If you're in a position to choose your own seats next time you fly, SeatGuru looks like a great site. Gives you impartial reviews of each seat on a variety of aeroplanes and airlines.
Don't know whether I've recommended TheatreMonkey before, but it's a similar site, but this time for London theatres and concert venues. I always look there before I book any tickets!
Friday, November 26, 2004
party week
As part of party week next week, I'm off to the IM2004 Awards Dinner at the Grosvenor. Promises to be a very glamorous evening with entertainment from consumate entertainer Barry Cryer and dancing to 'The Spotlights'. I'm especially excited about the prospect of Amaretto panacotta - two of my favourite edible items in one! Ernst & Young are finalists in three sections, the Knowledge Management Project Award, the Intranet Project Award and the Premier Project Award.
I'm also off to the City Information Group Christmas Party at One Whitehall Place which will be held in the Gladstone Library - quite appropriate for a group of what are, essentially, librarians!
I'm also off to the City Information Group Christmas Party at One Whitehall Place which will be held in the Gladstone Library - quite appropriate for a group of what are, essentially, librarians!
Thursday, November 25, 2004
not the rice
Loved this drawing of Tilda Swinton at the Modern Women exhibition at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery at the weekend.
We also visited the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, and I went through the Ed Ruscha exhibition - hadn't heard of him before, but I thought it was very interesting! They'd called the exhibition Ed In Burgh - ha ha!
We also visited the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, and I went through the Ed Ruscha exhibition - hadn't heard of him before, but I thought it was very interesting! They'd called the exhibition Ed In Burgh - ha ha!
Monday, November 22, 2004
worldly... but not that technical
So I can't get the map thing to work. Oh well. It looks quite impressive, what with Russia and Canada filled in. But I've still only seen 14% of the countries in the world, so it looks like I'll be travelling for quite some time yet...
worldly
Saturday, November 20, 2004
celebrations!
Up in Scotland at the moment for Steve and Aoife's wedding. I travelled up to Edinburgh on the train on Thursday with Lisa and her other brothers Andrew and Tim who are over here for the wedding. The wedding was held Perthshire, near Scone and we were staying at the lovely Murrayshall Hotel, where the reception was held.
The actual ceremony was held at St Stephen's, Blairgowrie. It was a full Catholic service but very moving with lots of mentions of Val and Eileen, Steve's parents. We were bussed there and back through lovely Scottish countryside. The wedding breakfast was absolutely gorgeous with pate, courgette soup, beef and sticky toffee pudding. Each of the tables was named after a different NZ wine (we were Forest Hill) and there was a bottle of the appropriate wine on the table for us to drink. Favours were little bottles of Lindauer!
After the meal, we danced the night away to a ceilidh band - I managed not to fall over in my new heels which was a miracle! The Kiwi boys even did a haka to round the evening off - Tim was really the only one who new what he was doing but it was very impressive!
The actual ceremony was held at St Stephen's, Blairgowrie. It was a full Catholic service but very moving with lots of mentions of Val and Eileen, Steve's parents. We were bussed there and back through lovely Scottish countryside. The wedding breakfast was absolutely gorgeous with pate, courgette soup, beef and sticky toffee pudding. Each of the tables was named after a different NZ wine (we were Forest Hill) and there was a bottle of the appropriate wine on the table for us to drink. Favours were little bottles of Lindauer!
After the meal, we danced the night away to a ceilidh band - I managed not to fall over in my new heels which was a miracle! The Kiwi boys even did a haka to round the evening off - Tim was really the only one who new what he was doing but it was very impressive!
Monday, November 15, 2004
curly reunion!
Had a great time catching up with Sue, who was in London over the weekend. Dragged her round to buy shoes on Saturday after lunch at the Aveda cafe.
We then met up with Kt, Lisa and St John for the Lord Mayor's show fireworks. We walked through the City, past the recently completed Paternoster Square surrounding St Paul's to Farringdon. Had drinks at the Slaughtered Lamb (this is near Smithfield hence the name) and Cicada before going next door to The Real Greek, a souvlaki restaurant. It was just lovely to all catch up together - quite rare to all be in the same place. Hopefully this link will go through to photos at some stage when they're posted.
After dinner, we cabbed down to holborn where my workmate Owen was having 30th birthday drinks at the Old Crown. We gave him some lovely mother of pearl cuff links from thomas pink and nicola gave him a shrek cake (not a comment on his looks!).
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
spotted!
Attending my second Rufus Wainwright concert in as many weeks last night, I picked up a flier advertising Lulu's Christmas concerts and showing her in all her botoxed glory for Simon and I to chuckle over. We were discussing whether or not she had cheek implants, when we looked up and saw Lulu, in the flesh, standing about 3 metres away from us. Bizarre coincidence!
PS and we saw a v drunk Beth Orton as well!
PS and we saw a v drunk Beth Orton as well!
little emperors
Interesting series of articles in the Guardian's G2 section this week on China - I especially enjoyed the article about the 'little emperors', China's generation of only children. Very strange to think that soon, there will be no aunts, uncles or cousins!!
Friday, October 29, 2004
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
site of the day
After I read this article in the Guardian today, I was intrigued by the sound of the Wikipedia and went and checked it out. It's an enormous encyclopedia that is populated by readers and linked up to other entries. I've really only dipped in yet but already through the random entry link I've learnt about George Thorogood's 50 states in 50 days tour and the guy who designed the IBM logo.
Monday, October 25, 2004
sunday lunch
Nice lunch yesterday at the Swimmer at the Grafton Arms near Holloway Rd with Lisa, Jon, Charlotte and Colin. Charlotte was brave and sampled the kangaroo and mushroom pie, which she approved of. Other food was nice and the pub has a good wine selection and an excellent selection of Czech beers (if you like that kind of thing)
Friday, October 22, 2004
Page one girl
Mum made the front page of the Timaru Herald today, talking about the abuse of the elderly in South Canterbury. Sadly the photo did not make the electronic version, but here's the article
ABUSE OF ELDERLY IN SC ON RISE
229 words
22 October 2004
Timaru Herald
English(c) 2004.
The Timaru Herald, INL
Abuse of South Canterbury's elderly is increasing, according to Presbyterian Support's annual report.
Presbyterian Support family care manager Sue Thompson said the issue was not a new one.
She said the service dealt with about 30 cases of elder abuse every year.
"It's less physical abuse and more financial or psychological -- and often involves family members."
Mrs Thompson said over the past year Presbyterian Support had been doing a lot of promotion to the community and educating staff in rest homes.
She said that also included working more in rural areas.
"It's about letting the elderly know where they can go for help," she said.
Age Concern spokesperson Ailsa Bailey said while there had been an increasing number of reports over the year there were still "a lot more cases under the surface".
"People living alone are very reluctant to talk about it to anyone. The problem is not going away and people need to be encouraged to seek help."
Mrs Bailey said many older people did not want their business to become gossip.
"Old people become very frightened and believe one person's pain is another person's gossip.
"The fact that they may be talked about by others while sitting around having a cup of tea is what they fear more than anything."
CAPTION:
Sue Thompson
ABUSE OF ELDERLY IN SC ON RISE
229 words
22 October 2004
Timaru Herald
English(c) 2004.
The Timaru Herald, INL
Abuse of South Canterbury's elderly is increasing, according to Presbyterian Support's annual report.
Presbyterian Support family care manager Sue Thompson said the issue was not a new one.
She said the service dealt with about 30 cases of elder abuse every year.
"It's less physical abuse and more financial or psychological -- and often involves family members."
Mrs Thompson said over the past year Presbyterian Support had been doing a lot of promotion to the community and educating staff in rest homes.
She said that also included working more in rural areas.
"It's about letting the elderly know where they can go for help," she said.
Age Concern spokesperson Ailsa Bailey said while there had been an increasing number of reports over the year there were still "a lot more cases under the surface".
"People living alone are very reluctant to talk about it to anyone. The problem is not going away and people need to be encouraged to seek help."
Mrs Bailey said many older people did not want their business to become gossip.
"Old people become very frightened and believe one person's pain is another person's gossip.
"The fact that they may be talked about by others while sitting around having a cup of tea is what they fear more than anything."
CAPTION:
Sue Thompson
commuting man
Congratulations to Andrew who's got a job at OAG, the flight-finding website. I'm personally going to be lobbying him to make this site free of charge again as it was a very useful tool - you could find out which airlines provided flights between any two destinations.
Unfortunately Andrew has to commute to Dunstable (near Luton) every day which is a bit of a long commute!
Unfortunately Andrew has to commute to Dunstable (near Luton) every day which is a bit of a long commute!
Monday, October 18, 2004
Croatia - the final days
An update on our last couple of days in Croatia.
We travelled out to Korcula on one of the regular ferries - it was a bit rainy when we left but, as with the trip to Cavtat, it was quite a bit stormier when we were out at sea! The ferry did quite a bit of rolling around. At one stage we looked over and the poor woman who threw up on our Cavtat trip was sitting near us, again looking a bit green and no doubt unhappy with her husband for making her go on a boat again! The weather did clear up about an hour out of Korcula and we had a lovely view of the city, which again is a walled medieval town on a prominent spit of land.
After landing, we organised some accomodation at a private house in the old town. Quite a bit cheaper than in Dubrovnik but a very basic room. It did have a TV though so we were able to watch Croatian Big Brother. Sadly we were not able to find a bar with satellite TV during our trip so couldn't watch the programme that Simon produces, MTV Wishlist.
Had some lunch at Pizzeria Amphora in the old town and went for a wander around the streets. Korcula Town has very similar architecture to Dubrovnik, but everything seemed to be shut for the afternoon siesta which was a shame as it was quite rainy! Later on the afternoon we caught some much needed sun and chatted to an American guy in a local bar. He recommended a bar called Massimo which has taken over one of the old towers in the city wall. We climbed up to the top, about three levels up included a narrow ladder, and had a beer. The waitress, Ivana, took our orders and a pulley system delivered the drinks to the top of the bar. Very nifty! We ate out at a BBQ like place called Adio Mare and met some Melbournians.
Thankfully the next day was a little sunnier. After visiting the local Konzum supermarket for breakfast items, we went to catch the 12.00 bus to Lumbarda but decided to wait for an hour as school was out for the day and it was an absolute scrum to get on the bus! We had a couple of hours sitting on the beach, watching the learner windsurfers before we came back to Korcula town.
After cocktails at Massimo again, we went to the Marco Polo restaurant for dinner. Marco Polo is allegedly originally from Korcula so he gets loads of namechecks. A fantastic last dinner!
We had to catch the 6.30 AM bus back to Dubrovnik the next morning - the bus left Korcula town and then went on a small ferry to Orebic on the mainland. It was a bit of a windy, if spectacular ride - poor Li-Ann was left feeling a little queasy!
Once we arrived in Dubrovnik again, we decided to visit the Aquarium which was OK. Sadly none of the advertised sea horses were in evidence and there were loads of slimy eels, but we did see a turtle, sadly swimming around in its tank. Had a lovely lunch at Lokanda, our favourite lunch and convinced some timid Americans to try the delicious cuttlefish risotto, the calamari and the small fish!
Hopefully I'll have a link to our photos to post up here soon.
We travelled out to Korcula on one of the regular ferries - it was a bit rainy when we left but, as with the trip to Cavtat, it was quite a bit stormier when we were out at sea! The ferry did quite a bit of rolling around. At one stage we looked over and the poor woman who threw up on our Cavtat trip was sitting near us, again looking a bit green and no doubt unhappy with her husband for making her go on a boat again! The weather did clear up about an hour out of Korcula and we had a lovely view of the city, which again is a walled medieval town on a prominent spit of land.
After landing, we organised some accomodation at a private house in the old town. Quite a bit cheaper than in Dubrovnik but a very basic room. It did have a TV though so we were able to watch Croatian Big Brother. Sadly we were not able to find a bar with satellite TV during our trip so couldn't watch the programme that Simon produces, MTV Wishlist.
Had some lunch at Pizzeria Amphora in the old town and went for a wander around the streets. Korcula Town has very similar architecture to Dubrovnik, but everything seemed to be shut for the afternoon siesta which was a shame as it was quite rainy! Later on the afternoon we caught some much needed sun and chatted to an American guy in a local bar. He recommended a bar called Massimo which has taken over one of the old towers in the city wall. We climbed up to the top, about three levels up included a narrow ladder, and had a beer. The waitress, Ivana, took our orders and a pulley system delivered the drinks to the top of the bar. Very nifty! We ate out at a BBQ like place called Adio Mare and met some Melbournians.
Thankfully the next day was a little sunnier. After visiting the local Konzum supermarket for breakfast items, we went to catch the 12.00 bus to Lumbarda but decided to wait for an hour as school was out for the day and it was an absolute scrum to get on the bus! We had a couple of hours sitting on the beach, watching the learner windsurfers before we came back to Korcula town.
After cocktails at Massimo again, we went to the Marco Polo restaurant for dinner. Marco Polo is allegedly originally from Korcula so he gets loads of namechecks. A fantastic last dinner!
We had to catch the 6.30 AM bus back to Dubrovnik the next morning - the bus left Korcula town and then went on a small ferry to Orebic on the mainland. It was a bit of a windy, if spectacular ride - poor Li-Ann was left feeling a little queasy!
Once we arrived in Dubrovnik again, we decided to visit the Aquarium which was OK. Sadly none of the advertised sea horses were in evidence and there were loads of slimy eels, but we did see a turtle, sadly swimming around in its tank. Had a lovely lunch at Lokanda, our favourite lunch and convinced some timid Americans to try the delicious cuttlefish risotto, the calamari and the small fish!
Hopefully I'll have a link to our photos to post up here soon.
swing voters
I read in the Guardian about the Clark County project, an opportunity for Guardian readers to try and influence some voters in a swing county in Ohio. The idea is that you sign up, the Guardian sends you the email address of a voter in Clark County and you send them a message urging them to vote.
Unfortunately, this hasn't gone down very well with many of the recipients of the emails - I read a few of the responses today and was a bit surprised at the vehemence of the reaction! Guess people just don't like being told what to do!
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Return to Croatia
Currently on leg two of my Croatia trip. The original plan was to have two weeks here in September. However, due to Li-Ann's availability, we decided to have a week here in October, this time focusing on Dubrovnik.
We've been here since Saturday and it's been very enjoyable. The most different thing is the weather! Although a month ago it was glorious, very sunny and we were able to swim every day, this time it's about ten degrees colder and has rained nearly every day! Oh well...
We are staying in a private room right in the middle of the Old Town here in Dubrovnik. The house we're in has the only private courtyard in the old town and we have a kitchen at our disposal and TV! So it's all very handy. The decor seems to be stuck in the 70s but never mind!!
We've eaten out at lots of great places - lots of seafood to eat. At our favourite place, Lokanda, which is right by the old port, we had cuttlefish risotto, mussels and small fried fish. Fried calamari is also a favourite and we've had some nice wine and local beer.
We walked around the infamous city walls on Sunday afternoon which took us an hour or so - surprisingly our legs were still operational the next day! It was a fantastic walk, amazing views over the city and we were so impressed at the way the fortifications are still so intact.
Very little damage is still in evidence from the war in 1991 - 1992. We've seen a couple of places still with damaged roofs but that's it. Very impressive reconstruction, especially after we've seen some photos of the damage. The war isn't really mentioned though. I would imagine people are sick of talking about it.
Lots and lots of tourists here. It must be hell in July and August the peak season. Even in October it's pretty full on. Lots of people are either staying at the big hotels out of town or on the enormous cruise ships that are moored in Gruz, the new port nearby. They get bussed in during the day which does mean that the evenings are a little quieter.
Yesterday we did a day trip to Montenegro, which is the next country down the coastline from Croatia, and also a part of the former Yugoslavia. It was very different from Croatia, it seemed a lot poorer and less Westernised. Much more reminiscent of Russia. We visited a few towns and the former palace, but the real highlight was driving up the 'Serpent' road which gave great views over the bays on the coastline of Montenegro. We ended the day at Budva which is a seaside town and probably very nice during the summer! It was a bit desolate when we were there!
Today we caught a boat to the village of Cavtat, about an hour away. Because the weather was a little rainy and windy, the trip out was a bit miserable! Even though there was a cover on the boat, we still got wet and one poor woman even threw up! It got a bit brighter when we finally got there and we had a nice wander around the streets.
Tomorrow we're off to Korcula for a couple of days before we head back to Dubrovnik on saturdaz morning and fly back to London.
We've been here since Saturday and it's been very enjoyable. The most different thing is the weather! Although a month ago it was glorious, very sunny and we were able to swim every day, this time it's about ten degrees colder and has rained nearly every day! Oh well...
We are staying in a private room right in the middle of the Old Town here in Dubrovnik. The house we're in has the only private courtyard in the old town and we have a kitchen at our disposal and TV! So it's all very handy. The decor seems to be stuck in the 70s but never mind!!
We've eaten out at lots of great places - lots of seafood to eat. At our favourite place, Lokanda, which is right by the old port, we had cuttlefish risotto, mussels and small fried fish. Fried calamari is also a favourite and we've had some nice wine and local beer.
We walked around the infamous city walls on Sunday afternoon which took us an hour or so - surprisingly our legs were still operational the next day! It was a fantastic walk, amazing views over the city and we were so impressed at the way the fortifications are still so intact.
Very little damage is still in evidence from the war in 1991 - 1992. We've seen a couple of places still with damaged roofs but that's it. Very impressive reconstruction, especially after we've seen some photos of the damage. The war isn't really mentioned though. I would imagine people are sick of talking about it.
Lots and lots of tourists here. It must be hell in July and August the peak season. Even in October it's pretty full on. Lots of people are either staying at the big hotels out of town or on the enormous cruise ships that are moored in Gruz, the new port nearby. They get bussed in during the day which does mean that the evenings are a little quieter.
Yesterday we did a day trip to Montenegro, which is the next country down the coastline from Croatia, and also a part of the former Yugoslavia. It was very different from Croatia, it seemed a lot poorer and less Westernised. Much more reminiscent of Russia. We visited a few towns and the former palace, but the real highlight was driving up the 'Serpent' road which gave great views over the bays on the coastline of Montenegro. We ended the day at Budva which is a seaside town and probably very nice during the summer! It was a bit desolate when we were there!
Today we caught a boat to the village of Cavtat, about an hour away. Because the weather was a little rainy and windy, the trip out was a bit miserable! Even though there was a cover on the boat, we still got wet and one poor woman even threw up! It got a bit brighter when we finally got there and we had a nice wander around the streets.
Tomorrow we're off to Korcula for a couple of days before we head back to Dubrovnik on saturdaz morning and fly back to London.
Thursday, September 16, 2004
Saturday, September 11, 2004
Croatia Day Eight
Last full day in Croatia today - I am leaving the country tomorrow sadly. Tried to have a bit of a sleep in but unfortunately the room I am staying in is right above the kitchen and so I was awoken by the sound of breakfast being prepared. Oh well.
Went for a walk around the cliffs to the south of Hvar after breakfast - lots of houses with fabulous views and apartments to rent. Prime jogging spot as well although I was not indulging in that activity! Some fabulous views out to sea and to the islands and a strange circular rock island with a lighthouse on top.
Back in town, I visited the church near the hotel and also the art gallery in town. A large clipper was visiting Hvar for the day and it sat offshore all day, discharging its cargo of elderly American tourists from a little shuttle boat. Visited a few of the jewellery shops in town - coral is very popular here, as well as a bit of turquoise and mother of pearl.
Wandered the other way around the cliffs and sat on the beach until sunset, swimming, sunning and reading the Carol Shields book Duet (it is a republication of The Box Garden and Small Ceremonies - very enjoyable!)
Went for a walk around the cliffs to the south of Hvar after breakfast - lots of houses with fabulous views and apartments to rent. Prime jogging spot as well although I was not indulging in that activity! Some fabulous views out to sea and to the islands and a strange circular rock island with a lighthouse on top.
Back in town, I visited the church near the hotel and also the art gallery in town. A large clipper was visiting Hvar for the day and it sat offshore all day, discharging its cargo of elderly American tourists from a little shuttle boat. Visited a few of the jewellery shops in town - coral is very popular here, as well as a bit of turquoise and mother of pearl.
Wandered the other way around the cliffs and sat on the beach until sunset, swimming, sunning and reading the Carol Shields book Duet (it is a republication of The Box Garden and Small Ceremonies - very enjoyable!)
Friday, September 10, 2004
croatia day seven
Today I went on an excursion to the island of Brač, about forty minutes
hydrofoil ride away from Hvar. The trip was organised through one of the
travel agencies in Hvar and thankfully did not include a guide or an ominous
"fish picnic" (which may actually have been quite nice).
We travelled to Bol on the south side of island. Bol is chiefly famous for
the Zlatni Rat beach which is about 2km from the town and is a tongue-like
beach that juts out from the shore. The beach changes on a daily basis
according to the tides, wind etc. This is all of course a gradual process
and I didn"t have to change where I was sitting! Didn"t do an awful lot all
day, mainly just sat on the beach and read. The water was lovely and clear
but did feel slightly cooler than on Hvar.
Had a quick look around town while waiting for my hydrofoil to leave, but it
is pretty quiet and not so stunning as Hvar Town.
This evening, I"ve popped down and had a look at the Miss Croatia contest
but unfortunately they all look the same. The TV show has made the square
look gorgeous though!
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hydrofoil ride away from Hvar. The trip was organised through one of the
travel agencies in Hvar and thankfully did not include a guide or an ominous
"fish picnic" (which may actually have been quite nice).
We travelled to Bol on the south side of island. Bol is chiefly famous for
the Zlatni Rat beach which is about 2km from the town and is a tongue-like
beach that juts out from the shore. The beach changes on a daily basis
according to the tides, wind etc. This is all of course a gradual process
and I didn"t have to change where I was sitting! Didn"t do an awful lot all
day, mainly just sat on the beach and read. The water was lovely and clear
but did feel slightly cooler than on Hvar.
Had a quick look around town while waiting for my hydrofoil to leave, but it
is pretty quiet and not so stunning as Hvar Town.
This evening, I"ve popped down and had a look at the Miss Croatia contest
but unfortunately they all look the same. The TV show has made the square
look gorgeous though!
_________________________________________________________________
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Thursday, September 09, 2004
Comments
There is apparently something wrong with the commenting function - will try and sort this out at some stage when I am not paying for the time - sorry guys!
Croatia Day six
Nice relaxing day today - no boats sadly for the first time this trip!
Went for a wander around the town this morning checking out day trips. I was planning to go to Brač and stay in Bol for the last two nights but instead I will just do a day trip there tomorrow and then catch the catamaran to Split early on Sunday morning. There are lots of different companies offering boats - some ferries, some hydrofoil, some catamaran. Unfortunately you have to look in different places to find details! Confusing! Never mind, I think I have everything figured out now.
Spent a bit of time on the beach near the hotel this morning. Lots of leathery people out sunbathing - canćt remember whether I have mentioned this before but I have seen loads of people just applying oil rather than sunblock - scary!
I was relatively sensible and covered up when necessary! Spent most of the day there and then went to the Spanjol Fortress which perches above Hvar Town in the afternoon. Amazing views over Hvar and out the islands. It was worth the long trek up there!
Saw Sara off to the catamaran to Korčula where she is staying next - she is in Croatia for a few more days than me so she is going to Dubrovnik as well.
Miss Croatia / Dalmatia is on here tomorrow night - we have seen a few of the contestants parading around town in high heels. They are all very skinny and groomed. Two Aussie boys nearly fell in to the harbour in their eagerness to get a photo!
Amazing amount of Kiwis and Aussies here as well - as Sara said, you may as well be drinking on the Strip in Christchurch!
Went for a wander around the town this morning checking out day trips. I was planning to go to Brač and stay in Bol for the last two nights but instead I will just do a day trip there tomorrow and then catch the catamaran to Split early on Sunday morning. There are lots of different companies offering boats - some ferries, some hydrofoil, some catamaran. Unfortunately you have to look in different places to find details! Confusing! Never mind, I think I have everything figured out now.
Spent a bit of time on the beach near the hotel this morning. Lots of leathery people out sunbathing - canćt remember whether I have mentioned this before but I have seen loads of people just applying oil rather than sunblock - scary!
I was relatively sensible and covered up when necessary! Spent most of the day there and then went to the Spanjol Fortress which perches above Hvar Town in the afternoon. Amazing views over Hvar and out the islands. It was worth the long trek up there!
Saw Sara off to the catamaran to Korčula where she is staying next - she is in Croatia for a few more days than me so she is going to Dubrovnik as well.
Miss Croatia / Dalmatia is on here tomorrow night - we have seen a few of the contestants parading around town in high heels. They are all very skinny and groomed. Two Aussie boys nearly fell in to the harbour in their eagerness to get a photo!
Amazing amount of Kiwis and Aussies here as well - as Sara said, you may as well be drinking on the Strip in Christchurch!
Croatia Day Five
Suprisingly didnćt feel too seedy this morning. Made it up for breakfast which is more than can be said for the others.
Sara had kept in contact with James who was meant to be going on a day trip to Vis and the Blue Grotto which actually got called off because of lack of interest. So we decided that we would hire a boat and travel round to the group of islands which lie south of Hvar - the Pakleni islands. Cost of a little four person boat for the day (I think it was 6 horse power) was 350 kuna.
We had a brilliant day! First of all we travelled over to Palmizana, the main area on the island. Did some swimming and then had a great lunch at the restaurant, marred only by an infestation of wasps! We had many trials and errors on the boat, including having problems tying knots and accidentally untying other boats, having the shade come off and fall into the sea and having to turn back when the sea got a little rough. But we also saw donkeys, goats and lots of naked Germans! Stopped off to visit the chapel of St Klement which was a lovely stone church on the top of a hill. The walk up had loads and loads of cacti lining the path - have never seen so many in my life. Not sure whether they are being farmed a la the tequila place that Angus used to work on.
After a stone skimming competition on a beach (I was a distant fourth) we travelled back to Hvar Town. Met up for drinks at Carpe Diem, the cool bar in town and then headed off for dinner at a lovely place in an alley way. Had some great grilled chicken and spent quite a bit of time talking to the Croatian owner and his son who also worked there. The son, who is 15, starts school at 7.30 and has swimming and diving lessons in the sea!
Sara had kept in contact with James who was meant to be going on a day trip to Vis and the Blue Grotto which actually got called off because of lack of interest. So we decided that we would hire a boat and travel round to the group of islands which lie south of Hvar - the Pakleni islands. Cost of a little four person boat for the day (I think it was 6 horse power) was 350 kuna.
We had a brilliant day! First of all we travelled over to Palmizana, the main area on the island. Did some swimming and then had a great lunch at the restaurant, marred only by an infestation of wasps! We had many trials and errors on the boat, including having problems tying knots and accidentally untying other boats, having the shade come off and fall into the sea and having to turn back when the sea got a little rough. But we also saw donkeys, goats and lots of naked Germans! Stopped off to visit the chapel of St Klement which was a lovely stone church on the top of a hill. The walk up had loads and loads of cacti lining the path - have never seen so many in my life. Not sure whether they are being farmed a la the tequila place that Angus used to work on.
After a stone skimming competition on a beach (I was a distant fourth) we travelled back to Hvar Town. Met up for drinks at Carpe Diem, the cool bar in town and then headed off for dinner at a lovely place in an alley way. Had some great grilled chicken and spent quite a bit of time talking to the Croatian owner and his son who also worked there. The son, who is 15, starts school at 7.30 and has swimming and diving lessons in the sea!
Croatia Day Four
After loading up on the included breakfast at the hotel, I went for a swim, then packed before catching the 1230 ferry back to Split. It was a great trip, really sunny the whole way. So I had a lovely time sitting the sun, reading, listening to my iPod and watching the ocean go by.
Got into Split OK, then booked my ticket for the 1600 catamaran to Jelsa on Hvar. After a drink and a pastry and a bit of a postcard writing I boarded the cat. It was very comfortable and fast, but I still missed sitting outside! This was more like being on an aeroplane. After talking to a couple of Irish girls on the ferry, I realised that perhaps the bus from Jelsa over to Hvar town might be a little busy so I made sure I legged it to the bus station.
Bus ride took us over some spectacular hills and Sara met me at the bus station. She'd booked me a room at the Dalmacia Hotel which is very central, so I'm staying there for the next couple of nights. Hvar town is lovely - quite considerably more lively than Vis town, but very marbled and Italianate again. It is absolutely teeming with people and yachts. One yacht that we saw looked so luxurious! It was registered in the Cayman Islands and had a security guard standing on the quayside. The rumour around town is that Tom Cruise, fresh from attending the Venice film festival, was here a couple of days ago in a four story yacht! Wouldn't be surprised but not really the way to do an inconito holiday at all!
After freshening up, we headed out to meet James, an Australian guy Sara had met earlier and two Swedish people he'd met, John and Michaela. We had a few drinks at a bar in town, then headed to a local restaurant where I had some scampi - had no idea they looked kind of like prawns when in their shells! I will never look at scampi and chips the same way again! A neighbour from the restaurant, Will, came and joined us for a board game of Learn About Croatia. We couldn't understand the rules at all so just made up stories about different places we'd never been to. It ended up being quite a late night...
Got into Split OK, then booked my ticket for the 1600 catamaran to Jelsa on Hvar. After a drink and a pastry and a bit of a postcard writing I boarded the cat. It was very comfortable and fast, but I still missed sitting outside! This was more like being on an aeroplane. After talking to a couple of Irish girls on the ferry, I realised that perhaps the bus from Jelsa over to Hvar town might be a little busy so I made sure I legged it to the bus station.
Bus ride took us over some spectacular hills and Sara met me at the bus station. She'd booked me a room at the Dalmacia Hotel which is very central, so I'm staying there for the next couple of nights. Hvar town is lovely - quite considerably more lively than Vis town, but very marbled and Italianate again. It is absolutely teeming with people and yachts. One yacht that we saw looked so luxurious! It was registered in the Cayman Islands and had a security guard standing on the quayside. The rumour around town is that Tom Cruise, fresh from attending the Venice film festival, was here a couple of days ago in a four story yacht! Wouldn't be surprised but not really the way to do an inconito holiday at all!
After freshening up, we headed out to meet James, an Australian guy Sara had met earlier and two Swedish people he'd met, John and Michaela. We had a few drinks at a bar in town, then headed to a local restaurant where I had some scampi - had no idea they looked kind of like prawns when in their shells! I will never look at scampi and chips the same way again! A neighbour from the restaurant, Will, came and joined us for a board game of Learn About Croatia. We couldn't understand the rules at all so just made up stories about different places we'd never been to. It ended up being quite a late night...
difficulties
Difficulties at the internet place in Hvar town has meant a delay in updating the blog - I am back again in a different cafe now so hopefully this will work!
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
Croatia Day 4
After loading up on the included breakfast at the hotel, I went for a swim, then packed before catching the 1230 ferry back to Split. It was a great trip, really sunny the whole way. So I had a lovely time sitting the sun, reading, listening to my iPod and watching the ocean go by.
Got into Split OK, then booked my ticket for the 1600 catamaran to Jelsa on Hvar. After a drink and a pastry and a bit of a postcard writing I boarded the cat. It was very comfortable and fast, but I still missed sitting outside! This was more like being on an aeroplane. After talking to a couple of Irish girls on the ferry, I realised that perhaps the bus from Jelsa over to Hvar town might be a little busy so I made sure I legged it to the bus station. Bus ride took us over some spectacular hills and Sara met me at the bus station. She'd booked me a room at the Dalmacia Hotel which is very central, so I'm staying there for the next couple of nights.
Hvar town is lovely - quite considerably more lively than Vis town, but very marbled and Italianate again. It is absolutely teeming with people and yachts. One yacht that we saw looked so luxurious! It was registered in the Cayman Islands and had a security guard standing on the quayside. The rumour around town is that Tom Cruise, fresh from attending the Venice film festival, was here a couple of days ago in a four story yacht! Wouldn't be surprised but not really the way to do an inconito holiday at all!
After freshening up, we headed out to meet James, an Australian guy Sara had met earlier and two Swedish people he'd met, John and Michaela. We had a few drinks at a bar in town, then headed to a local restaurant where I had some scampi - had no idea they looked kind of like prawns when in their shells! I will never look at scampi and chips the same way again!
A neighbour from the restaurant, Will, came and joined us for a board game of Learn About Croatia. We couldn't understand the rules at all so just made up stories about different places we'd never been to.
It ended up being quite a late night...
Got into Split OK, then booked my ticket for the 1600 catamaran to Jelsa on Hvar. After a drink and a pastry and a bit of a postcard writing I boarded the cat. It was very comfortable and fast, but I still missed sitting outside! This was more like being on an aeroplane. After talking to a couple of Irish girls on the ferry, I realised that perhaps the bus from Jelsa over to Hvar town might be a little busy so I made sure I legged it to the bus station. Bus ride took us over some spectacular hills and Sara met me at the bus station. She'd booked me a room at the Dalmacia Hotel which is very central, so I'm staying there for the next couple of nights.
Hvar town is lovely - quite considerably more lively than Vis town, but very marbled and Italianate again. It is absolutely teeming with people and yachts. One yacht that we saw looked so luxurious! It was registered in the Cayman Islands and had a security guard standing on the quayside. The rumour around town is that Tom Cruise, fresh from attending the Venice film festival, was here a couple of days ago in a four story yacht! Wouldn't be surprised but not really the way to do an inconito holiday at all!
After freshening up, we headed out to meet James, an Australian guy Sara had met earlier and two Swedish people he'd met, John and Michaela. We had a few drinks at a bar in town, then headed to a local restaurant where I had some scampi - had no idea they looked kind of like prawns when in their shells! I will never look at scampi and chips the same way again!
A neighbour from the restaurant, Will, came and joined us for a board game of Learn About Croatia. We couldn't understand the rules at all so just made up stories about different places we'd never been to.
It ended up being quite a late night...
Monday, September 06, 2004
Croatia - day three
Had planned a dive day today so was at the Dodoro Dive Centre in Vis for the 10am trip. There were two Croatian dive masters, two Slovenian guys, one German guy and me. We travelled out to the site of the Teti, an Italian merchant ship and dived there. I was feeling quite confident about it all but as soon as I was in the water I felt very unconfident and uncalm! Not good for diving. Managed to lose a flipper and get my mask all tangled up! Kind of got the hang of it once we were descending by the rope but still really didn't feel like I was enjoying it very much. We ended up descending to about 30 minutes, saw a huge eel and some little fish. But I felt very unco-ordinated and ascended a bit faster than I should have - partly because I didn't have enough weights I reckon.
The boat ride out to the dive site was lovely - fantastic scenery! Could also see quite a few old military bunkers cut into the hillside.
Spent the afternoon on the beach reading and this evening walked right round to the other side of Vis town - it's a huge harbour. The other side is more picturesque but has loads of expensive restaurants and gift shops, catering for the wealthy yachties who are moored here at the moment.
Da Vinci Code count - one guy on the beach reading it. I'm about 2/3 of way through it now! A quick read.
The boat ride out to the dive site was lovely - fantastic scenery! Could also see quite a few old military bunkers cut into the hillside.
Spent the afternoon on the beach reading and this evening walked right round to the other side of Vis town - it's a huge harbour. The other side is more picturesque but has loads of expensive restaurants and gift shops, catering for the wealthy yachties who are moored here at the moment.
Da Vinci Code count - one guy on the beach reading it. I'm about 2/3 of way through it now! A quick read.
Sunday, September 05, 2004
hotmail!
So I've reactivated mhairi_thompson@hotmail.com if anyone did want to email me. Unfortunately if your name's not on the door, you're not getting in - ie if you're not in my address book, I can't receive emails from you (hotmail security setting). But I think most of you are there. And of course phone is working so you can text if you want.
hound dog
Lots of good stuff on McSweeneys at the moment including this letter to Elvis Presley from his Hound Dog
Croatia - Day Two
Got up in early in time to catch the bus to town to be on the 9am ferry from Split to Vis. Cost of one way trip (two hours) 36 kuna (about 3 pounds).
Bizarrely, when boarding the ferry, I bumped into a woman I knew from sight at work. Her name is Sara, she's originally from Christchurch and she's spending a couple of weeks travelling around Croatia. So it was brilliant to have a travelling companion for the day and we've planned to meet up in Hvar in a couple of days.
Ferry ride was lovely. It was a gloriously sunny day and we were able to sit out and watch the islands go by. The ferry wasn't that busy and we had our choice of where to sit. After disembarking at Vis, I dropped my stuff off at the Hotel Tamaris where I'm staying for a couple of nights - Sara had alreadz planned to head back to Split at the end of the day.
After a wander around town, we headed to the beach, where we spent most of the day. Water was lovely - amazingly clear which bodes well for diving tomorrow. Had some pizza for lunch and a 'Quattro' (four chocolate icecream) before heading back to the beach.
Sara headed back to Split on the 5pm ferry and I wandered around town before heading back to the hotel. Vis has a lovely laid back feeling. For years, this was apparently Tito's favourite island and it feels very untouched and isolated. Lots of stone buildings with terracotta roofs and a real Italian influence. There are also lots of yachts that have berthed this evening - a perfect way to see the islands!
Da Vinci Code information - Sara's also reading it, and spotted one man on ferry reading it.
Bizarrely, when boarding the ferry, I bumped into a woman I knew from sight at work. Her name is Sara, she's originally from Christchurch and she's spending a couple of weeks travelling around Croatia. So it was brilliant to have a travelling companion for the day and we've planned to meet up in Hvar in a couple of days.
Ferry ride was lovely. It was a gloriously sunny day and we were able to sit out and watch the islands go by. The ferry wasn't that busy and we had our choice of where to sit. After disembarking at Vis, I dropped my stuff off at the Hotel Tamaris where I'm staying for a couple of nights - Sara had alreadz planned to head back to Split at the end of the day.
After a wander around town, we headed to the beach, where we spent most of the day. Water was lovely - amazingly clear which bodes well for diving tomorrow. Had some pizza for lunch and a 'Quattro' (four chocolate icecream) before heading back to the beach.
Sara headed back to Split on the 5pm ferry and I wandered around town before heading back to the hotel. Vis has a lovely laid back feeling. For years, this was apparently Tito's favourite island and it feels very untouched and isolated. Lots of stone buildings with terracotta roofs and a real Italian influence. There are also lots of yachts that have berthed this evening - a perfect way to see the islands!
Da Vinci Code information - Sara's also reading it, and spotted one man on ferry reading it.
Croatia '- day one
Black Diamond goes international!
This is the first update from abroad. I am currently in Vis, Croatia on holiday. Finding it quite strange to get used to this keyboard - the Z and the y are transposed! Different language I guess!
Anyway, flew to Split yesterday morning on Hungarian Airlines via Budapest. Sadly didn't have a visit to Budapest scheduled, but would love to do so at some stage. Secured some accomodation at the bus stop with Nena (and no she didn't have 99 red balloons). Private accomodation is very popular in Croatia and often cheaper than staying in a budget hotel. Nena's place was ok - had to share a bathroom and the place was about 20 minutes walk from the centre, but it was ok for one night.
After dropping my stuff off, I went and had a beer at a harbourfront cafe and watched the world go by. The harbour is quite large with lots of ferries and boats coming and going, mainly travelling to the islands around Split and up and down the coast, but there are also boats that go to Ancona in Italy.
Walked around the Diocletian's Palace after it had got dark. I'll go back when I go back to Split, but it was interesting to see it all lit up.
After a meal at a harbourfront restaurant, I wandered back to the bus stop and successfully caught my bus home.
Da Vinci Code information: the man at Books Etc. said that they sold 200 copies last week but he's had to buy the audio book to listen to in the car because he has no time to read it.
This is the first update from abroad. I am currently in Vis, Croatia on holiday. Finding it quite strange to get used to this keyboard - the Z and the y are transposed! Different language I guess!
Anyway, flew to Split yesterday morning on Hungarian Airlines via Budapest. Sadly didn't have a visit to Budapest scheduled, but would love to do so at some stage. Secured some accomodation at the bus stop with Nena (and no she didn't have 99 red balloons). Private accomodation is very popular in Croatia and often cheaper than staying in a budget hotel. Nena's place was ok - had to share a bathroom and the place was about 20 minutes walk from the centre, but it was ok for one night.
After dropping my stuff off, I went and had a beer at a harbourfront cafe and watched the world go by. The harbour is quite large with lots of ferries and boats coming and going, mainly travelling to the islands around Split and up and down the coast, but there are also boats that go to Ancona in Italy.
Walked around the Diocletian's Palace after it had got dark. I'll go back when I go back to Split, but it was interesting to see it all lit up.
After a meal at a harbourfront restaurant, I wandered back to the bus stop and successfully caught my bus home.
Da Vinci Code information: the man at Books Etc. said that they sold 200 copies last week but he's had to buy the audio book to listen to in the car because he has no time to read it.
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
aussies!
We were in Taro eating sushi on Sunday night when Li-Ann spotted Australian golden girl, Cathy Freeman, sitting at a neighbouring table. Eagle-eyed Li-Ann, who couldn't keep her eyes of Cathy all night, spotted Cathy's partner, Joel Edgerton (apparently he's an actor from The Secret Life of Us) sitting with her. I've just done some research on him and apparently he played Owen Lars in the new Star Wars movies! Much more exciting I reckon.
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Say what?
Very entertaining story from the BBC site about language differences and language testing for new British citizens. Many new citizens from NZ and Australia are finding it most insulting to be asked to sit a language test before they are given passports!
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
Semi-detached
At Tate Britain on Sunday, we also loved Michael Landy's Semi-detatched, an installation which is basically just a recreation of his father's suburban house. The level of detail is quite incredible - it's a shell of a house but still with bricks, chimneys, windows etc. Quite surreal to see it in the setting of the main hall at the Tate.
Monday, August 23, 2004
martians
Went to Tate Britain yesterday afternoon to see the Art of the Garden exhibition and bought this cool Orla Kiely umbrella in the shop. When we exited the gallery, a woman was being interviewed by a television crew outside. When we were watching the news that evening, we saw footage of the woman, an art loss expert, being interviewed about the theft of The Scream. Our group was not in evidence wandering in the background.
Thursday, August 19, 2004
take us out
I'm off to see Franz Ferdinand in October at Brixton. Tickets sold out really quickly so I had to get tickets on eBay. I've heard they're really good live - I just love their sharp clothes and their synchronised dance moves, reminiscent of the Shadows!
expats!
Went to see 'The Bourne Supremacy' at the weekend. Really enjoyable film, especially if you like car chases! One of the things we noticed though was that two of the baddies were Kiwis - Karl Urban and Marton Csokas. They both fitted in well as European killers, a far cry from their days on Shortland St!
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
bless
Just showing how long I've been living abroad is the strangeness of this story about the establishment of European Car Club in Timaru. To me, they're just normal cars, but I guess in NZ, Japanese and American cars are so much more prevelant and affordable!
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
preparing for emergencies
In efforts to make us suspicious of all our neighbours and ensure we know what the emergency numbers are, the government has put together a booklet which has been delivered to every household.
Much more amusing, and getting the government in a bit of a tizzy (ie the MOD rang the student who put it together and had a strong word with him) is this satirical effort.
Thursday, August 12, 2004
more holidays
These bulletins will soon be coming at you from Croatia - I've just booked a week there the first full week in September and will probably base myself in Hvar. Will do a couple of days of diving but a bit more sitting around on beaches hopefully.
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
Konichi-wa
Don't you want to know your name in Japanese? This fabulous site tells you how to do so. Now I'll feel totally confident when walking into Don Zoko or Asakusa.
Muhairi funpusonu
Muhairi funpusonu
Monday, August 09, 2004
a grand day out
Pleased to report that Fruitstock was a great success - cool jazzy tunes on the Main Stage and bangin' tunes in the Dance Tent. Not to mention great pies from Pie and fab cookies from Byron Bay Cookie Company. Temperatures were high and shade was at a premium but a good day was had by all!
Friday, August 06, 2004
speedy!
Life changing stuff! Have finally got a new computer at work which means that I don't waste an estimated half an hour a day waiting for my computer to log on and shut down. So I'm absolutely chuffed - probably in a year's time it will be awfully slow again and the campaign to get at the top of the company's 'Refresh' programme will begin again. We're all moving over to Windows XP which is very jazzy and I'm quite happy with.
local
Went with Simon to see a play called 'Hardcore' at the Pleasance Theatre round the corner from our house on Wednesday night. The play was about actors making a gay porn film and it was a little cliched but quite entertaining. Sadly there was no nudity.
The theatre has a gorgeous courtyard restaurant (necessary as we finally have a heatwave here in London!) and we dined using the special 'Dins and Show' menu beforehand. They advertised their chips as 'famous' and therefore I would like to confirm that they were lovely and urge anyone who's in the vicinity to try them.
The theatre has a gorgeous courtyard restaurant (necessary as we finally have a heatwave here in London!) and we dined using the special 'Dins and Show' menu beforehand. They advertised their chips as 'famous' and therefore I would like to confirm that they were lovely and urge anyone who's in the vicinity to try them.
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
number 3!
We're a bit disappointed that Annie's dropped to the third best Meryl Streep lookalike on People Say I Look Like. I just wish we could vote on the site!
glamour!
Had a very glamorous night last night when our team went out for drinks and dinner to farewell Tamsin, who's moved departments. First stop was Claridges, where we enjoyed luscious cocktails and Sharon Stone, en route to the Catwoman premiere, was spotted in the foyer. The hotel and the bars are beautiful, very art deco! Then we went on to the Criterion for dinner, which had the most fantastic gold mosaic ceiling. The food was not bad, even though my favourite dish, mussels, failed to live up to their promise (I guess they weren't NZ ones!).
Monday, August 02, 2004
gluttony!
As part of our monthly Recognition Awards (everyone gets three lottery tickets to hand out to people who have performed well / helped them, then the tickets go into a draw for prizes) I won a Fortnum & Mason's hamper. Not sure which one I'm getting, but I'm angling for the Bloomsbury! Should be a good contribution to upcoming picnics!
dip!
Had a lovely swim and picnic at the Ladies Pond on Hampstead Heath on Saturday afternoon, one of the nicest days we've had so far this year. The water was very dark and a bit cold (20 degrees) but very refreshing! People swim all year round which is kind of crazy but apparently your body gets used to it.
Friday, July 30, 2004
the hoff!
This post seems to have gone astray since last week, but on Friday I saw David Hasselhoff at Borough Market. He looked very tall and was buying some organic fruit and veg. Very ugly shirt though.
Of course, this caused much excitement at the audience, which prompted the discovery of this video. Apparently it's the real thing, not a piss-take!
Anyway, apart from the excitement of seeing David Hasselhoff, I did have an absolutely fantastic roast pork baguette!
What are they feeding them?
Loved this story about the crafty sheep who have managed to work out a way to roll over cattle grids, thus allowing them to escape and eat gardens, destroy cricket pitches etc.
Thursday, July 29, 2004
the horror! the horror!
Favourite story of the day is Wish You Weren't Here from the Guardian - the horrendous story of what happens when you only pay £99 for a holiday!
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
new venue
Simon and I went for a drink at Shillibeers last night, about 5 minutes walk from our house. There's a lovely courtyard there with lots of overgrown plants. It was a glorious evening (for once) so lovely to be sitting outside. Looking at the website, there are quite a few events and activities that go on there (not that interested in the London Fetish Fair). I'm especially keen on taking part in the Mastermind Quiz and will be pulling a team together in the near future!
We had planned to go and see the play that's on at the Pleasance Theatre upstairs, but it was sold out. It's extended its run so we'll go another time.
We had planned to go and see the play that's on at the Pleasance Theatre upstairs, but it was sold out. It's extended its run so we'll go another time.
artful
I'm off to a charity reception at Tate Modern's Art of the Garden exhibition this evening. Ernst & Young are the sponsors of the exhibition which has meant all kinds of gardening and arty activity in the offices over the past couple of months. Our glass internal walkways have been decorated with large panels of leafs and flowers, our carrier bags and plastic glasses have been branded and there have been opportunities to create gardens at local schools.
google-less!
I was one of thoe people who was at a loss after Google went off-line on Monday afternoon, the victim of a virus attack. Like the writer, I didn't realise how much I missed it until it had gone!
Fiona prompted me to do a self-Google recently and this, sadly, is the result. Only the last one is not me. I really should get some more activities that aren't to do with work!
Fiona prompted me to do a self-Google recently and this, sadly, is the result. Only the last one is not me. I really should get some more activities that aren't to do with work!
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
Save the Routemaster!
The Routemaster, that sturdy warhorse of London transport, is gradually being withdrawn from the streets. The number 6, which steadily rumbled up Kilburn Park Road, was retired and replaced with a new-fangled bus in March this year and there are many more buses that are going to be changed. Sign this petition to stop the threat
Monday, July 26, 2004
mixing it up
We had a great time at the 'Music to Watch Girls By' concert at Kenwood House in Hampstead on Saturday night. For once, it was a lovely evening and we had a fantastic picnic, including numerous glasses of wine. The air was alive with the sound of popping champagne corks and every group of people seemed to have a M&S cooler bag. We picnicked on the grass but then were lucky enough to have reserved deckchairs for the actual concert. We all enjoyed singing along to the music and were suitably astounded by the fireworks display at the end. It's a lovely setting with a natural ampitheatre and the stage across a lake. We did have a very dark and perilous walk across the Heath back down to Hampstead village but it was all very entertaining!
Friday, July 23, 2004
i don't know why...
This website won first prize in the Phillips Digital Arts Festival. Wait for the web page to load and then pass your mouse over the image!
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
Mercury Music Prize
I reckon that Franz Ferdinand should win the Mercury Music Prize myself for their fantastic album that always makes me smile. I think it's a classic.
a new face!
Excellent site of the day is Portrait Illustration Maker, a site that allows you to create a face for use on MSN Messenger or just for your own amusement!
It's all very Manga and very funky. I haven't managed to create an accurate replica of my face as yet. You can tell it's a Japanese site - no curly hair!
It's all very Manga and very funky. I haven't managed to create an accurate replica of my face as yet. You can tell it's a Japanese site - no curly hair!
Thursday, July 15, 2004
disillusioned
I'm not quite as disillusioned as DragonAttack about the current state of Queen in this article from Rocksnobs, but I can definitely see where she's coming from. But then again, what do rock stars do instead of retiring?
And for those of you who hadn't seen the article about Roger Taylor that I saw earlier this year, here it is. Made me cry with laughter and self-recognition it did. Oh dear.
And for those of you who hadn't seen the article about Roger Taylor that I saw earlier this year, here it is. Made me cry with laughter and self-recognition it did. Oh dear.
pardon?
Have realised that the reason I'm so deaf is ten years of travelling by tube. According to this article, decibels average at 88 or 89 db, louder than the level at which employers should provide ear protection. Not sure whether it helps that I normally wear a walkman (or an iPod now!) which blocks out the sound or whether I'm getting more damage by turning up the volume to play over the sound of the tube!
a good look?
Let me share Andrew's site of the day - the very dodgy Aluminum Foil Deflector Beanie. We'll all be wearing them this summer!
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
blast from the drinking past
Bit of a blast from the past last night with a few rounds of Fuzzy Duck in the bar after the aborted salsa session. Seems that the Tax personnel attending the conference are not up for a bit of a merengue, so I retired with the organisation team to the cocktail bar.
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
scam-baiters
Favourite story of the day is about scam-baiters – people who turn the tables on conmen from Nigeria - those people who say they can transfer huge amounts of money into your account. There are a few people who get them to do stupid and humiliating things in pursuit of the money such as painting their chests and converting to spurious religions. Brilliant!
Monday, July 12, 2004
yet another posh hotel
I'm off to a two day meeting at Hanbury Manor in Ware, Hertfordshire, which looks VERY nice from the website.
My part in the meeting is actually quite small so I'm hoping to fit in some swimming and pampering. As well as some work of course!
My part in the meeting is actually quite small so I'm hoping to fit in some swimming and pampering. As well as some work of course!
Happy Birthday Mum!
Happy Birthday to Mum - she shares her birthday with Bill Cosby and Christine McVie (and is younger than both!)
10 long years
Apologies to everyone who's been following this blog - it's been a little erratic recently due to pressures of work and not much exciting happening really...
But this weekend was a celebration - tomorrow (13th July) marks the 10th anniversary of my arrival in London. As the great British summer is currently elsewhere and the climate was therefore not suitable for a picnic as planned, friends old and new gathered for lunch at an old favourite, the Mac Bar. Famous for its roasts as well as the fish finger sandwiches and yummy cocktails, pop stars were not in attendance, but it was lovely to catch up with friends I've made since coming to London (Charlotte, Nicki, Li-Ann, Andrew, Emily, David, St John) and friends I've had since I was young (Kt).
Thanks to Kt for the lovely London book which everyone signed. It's very contemporary so gives an excellent summary of my time in this great city!
But this weekend was a celebration - tomorrow (13th July) marks the 10th anniversary of my arrival in London. As the great British summer is currently elsewhere and the climate was therefore not suitable for a picnic as planned, friends old and new gathered for lunch at an old favourite, the Mac Bar. Famous for its roasts as well as the fish finger sandwiches and yummy cocktails, pop stars were not in attendance, but it was lovely to catch up with friends I've made since coming to London (Charlotte, Nicki, Li-Ann, Andrew, Emily, David, St John) and friends I've had since I was young (Kt).
Thanks to Kt for the lovely London book which everyone signed. It's very contemporary so gives an excellent summary of my time in this great city!
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
gone for a swim!
Well, I've been busy the past week or so in holiday in Dahab, Egypt, learning to dive. Went with my workmate Nicola and together we got to the first stage of being a diver, the PADI Open Water Diver qualification. It was a real challenge, both physically (learning how to swim properly), academically (learning the course work and studying for the exam!) and emotionally (facing up to your fears about the things that could go wrong)!
The dive company we did our course with, Poseidon Divers, were excellent, very professional. They do a wide variety of courses and we were the only Open Water Divers there that week. There were people studying for Technical and Master Diver qualifications as well. Although we had a great time, the course was quite full on so I'd suggest if anyone was going to do it, to think about doing the first part of the course at home in a pool and then doing the open water dives on holiday. It was very tiring!
We stayed at the Coral Coast Hotel about ten minutes north of the main centre of Dahab. This was brilliant as we didn't have to deal with all the restaurant and shop touts every time we left the hotel. We had a lovely view out over the Gulf of Aqaba over to Saudi Arabia with some stunning mountain views.
Dahab itself is nice and laid back - it's grown quite a bit since I was there in 1996 but still is a lot nicer than the larger resort town of Sharm El Sheikh. There are restaurants and nice sitting areas all along the waterfront and the food and drink is incredibly cheap. Mains courses are generally about 25LE - about £2.50!
The dive company we did our course with, Poseidon Divers, were excellent, very professional. They do a wide variety of courses and we were the only Open Water Divers there that week. There were people studying for Technical and Master Diver qualifications as well. Although we had a great time, the course was quite full on so I'd suggest if anyone was going to do it, to think about doing the first part of the course at home in a pool and then doing the open water dives on holiday. It was very tiring!
We stayed at the Coral Coast Hotel about ten minutes north of the main centre of Dahab. This was brilliant as we didn't have to deal with all the restaurant and shop touts every time we left the hotel. We had a lovely view out over the Gulf of Aqaba over to Saudi Arabia with some stunning mountain views.
Dahab itself is nice and laid back - it's grown quite a bit since I was there in 1996 but still is a lot nicer than the larger resort town of Sharm El Sheikh. There are restaurants and nice sitting areas all along the waterfront and the food and drink is incredibly cheap. Mains courses are generally about 25LE - about £2.50!
Monday, June 14, 2004
the new Harry
Saw Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban on Saturday night. I quite enjoyed it, the design (endless rain, not a shaft of sunlight!) was great. Liked David Thewlis in it and thought there was too little of Gary Oldman.
Marquis of Granby
Went for a couple of pints after movies on Saturday night to the Marquis of Granby on Percy St, off Tottenham Court Road. Apparently it's a bit of an old Orwell haunt. We merely found that it was overdecorated with St George's crosses, ahead of the Big Game on Sunday evening. Quite a nice pub though - we managed to get a seat at 9.30 on a Saturday night, it wasn't v smoky and they had Hoegaarden on tap. Yay!
CBK Academy
This is where I'll be for the next couple of days - the Pendley Manor Hotel in Hertfordshire. Our whole department of 65 is going - we have an Emotional Intelligence Workshop tomorrow, then cocktails, dinner and entertainment in the evening (which we have to dress up for!). Then on Wednesday, there's some unspecified team activites. I'm hoping it's not blindfold driving or, even worse, quad biking! We have to wear trainers or boots and we're in a meadow so it sounds a bit daunting.
Bad Education
Friday night, Kt and I went to see Bad Education, the new Pedro Almodovar film. Very good, fabulous music and story within a story sequences.
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
new offices
Had a busy busy week last week so no posts. Am back again now - we are now ensconsed in new offices at More London near London Bridge. Journey to work is a little longer but I'm still able to take the number 17 bus all the way. The new offices are lovely. Luckily I'm not a hoteller and have my own personal desk. About half the department are hotdesking and have to book a desk so that they have somewhere to sit every day.
Friday, May 28, 2004
The real deal
Check out this link to Greg's Digital Archive - it shows how images of models and advertisements and how much retouching goes in to creating the 'perfect' image
Thursday, May 27, 2004
time traveling
Have just finished a fabulous book, The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger which I highly recommend. It's the story of Henry, who is chronologically impaired, and keeps on involuntarily jumping back and forth in time. He falls in love with Clare, and keeps on appearing at different stages of her life, at different stages of his.
cross-blogging
I've made it on to someone else's blog! Check out the reference to me on Jon's blog, discombobulated. There is also a great gallery on the site which displays photos of Jon and Lisa's travels through Spain. Keep up with them as they cycle 62 km a day!
Friday, May 21, 2004
Swimming with the fishies
I'm going diving!
I've just booked a trip to the Red Sea to go diving. It sounds like a lovely trip and I'll finally get to scuba dive properly, not just at the bottom of the pool in Harrow. I'm going with one of my workmates, Nicola. I've actually been to Dahab before, about eight years ago, on my Egypt Top Deck tour so it will be interesting to see how much it's changed.
I've just booked a trip to the Red Sea to go diving. It sounds like a lovely trip and I'll finally get to scuba dive properly, not just at the bottom of the pool in Harrow. I'm going with one of my workmates, Nicola. I've actually been to Dahab before, about eight years ago, on my Egypt Top Deck tour so it will be interesting to see how much it's changed.
Thursday, May 20, 2004
a posh evening
We had a work function at the Wellington Arch at Hyde Park Corner last night. There are a couple of balconies at the top where one can stand and enjoy the view, along with cocktails and canapes. It was a lovely evening and we could see right into the garden of Buckingham Palace, especially the tennis courts where some palace staff were playing (not the Queen sadly). We enjoyed the mini food at the function, especially the tiny beef wellingtons and flavoured creme caramels in a spoon.
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
beady
Yay! New Bead & Button magazine has arrived. Projects for this month include "whimsical bead embroidery" and my personal favourite, a Mona Lisa beaded hanging. Perhaps someone will be getting one for Christmas...
Monday, May 17, 2004
the caribbean life
Sue and Will are sailing around Antigua at the moment on Chrisoffel's Lighthouse, They're hoping to leave Antigua around May 28th, heading up to Newport or
Maine, USA and going via Bermuda.
Maine, USA and going via Bermuda.
Kingdom Hospital
I had high hopes for Kingdom Hospital, hoping that it would be a new TV favourite along the lines of Six Feet Under. However, I have to say I'm not that excited about it. I've sat through two episodes and just think it's a bit self-consciously wierd. The recreation of Stephen King's accident was extremely gruesome, and I can't work out whether ant-eaters are meant to have teeth or whether there is just some no-so-hidden meaning in it. Oh well. It was nice to see Andrew McCarthy again after so many years.
Friday, May 14, 2004
Stop the traffic!
Major incident in Timaru today when two cattle escaped from a stock truck near Briscoes. Apparently traffic was delayed for twenty minutes while the cattle were captured and dealt with. No word yet as to whether my cousin Moray was involved.
sushi ichiban!
Had some great sushi at Taro in Old Compton St last night - delicious and with enough wasabi to make my eyes water severely! Great value though, very convenient and fast and not smoky!
Then we went to see Delays at the Astoria who were very good. 'Crazy' keyboard player, bass player with a scarf, drummer with annoying flicky hair and angelic voiced singer. Great sound, good performance.
Then we went to see Delays at the Astoria who were very good. 'Crazy' keyboard player, bass player with a scarf, drummer with annoying flicky hair and angelic voiced singer. Great sound, good performance.
Thursday, May 13, 2004
A whole lotta Soul
Li-Ann and Andrew spent some time in Warwick Avenue's Prince Alfred pub talking to David Soul last night. From his site, it looks as though he had been at the launch of his 'new recording project' which is essentially a new version of 'Don't Give Up On Us'. Li-Ann said he was very nice though.
congratulations Christian!
Christian O'Connell, who presents my breakfast show of choice on XFM (when it's not being interupted by the Holloway radio pirates) has won the Sony Award for DJ of the year. Even though he plays Muse a little too much, I always find him and the team amusing in the morning, even when the radio wakes me at 7am - argh!
Chris Smith, his lovely sidekick, has his own blog as well.
Chris Smith, his lovely sidekick, has his own blog as well.
cheap eats
We ate at Cafe Emm last night, a cheap but quite nice restaurant in Frith St, a bit of a step up from Simon's favourite Pollo round the corner.
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
Landform
The Scottish Museum of National Art which I visited with Steve and Aoife recently has won the Gulbenkian Museum of the year award for its Landform landscape sculpture. Unfortunately when we were there we weren't allowed to run around on it, but there are sculptured spirals and ledges around a central pool. Not an exhibition that is quick to strike however!
for all your timber supplies
John's got a new job at Bunnings Warehouse . He's on induction this week but already thinks it's going to be his dream job!
Easter eggs
Now that we've got our DVD player sorted out, I'm going to catch up on all the special edition DVDs I've missed out on. For example on the 'Best of Bowie' DVD that I spent most of Saturday watching there are loads of Easter Eggs. Perfect for a nerd like me!
I'm also looking forward to spending a weekend sometime watching the entire extended version of 'The Two Towers' including, no doubt, long segments of Richard Taylor talking in monotone about visual effects.
I'm also looking forward to spending a weekend sometime watching the entire extended version of 'The Two Towers' including, no doubt, long segments of Richard Taylor talking in monotone about visual effects.
The Life of London
Lots of good stuff on the BBC site about Peter Ackroyd's "The Life of London" including walks along the routes he talks about. You can even download the map and then walk the route listening to a commentary on your mobile!
The not-so-wise sister
Fiona's got to have all her wisdom teeth out. I may have gone through all the teeth-extraction trauma when I was young but I so don't envy her having to have them out now. Take lots of Novocaine Fiona!
I've "won"!
I've won my first ever eBay auction. Sadly it's not very exciting, just a silver Velux blind for my bedroom. And I've still to complete the transaction so it could all go pear-shaped. I'm amazed at how much odd stuff is on the site - I really should have sold more of my belongings when we were moving.
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
Loss of the definitive
So what's this with bands not having a 'The' at the start of their name. First I discover that it's just 'Pixies' and now everyone says that The Delays are actually just called 'Delays'. So why is their site URL http://www.thedelays.co.uk/?
I hate having to be a pedant!
I hate having to be a pedant!
I Love Pixies
Only got 15 out of 20 in the I Love Pixies quiz. But I'm swotting up on their albums in preparation for the June 3rd concert.
Still waiting...
The hobbits are taking over the station
I'm going to have to forsake XFM for one night to listen to Elijah Wood taking over for a holidaying John Peel on Radio One. Will be interesting to see whether he's picked up on any New Zealand music during his time in Godzone.
Swimming and jumping around
I'm pleased that since we've moved I've been able to find a new pool. In fact, I now use two pools! The Cally Pool on Caledonian Rd is about 5 minutes on bus (haven't tried walking it yet) and that's ok for swimming. And then I've been going to the Archway Leisure centre for Water Aerobics (they don't seem to call it Aqua there). It's quite good. I'm sad that Danny and his ballet moves and the ABBA soundtrack is now more, but never mind.
Brasil 40 degrees
Li-Ann and Emily and I went to Selfridges on Sunday afternoon to experience
Brasil 40 degrees which is the theme of the store at the moment. As well as buying shoes, we lounged illegally on a giant purple cushion and drank caipirinhas from the Caipirinha Bar. Thankfully not too much drunken shopping eventuated! There is a giant polystyrene Jesus at the front of the store, similar to the one in Rio.
Brasil 40 degrees which is the theme of the store at the moment. As well as buying shoes, we lounged illegally on a giant purple cushion and drank caipirinhas from the Caipirinha Bar. Thankfully not too much drunken shopping eventuated! There is a giant polystyrene Jesus at the front of the store, similar to the one in Rio.
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