4 march 2010
Dutch wasn't too bad yesterday surprisingly. Afterwards most of us met up with the counselors and we went on an hour tour of brussels. Which was good, but really cold. Valerie, Monica, Stephanie and myself split from the group to get some fattening (but highly satisfying) food. Which meant the four of us had to wonder around a bit until we found things. Eventually, we got our greasy burgers. Which were tasty but way to small. On the train back from Brussels this guy started talking to Valerie and me. Yeah... he was definately on something. I think quote of the night was "I wanna be your facebook friend!" which he shouted as Valerie got off at her stop (well, the one after her stop, missed it the first time, which I can definately relate to).
Later on today I'm leaving for Portugal - straight from work, so I've got all my luggage here with me. Decided I would also utilise my computer at work by charging my i-pod on it. I get kind of nervous about that though, because I don't want it to sync as I'll lose all my music. Which would be a problem because it's all back home in NZ. Not really keen on the idea of losing all my music for 6 months... Anyway the reason it scares me is because hen you connect it, i tunes opens. Which is fine, I can deal with that, close it or whatever. But this message comes up and I can't close i-tines unless I deal with it. Which is all good and well you might think, except the message is in French. I really don't want to risk my music collection on my French. Because its really not a good bet to make. Anyway I figured it wouldn't do anything unless I chose an option, so I took the third, unwritten option. I went back to the Firefox browser and ignored the message. Seems to be working. One more thing, why, in Gods name, have they set the i-pod to say "synchronising" when its not??? Quite frankly, it scares the hell out of me. I suspect that they're bluffing to lull me into a false sense of security, then one day, BLAM! music library sychronised. It will be a grim day indeed. I've heard it whispered its an omen of Armageddon. Or at least something of quasi apocolyptic proportions.
The temperature in Portugal is around 15degrees C apparently. Which is an improvement -Bert reckons the temperature is more like 6 degrees C here. I try make a point of walking in the sun when I can, but the sun is so impotent it barely makes a difference.
Considering my imminent departure to Portugal, I probably won't be able to write in this blog for a while - will definately be back on tues (9 march) though. So you guys are lucky enough not to feel obliged reading any of this stuff til then.
ok I'm off now, about to leave,
cheers
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Dutch lesson take 2
3 march 2010
So, plans for the day... Here at work until about 12, then off to Antwerp Centraal Station. All going according to plan I'll catch the right train to Brussels. After that I've got a schedualed appointement getting lost in Brussels, and if I can overcome that obstacle I shall be rewarded with 3 hours of Dutch. :D I'm so enthusiastic its painful. Ok probably more painful than anything else. After the lesson I think we're all going out with some of our counselors. Apparently. Hmmm must check what time the last train to turnhout is. It seems likely that I will forget to do this. Really wish I could fall asleep on the morning train but never can. Everyone else seems to be able to.
When I got off the train at Antwerp today I had my headphones in- listening to my i-pod. So this guy comes up to me, (sound like Peter Cooke and Dudley Moore there) the only person in sight wearing headphones, and starts asking me for directions. Why he chose me of all people, I will never know. Perhaps he enjoyed the idea that by talking to me I'd be more inconvenienced than anyone else. The funny thing is, what he wanted to know "where platform 23 was." Now if you've ever been to Antwerp Centraal, you'll know there are loads of signs everywhere pointing to the relevent platforms. Anyway, I pointed vaguely in what I thought was the right direction. He took off before I could say anything else. It was then that I realised that I had in fact pointed him in the wrong direction. So I did what every good person would do and made a hurried exit towards the Metro hoping I'd be gone when he figured it out. I did inadvertently point him towards the sign that told him where platform 23 was, so hopefully that appeases my karma. Hopefully it also teaches him to read the signs. You know, rather teach a man to fish than give him a fish and all that stuff. Of course that was exactly what I was thinking as I fled the scene... Hehe, more like idly wondering how long he would wonder around the station before he found his platform.
Really cold this morning. But sunny at least. Although the sun is more of an ornamental thing right now. At Dirks prompting I've been trying to think of some social differences between Belgium and NZ. It's a little difficult thinking of them off the top of your head though. However, a few things I have noticed: It seems like pretty much everyone here carries a hankerchief; whereas in NZ not many people do at all, and if they do they're usually of the ancient generation. (If anyone other than the ancients in NZ read this then let it be noted that I said usually of the ancient generation, not always.) I've had relatively limited experience going into other peoples houses in Belgium, but here it seems that no one really takes off their shoes when they go inside. Which suits me just fine, people who know me know I like keepng my shoes on. For some reason, the more and more I read that last sentence, the more it sounds like an innuendo. For a change it really isn't.
Take away pizza is pretty expensive here. My pizza cost the equivalent of 20NZD whereas the more expensive places in NZ are more like 16NZD for the more expensive pizzas. Alcohol on the other hand is much cheaper - people in NZ would go crazy if they saw some of the prices. Gluwein is about half price here compared to back home and yesterday I saw a promotion which included a big bottle of jagermeister plus 4 shot glasses, all for the price of 26NZD. Now I'm not 100% sure but I think in NZ you'll pay around that for a smaller bottle. I should really get some sometime.
I wonder if there's such a thing as compulsive yawning. Its random enough to be a disease. I'll google it and see....
Yup it exists, often as a symptom for something else though... like brain stem stroke... good thing its one of those light hearted compulsions then... (google failed to find me any light hearted compulsions but they definately exist... like a compusion to point at humoursly shaped clouds or something)
If I was a language teacher I would really pity my students. Because it would be far too tempting to mess around with them. Just some subtle stuff. I'd teach it mostly right; but then I'd teach them to say something stupid and use it as a greeting. Like "Pottery is the epitomy of excellence." Which would be so worth it to see them deliver that line to a confused stranger, while maintaining the nervous grin of someone who's meeting someone for the first time and has some minor doubts about the pronounciation of his words. No. I definately should not be a language teacher. Although lets be honest, knowing only English, the chances of that happening are fairly slim anyway.
Alright, off to Brussels in a bit.
Cheers
So, plans for the day... Here at work until about 12, then off to Antwerp Centraal Station. All going according to plan I'll catch the right train to Brussels. After that I've got a schedualed appointement getting lost in Brussels, and if I can overcome that obstacle I shall be rewarded with 3 hours of Dutch. :D I'm so enthusiastic its painful. Ok probably more painful than anything else. After the lesson I think we're all going out with some of our counselors. Apparently. Hmmm must check what time the last train to turnhout is. It seems likely that I will forget to do this. Really wish I could fall asleep on the morning train but never can. Everyone else seems to be able to.
When I got off the train at Antwerp today I had my headphones in- listening to my i-pod. So this guy comes up to me, (sound like Peter Cooke and Dudley Moore there) the only person in sight wearing headphones, and starts asking me for directions. Why he chose me of all people, I will never know. Perhaps he enjoyed the idea that by talking to me I'd be more inconvenienced than anyone else. The funny thing is, what he wanted to know "where platform 23 was." Now if you've ever been to Antwerp Centraal, you'll know there are loads of signs everywhere pointing to the relevent platforms. Anyway, I pointed vaguely in what I thought was the right direction. He took off before I could say anything else. It was then that I realised that I had in fact pointed him in the wrong direction. So I did what every good person would do and made a hurried exit towards the Metro hoping I'd be gone when he figured it out. I did inadvertently point him towards the sign that told him where platform 23 was, so hopefully that appeases my karma. Hopefully it also teaches him to read the signs. You know, rather teach a man to fish than give him a fish and all that stuff. Of course that was exactly what I was thinking as I fled the scene... Hehe, more like idly wondering how long he would wonder around the station before he found his platform.
Really cold this morning. But sunny at least. Although the sun is more of an ornamental thing right now. At Dirks prompting I've been trying to think of some social differences between Belgium and NZ. It's a little difficult thinking of them off the top of your head though. However, a few things I have noticed: It seems like pretty much everyone here carries a hankerchief; whereas in NZ not many people do at all, and if they do they're usually of the ancient generation. (If anyone other than the ancients in NZ read this then let it be noted that I said usually of the ancient generation, not always.) I've had relatively limited experience going into other peoples houses in Belgium, but here it seems that no one really takes off their shoes when they go inside. Which suits me just fine, people who know me know I like keepng my shoes on. For some reason, the more and more I read that last sentence, the more it sounds like an innuendo. For a change it really isn't.
Take away pizza is pretty expensive here. My pizza cost the equivalent of 20NZD whereas the more expensive places in NZ are more like 16NZD for the more expensive pizzas. Alcohol on the other hand is much cheaper - people in NZ would go crazy if they saw some of the prices. Gluwein is about half price here compared to back home and yesterday I saw a promotion which included a big bottle of jagermeister plus 4 shot glasses, all for the price of 26NZD. Now I'm not 100% sure but I think in NZ you'll pay around that for a smaller bottle. I should really get some sometime.
I wonder if there's such a thing as compulsive yawning. Its random enough to be a disease. I'll google it and see....
Yup it exists, often as a symptom for something else though... like brain stem stroke... good thing its one of those light hearted compulsions then... (google failed to find me any light hearted compulsions but they definately exist... like a compusion to point at humoursly shaped clouds or something)
If I was a language teacher I would really pity my students. Because it would be far too tempting to mess around with them. Just some subtle stuff. I'd teach it mostly right; but then I'd teach them to say something stupid and use it as a greeting. Like "Pottery is the epitomy of excellence." Which would be so worth it to see them deliver that line to a confused stranger, while maintaining the nervous grin of someone who's meeting someone for the first time and has some minor doubts about the pronounciation of his words. No. I definately should not be a language teacher. Although lets be honest, knowing only English, the chances of that happening are fairly slim anyway.
Alright, off to Brussels in a bit.
Cheers
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Just a regular tues...
2 march 2010
Right. So as if to confirm what I said yesterday about not knowing much about my travel plans to Portugal turns out I leave on thurs but get back on mon... Ahhh that was a weight off my chest. Going to bed at 1 and getting up at 6 is a bad idea for anyone who's interested. But then most people could tell you that... It just takes someone like me a little longer to cotton on. Been in a zombified state all morning. Really keen on falling asleep on my desk right now. Probably won't make the best impression, you know, being at work and all.
The last 2 days have been a little colder - Dirk said it was about -3 degrees C at night. I mean it's been a lot worse here and elsewhere in Europe but it's still pretty cold for my sensitive NZ skin. I'm sure that after a certain point the actual amount of degrees below 0 become inconsequencial - surely you just become freezing and kinda numbed??
Last night Dirk starting putting post-it notes on everything. He wrote the Dutch words for the objects on them in the hope that I'll take something in. Hopefully I will. Which reminds me. Dutch tomorrow. *groan* (and not the good kind)
On the upside I'll hopefully be able to have some drinks with the other volunteers afterwards... Just got to get through 3 hours of pain first... Optimistic I know.
Yesterday I stumbled across the idea of writing about one of the charity organisations in Cambodia. The fact that I've actually been there and worked with the company definately helps. Only problem is remaining objective I guess. Which will probably be a little tricky, but I'll see what I can do. Either way it's good because its really interesting to write about.
Computers are a little slower than usual, which is strange. Things could be worse. I could be DEAD! Or you know... have a cold or something. Either of which would be downright unpleasant.
Speaking of colds, I'm freezing. And that's inside in a heated area with 3 layers on including a jersey and jacket. Hope I'm not getting sick (Mom I can almost hear your concern from here hehe).
Cool so we're ordering pizza for lunch. Which is good because I'm starving. Apparently it could be up to an hour wait :-( Can't wait. The anticipation is killing me. Doctors would probably tell me it was actually the hunger. But I know it's the anticipation. My tombestone will read "James Anderson: He was a talkitive man .Tragically undone by Anticipation." Much better than saying I starved to death. Has a bit of mystery/raw weirdness in it.
Yup. Good good. Spiffing. Ok goodbye
Right. So as if to confirm what I said yesterday about not knowing much about my travel plans to Portugal turns out I leave on thurs but get back on mon... Ahhh that was a weight off my chest. Going to bed at 1 and getting up at 6 is a bad idea for anyone who's interested. But then most people could tell you that... It just takes someone like me a little longer to cotton on. Been in a zombified state all morning. Really keen on falling asleep on my desk right now. Probably won't make the best impression, you know, being at work and all.
The last 2 days have been a little colder - Dirk said it was about -3 degrees C at night. I mean it's been a lot worse here and elsewhere in Europe but it's still pretty cold for my sensitive NZ skin. I'm sure that after a certain point the actual amount of degrees below 0 become inconsequencial - surely you just become freezing and kinda numbed??
Last night Dirk starting putting post-it notes on everything. He wrote the Dutch words for the objects on them in the hope that I'll take something in. Hopefully I will. Which reminds me. Dutch tomorrow. *groan* (and not the good kind)
On the upside I'll hopefully be able to have some drinks with the other volunteers afterwards... Just got to get through 3 hours of pain first... Optimistic I know.
Yesterday I stumbled across the idea of writing about one of the charity organisations in Cambodia. The fact that I've actually been there and worked with the company definately helps. Only problem is remaining objective I guess. Which will probably be a little tricky, but I'll see what I can do. Either way it's good because its really interesting to write about.
Computers are a little slower than usual, which is strange. Things could be worse. I could be DEAD! Or you know... have a cold or something. Either of which would be downright unpleasant.
Speaking of colds, I'm freezing. And that's inside in a heated area with 3 layers on including a jersey and jacket. Hope I'm not getting sick (Mom I can almost hear your concern from here hehe).
Cool so we're ordering pizza for lunch. Which is good because I'm starving. Apparently it could be up to an hour wait :-( Can't wait. The anticipation is killing me. Doctors would probably tell me it was actually the hunger. But I know it's the anticipation. My tombestone will read "James Anderson: He was a talkitive man .Tragically undone by Anticipation." Much better than saying I starved to death. Has a bit of mystery/raw weirdness in it.
Yup. Good good. Spiffing. Ok goodbye
Monday, March 1, 2010
Weekend
1 March 2010
The weekend was great. So much for an early night on fri though. Ended up going for a few drinks with the workmates. Met another of Dirks friends - Daan. The three of us ended up going to an Irish bar and playing some pool plus some more drinks which was good. Eventually we went back to Berts and watched some stuff on the tv - Black Books plus some others. Got up late the next day and slowly made my way back home. Onur (one of the volunteers from the dutch group) wanted to go out that evening but i decided not to because for me it would have meant a 3 hour train ride and only getting there around 10/11 at night. Considering how tired I was from the previous night I thought against it. Would've been good to go though...
So I just relaxed at home that night. Dirk and Terry were out so it was just me. Which sounds pretty depressing but it was ok - been so busy lately I don't really have much time to just relax, so it was good. Mom and Dad called for about 2 hours, was really good talking to them and I talked far too much as usual.
Sunday went pretty quickly. May have had something to do with me getting up at 1 in the afternoon... Meant to get all this stuff done but didn't actually do very much - needed to get some things from the shops but forgot everything closes really early on Sundays. So that plan was thwarted. Did get some washing done though. Hooray for for everyday mundane tasks! Terry left for Portugal late that afternoon. Dirk and myself will be leaving for Portugal on thurs after work and getting back sun evening I would tentatively guess (you can tell I'm a great one for remembering these kinds of things...).
Anyway, Dirk and I got chips for dinner and watched Snatch. It was good but I think I still prefer Lock Stock and 2 Smoking barrels. Finished my book the other day. Which sucks. I require another. Just another thing to add to the list of things to do. No idea what I'll get. hmmm....
So here I am, monday morning. No monday is a good monday. That should be put on some kind of family coat of arms. Maybe I'll have some made at some point... It'll have an overzealously loud rooster (is there any other kind??) getting pummelled by a grumpy bear. My motto written underneath. I could become a pioneer in mildly sadistic, semi-satirical coats of arms.
But I digress. Not that I was really saying anything before, it was more of a general digression away from anything....normal. Don't really know what today holds apart from work etc. As with most things, only time will tell.
Really looking forward to seeing my bed again though. We've become pretty close lately.
I should go look for more things to write about so,
bye for now...
The weekend was great. So much for an early night on fri though. Ended up going for a few drinks with the workmates. Met another of Dirks friends - Daan. The three of us ended up going to an Irish bar and playing some pool plus some more drinks which was good. Eventually we went back to Berts and watched some stuff on the tv - Black Books plus some others. Got up late the next day and slowly made my way back home. Onur (one of the volunteers from the dutch group) wanted to go out that evening but i decided not to because for me it would have meant a 3 hour train ride and only getting there around 10/11 at night. Considering how tired I was from the previous night I thought against it. Would've been good to go though...
So I just relaxed at home that night. Dirk and Terry were out so it was just me. Which sounds pretty depressing but it was ok - been so busy lately I don't really have much time to just relax, so it was good. Mom and Dad called for about 2 hours, was really good talking to them and I talked far too much as usual.
Sunday went pretty quickly. May have had something to do with me getting up at 1 in the afternoon... Meant to get all this stuff done but didn't actually do very much - needed to get some things from the shops but forgot everything closes really early on Sundays. So that plan was thwarted. Did get some washing done though. Hooray for for everyday mundane tasks! Terry left for Portugal late that afternoon. Dirk and myself will be leaving for Portugal on thurs after work and getting back sun evening I would tentatively guess (you can tell I'm a great one for remembering these kinds of things...).
Anyway, Dirk and I got chips for dinner and watched Snatch. It was good but I think I still prefer Lock Stock and 2 Smoking barrels. Finished my book the other day. Which sucks. I require another. Just another thing to add to the list of things to do. No idea what I'll get. hmmm....
So here I am, monday morning. No monday is a good monday. That should be put on some kind of family coat of arms. Maybe I'll have some made at some point... It'll have an overzealously loud rooster (is there any other kind??) getting pummelled by a grumpy bear. My motto written underneath. I could become a pioneer in mildly sadistic, semi-satirical coats of arms.
But I digress. Not that I was really saying anything before, it was more of a general digression away from anything....normal. Don't really know what today holds apart from work etc. As with most things, only time will tell.
Really looking forward to seeing my bed again though. We've become pretty close lately.
I should go look for more things to write about so,
bye for now...
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