Well as Chstmas is usally quite boring, cause there is nothing to do... besides having the family around... Well, this year is literary nothing to do, cause you can't get anywhere with 25cm of snow blocking every road.
So I thought, well I have a lot of time, why not make some food. I decided to make international food for the Holidays. Starting of on Friday night with Japanese Chicken Teriyaki. Saturday went on with Raclette, okay not much to do there, and simple sausages with pasta for dinner. Today lunch had a British topic with Steak Ale Pie and for desert Canadian pistachio pudding, and for dinner it's going to be Mexican Chilli. So much about food and Christmas.
So much about the Christmas days here. Well this much time allowed me at least to plan a bit what I wanna do next year, study or vacation wise... Some interesting projects might come up, let's see how realisable they are, but 2011 could become a very interesting and international year, even more than 2010....
Merry X-mas everybody!!!
Sunday, 26 December 2010
Monday, 15 November 2010
Awards and Scotland
Seems like I wasn't so bad about choosing which movies I watch at the VIFF. My highest rated movie 'WASTE LAND' actually won the first price! I can just reapeat myself at this point... go, watch it!!!
Full list of awards etc. can be found here.
So far life in Germany isn't exciting at all. However, I managed to get back to Scotland a week ago. Was nice to see people again, thx to everybody who showed up at my 'party'.
It felt slightly strange to be back there... not being away for long, but it's not the same, with a lot of people missing now...
Due to lucky circumstance there was also an concert of the Goo Goo Dolls in Glasgow that weekend. Good show, they even played a song I didn't know... who thought that was possible?
Now I can't wait for thursday to come to escape this boringness here... Barcelona is waiting, at least for a couple of days. Seems like this going to be the last trip of the year... Hopefully not...
Full list of awards etc. can be found here.
So far life in Germany isn't exciting at all. However, I managed to get back to Scotland a week ago. Was nice to see people again, thx to everybody who showed up at my 'party'.
It felt slightly strange to be back there... not being away for long, but it's not the same, with a lot of people missing now...
Due to lucky circumstance there was also an concert of the Goo Goo Dolls in Glasgow that weekend. Good show, they even played a song I didn't know... who thought that was possible?
Now I can't wait for thursday to come to escape this boringness here... Barcelona is waiting, at least for a couple of days. Seems like this going to be the last trip of the year... Hopefully not...
Saturday, 9 October 2010
Vancouver International Film Festival
Since the VIFF has been in Vancouver while I was there, I used the chance to join it and watch some movies, unfortunately I don't have the time to watch all of the 'interesting' ones. Anyways those are my TOP 3 movies.# 3
ARMADILLO (Denmark)This movie is a documentation about a danish army platoon in Afghanistan. The movie follows all the events that happen during a 6 months period, while the platoon was serving in Afghanistan. Without objection the brutality of war is shown in this movie, and I mean it, you can see real combats and even the (dead) victims. The movie shows brilliantly how the charaters develop during their stay and what challenges they meet, all in the intention to help the people of Afghanistan.
If somebody wants to get an inside view on war (in Afghanistan) and somehow the reality over there is I would definitely recommend this movie, but be aware of some shocking footage.
# 2
CELL 211 (Spain)The film is based on a novel by Francisco Gandul. The story is about a prisonguard that becomes trapped in a cellblock which has been overtaken by the prisoners, under the lead of a psychopath. The story follows the development of the prisonguard which pretends to be a prisoner himself. Wonderfully told story and brilliantly evolving all the time, with unforeseeable events, that make the prisonguard to a leader of the riot. The movie is filmed like a documentation and draws one into the storyline all the time.
A very exciting movie and splendid performances make this movie absolutely worth watching. The homepage, including a trailer, can be found here.
# 1
WASTE LAND (Brazil/UK)Waste Land is a documentation by Lucy Walker about/with the artist Vik Muniz. That might sound boring, BUT this is a heart touching movie. Filmed on the biggest landfill in the world, in Rio de Janeiro, artist Vik Muniz tries to make art out of garbage. On the landfill he takes pictures of 'pickers'; people living!!! and picking up receycable materials on the waste dump (waste land), to make a living. Furthermore, the stories of those chosen people are shown, how they could end up in the position they are in. During the movie it is shown how the lives of the people change and how they are shown different opportunities to make a change to their life.
This film is very touching, and shows brutaly how life can be at the end of society, or basically, how people without opportunites make a living of what we are throwing away. Moreover, it is shown how Vik Muniz gives them a chance to do something valuable with their live to make a change.
I would absolut recommend to watch this movie to everyone, as it makes one think about how people live in the shadow of the society. Additionally, what is happening with you're garbage (especially Brazil) in regard to human and environemental issues.
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
San Diego - Mexico - Canada
After being in LA, the next stop was San Diego. A must-do attraction is definitely the zoo. Very nice enclosures and the best is, that you can see some Panda-bears there. Also interesting, when not sleeping, are the Koalas.
As I was at the border, I also decided to cross it for a short trip to Mexico, Tijuana and Ensenada. But it seemed like those places are more tourist spots, cause everything was more American in Spanish, than Mexican... If that's understandable.
So these have been the last stations on my vacations of my vacations... sounds a bit weird to say it, but well... what else should I call it? Coming back to Canada was quite fun, even if i had to wait 5 hours for my connecting flight in Calgary, but now I have two permits to stay here... don't know if that brings any advantage...
Back in Vancouver is quite cool, I attended a ice hockey match two does ago, in the end the Canucks won 4-1 over the Ducks and there have been 4 brawls, one including every player. What more do you can get from a hockey match?
As I was at the border, I also decided to cross it for a short trip to Mexico, Tijuana and Ensenada. But it seemed like those places are more tourist spots, cause everything was more American in Spanish, than Mexican... If that's understandable.
So these have been the last stations on my vacations of my vacations... sounds a bit weird to say it, but well... what else should I call it? Coming back to Canada was quite fun, even if i had to wait 5 hours for my connecting flight in Calgary, but now I have two permits to stay here... don't know if that brings any advantage...
Back in Vancouver is quite cool, I attended a ice hockey match two does ago, in the end the Canucks won 4-1 over the Ducks and there have been 4 brawls, one including every player. What more do you can get from a hockey match?
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Pismo Beach to LA
I can just recommend everybody to go to Pismo Beach once. That place is awesome, wonderful, small town at the sea, with a beautiful beach and sand dunes. It's also a super surfing spot. And you can get excellent Clam Chowder there.
After staying there for a night I headed for San Luis Obispo. This is a crazy town, I never saw so many weird people in one spot. Don't get me wrong, all are very nice, but just weird from the way they look, act or talk. To get to LA I chose to take the train with the wonderful name Pacific Surfliner. Again, an excellent idea, it's a very scenery route thru sand dunes with wonderful views of the ocean. I even saw a bigger animal in the sea, just couldn't make out what it was, probably a whale.
Once in LA I did the obvious things you have to do. A tour trough Hollywood, checking out the Hollywood Boulevard, including Chinese Theater and Kodak Theater. And my favorite on the first day, the tar pit. Where there even was some kind of dogfestival, I wasn't aware of. The next day I checked out downtown, including Chinatown, Little Tokyo, etc. I like those quarters, really nice. The afternoon was basically spent at the beach, in particular Santa Monica and Venice Beach, crazy, but very cool areas to hang out.
After staying there for a night I headed for San Luis Obispo. This is a crazy town, I never saw so many weird people in one spot. Don't get me wrong, all are very nice, but just weird from the way they look, act or talk. To get to LA I chose to take the train with the wonderful name Pacific Surfliner. Again, an excellent idea, it's a very scenery route thru sand dunes with wonderful views of the ocean. I even saw a bigger animal in the sea, just couldn't make out what it was, probably a whale.
Once in LA I did the obvious things you have to do. A tour trough Hollywood, checking out the Hollywood Boulevard, including Chinese Theater and Kodak Theater. And my favorite on the first day, the tar pit. Where there even was some kind of dogfestival, I wasn't aware of. The next day I checked out downtown, including Chinatown, Little Tokyo, etc. I like those quarters, really nice. The afternoon was basically spent at the beach, in particular Santa Monica and Venice Beach, crazy, but very cool areas to hang out.
Thursday, 16 September 2010
San Francisco - Santa Cruz
Those were the first to stops on my trip so far.
San Francisco is a very interesting place to be, loads of stuff to see or do. Definitely worth it is going to Alcatraz, really interesting. I have also done the obligatory ride in a cable car, checked out the Golden Gate Bridge and went to Chinatown. That is a really cool place with many weird things to see.
Thereafter I took the bus down to Santa Cruz to visit Jonathan and Pitt. This town is also really cool, would have been even better if the Boardwalk, an amusement park would have been open, but unfortunately it is already closed during the week. Same applies for the Surfing museum, too bad. We also took a dip into the pacific, pretty cold, but fun as there are huge waves here and a lot of animals around, like sea otters or seals. Still is is very cool and laid back place everybody should have a stop while driving by. I really enjoyed it.
Now I have to leave again for the next destination, San Luis Obispo!
Saturday, 11 September 2010
Time to leave
At least for two weeks. My backpack is ready for a two week trip from San Francisco to San Diego. That means I have to get up at 4:30am to catch my flight, and then, hopefully, I will arrive in San Francisco, unless there is another pipeline blowing up. From SFO the plan is to go to Santa Cruz... more information once I hit the road ;-)
I spent yesterday downtown and checked out some museums, but the highlight was definitely the play I saw at the Fringe. Actually two plays, both held in the old Coroners office and Police Museum. Very cool spots and a unique location. Absolutely recommendable to watch that. The show itself was called 'After the End'.
So time to get some sleep to be ready for the US and A!!!
I spent yesterday downtown and checked out some museums, but the highlight was definitely the play I saw at the Fringe. Actually two plays, both held in the old Coroners office and Police Museum. Very cool spots and a unique location. Absolutely recommendable to watch that. The show itself was called 'After the End'.
So time to get some sleep to be ready for the US and A!!!
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
First days in Canada
So I made it to Canada. Quite a spontaneous decision to get here, but why not?
I'm in Vancouver for 5 days now and what have I done so far?
After arriving on Wednesday nothing much, just checked out what have change, since I've been here last time. Not much in Aldergrove, but unbelievable lot of construction work is going on, which makes trips quite long. And I thought is all done after the Olympics. Thanks to the Jetleg, Thursday started at 5am here and was more about finding my way around.. So I checked out the cows and had some fun with the cats, 6 of them are living in the house at the moment, which makes it quite lively.
That's where I'm living
The Cows
and the cats (Tortie, Panther & Mr. Cuddels [front to back])
On Friday night I went to the P'n'E, which is a fair and amusement park, with Nathan, a friend I met 4 years ago. Big fun night with games and rides. Quite cool was a 50+ year old wooden roller coaster. That one was much better then the modern steel ones.
Gorgeous view on Mt. Baker behind Blueberry fields Saturday was the busiest day so far, I've been downtown and strolled through the city to check out what changed. Very cool is the new seawalk up to Stanley Park. I had a nice lunch at the English Beach and then went down to check out Gastown and the Chinese Night Market. Interesting, but the Richmond one is much better. Afterwards I checked out the nightlife with Lee and we went to some Irish Pub.
The next day was the sportsday, first I went to a pick up game with Nathan, to get some exercise, thereafter we went to watch a match of his brother and finally we went to the Whitecaps vs. Puerto Rico game... unfortunately slightly boring it ended up 0:0.
With pouring rain yesterday it was time to check out the Superstore, I just love those big groceries stores.
So that's what I've done in the last couple of days. Plans for the next are not settled, but I have to arrange some final things for my trip to California... but more on that later on.
PS: If someone wants to get a postcard, send me your address ;-)
Monday, 12 July 2010
It's over
Finally the World Cup is over, Spain won. Do they deserve it? Yes and No! They played very efficiently and won all games they needed to. But were quite lucky in the final, what would have happened if Iniesta got a red card for his foul against van Bommel? He wouldn't be able to score the decisive goal. But the Netherlands can't complain they had their chances by Robben.
Thomas Müller won the Golden Boot as the most succesful striker scoring the most goals, five. Wait haven't Sneijder and Villa scored 5-times as well? Müller won by more assists then the other two... a bit weird rule, isn't it? Shouldn't all three get the trophy? What has providing assists to do with scoring your own goals? Not much in my eyes... Maybe somebody should think about that rule.
No World Cup anymore also means that I got nothing, really nothing, to do anymore. I can't even go to the beach today, as we're expecting thunderstorms and possible tornados. That could at least be entertaining. Nobody really got time due to exam period, no work, no sports (summer break), no TV (just crappy programmes), no movies, at least no good ones are on I know of. Seems like the next days, hopefully not weeks, are going to be fun, fun, fun... NOT!
Thomas Müller won the Golden Boot as the most succesful striker scoring the most goals, five. Wait haven't Sneijder and Villa scored 5-times as well? Müller won by more assists then the other two... a bit weird rule, isn't it? Shouldn't all three get the trophy? What has providing assists to do with scoring your own goals? Not much in my eyes... Maybe somebody should think about that rule.
No World Cup anymore also means that I got nothing, really nothing, to do anymore. I can't even go to the beach today, as we're expecting thunderstorms and possible tornados. That could at least be entertaining. Nobody really got time due to exam period, no work, no sports (summer break), no TV (just crappy programmes), no movies, at least no good ones are on I know of. Seems like the next days, hopefully not weeks, are going to be fun, fun, fun... NOT!
Sunday, 4 July 2010
Germany 4, Argentina 0
On and on and on...
This World Cup is getting better the longer it lasts. France OUT (as expected); Italy OUT (good surprise, but deserved) Brazil OUT (surely deserved, if you more interested in starting fights and playing unfair, than playing soccer, you don't belong to a World Cup)!
But most surprisingly is the German team. They are playing really good so far, and made it to the semi final for a good reason.
Unfortunately some thunderstorm kinda destroyed yesterday's public viewing. I was supposed to watch the match in a park, but as the heavy rain and lightning started about an hour before kickoff we decided to drive back home. After this brilliant victory over Argentina, we made it back to the city center. This town is getting crazier with each victory. Yesterday we joined a motorcade through the city, big fun. I hope on Wednesday the weather is getting better to get the full experience somewhere.
I still miss my life in Edinburgh. 100 days ago the lectures ended, so long ago, but still seem so short ago. All those nice memories... Where is all the time inbetween gone?
And what am I going to do in the future? I have no idea, that is Germany, almost everybody and everything is unable to give me the information I need to plan anything. That is quite stupid... but that's Germany, unfortunately.
If nothing is going to work out on time or in any useful way I can still go on vacations... not my original plan at all, but better than hanging around here and having nothing to do.
This World Cup is getting better the longer it lasts. France OUT (as expected); Italy OUT (good surprise, but deserved) Brazil OUT (surely deserved, if you more interested in starting fights and playing unfair, than playing soccer, you don't belong to a World Cup)!
But most surprisingly is the German team. They are playing really good so far, and made it to the semi final for a good reason.
Unfortunately some thunderstorm kinda destroyed yesterday's public viewing. I was supposed to watch the match in a park, but as the heavy rain and lightning started about an hour before kickoff we decided to drive back home. After this brilliant victory over Argentina, we made it back to the city center. This town is getting crazier with each victory. Yesterday we joined a motorcade through the city, big fun. I hope on Wednesday the weather is getting better to get the full experience somewhere.
I still miss my life in Edinburgh. 100 days ago the lectures ended, so long ago, but still seem so short ago. All those nice memories... Where is all the time inbetween gone?
And what am I going to do in the future? I have no idea, that is Germany, almost everybody and everything is unable to give me the information I need to plan anything. That is quite stupid... but that's Germany, unfortunately.
If nothing is going to work out on time or in any useful way I can still go on vacations... not my original plan at all, but better than hanging around here and having nothing to do.
Saturday, 26 June 2010
Blogging World Cup Style
Finally I'm done with my exam, and passed it, which means I have no more for at least a year. So now I got some days off, since I came back from Edinburgh 4 weeks ago. Can't believe I'm in Germany for 4 weeks now, where did the time go? Unbelievable!
The World-Cup is also finished with the group stage, damn... just less than half of the games left.
HAHA, this is awesome, while writing this I'm watching Uruguay vs. South Korea. And Suarez just scored the 1:0 for Uruguay. An unbelievable mistake of the keeper again. So hilarious, what is that guy doing? Just letting the ball pass, while the striker is behind him. I love this World Cup and its mistakes. So funny.
Anyways, to make this post more World-Cup like, I put up some original Vuvuzela sound. If you can't hear it, click on this LINK and be amazed by the sound. (If you don't like the sound switch it off, or get the normal blog HERE, but you have to open it in a new window or tab.)
The weather is really nice here, just a little too hot. Tomorrow at 4pm Germany is playing and I'm going to watch it in some beer garden with some friends. I hope it's not gonna be too crowded and we get some good spots. After the match against Ghana people already freaked out. Partying on the streets, lightning Bengal fireworks, dancing on cars. Crazy! That was just the group stage, what is going to happen after we won some more matches? Can't imagine that, even after we made it to the European Championship Final 2 years ago it wasn't that insane.
The World-Cup is also finished with the group stage, damn... just less than half of the games left.
HAHA, this is awesome, while writing this I'm watching Uruguay vs. South Korea. And Suarez just scored the 1:0 for Uruguay. An unbelievable mistake of the keeper again. So hilarious, what is that guy doing? Just letting the ball pass, while the striker is behind him. I love this World Cup and its mistakes. So funny.
Anyways, to make this post more World-Cup like, I put up some original Vuvuzela sound. If you can't hear it, click on this LINK and be amazed by the sound. (If you don't like the sound switch it off, or get the normal blog HERE, but you have to open it in a new window or tab.)
The weather is really nice here, just a little too hot. Tomorrow at 4pm Germany is playing and I'm going to watch it in some beer garden with some friends. I hope it's not gonna be too crowded and we get some good spots. After the match against Ghana people already freaked out. Partying on the streets, lightning Bengal fireworks, dancing on cars. Crazy! That was just the group stage, what is going to happen after we won some more matches? Can't imagine that, even after we made it to the European Championship Final 2 years ago it wasn't that insane.
Saturday, 19 June 2010
Déjà vu
Next Saturday, next post... which shows that nothing is going on again.
At least the World Cup is still running. Thanks, to Denmark and Cameroon I got the first right result with my bets tonight. Unlucky for Cameroon, they are out of the competition. But what is wrong with the goalkeepers this time? So far they made 9 major mistakes that resulted in goals. That's a quite high ratio of one out of three matches. Everything else is as expected, France is almost out, Italy is playing bad too (no offence intended).
Not much more is going on atm, I'm just busy studying...awfully boring ad annoying. But at least it is coming to an end on Wednesday. Hopefully for a long, long, long time.
Right now I have to check my classes for next semester. As far as I found out available offer is not really satisfying. Most classes but one does not sound interesting at all... Let's see what is going to happen. I hope I'll get this one... otherwise this could become a very boring time. One of the reasons why I tried to escape here, and now it feels like falling back into a life I thought I left behind. Not so nice thoughts and I have no real idea what to change right now to solve this problem. I hope I'm gonna find a key that problem during the summer... Otherwise I don't know what to do... or not to do.
At least the World Cup is still running. Thanks, to Denmark and Cameroon I got the first right result with my bets tonight. Unlucky for Cameroon, they are out of the competition. But what is wrong with the goalkeepers this time? So far they made 9 major mistakes that resulted in goals. That's a quite high ratio of one out of three matches. Everything else is as expected, France is almost out, Italy is playing bad too (no offence intended).
Not much more is going on atm, I'm just busy studying...awfully boring ad annoying. But at least it is coming to an end on Wednesday. Hopefully for a long, long, long time.
Right now I have to check my classes for next semester. As far as I found out available offer is not really satisfying. Most classes but one does not sound interesting at all... Let's see what is going to happen. I hope I'll get this one... otherwise this could become a very boring time. One of the reasons why I tried to escape here, and now it feels like falling back into a life I thought I left behind. Not so nice thoughts and I have no real idea what to change right now to solve this problem. I hope I'm gonna find a key that problem during the summer... Otherwise I don't know what to do... or not to do.
Saturday, 12 June 2010
World Cup
Saturday night, what else could be better than sitting at home and having nothing to do? Awesome, nobody got time and nothing is going on... I'm pretty sure this wouldn't have happen in Edinburgh... Seems like it is time to leave the country again, not much going on here... well not exactly nothing, I still got my books and the world cup has started. But this is not the same as it was 4 years ago in Germany. I loved the Public-Viewing at the 'FIFA Fan Fests'. Awesome atmosphere and people from all over the world have been there. Today, nothing like this is going on here... stupid, this would be so much fun and I would have something to do. To give you guys an impression how those 'Fests', I uploaded a picture, which I have taken at game Brazil vs. Australia.
Just 5 games played in South Africa so far and I already saw a goal which might be the best of the whole tournament. Not exactly the best goal, but probably the best mistake by a goalkeeper. And where else should this guy come from, if not from England. The country most famous for the best keeper mistakes in history. All this happen in tonight's match England vs. USA, if you missed it, wanna watch it again or just have no idea what happen, you can watch the video HERE.
So let's see what is going to happen in the upcoming matches, but I honestly think this is quite hard to beat ;-)
Just 5 games played in South Africa so far and I already saw a goal which might be the best of the whole tournament. Not exactly the best goal, but probably the best mistake by a goalkeeper. And where else should this guy come from, if not from England. The country most famous for the best keeper mistakes in history. All this happen in tonight's match England vs. USA, if you missed it, wanna watch it again or just have no idea what happen, you can watch the video HERE.So let's see what is going to happen in the upcoming matches, but I honestly think this is quite hard to beat ;-)
Thursday, 10 June 2010
Too Slow
Yesterday, it was time for the second, and maybe last, run this summer. Again 10km but to make it a bit more challenging, the track included 8 hills. Here is a picture from the start, can you find me?
Again a fun run, but I'm still a bit slow. I finished after 49:20 minutes, not too bad, keeping in mind that the track was quite difficult, maybe I can do better next year... we'll see.
Here is my Finisher-Photo, unfortunately not the best one and out of focus.
Beside some sport there's still not much going on, I'm basically studying; not fun at all...
Luckily the World Cup is starting tomorrow. At least there is something on TV then. It is unbelievable how bad the programme got in the year I was abroad. Not that it was any good before I left, but this is even worse. I have never thought that this was possible... Just stupid reality-shows like Big Brother, Pop Idol, etc... So basically I got the choice right now, between my books and taking a break and watching crap... I kinda dislike both...
Again a fun run, but I'm still a bit slow. I finished after 49:20 minutes, not too bad, keeping in mind that the track was quite difficult, maybe I can do better next year... we'll see.Here is my Finisher-Photo, unfortunately not the best one and out of focus.
Beside some sport there's still not much going on, I'm basically studying; not fun at all...Luckily the World Cup is starting tomorrow. At least there is something on TV then. It is unbelievable how bad the programme got in the year I was abroad. Not that it was any good before I left, but this is even worse. I have never thought that this was possible... Just stupid reality-shows like Big Brother, Pop Idol, etc... So basically I got the choice right now, between my books and taking a break and watching crap... I kinda dislike both...
Friday, 4 June 2010
What's going on?
Well not that much... I'm basically studying at the moment. But as the weather is quite nice right now, I've been out every night meeting some friends. We are mostly hanging out outside at the beach or nearby. Yeah right, BEACH, we got a beach a couple of minutes away, quite nice. But not only a beach keeps the city feeling away. Last night I saw some deer and a fox. It's true, it sounds more like I'm living somewhere in a forest, than in a one million population city...
On Wednesday I was competing in a 10km run with a friend. Finish time was 48:05, not too bad, keeping in mind I wasn't taking part in any competition for about 2 years. The run was a 'Night run' with a quite nice route, along the river Rhine, through a park and back along the river to where we started.
I'm still missing the burgh and feel like being at the wrong place, where I don't really wanna be, hopefully that is getting better with time...
On Wednesday I was competing in a 10km run with a friend. Finish time was 48:05, not too bad, keeping in mind I wasn't taking part in any competition for about 2 years. The run was a 'Night run' with a quite nice route, along the river Rhine, through a park and back along the river to where we started.
I'm still missing the burgh and feel like being at the wrong place, where I don't really wanna be, hopefully that is getting better with time...
Sunday, 30 May 2010
Where do I belong?
First of all I have to say a BIG 'Thank You' to everybody who made the year in Edinburgh as fantastic as it was. I loved being there, the city and uni are great. Especially, I found things I have lost or forgotten over time, like having fun with studying. While this was not very fun or good at all in my last semester in Germany, it was really fun again in Edinburgh.
Now, that I'm back in Germany for already 34 hours, I still feel like being at the wrong place. At the beginning, it was more like going on vacation, but with knowing that you never go back to the starting point. Really weird! Right know I don't really feel like I should be here. It is nice meeting your old friends again, but it is strange at the same time, kinda hard to explain.
This raises again the question for me: where is home? Or what is home?
Unfortunately there is no way back to the life in the burgh. One more chapter is closed, with loads of good memories, new friends and experiences I won't miss for anything in the world!
I'm not even sure if I would like to go back there, again, for longer. If you go abroad for a certain time, this place has something special about it. Which, I think, it will lose if you decide to go there again or even stay for a longer period of time. Luckily, there are much more places to explore around the world.
Time to see what the next chapter has to offer, even if it is quite hard to image right now, what this would be like, at least in Germany...
Now, that I'm back in Germany for already 34 hours, I still feel like being at the wrong place. At the beginning, it was more like going on vacation, but with knowing that you never go back to the starting point. Really weird! Right know I don't really feel like I should be here. It is nice meeting your old friends again, but it is strange at the same time, kinda hard to explain.
This raises again the question for me: where is home? Or what is home?
Unfortunately there is no way back to the life in the burgh. One more chapter is closed, with loads of good memories, new friends and experiences I won't miss for anything in the world!
I'm not even sure if I would like to go back there, again, for longer. If you go abroad for a certain time, this place has something special about it. Which, I think, it will lose if you decide to go there again or even stay for a longer period of time. Luckily, there are much more places to explore around the world.
Time to see what the next chapter has to offer, even if it is quite hard to image right now, what this would be like, at least in Germany...
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
Spending and Searching Time
Long time no post... well; I blame the exams for that. Anyways, I'm done, at least for a couple of days, until it's time to start again... awesome...
It is also the countdown for my last 10 days in Edinburgh, and the try to make the most out of it. Again, time for sightseeing and parties. Seems like everybody is having a Farewell-Party, with a funny side-effect. You say goodbye, but then you meet some people again on the next party, the next day. Anyways, sad times to think about leaving, the time passed by much too quick, where is it gone? Even more important to enjoy the last days here, so no need to make this post sentimental.
Besides exams I've also watched 'Robin Hood', interesting movie, but definitely not a second 'Gladiator'. Russell Crowe is having a quite funny accent, an Australian trying to sound British. I'm pretty sure that is not the way Robin Hood was speaking...
As usually one don't really study before exams and spend time more or less on unnecessary things. So I checked out some old, and almost forgotten, cartoons on YouTube.
Who remembers such legendary series like Saber Rider, Thundercats or Marshall Bravestarr???
If you don't, click on the names to watch the Intros. It has been ages since I watched those ones. Reminds me of my youth, it is like a 90's Party, but with cartoons ;-)
It is also the countdown for my last 10 days in Edinburgh, and the try to make the most out of it. Again, time for sightseeing and parties. Seems like everybody is having a Farewell-Party, with a funny side-effect. You say goodbye, but then you meet some people again on the next party, the next day. Anyways, sad times to think about leaving, the time passed by much too quick, where is it gone? Even more important to enjoy the last days here, so no need to make this post sentimental.
Besides exams I've also watched 'Robin Hood', interesting movie, but definitely not a second 'Gladiator'. Russell Crowe is having a quite funny accent, an Australian trying to sound British. I'm pretty sure that is not the way Robin Hood was speaking...
As usually one don't really study before exams and spend time more or less on unnecessary things. So I checked out some old, and almost forgotten, cartoons on YouTube.
Who remembers such legendary series like Saber Rider, Thundercats or Marshall Bravestarr???
If you don't, click on the names to watch the Intros. It has been ages since I watched those ones. Reminds me of my youth, it is like a 90's Party, but with cartoons ;-)
Saturday, 8 May 2010
Why the UK,
is not a developed country.
First of all, one can't consider yourself developed if you have two single taps for hot and cold water. What is this even good for, that you either have too hot or too cold water?
Secondly, single glazing, come on, if you are living in a country where it is considerably cold shouldn't you have double glazing? Where is the point if heat just get lost through the windows? On one hand it just increases your bill, because you have to heat the rooms all the time, on the other hand it is just a useless waste of energy and thereby an environmental pollution.
But the best example has been the last election this week. How can it be, that you run out of ballots if one knows the exact number of voters? Or how can there not be enough staff to serve the amount of voters, so that they get turned away and can't vote. Shouldn't voting be a fundamental right, that everybody should be able to make use of? Furthermore, shouldn't the administration create enough capacities to let everybody exert this right or would they have failed otherwise?
Anyways as I have watched the election at Teviot, I thought that this will be a nice fun evening, with some results. Unfortunately it turned out, that counting votes seem to be a hard task over here. How can it take so long (first result after ca. 45 minutes) to get results? I have never experienced a counting in my life, which took so long... The final result still wasn't available the next morning when I got up...
But even these unexpected things couldn't stop us from having fun. At least the speech recognition program of the BBC brought a lot of fun, as it wasn't really able to write down what people said. At some point it was making covert advertising for Heineken. Another example was, that voters have been affected by 'love bombing'. Who knows what that mean, please let me know. Or, that 'In Afghanistan the prices went smoother than this' was written down, as a guy was interviewed about the election, I'm not so sure if that was what he wanted to say...
Last night I watched a movie called 'Four Lions', quite a fun one. It deals with a bunch of British Muslims that try to become suicide bombers. But this is a comedy and thereby not as brutal as it sounds.
Studying these days is also a success, as by now I have a clean room and freshly cleaned laundry...
First of all, one can't consider yourself developed if you have two single taps for hot and cold water. What is this even good for, that you either have too hot or too cold water?
Secondly, single glazing, come on, if you are living in a country where it is considerably cold shouldn't you have double glazing? Where is the point if heat just get lost through the windows? On one hand it just increases your bill, because you have to heat the rooms all the time, on the other hand it is just a useless waste of energy and thereby an environmental pollution.
But the best example has been the last election this week. How can it be, that you run out of ballots if one knows the exact number of voters? Or how can there not be enough staff to serve the amount of voters, so that they get turned away and can't vote. Shouldn't voting be a fundamental right, that everybody should be able to make use of? Furthermore, shouldn't the administration create enough capacities to let everybody exert this right or would they have failed otherwise?
Anyways as I have watched the election at Teviot, I thought that this will be a nice fun evening, with some results. Unfortunately it turned out, that counting votes seem to be a hard task over here. How can it take so long (first result after ca. 45 minutes) to get results? I have never experienced a counting in my life, which took so long... The final result still wasn't available the next morning when I got up...
But even these unexpected things couldn't stop us from having fun. At least the speech recognition program of the BBC brought a lot of fun, as it wasn't really able to write down what people said. At some point it was making covert advertising for Heineken. Another example was, that voters have been affected by 'love bombing'. Who knows what that mean, please let me know. Or, that 'In Afghanistan the prices went smoother than this' was written down, as a guy was interviewed about the election, I'm not so sure if that was what he wanted to say...
Last night I watched a movie called 'Four Lions', quite a fun one. It deals with a bunch of British Muslims that try to become suicide bombers. But this is a comedy and thereby not as brutal as it sounds.
Studying these days is also a success, as by now I have a clean room and freshly cleaned laundry...
Monday, 3 May 2010
Quizzes
I love Pubquizzes, but they are unwinnable if you're not born in the UK. Example from last night, for 11 points: Name the 11 most recurring roles in the series 'Only Fools and Horses'. YAY, we scored 1 point by guessing... In the end the winning group had almost 3-times the points we scored... Anyways big fun night, at least we won some chocolate. So yesterday was the day of free food for me, got loads of stuff at the Big Edinburgh Run, Macaroni & Cheese, cereal bars, 'Powerade' and so on. Kinda reminds me of the first week in Edinburgh, when you got food for free almost everywhere... good old days...
Is anybody watching Snooker these days? The final is quite interesting, some entertaining things and good shots are to be seen, but the best thing is the Super-Slomo-Cam the BBC uses. Awesome pictures, that are really interesting to watch.
At long last, I got one for the mind, THIS video contains a talk of Willie Smits, a biologist, who has found a way to regrow rainforest and thereby restore a fragile ecosystem. Definitely worth watching, especially as almost everybody is responsible for the cutting of rainforest in Indonesia. As the rainforest is cut to make space for palm oil plantages. This oil is used in almost every industry and is not to be thought away anymore.
Is anybody watching Snooker these days? The final is quite interesting, some entertaining things and good shots are to be seen, but the best thing is the Super-Slomo-Cam the BBC uses. Awesome pictures, that are really interesting to watch.
At long last, I got one for the mind, THIS video contains a talk of Willie Smits, a biologist, who has found a way to regrow rainforest and thereby restore a fragile ecosystem. Definitely worth watching, especially as almost everybody is responsible for the cutting of rainforest in Indonesia. As the rainforest is cut to make space for palm oil plantages. This oil is used in almost every industry and is not to be thought away anymore.
Thursday, 29 April 2010
Good and Bad
If one wants to spot Puffins in the wild, I recommend going to the island of Inchcolm in the Firth of Forth. I've done so on Tuesday, and was able to spot about a dozen on the cliffs and in the sea. You can also observe other birds and seals, as well as walk around an old Abbey and WW I + II defense buildings.
I've also been to the Highlands once more, this time more adventurous than planned. Exactly on the border of Stirling to Argyll the bus had a problem. The driver wasn't able to release the handbrake any more, due to a mechanical error. So we were stranded in the middle of a Glen, where nothing was going on. Luckily for us another bus gave us a lift till its lunch stop, where we've been picked up by the repaired bus again. After that we visited Urquhart and did a small cruise on Loch Ness, before heading back to the burgh.
Today is the inevitable happened, I booked a flight back to Germany. I can't deny I don't really like that... but seems like that is what I have to do... But still 30 days and nights left, so let's figure out what is going on in the upcoming weeks!
I've also been to the Highlands once more, this time more adventurous than planned. Exactly on the border of Stirling to Argyll the bus had a problem. The driver wasn't able to release the handbrake any more, due to a mechanical error. So we were stranded in the middle of a Glen, where nothing was going on. Luckily for us another bus gave us a lift till its lunch stop, where we've been picked up by the repaired bus again. After that we visited Urquhart and did a small cruise on Loch Ness, before heading back to the burgh.
Today is the inevitable happened, I booked a flight back to Germany. I can't deny I don't really like that... but seems like that is what I have to do... But still 30 days and nights left, so let's figure out what is going on in the upcoming weeks!
Friday, 23 April 2010
Studying?
Aye right!
Maybe I should do more... but with the days counting down there is still so much to do and see...
Like the Real Ale Festival, how come, that nobody wanna go there? Just 2 days left! And pints for just 1.79! With a choice of almost 50!
At least, I finally made it to almost all museums, nice stuff to watch there, so go if you have time. Especially if you go for the Dean Gallery, you can combine that with a nice walk at the 'Water of Leith' through the Dean Village. Also nice times to go out and play some soccer while it is warm, sunny and snowing... something one doesn't experience that often... That's Scotland.
If somebody wanna watch a funny movie I recommend 'The Infidel', good comedy about a Muslim, who discovers he is a born Jew. Unfortunately, the end is not as brilliant as the movie... but besides that, worth watching for a good laugh. Reminds me of an upcoming movie 'Four Lions', could be worth watching too. Should be funny, check out the Links (Trailers). Ah, and if somebody is bored of revising, you should check out some comedy of the leading actor of 'The Infidel', Omad Djalili. Here is an example.
But I have done even more, been to the Zoo, played Squash (fun sport, I should do that more often) and had a visitor from home. Nice thing, so you do even more tourist-stuff, you probably wouldn't do at all... Interesting place to visit is definitely 'Mary King's Close'. The old underground vaults, historically interesting and slightly spooky.
Well, seems like I should do more for school and less other stuff or this is gonna end as travel guide for Edinburgh. Anyhow, that's not gonna change until Wednesday, a cheer for touri-times and hopefully good weather without unpredictable snow :-P
Maybe I should do more... but with the days counting down there is still so much to do and see...
Like the Real Ale Festival, how come, that nobody wanna go there? Just 2 days left! And pints for just 1.79! With a choice of almost 50!
At least, I finally made it to almost all museums, nice stuff to watch there, so go if you have time. Especially if you go for the Dean Gallery, you can combine that with a nice walk at the 'Water of Leith' through the Dean Village. Also nice times to go out and play some soccer while it is warm, sunny and snowing... something one doesn't experience that often... That's Scotland.
If somebody wanna watch a funny movie I recommend 'The Infidel', good comedy about a Muslim, who discovers he is a born Jew. Unfortunately, the end is not as brilliant as the movie... but besides that, worth watching for a good laugh. Reminds me of an upcoming movie 'Four Lions', could be worth watching too. Should be funny, check out the Links (Trailers). Ah, and if somebody is bored of revising, you should check out some comedy of the leading actor of 'The Infidel', Omad Djalili. Here is an example.
But I have done even more, been to the Zoo, played Squash (fun sport, I should do that more often) and had a visitor from home. Nice thing, so you do even more tourist-stuff, you probably wouldn't do at all... Interesting place to visit is definitely 'Mary King's Close'. The old underground vaults, historically interesting and slightly spooky.
Well, seems like I should do more for school and less other stuff or this is gonna end as travel guide for Edinburgh. Anyhow, that's not gonna change until Wednesday, a cheer for touri-times and hopefully good weather without unpredictable snow :-P
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
Shetland-Orkney
Those are nice places to get this blog started off with.
On the last weekend of March, me and Lena, a german friend of mine, went off to visit those islands. We started early on Saturday by train to Aberdeen, then took the overnight ferry to Lerwick. The weather was quite nice and the sea not to rough, so that we could catch some sleep, after being able to observe a nice sunset.
In Lerwick we just rented a car and headed south, in hope to see some whales or puffins. Unlucky as we were, we couldn't spot any, not even making it to the cliffs, as it was stormy as hell...
Nevertheless it was a nice day; we saw the whole south of the Main Island, and scouted loads of beaches and beautiful landscapes.
Abandoned Cottage
Way to the beach
I can't remember the name - Sorry!
Scousburgh BeachOn the next day we started off to explore the northern part. This time with much better weather, that allowed us to get to the edges of the cliffs. The weather (especially the overnight snow) resulted in terrific views: waves breaking on the rocks, a wonderful, endless grassy landscape, and snowy hills in the background. 
Unbelievable beautiful images!
Unbelievable beautiful images!
A little waterfall at the cliff.
Unfortunately it was already time to say goodbye to Shetland for us. On the next morning we flew to the Orkney Islands.Once landed in Kirkwall, we just stored our stuff in the hostel, and then made our way to Stromness to go to the island of Hoy. A very funny trip, as it was no tourist season, we had to take the cargo ferry. Finally arrived in Hoy we went for a long walk to the other side of the island. The landscape on Orkney is totally different from the Shetland Islands, much more populated and for some reason more brown and green, while Shetland was more green-yellowish.
The walk led us trough a wonderful U-shaped valley, formed by former glaciation.
U-shaped ValleyA nice surprise was a Hamish standing next to the unfenced street; we could almost touch it (though it may have been a bit dangerous...).
The HamishFor the last day we rented a car again, to check out the main island. But it was not just us two on that day, aboard was also Mike, a Canadian geographer (it's a small world, isn't it), we met at the hostel. The weather was unbelievable windy and with high percipitation (rainy, haily, etc.) on this day, horizontal snow, so hard it hurt in the face. That's why we reduced sightseeing to the Japanese style (no offence intended), getting out of the car, taking pictures, and off we were. On Orkney itself are interesting things to see, as it was already home to a culture 5000 years ago. A very nice sight was the 'Ring o Brodgar'.
Ring of BrodgarA stone circle, which also brought shelter, as presented by Lena and Mike.
Where are they?Other things worth seeing on Orkney are chamber tombs and old settlements. Due to the horrible weather (at least for sightseeing) we decided to end the day with some beer and whisky in the pub. After a nice walk through Kirkwall it was time to go back to Edinburgh on Thursday.
St. Magnus CathedralThe Orkney and Shetland islands are definitley places I would recommend to visit, if one is interested in beautiful landscapes, a bit of loneliness and you don't care about unpredictable weather.
Friday, 2 April 2010
The Start
I thought about writing a blog in English as well, as it might reach more people than my German one, which can be found HERE. BUT, for my German friends, this is not just a translation of the other one, it should vary. So I hope you will read it too! It also should be an opportunity for my friends all over the world to keep up with what I am doing, or at least a small part of it. I don't intend to note down the story of my life here. This might just bore you... so I'll try to just put down some exciting chapters ;-)
I hope you enjoy reading it, comments are always welcome!
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