id-dingi mimli bil-morini.
Hoverkraftim ağzına kadar ilan bilgisi ile dalu.
But, here's the challenge: I'll give you the phrase again in another language, and I want you to guess which language it is;
Għandi id-dingi mimli bil-morini.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
ÇEKOSLOVAKYALILASTIRAMADIKLARIMIZDANMISINIZ
Well, I've survived my second week of teaching at Lines. I'm enjoying it here, and I think I'd really like to come back next year too. I've requested staying for the extra 2 weeks, but I'll have to wait and see if it's possible because it depends on the situation here regarding student and teacher numbers etc. Our excursion this week was to the Science Museum in London. It was huge, and I didn't get to see a lot because I was busy herding kids around, but I liked the small bits that I saw. There's a pole with big writing around its base saying "Do Not Touch" and a sign near it explaining its presence as an art installation. The idea is to ignore the "do not touch" bit and touch the middle of the pole so that the pole can give you a slight electric shock and emit a warning sound. It was cool. It doesn't zap each and every time someone touches it, and it seems to be somewhat random. I managed to get zapped a few times.
This coming week's excursion is to Madam Tussaud's. I've never been there, but I think it will be crowded, and there'll be students everywhere.
P.S.
NORDÖSTERSJÖKUSTARTILLERIFLYGSPANINGSSIMULATORANLÄGGNINGS-
MATERIELUNDERHÅLLSUPPFÖLJNINGSSYSTEMDISKUSSIONSINLÄGGSFÖR-
BEREDELSEARBETEN
This coming week's excursion is to Madam Tussaud's. I've never been there, but I think it will be crowded, and there'll be students everywhere.
P.S.
NORDÖSTERSJÖKUSTARTILLERIFLYGSPANINGSSIMULATORANLÄGGNINGS-
MATERIELUNDERHÅLLSUPPFÖLJNINGSSYSTEMDISKUSSIONSINLÄGGSFÖR-
BEREDELSEARBETEN
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Cold Ash
Well, I've been at Downe House for two days now, and most of that time has been taken up with meetings regarding the format, timetable etc of the school. The students will start arriving at the weekend sometime. It seems like a nice place, but it's cold for summer, though it is an English summer, so not really summer in the real sense of the word.
Anyway, off to the pub now.
Anyway, off to the pub now.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
15
I'm now visiting my 15th country. Kat's up to 50.
I'm in Hong Kong and we're about to head out to see the huge Buddha statue on Lantau Island, amoung other things. I've written a few short posts about the places I've been since leaving Brisbane on my Travelpost blog, the link to which you should be able to find on the right-hand side of this webpage, if you are interested in reading it.
I'll do things with photos and more detail later, probably when I'm in England and have more time spare.
I'm in Hong Kong and we're about to head out to see the huge Buddha statue on Lantau Island, amoung other things. I've written a few short posts about the places I've been since leaving Brisbane on my Travelpost blog, the link to which you should be able to find on the right-hand side of this webpage, if you are interested in reading it.
I'll do things with photos and more detail later, probably when I'm in England and have more time spare.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Ready... set... go...
Well, I've almost completed packing for my trip. I now just need to put in a few last-minute items and pack up my computer. Of course, I'm starting to wonder what I've forgotten, even though I know I have the necessities and anything else can be purchased in civilised countries anyway. Oh well, I'll either remember or I'll discover when I'm over there.
Only 11 hours until my plane is scheduled to take off.
Only 11 hours until my plane is scheduled to take off.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Dentist
I went to the dentist today to have some work done on some teeth (which is a common reason for visiting the dentist). I was expecting the procedure to be extremely uncomfortable and painful but it was in fact only a little bit uncomfortable. I think it was my least painful dental experience.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Bede w Londyniu na 14 i 15 czerwca
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Sunday
I had brunch on Sunday with Kat and Nick at the Alibi Room on Brunswick Street. This was our last Sunday cafe experience with Nick because he flew back to Sydney after leaving the Alibi Room. This is what I ate, it was delicious:
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Bee question
Half a bee, philosophically,
Must, ipso facto, half not be.
But half the bee has got to be
Vis a vis, its entity. D'you see?
But can a bee be said to be
Or not to be an entire bee
When half the bee is not a bee
Due to some ancient injury?
Must, ipso facto, half not be.
But half the bee has got to be
Vis a vis, its entity. D'you see?
But can a bee be said to be
Or not to be an entire bee
When half the bee is not a bee
Due to some ancient injury?
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Only level 6?
The Dante's Inferno Test has banished you to the Sixth Level of Hell - The City of Dis!
Here is how you matched up against all the levels:
Take the Dante Inferno Hell Test
Here is how you matched up against all the levels:
| Level | Score |
|---|---|
| Purgatory (Repenting Believers) | Very Low |
| Level 1 - Limbo (Virtuous Non-Believers) | Very Low |
| Level 2 (Lustful) | Very High |
| Level 3 (Gluttonous) | High |
| Level 4 (Prodigal and Avaricious) | Very High |
| Level 5 (Wrathful and Gloomy) | Very High |
| Level 6 - The City of Dis (Heretics) | Very High |
| Level 7 (Violent) | Very High |
| Level 8- the Malebolge (Fraudulent, Malicious, Panderers) | High |
| Level 9 - Cocytus (Treacherous) | Moderate |
Take the Dante Inferno Hell Test
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Holzfällerliederhosen
Ich wollte... ein Holzfäller sein! Ja, ein Holzfäller! Der von Baum zu Baum hüpft, die auf den mächtigen Wassern von Südtirol hinabschwimmen. Die gigantische Rotbuche! Die Lärche! Die Tanne! Die kräftige Kiefer! Der Duft von frisch gefälltem Holz! Das Geräusch der stürzenden mächtigen Bäume! An meiner Seite, mein liebes Mädel... Und wir würden singen, singen, singen...
Ich bin ein Holzfäller und fühl mich stark,
Ich schlaf des Nachts und hack am Tag.
Er ist ein Holzfäller und fühlt sich stark,
Er schläft des Nachts und hackt am Tag.
Ich fälle Bäume, ich ess mein Brot,
Ich geh auf das WC,
Am Mittwoch geh ich shopping,
Kau Kekse zum Kaffee.
Er fällt die Bäume, er isst sein Brot,
Er geht auf das WC,
Am Mittwoch geht er shopping,
Kaut Kekse zum Kaffee.
Ich bien (Er ist) ein Holzfäller und fühlt sich stark,
Ich (Er) schläft des Nachts und hackt am Tag.
Ich fälle Bäume und hüpf und spring,
Steck Blumen in die Vas'
Ich schlüpf in Frauenkleider
Und lümmel mich in Bars.
Er fällt die Bäume, er hüpft und springt,
Steckt Blumen in die Vas'
Er schlüpft in Frauenkleider
Und lümmelt sich in Bars...?
Ich bien (Er ist) ein Holzfäller und fühlt sich stark,
Ich (Er) schläft des Nachts und hackt am Tag.
Ich fälle Bäume, trag Stöckelschuh
Und Strumpf- und Büstenhalter.
Wär gern ein kleines Mädchen
So wie mein Onkel Walter.
Er fällt die Bäume, trägt Stöckelschuh
Und Strumpf- und Büstenhalter...?
...Wär gern ein kleines Mädchen
So wie mein Onkel Walter!
Ich bin ein Holzfäller und fühl mich stark,
Ich schlaf des Nachts und hack am Tag.
Er ist ein Holzfäller und fühlt sich stark,
Er schläft des Nachts und hackt am Tag.
Ich fälle Bäume, ich ess mein Brot,
Ich geh auf das WC,
Am Mittwoch geh ich shopping,
Kau Kekse zum Kaffee.
Er fällt die Bäume, er isst sein Brot,
Er geht auf das WC,
Am Mittwoch geht er shopping,
Kaut Kekse zum Kaffee.
Ich bien (Er ist) ein Holzfäller und fühlt sich stark,
Ich (Er) schläft des Nachts und hackt am Tag.
Ich fälle Bäume und hüpf und spring,
Steck Blumen in die Vas'
Ich schlüpf in Frauenkleider
Und lümmel mich in Bars.
Er fällt die Bäume, er hüpft und springt,
Steckt Blumen in die Vas'
Er schlüpft in Frauenkleider
Und lümmelt sich in Bars...?
Ich bien (Er ist) ein Holzfäller und fühlt sich stark,
Ich (Er) schläft des Nachts und hackt am Tag.
Ich fälle Bäume, trag Stöckelschuh
Und Strumpf- und Büstenhalter.
Wär gern ein kleines Mädchen
So wie mein Onkel Walter.
Er fällt die Bäume, trägt Stöckelschuh
Und Strumpf- und Büstenhalter...?
...Wär gern ein kleines Mädchen
So wie mein Onkel Walter!
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Concert today
The wind orchestra that I am currently a member of had a concert today in a far-off land known as Boonah. For those who don't know, Boonah is past Ipswichland. The concert was rather pointless, especially considering the vast distance covered in order to travel there. It was supposed to be in support of a Red Cross blood donation drive and while there was certainly a Red Cross blood van next to the performance venue, there wasn't really anything else. Including an audience. It was an outdoor concert on a cramped "stage" which meant that it was awkward to play and the sound was crap anyway. I think, for the most part, we played acceptably, but the only audience members, as far as I could tell, were imported by other members of the band - ie, mothers, spouses etc of members, rather than members of the general public. I really wish I hadn't bothered going to this one, as my absence wouldn't have really made a significant difference to the outcome of the performance anyway.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Remaining
Il me reste vingt huit jours.
Jeszcze jest dwadzieścia osiem dni.
There are twenty-eight days remaining.
Jeszcze jest dwadzieścia osiem dni.
There are twenty-eight days remaining.
Monday, May 28, 2007
I know it's been a while
... and I don't really have anything worthwhile to write about at the moment, so I'll just paste the lyrics to a song that I really like called "In The End" which is the final song from the film Shortbus, which is a beautiful film. It's topical because I watched the film again on Saturday night and acquired the song afterwards.
Well, here are the lyrics:
we all bear the scars
yeah, we all feign a laugh
we all cry in the dark
get cut off before we start
and as your first act begins
you realise they're all waiting
for a fall, for a flaw, for the end
and there's a past stained with tears
could you talk to quiet my fears
could you pull me aside
just to acknowledge that i've tried
as your last breath begins
contently take it in
cause we all get it in
the end
and as your last breath begins
you find your demon's your best friend
and we all get it in
the end
Well, here are the lyrics:
we all bear the scars
yeah, we all feign a laugh
we all cry in the dark
get cut off before we start
and as your first act begins
you realise they're all waiting
for a fall, for a flaw, for the end
and there's a past stained with tears
could you talk to quiet my fears
could you pull me aside
just to acknowledge that i've tried
as your last breath begins
contently take it in
cause we all get it in
the end
and as your last breath begins
you find your demon's your best friend
and we all get it in
the end
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Dumb people can argue too
The word "dumb" in the title of this post refers to the inability of the group of people to communicate verbally, it is not a reflection on their cognitive abilities.
I walked through the Anzac Square shopping mall on my way to the train station yesterday afternoon. This in itself is not an unusual event, and hardly worth blogging about but I happened to pass a group of people engaged in what looked like a heated debate over something. This group of people was noteworthy because they were signing rather than verbally speaking to each other and the body language (no pun intended) indicated that there was some contention in the air. It was the first time that I'd seen an argument in sign language. Of course, to an Italian, they would probably have just appeared normal.
I walked through the Anzac Square shopping mall on my way to the train station yesterday afternoon. This in itself is not an unusual event, and hardly worth blogging about but I happened to pass a group of people engaged in what looked like a heated debate over something. This group of people was noteworthy because they were signing rather than verbally speaking to each other and the body language (no pun intended) indicated that there was some contention in the air. It was the first time that I'd seen an argument in sign language. Of course, to an Italian, they would probably have just appeared normal.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Kat was also at Bunya
There she is, sitting at the table on the lower deck:
And here's a similar picture with the view in the background:
I know you all wanted to see a close-up of the vegemite on toast that she was eating:
I hope that satisfies a certain person's wish to be photographically included on my blog.
And here's a similar picture with the view in the background:
I know you all wanted to see a close-up of the vegemite on toast that she was eating:
I hope that satisfies a certain person's wish to be photographically included on my blog.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Good News!
I have just seen an advertisment on SBS for the EUROVISION 2007 SONG CONTEST from Helsinki! It's coming soon!
Photos from the weekend at Bunya
Here are some photos from the recent weekend:
First, the beautiful cheese-knife set. I wanted to liberate it from the cabin as I felt I would appreciate it more here than anyone else would at Bunya:
This next picture is a photo of the view from the downstairs balcony:
And here's the view (though to the left) just 3 hours later, after it started raining, right when we wanted to go for a walk in the bush:
Here's a photo of the cabin we stayed in:
Being a rural and bushy area, there were, of course, wallabies:
And here's a shot of our cabin from a walking track in the not-too-far distance:
Here's a picture of me, just to prove that I was there, standing on the balcony with the view behind me:
First, the beautiful cheese-knife set. I wanted to liberate it from the cabin as I felt I would appreciate it more here than anyone else would at Bunya:
This next picture is a photo of the view from the downstairs balcony:
And here's the view (though to the left) just 3 hours later, after it started raining, right when we wanted to go for a walk in the bush:
Here's a photo of the cabin we stayed in:
Being a rural and bushy area, there were, of course, wallabies:
And here's a shot of our cabin from a walking track in the not-too-far distance:
Here's a picture of me, just to prove that I was there, standing on the balcony with the view behind me:
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Bunya Mountains
I went to Bunya Mountains on Friday afternoon with a group of friends; Kat, Rowan, Klaus, Nick and Oddur. We stayed in a cabin until this morning, when we had to be out by 10am. The weekend was good, though it rained a little more than we'd have liked. We had a great cabin with a fantastic view, with the Bunya Mountains Accommodation Centre. We stayed in Eagle's Rest, which is a well-laid out cabin with two living areas and two fireplaces. The weather was cold, which was good. It got down to about 14 or 15 degrees, I think, which was definitely cold enough to switch the fires on, so we were able to experience a little bit of winter, or autumn, if you're from somewhere European.
It took a few hours to drive each way, but I feel it was definitely worth it.
It took a few hours to drive each way, but I feel it was definitely worth it.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Milestone ages
For those who are interested:
On Tuesday, the 25th of March, 2008, I'll be exactly 10,000 days old.
At 22:49:00 on Friday, the 15th of May, 2009, I'll be simultaneously 15,000,000 minutes and 250,000 hours old at the same time!!!
And on Sunday, the 16th of November, 2228, I'll be exactly 1 Pluto year old.
On Tuesday, the 25th of March, 2008, I'll be exactly 10,000 days old.
At 22:49:00 on Friday, the 15th of May, 2009, I'll be simultaneously 15,000,000 minutes and 250,000 hours old at the same time!!!
And on Sunday, the 16th of November, 2228, I'll be exactly 1 Pluto year old.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Flight update
I purchased a ticket for a flight from Brisbane to Darwin during the week, which means that all flights that I need to get to London are accounted for. I'll leave Brisbane before I get to London.
Lazy Sunday Afternoon
I spent a large portion of the afternoon at a coffee shop in West End with Kat and Nick. We ate, and then worked on a couple of cryptic crosswords. It was a relaxed, fun afternoon, the sort of afternoon that should occur on a Sunday. We almost completed one crossword successfully and made a significant dent into the other one. I've never really been into cryptic crosswords, but after this afternoon, I think I'm a convert.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
It's been a while
I has been a while since my last post. The last one was number 222, which is a cool number, in my opinion.
What has happened since my last post?
Well, I went to Sunrise Beach for the Easter weekend with my mother, younger brother and dog. It was a great weekend, though the weather was a bit cold due to the wind. I don't mind if I don't get to swim, so this didn't bother me too much.
Nie jeszcze mieszkam w domu mojej mamy. Mieszkam w domu kata teraz, w jerongie. Nie wiem dlaczego, ale nie chce pisac to w jezykiem angielskiegim(?). (Chcialbym mowic dobrze po polsku ale nie moge. Szkoda.)
Mark was up from Melbourne for a week, so I caught up with him, and other people, last Friday night. 'Twas a nice evening.
I'm still teaching an exam preparation course, and it's week 5 of a 12-week course. I'm starting to get concerned that some of my students won't pass the test, though that's not really my fault; I can't do the test for them.
J'irai a Mont Bunya le weekend prochaine. J'y irai avec quelques amis. Nous esperons qu'il fera un peu froid, mais assez chaud pour promener au dehors. Je vous dirai comment la vacance ira.
Kat's brother went to Taiwan for a couple of weeks with his girlfriend (who is Taiwanese). They returned at the weekend and thanks to them, I am now the proud owner of a 2GB USB memory stick. It's tiny. I've attached it to the supplied cord as otherwise I'm sure I'd misplace it. It's approximately the same size as a tiny memory stick. I can't be bothered measuring it or thinking of something more appropriate to use as a comparison.
Anything else worth writing?
I think not. Except that I have just finished drinking a cup of coffee*. It was good coffee, made with a Breville espresso machine, and good quality coffee.
* I wrote "cup of coffee" because coffee is technically an uncountable noun, even though in spoken, everyday English, it is used as a countable noun.
What has happened since my last post?
Well, I went to Sunrise Beach for the Easter weekend with my mother, younger brother and dog. It was a great weekend, though the weather was a bit cold due to the wind. I don't mind if I don't get to swim, so this didn't bother me too much.
Nie jeszcze mieszkam w domu mojej mamy. Mieszkam w domu kata teraz, w jerongie. Nie wiem dlaczego, ale nie chce pisac to w jezykiem angielskiegim(?). (Chcialbym mowic dobrze po polsku ale nie moge. Szkoda.)
Mark was up from Melbourne for a week, so I caught up with him, and other people, last Friday night. 'Twas a nice evening.
I'm still teaching an exam preparation course, and it's week 5 of a 12-week course. I'm starting to get concerned that some of my students won't pass the test, though that's not really my fault; I can't do the test for them.
J'irai a Mont Bunya le weekend prochaine. J'y irai avec quelques amis. Nous esperons qu'il fera un peu froid, mais assez chaud pour promener au dehors. Je vous dirai comment la vacance ira.
Kat's brother went to Taiwan for a couple of weeks with his girlfriend (who is Taiwanese). They returned at the weekend and thanks to them, I am now the proud owner of a 2GB USB memory stick. It's tiny. I've attached it to the supplied cord as otherwise I'm sure I'd misplace it. It's approximately the same size as a tiny memory stick. I can't be bothered measuring it or thinking of something more appropriate to use as a comparison.
Anything else worth writing?
I think not. Except that I have just finished drinking a cup of coffee*. It was good coffee, made with a Breville espresso machine, and good quality coffee.
* I wrote "cup of coffee" because coffee is technically an uncountable noun, even though in spoken, everyday English, it is used as a countable noun.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Updated links
I've updated the links menu on the right-hand side of my blog. This was prompted by Aggie's decision to move to a new blog, and I had to update the link to reflect her move. I've added a link to my travelpost site, which is essentially a blog-like thing that tracks the cities and countries that I've visited. It looks like I'm concentrating my efforts in just two parts of the world, but that's mostly because I haven't been elsewhere, not that I don't want to go elsewhere. There will be a few jaffas in Asia by July (though it's anyone's guess as to when I'll get around to updating it). I don't write much in the text section because I keep this one as my main text blog. I use it just for the map.
Hot Fuzz
I saw Hot Fuzz at the cinema on Friday night. It was absolutely hilarious. Everyone should see it, and if you don't think it's funny you must be in a coma.
It's by the creator of Shaun of the Dead, which is also hilarious.
Go. See it.
It's by the creator of Shaun of the Dead, which is also hilarious.
Go. See it.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Notebook Computer
Well, I bought a notebook computer today. I have heard bad things about old Dell laptops but that was due to the design of the hinges more than anything else, and I've heard some good things about them too. So, I've bought a Dell notebook computer. I think I got a good deal, and it will be delivered within the next two weeks. It's a notebook computer rather than a laptop because people apparently burnt their genitals with laptops, so the new names don't suggest that one can use them in one's lap while they're heating up from use.
Flight 3
I have just bought the third plane ticket. Now I have a ticket from Hong Kong to London. So, I am now able to get from Darwin to Singapore, Singapore to Macau, and Hong Kong to London. Great. Next step is to get to Darwin from Brisbane.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Flight 2
Also with Tiger Airways, I've got a flight from Singapore to Macau. This is my second flight for this journey.
Now I have to book the third flight with a different airline.
Now I have to book the third flight with a different airline.
Flight 1
The first flight is booked with Tiger Airways, from Darwin to Singapore. Yes, I know I'm in Brisbane, so I'll have to find my way to Darwin at some point prior to this flight, but that's all part of my grand plan.
Questions
I am considering doing several things today, tomorrow or perhaps Tuesday that involve me giving large amounts of money to various companies.
Firstly, long haul flights. I'm probably going to be flying on a budget, long haul airline. Does anyone know of any reason why I should avoid certain budget airlines for long flights?
Specifically Tiger Air and Oasis.
Secondly, I want to buy a new laptop, which was the topic of a recent post. I don't want to buy a mac*, and I'm seriously thinking about a Dell. Dell currently have an offer on the model that I like of a free upgrade from 80GB to 120GB HDD. They also have an option to buy insurance from them that would negate the need for separate travel insurance, which lasts for 3 years, and is therefore a much better option than buying separate travel and/or other insurance for it. Are there any reasons to avoid Dell?
For both of these questions, if I go ahead with them and something goes awry, then I'll hold all readers of this blog responsible if I am not adequately warned in advance.
* I don't really know why I don't want to buy a mac. On one hand, they're the sort of computers that are bought by people who don't know how to use computers. On the other hand (you have different fingers), they also seem to be the computers that are bought by IT professionals.
Firstly, long haul flights. I'm probably going to be flying on a budget, long haul airline. Does anyone know of any reason why I should avoid certain budget airlines for long flights?
Specifically Tiger Air and Oasis.
Secondly, I want to buy a new laptop, which was the topic of a recent post. I don't want to buy a mac*, and I'm seriously thinking about a Dell. Dell currently have an offer on the model that I like of a free upgrade from 80GB to 120GB HDD. They also have an option to buy insurance from them that would negate the need for separate travel insurance, which lasts for 3 years, and is therefore a much better option than buying separate travel and/or other insurance for it. Are there any reasons to avoid Dell?
For both of these questions, if I go ahead with them and something goes awry, then I'll hold all readers of this blog responsible if I am not adequately warned in advance.
* I don't really know why I don't want to buy a mac. On one hand, they're the sort of computers that are bought by people who don't know how to use computers. On the other hand (you have different fingers), they also seem to be the computers that are bought by IT professionals.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Może być
Myślę że mam praca w anglii. Mówiłem z szefem anglijka i ona mówiła że będę mieć ta praca czy moj szef w australii pisze dobry 'reference'. Mój 'reference' jest bardzo dobry - czytałem go.
Piszę po polsku teraz bo nie wiem czy chcę że wszyscy wiedzą czy nie. Chciałbym lecić do anglii i kiedy będę tam, pisać że jestem w anglii.
Też, nie wiem czy mam racje - czy mówisz "do anglii" i "w anglii" czy nie?
Piszę po polsku teraz bo nie wiem czy chcę że wszyscy wiedzą czy nie. Chciałbym lecić do anglii i kiedy będę tam, pisać że jestem w anglii.
Też, nie wiem czy mam racje - czy mówisz "do anglii" i "w anglii" czy nie?
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
The Dentist
I went to the dentist today. I dislike the sound and sensation of the tools used. It sets my teeth on edge, so to speak. I primarily went to the dentist in the hope that it would remedy the cause of my mouth ulcers, and also because it had been a good many years (at least 9) since my last visit to a dental practitioner. I have clean teeth, but no solution to my ulcer problem as apparently my teeth aren't the cause, or at least aren't the primary cause, which is frustrating as it means I still need to find the actual cause. I was also informed of the presence of a cavity. The cavity is in one of my wisdom teeth, which the dentist thinks should be removed. The good side of this is that I won't need to get the cavity filled, but the bad side is that I may have to have my wisdom teeth removed, a process which sounds extremely painful. Having a cavity filled also sounds like it could be potentially painful. Damn teeth.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Notebook Computer
I want to buy a new notebook computer (the style of computer known as laptops before stupid people started burning their laps and private bits with them).
I have fairly basic requirements, which I'll list below, so if anyone has opinions for or against various brands or deals, please let me know, as I'm open to suggestions.
My requirements:
1. They usually supply windows as part of the deal, and I'd prefer windows xp as I neither need nor want vista.
2. Lightweight, as I need to carry it around and take it o/s.
3. SD card slot.
4. Wireless.
5. Built-in webcam would be nice, but not absolutely necessary.
6. Decent sized hard drive - at least 60GB, preferably 80GB or more.
7. Screen size - I don't want a huge screen as I want this to be portable and part of that includes size as well as weight, but on the other hand, I don't want to use something the size of a digital wristwatch display.
8. Sturdy - I'll definitely look after my notebook, but I'd like the reassurance of knowing that it would survive a knock or two.
9. DVD burner
10. At least 4USB ports (though I could survive with 2)
I think that's the list, or at least I can't think of anything else to add at the moment. I'll edit if things come to mind, or if people suggest useful and/or important extras.
I've noticed on a few websites that several notebooks no longer come with PCMCIA card slots; Are they necessary or are these slots becoming a bit obsolete?
I have fairly basic requirements, which I'll list below, so if anyone has opinions for or against various brands or deals, please let me know, as I'm open to suggestions.
My requirements:
1. They usually supply windows as part of the deal, and I'd prefer windows xp as I neither need nor want vista.
2. Lightweight, as I need to carry it around and take it o/s.
3. SD card slot.
4. Wireless.
5. Built-in webcam would be nice, but not absolutely necessary.
6. Decent sized hard drive - at least 60GB, preferably 80GB or more.
7. Screen size - I don't want a huge screen as I want this to be portable and part of that includes size as well as weight, but on the other hand, I don't want to use something the size of a digital wristwatch display.
8. Sturdy - I'll definitely look after my notebook, but I'd like the reassurance of knowing that it would survive a knock or two.
9. DVD burner
10. At least 4USB ports (though I could survive with 2)
I think that's the list, or at least I can't think of anything else to add at the moment. I'll edit if things come to mind, or if people suggest useful and/or important extras.
I've noticed on a few websites that several notebooks no longer come with PCMCIA card slots; Are they necessary or are these slots becoming a bit obsolete?
Sunday, February 25, 2007
In Melbourne
I'm in Melbourne. The flight down here was horrid, due to two small children competing for the title of Loudest Crying Child. I also made the mistake of flying into Melbourne's Avalon airport, which is almost in Geelong. I should have listened to Mark's advice (he told me to avoid Avalon).
I'm enjoying Melbourne so far. Yesterday we went to the Victoria Markets, which are exactly as I remembered them from when I went in 1992. Then we went to Federation Square to see the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. It was interesting, though a large part was closed in order to install a new exhibition. Last night Mark, Nathaniel and I had dinner in an Italian restaurant called La Porchetta, which was near Lygon Street followed by a trip to a pub with live music. I noticed that Melbourne doesn't have the same anti-smoking laws as Brisbane, and cigarette smoke is still plentiful in these places, which is rather annoying. I quite like the Brisbane system of being able to breathe inside pubs, but apparently some version of this law will be introduced in Melbourne in the near future.
Today we'll probably go to St Kilda and then do other stuff.
I'm enjoying Melbourne so far. Yesterday we went to the Victoria Markets, which are exactly as I remembered them from when I went in 1992. Then we went to Federation Square to see the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. It was interesting, though a large part was closed in order to install a new exhibition. Last night Mark, Nathaniel and I had dinner in an Italian restaurant called La Porchetta, which was near Lygon Street followed by a trip to a pub with live music. I noticed that Melbourne doesn't have the same anti-smoking laws as Brisbane, and cigarette smoke is still plentiful in these places, which is rather annoying. I quite like the Brisbane system of being able to breathe inside pubs, but apparently some version of this law will be introduced in Melbourne in the near future.
Today we'll probably go to St Kilda and then do other stuff.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Pracy in Angleterre
Hehe, three languages in the title.
Other options are: Work en Anglii; Travail w England.
Anyway, the point of this post is to mention that it's likely that I have a job for the summer in England. I'll probably be working in Berkshire. The school I applied with has two centres, one in Berkshire and one in Hertfordshire. I actually would prefer to work at the school in Hertfordshire, but I'm happy with Berkshire too. The job isn't confirmed, as they haven't actually received my application, but I was recommended to them by Kat, who has worked for them before, and she has been told that it's likely they'll find a spot for me.
This would mean that I'll be in England, working from about the 6th of July for a period of about 4 weeks. After that I'll have some free time to travel around and gradually make my way to France, where I hope to stay for some time.
My plans are currently rather vague concerning the travel, as I haven't put much thought into them. The only definite is that I want to visit Lizard in St. Andrews or Edinburgh while I'm in England. I'm open to suggestions from people, especially if you've been in the region of the British Isles and there's a location or activity that you'd particularly recommend.
Other options are: Work en Anglii; Travail w England.
Anyway, the point of this post is to mention that it's likely that I have a job for the summer in England. I'll probably be working in Berkshire. The school I applied with has two centres, one in Berkshire and one in Hertfordshire. I actually would prefer to work at the school in Hertfordshire, but I'm happy with Berkshire too. The job isn't confirmed, as they haven't actually received my application, but I was recommended to them by Kat, who has worked for them before, and she has been told that it's likely they'll find a spot for me.
This would mean that I'll be in England, working from about the 6th of July for a period of about 4 weeks. After that I'll have some free time to travel around and gradually make my way to France, where I hope to stay for some time.
My plans are currently rather vague concerning the travel, as I haven't put much thought into them. The only definite is that I want to visit Lizard in St. Andrews or Edinburgh while I'm in England. I'm open to suggestions from people, especially if you've been in the region of the British Isles and there's a location or activity that you'd particularly recommend.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Busy as a very busy bee
I have been told that I've been neglecting my blog of late. This is indeed true. There have been a few things worthy of blogging but I've suffered from a problem some would refer to as blogging laziness. So, here's a quick run-down on what's happened in my life recently:
1. I've begun learning French again. I opted not to go through Alliance Francaise because they didn't have an appropriate course at a convenient time for me, so Kat and I found a private tutor who is giving us lessons together. The bonuses of this method are that we can have a course structured to our specific needs, we can organise the lessons around our lives and timetables and we get more attention in class.
2. I went to Sunrise Beach last weekend with Rowan and Klaus. We had a fantastic weekend, and the weather was fantastic, especially considering the forecast had predicted rain and showers all weekend. I discovered the, until last weekend, elusive location of my school's Noosa branch. It's well-placed in Noosa Junction, so very convenient for Noosa's public transport system, which is a good thing for the students, as they don't, as a rule, bring their cars over here with them.
3. I'm going to Sunrise Beach again this weekend, but this time with Liam and Alana. Part of the reason we're going up is to deliver a new futon mattress. The current mattress is a bit thin and not as comfortable as it once was.
4. Next weekend I'm off to Melbourne for a few days. I'll arrive on Friday night and then depart on the following Tuesday night.
5. I posted an application for a job in England today. If I'm successful, I'll be working in Hertfordshire, or perhaps Berkshire, which is not in the same part of England as Lizard; she's further north, in Fife. I'll be able to visit her at some stage though, which will be good.
Okay, I think that's enough for now, and enough to remind my blog that it's not neglected.
1. I've begun learning French again. I opted not to go through Alliance Francaise because they didn't have an appropriate course at a convenient time for me, so Kat and I found a private tutor who is giving us lessons together. The bonuses of this method are that we can have a course structured to our specific needs, we can organise the lessons around our lives and timetables and we get more attention in class.
2. I went to Sunrise Beach last weekend with Rowan and Klaus. We had a fantastic weekend, and the weather was fantastic, especially considering the forecast had predicted rain and showers all weekend. I discovered the, until last weekend, elusive location of my school's Noosa branch. It's well-placed in Noosa Junction, so very convenient for Noosa's public transport system, which is a good thing for the students, as they don't, as a rule, bring their cars over here with them.
3. I'm going to Sunrise Beach again this weekend, but this time with Liam and Alana. Part of the reason we're going up is to deliver a new futon mattress. The current mattress is a bit thin and not as comfortable as it once was.
4. Next weekend I'm off to Melbourne for a few days. I'll arrive on Friday night and then depart on the following Tuesday night.
5. I posted an application for a job in England today. If I'm successful, I'll be working in Hertfordshire, or perhaps Berkshire, which is not in the same part of England as Lizard; she's further north, in Fife. I'll be able to visit her at some stage though, which will be good.
Okay, I think that's enough for now, and enough to remind my blog that it's not neglected.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Brak pliku jeszcze ras
Jeszcze ras mój komputer jest popsute. Nie ma plika, jak ostatni ras. Mogę naprawiać komputer teraz.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Melbourneland
I'm going to Melbourneland. I've booked my flights already, and I plan to spend about 4 days in the southern. I shall visit Nat, Mark and Mel while down there, as well as see some of the city. The last time that I was there, which was also the only time that I've been there, I was about 12 years old and managed to offend an elderly Greek woman. I hope to avoid doing this again.
I will be there from late Friday evening, the 23rd of February, to the evening of Tuesday the 27th of February.
I must remember to inform work of my impending absence.
I will be there from late Friday evening, the 23rd of February, to the evening of Tuesday the 27th of February.
I must remember to inform work of my impending absence.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Il y a beaucoup de temps
Je vais ameliorer mon francais. Kat et moi avons trouve un prof de francais qui va nous aider. Nous l'avons envoye un courriel hier soir et elle nous a repondu aujourd'hui. Je veux aller en France cette annee et je crois qu'il faut ameliorer avant que j'y arriverai. Je voulais suivre des cours a l'alliance francaise, mais je ne peux pas parce que maitenant j'ai des repetitions d'orchestre aux soirs de jeudi et les cours d'alliance pour mon niveau sont aux jeudis. Quel dommage.
J'espere que notre nouvelle prof est tres sympa.
J'espere que notre nouvelle prof est tres sympa.
Monday, January 22, 2007
I want to buy a house
I've been watching the property market for a while, mostly watching friends buy things, but I've just seen the perfect property. I want to buy this. It may be slightly out of my price range at the moment, but sometimes you have to pay a bit extra to buy something that you really like, and I'd really like to own Dracula's Castle. Of course, we could then refer to it as Drakeula's Castle.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Forgetful Fred
My sunglasses are missing. They may have gone the way of my bookmark, which still hasn't turned up ('turn up' is a phrasal verb).
I also left my keys at home today, again.
I also left my keys at home today, again.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Another Book Review
I finished reading Armisted Maupin's Tales of the City last night. It is a fantastic read, and makes me want to live in 70's San Francisco, specifically as one of the residents of Barbary Lane. I'm recommeding this to anyone who'd appreciate an interesting light read with great plot and fun characters. I always have a dilemma with great books: I want to read them, and find out what's going to happen next, and to see where the characters end up, but on the other hand, I never want to finish them as I find I'm then left with a void in my reading. So, should I read quickly or slowly? Tales is definitely one of the books that fit into this category.
I borrowed Tales of the City from the Brisbane Central Library (the new brightly coloured library in front of the casino) before I found out that Kat owns the whole series and borrowing from her would have been easier than the library (there were a few issues with getting this book from the library, but I won't go into them here).
The book is followed by two more in the series, namely More Tales of the City and Further Tales of the City. I plan to read both of these books as soon as possible and I think I may well want to add this series to my library. After all, one can never own too many books.
Też, skonczyłem czytać książki francuski. Jeszcze nie go lubię, ale on jest lepiej (lepszy?) blisko do koncu.
I borrowed Tales of the City from the Brisbane Central Library (the new brightly coloured library in front of the casino) before I found out that Kat owns the whole series and borrowing from her would have been easier than the library (there were a few issues with getting this book from the library, but I won't go into them here).
The book is followed by two more in the series, namely More Tales of the City and Further Tales of the City. I plan to read both of these books as soon as possible and I think I may well want to add this series to my library. After all, one can never own too many books.
Też, skonczyłem czytać książki francuski. Jeszcze nie go lubię, ale on jest lepiej (lepszy?) blisko do koncu.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Pretentious? Me?
I have read on the bus, on the way home, twice this week. Today being the second time. After alighting from the bus, I thought about this fact, combined with the book that I was reading, and decided that there's a chance that I had been engaged in an act of sheer pretentiousness, and therefore hypocrisy. Pretentiousness because the book is a piece of literary wankery, L'Etranger d'Albert Camus, in French, and hypocrisy because I mentioned, on this very blog, my opinion of those who read The Da Vinci Code on public transport.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
My bookmark a disparu
I was recently reading a book, as I am literate. Before I started my day's reading, I placed my bookmark somewhere, but now that I have taken a break from the activity, I am unable to find said bookmark. I am aware that it has to be somewhere, because of various laws of physics regarding the fact that matter can neither be created nor destroyed.
I will let you know if my bookmark turns up.
I will let you know if my bookmark turns up.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
200!
The previous post was my 199th post on this blog, which makes this one my 200th! Yay! It looks like I've reached a milestone because of the round appearance of the number, thanks to our base 10 counting system.
Plans for this year
I have decided that I want to go to England or Ireland this year for a summer job at a school over there, probably in late June, July or August. My preference would be in England, at the school that Kat's going to be working at in July. It would also be a good chance to visit Edinburgh while I'm in England, and perhaps hop over the Irish Sea to Ireland.
The job that I'd prefer in England would pay enough to cover at least most of a return airfare to Europe, as well as provide accommodation and meals. This, I feel, would be a great opportunity to realise my plan of living in France, as I'd be able to cross La Manche without too much difficulty and then hunt for a job there. Most of the ESL industry in France hasn't heard of the idea of using the internet to advertise jobs, and those that have usually stipulate that the applicant must be available in France for a face-to-face interview and/or an immediate start, which is difficult for one applying from Australia, and as I feel the biggest, or most wasted, expense in getting to France is the cost of the airfare, and as this would be covered by my earnings from the English job, I think it's a great chance for me. So, if all goes according to plan, I will be in England in July, travelling around England (inc Scotland) and Ireland (maybe) in August, and then in France from August or September through to whenever I leave.
I'm also toying with the idea of purchasing a one-way ticket, for two main reasons. The first is that, at the moment, return tickets don't appear to be significantly cheaper than two one-way tickets, and this would mean I wouldn't have to specify my departure airline and airport in advance. The second reason is that I would be able to keep my options open as far as staying longer in Europe, or going somewhere else, ie Japan, for a short-term job on the "way home".
The job that I'd prefer in England would pay enough to cover at least most of a return airfare to Europe, as well as provide accommodation and meals. This, I feel, would be a great opportunity to realise my plan of living in France, as I'd be able to cross La Manche without too much difficulty and then hunt for a job there. Most of the ESL industry in France hasn't heard of the idea of using the internet to advertise jobs, and those that have usually stipulate that the applicant must be available in France for a face-to-face interview and/or an immediate start, which is difficult for one applying from Australia, and as I feel the biggest, or most wasted, expense in getting to France is the cost of the airfare, and as this would be covered by my earnings from the English job, I think it's a great chance for me. So, if all goes according to plan, I will be in England in July, travelling around England (inc Scotland) and Ireland (maybe) in August, and then in France from August or September through to whenever I leave.
I'm also toying with the idea of purchasing a one-way ticket, for two main reasons. The first is that, at the moment, return tickets don't appear to be significantly cheaper than two one-way tickets, and this would mean I wouldn't have to specify my departure airline and airport in advance. The second reason is that I would be able to keep my options open as far as staying longer in Europe, or going somewhere else, ie Japan, for a short-term job on the "way home".
Friday, January 05, 2007
Am I suitable to work with children?
Well, we'll soon find out as I have recently applied for a Blue Card, otherwise known as an "I'm-not-a-pedophile Card".
I'll actually be working with minors for two weeks from Monday, but apparently it's enough to have submitted the application in order to work with the youngsters.
I'll actually be working with minors for two weeks from Monday, but apparently it's enough to have submitted the application in order to work with the youngsters.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Should I thank microsoft?
If it weren't for microsoft window xp's inherent bugs, I'd never have learnt how to fix a certain error relating to a corrupt or missing config file using a system restore point.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Polylingual media library
I have decided, due to a slight case of boredom, to post a list of the languages that can be found in my media library. I have songs in the following languages:
English (English)
French (Français)
German (Deutsch)
Polish (Język Polski)
Spanish (Español)
Russian (Pусский Язык)
Romanian (Română)
Welsh (Cymraeg)
Arabic (العربية)
Hindi ( हिन्दी)
Punjabi (ਪੰਜਾਬੀ)
Japanese (日本語)
That's twelve languages, thirteen if you count Swedish Chef as a language.
English (English)
French (Français)
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Happy New Year and the year in review
Due to our society's completely arbitrary decision to nominate the 1st of January as being the first day of a new year, we are now in 2007 (another arbitrary number). In light of this, Happy New Year to all those who can be bothered reading my blog.
Well, now for the second part of this entry, which could be quite long and wordy, depending on how I feel as I type.
The year in review:
I was in Gliwice, Poland for New Year's Day last year, with a lot of snow and it was very cold. The snow fell in huge amounts for a couple of days either side of the 1st of January, which was a complete change from the New Years that I'd had previously. I'm not normally a fan of fireworks, believing that, for the most part, if you've seen one, you've seen them all, but they were quite pretty in Poland because of the contrast between the bright fireworks and the drab gray of the buildings and sky at that time of year. I didn't travel much in the early part of the year in Poland, as I was saving money and also working long hours in split shifts, which are a real pain in the arse. My only foray into other places was to a town called Bielsko-Biała, where I visited Nicola for a few days.
In March, I left Poland and flew to France where I went to Paris, Lyon, Grenoble and Marseilles. While there, I visited Julien, Amelie and Thomas, three former exchange students. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in France to the point of vowing to return one day for a longer term stay.
I returned to Australia at the end of March (actually on my mother's birthday) and I've been here since then. I haven't travelled much since my return, with Noosa and Banora Point being the furthest towns north and south of Brisbane to be graced by my presence. This lack of travel is something that I plan to remedy in 2007.
In April, Angie and Michael got married (to each other) but haven't yet produced any spawn. They have purchased a house, which means they have a mortgage. The first four letters of that word, mort, mean dead in French. This is appropriate because, with current property prices and interest rates, most people will be "mort" before their mortgage. With any luck, and some sensible budgetting, this fate might not befall the couple who, until they read those last two sentences, were probably quite happy.
Pepsi had a birthday in June, which is an annual event for her.
In late July, or perhaps early August, I started work at Global Village Brisbane, an English language school for foreign students. I enjoy the work, I like most of the students (there will always be a handful at any school who are little shits), and the rate of pay is good. The only downside is that the number of hours isn't particularly high, which means that I don't get that nice pay rate for the number of hours that I'd like. I am actually working as much as I can at the school, in light of its hours of operation, so it's not possible to obtain more hours there.
In December, like many other people around the world, I celebrated the feast day of St. Santa. Some people would call this 'Christmas' but the festival on the 25th of December has about as much relevance to Christianity as Easter. I celebrated in the usual way by worshipping pagan idols (the tree, Santa, etc) and eating yummy food.
The last day of 2006 saw me at a party at Ben's house. It was originally planned for Rowan's house but was moved. It was a good party, and a worth way to welcome the, as mentioned above, completely arbitrary start to 2007.
Now, have any of you bothered to read this far?
Well, now for the second part of this entry, which could be quite long and wordy, depending on how I feel as I type.
The year in review:
I was in Gliwice, Poland for New Year's Day last year, with a lot of snow and it was very cold. The snow fell in huge amounts for a couple of days either side of the 1st of January, which was a complete change from the New Years that I'd had previously. I'm not normally a fan of fireworks, believing that, for the most part, if you've seen one, you've seen them all, but they were quite pretty in Poland because of the contrast between the bright fireworks and the drab gray of the buildings and sky at that time of year. I didn't travel much in the early part of the year in Poland, as I was saving money and also working long hours in split shifts, which are a real pain in the arse. My only foray into other places was to a town called Bielsko-Biała, where I visited Nicola for a few days.
In March, I left Poland and flew to France where I went to Paris, Lyon, Grenoble and Marseilles. While there, I visited Julien, Amelie and Thomas, three former exchange students. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in France to the point of vowing to return one day for a longer term stay.
I returned to Australia at the end of March (actually on my mother's birthday) and I've been here since then. I haven't travelled much since my return, with Noosa and Banora Point being the furthest towns north and south of Brisbane to be graced by my presence. This lack of travel is something that I plan to remedy in 2007.
In April, Angie and Michael got married (to each other) but haven't yet produced any spawn. They have purchased a house, which means they have a mortgage. The first four letters of that word, mort, mean dead in French. This is appropriate because, with current property prices and interest rates, most people will be "mort" before their mortgage. With any luck, and some sensible budgetting, this fate might not befall the couple who, until they read those last two sentences, were probably quite happy.
Pepsi had a birthday in June, which is an annual event for her.
In late July, or perhaps early August, I started work at Global Village Brisbane, an English language school for foreign students. I enjoy the work, I like most of the students (there will always be a handful at any school who are little shits), and the rate of pay is good. The only downside is that the number of hours isn't particularly high, which means that I don't get that nice pay rate for the number of hours that I'd like. I am actually working as much as I can at the school, in light of its hours of operation, so it's not possible to obtain more hours there.
In December, like many other people around the world, I celebrated the feast day of St. Santa. Some people would call this 'Christmas' but the festival on the 25th of December has about as much relevance to Christianity as Easter. I celebrated in the usual way by worshipping pagan idols (the tree, Santa, etc) and eating yummy food.
The last day of 2006 saw me at a party at Ben's house. It was originally planned for Rowan's house but was moved. It was a good party, and a worth way to welcome the, as mentioned above, completely arbitrary start to 2007.
Now, have any of you bothered to read this far?
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