This is it, the last post of the year.
In an hour I'm off to relax and to get ready for the big party of tomorrow night.
I hope you people will all enjoy New Year's Eve.
Mónica and I will be spending it at the same hotel as last year.
The food was good, we had a great time last year and it is one of the few places that is having a dinner and party at an affordable price.
My throat has been hurting a little since a few days, but luckily it hasn't gotten much worse. I have already been taking medicines to avoid having to spend New Year's Eve at home. I guess I will be taking it easy all day tomorrow, to make sure that I'm feeling ok at night.
See you next year! Have a great and safe party.
Friday, December 30, 2005
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Getting ready for saturday
I'm feeling terribly lazy today, but I kind of forced myself to write this entry anyway.
Christmas Eve was very nice. We spent it just like last year with Mónica's parents at their house. We had an abundant dinner, including all the best Spanish products, while we listened to a musical Christmas special on television.
We talked, joked around, drank lots of champagne and even made some pictures.
On Christmas day the weather was beautiful. So we went for a walk in the park and around town before having lunch with Mónica's parents again (someone had to help eat all those leftovers). To my surprise, they had bought a huge steak just for me, because they know how I enjoy a big, juicy steak.
This week, unlike many of you, I'm still at work. I used up all the holidays I had left this year to go to Belgium at the beginning of december.
Luckily, New Year's Eve is celebrated on a saturday this year, so we can still rest a little before starting to party.
And I heard that we are even allowed to leave work a few hours early this friday. I won't refuse that offer!
Christmas Eve was very nice. We spent it just like last year with Mónica's parents at their house. We had an abundant dinner, including all the best Spanish products, while we listened to a musical Christmas special on television.
We talked, joked around, drank lots of champagne and even made some pictures.
On Christmas day the weather was beautiful. So we went for a walk in the park and around town before having lunch with Mónica's parents again (someone had to help eat all those leftovers). To my surprise, they had bought a huge steak just for me, because they know how I enjoy a big, juicy steak.
This week, unlike many of you, I'm still at work. I used up all the holidays I had left this year to go to Belgium at the beginning of december.
Luckily, New Year's Eve is celebrated on a saturday this year, so we can still rest a little before starting to party.
And I heard that we are even allowed to leave work a few hours early this friday. I won't refuse that offer!
Thursday, December 22, 2005
It's lottery day
Today, a lot of people in Spain have become a little (or a lot) richer, thanks to the drawing of the yearly Christmas lottery.
It is supposed to be the biggest lottery in the world, with a prize money of 2.023.000.000 euros this year. Mind you, not all of this money goes to one winner. There are 2210 winners all over Spain today, and the biggest prize is 300.000 euros.
The chance of winning is 1/85.000, which is much higher than in other lotteries. That's why this lottery is so popular, and every Spaniard spends on average 70 euros on it.
The drawing of the winning numbers takes 3 hours and is considered a special event, as the drawn numbers and corresponding winning amounts are sung by little children.
When the big prizes are drawn, the little children get all excited and start singing faster and louder. It's a funny thing to watch.
My lottery number wasn't one of the winning numbers. So I better get back to work.
It is supposed to be the biggest lottery in the world, with a prize money of 2.023.000.000 euros this year. Mind you, not all of this money goes to one winner. There are 2210 winners all over Spain today, and the biggest prize is 300.000 euros.
The chance of winning is 1/85.000, which is much higher than in other lotteries. That's why this lottery is so popular, and every Spaniard spends on average 70 euros on it.
The drawing of the winning numbers takes 3 hours and is considered a special event, as the drawn numbers and corresponding winning amounts are sung by little children.
When the big prizes are drawn, the little children get all excited and start singing faster and louder. It's a funny thing to watch.
My lottery number wasn't one of the winning numbers. So I better get back to work.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Breathe in
One of my favourite albums of the year is the debut album 'Breathe in' by the young British singer-songwriter Lucie Silvas.
She got famous in Spain thanks to her live performance in the popular television program 'Operacion Triunfo', and for re-recording her first single 'What you're made of' as a duet with the Spanish singer Antonio Orozco.
Her debut album contains 13 songs that are all of an outstanding quality, the way any album on the market should be.
Therefore I was surprised not to find her name in the Belgian charts when I was in Belgium last week. My surprise got even bigger when I couldn't even find her album in the Belgian music stores.
In Holland however, her album is one of the best sold albums of the moment. Strange. Apparently her album didn't get promoted in Belgium.
Anyway, If you don't know her music, check it out. You're in for a nice surprise.
She got famous in Spain thanks to her live performance in the popular television program 'Operacion Triunfo', and for re-recording her first single 'What you're made of' as a duet with the Spanish singer Antonio Orozco.
Her debut album contains 13 songs that are all of an outstanding quality, the way any album on the market should be.
Therefore I was surprised not to find her name in the Belgian charts when I was in Belgium last week. My surprise got even bigger when I couldn't even find her album in the Belgian music stores.
In Holland however, her album is one of the best sold albums of the moment. Strange. Apparently her album didn't get promoted in Belgium.
Anyway, If you don't know her music, check it out. You're in for a nice surprise.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Home again
I'm back home, in Spain, after spending 8 days with my family in Belgium.
I had a very nice trip, and it was great to see my friends, family and the newborn babies.
It's incredible how fast time goes by when you're busy, as it seems that I have only spent 3 days in Belgium instead of 8. Although Mónica won't like me saying this, because for her those 8 days seemed to last an eternity.
But that's probably because she was alone at home, waiting for me to return. I'm sure I would have felt the same way if I was at home and she had been gone for a week.
The flights were luxurious (nice work, Iberia), the weather was cold and foggy, the Belgian food and beers were delicious, my little niece was absolutely adorable, the friends hadn't changed a bit and the newborn babies smelled like Johnson's baby powder.
And of course I had to fix computers and digital cameras and help my mom put up the Christmas tree (nobody can arrange the lights in the tree like I can).
Now I'm off for a weekend of complete relaxation. Although another Christmas tree is still waiting to be decorated. But now I'm on a roll.
I had a very nice trip, and it was great to see my friends, family and the newborn babies.
It's incredible how fast time goes by when you're busy, as it seems that I have only spent 3 days in Belgium instead of 8. Although Mónica won't like me saying this, because for her those 8 days seemed to last an eternity.
But that's probably because she was alone at home, waiting for me to return. I'm sure I would have felt the same way if I was at home and she had been gone for a week.
The flights were luxurious (nice work, Iberia), the weather was cold and foggy, the Belgian food and beers were delicious, my little niece was absolutely adorable, the friends hadn't changed a bit and the newborn babies smelled like Johnson's baby powder.
And of course I had to fix computers and digital cameras and help my mom put up the Christmas tree (nobody can arrange the lights in the tree like I can).
Now I'm off for a weekend of complete relaxation. Although another Christmas tree is still waiting to be decorated. But now I'm on a roll.
Monday, December 05, 2005
Holiday!
Today was my first and also my last workday of this week.
Tomorrow is a holiday in Spain, so I will have plenty of time to pack my bags, maybe even put up the Christmas tree and spend my last evening together with Mónica.
I'm sure it will be hard for us, having to miss each other for 8 days. Mónica will be crying tears of grief while my mother already cried tears of joy because she will see me again.
I'm looking forward to seeing my family and friends again. And those 8 days will fly by in no time, I'm sure.
Too bad that it's so cold and dark in Belgium these days. I'm not used to that kind of weather anymore.
I got myself a new and bigger memory card for my camera, and I'm planning to use it at all times.
And during the evenings when I'm bored, I might even post a little update here.
If Dorien or Tine have some time to get together someday, they can leave me a comment. I'm in town until December, 14.
Tomorrow is a holiday in Spain, so I will have plenty of time to pack my bags, maybe even put up the Christmas tree and spend my last evening together with Mónica.
I'm sure it will be hard for us, having to miss each other for 8 days. Mónica will be crying tears of grief while my mother already cried tears of joy because she will see me again.
I'm looking forward to seeing my family and friends again. And those 8 days will fly by in no time, I'm sure.
Too bad that it's so cold and dark in Belgium these days. I'm not used to that kind of weather anymore.
I got myself a new and bigger memory card for my camera, and I'm planning to use it at all times.
And during the evenings when I'm bored, I might even post a little update here.
If Dorien or Tine have some time to get together someday, they can leave me a comment. I'm in town until December, 14.
Friday, December 02, 2005
2 years ago today
2 years ago today, I arrived in Spain, nervous and not knowing what the future would bring.
Today my dad sent me an e-mail, telling me that my mother was feeling sad this morning, because I had been gone for 2 years.
So I gave her a call this afternoon. She was all emotional and started telling me that they hardly ever see me, and that I live so far away.
So I decided to tell her the news that I will be visiting them next week.
I said: 'Well, you can come and pick me up at the airport on wednesday, if you like'.
She first thought it was a joke. But once she realized I wasn't joking, she was all excited.
She said: 'Now I have to finish the Christmas decorations before you come!'.
I think I just made her day.
Today my dad sent me an e-mail, telling me that my mother was feeling sad this morning, because I had been gone for 2 years.
So I gave her a call this afternoon. She was all emotional and started telling me that they hardly ever see me, and that I live so far away.
So I decided to tell her the news that I will be visiting them next week.
I said: 'Well, you can come and pick me up at the airport on wednesday, if you like'.
She first thought it was a joke. But once she realized I wasn't joking, she was all excited.
She said: 'Now I have to finish the Christmas decorations before you come!'.
I think I just made her day.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Making plans
What a weird experience it was when I was in the Mediamarkt store of Oviedo on Saturday evening and suddenly the name 'Hasselt' (The name of the town where I was living when I was still living in Belgium) was shown on the dozens of televisions on display in the store.
It was the start of the Junior Eurovision Songcontest that was being held in Hasselt. We taped the show on video and saw it on Sunday afternoon. I was impressed by the beauty of the hall and the stage they had built.
And before every singer was introduced, a few images of Hasselt were shown. But the images were shown way too fast. At times, we had to stop the tape and rewind it, because we had not recognized what they were showing.
Later last night, we started talking about Belgium again and I suddenly realised that it was already 8 months since we visited Belgium and my family for the last time, while we normally would go every 6 months. If we were going to wait until April before going again, it would be a whole year.
I still have 5 days of vacation to take before the end of the year, but sadly, Mónica has no right to take a holiday from work.
So after talking about it, we decided that I should go alone for a few days in December.
So I started checking flights and rates today, and I already booked a flight to go to Belgium next week. How weird that we started talking about this last night, and I already will be going next week.
I haven't told anybody of my family yet, and I'm thinking of keeping it as a surprise. I could take the train from Brussels airport to Hasselt, and just show up at my parents's house and shout: 'Surprise'! I like the idea.
It was the start of the Junior Eurovision Songcontest that was being held in Hasselt. We taped the show on video and saw it on Sunday afternoon. I was impressed by the beauty of the hall and the stage they had built.
And before every singer was introduced, a few images of Hasselt were shown. But the images were shown way too fast. At times, we had to stop the tape and rewind it, because we had not recognized what they were showing.
Later last night, we started talking about Belgium again and I suddenly realised that it was already 8 months since we visited Belgium and my family for the last time, while we normally would go every 6 months. If we were going to wait until April before going again, it would be a whole year.
I still have 5 days of vacation to take before the end of the year, but sadly, Mónica has no right to take a holiday from work.
So after talking about it, we decided that I should go alone for a few days in December.
So I started checking flights and rates today, and I already booked a flight to go to Belgium next week. How weird that we started talking about this last night, and I already will be going next week.
I haven't told anybody of my family yet, and I'm thinking of keeping it as a surprise. I could take the train from Brussels airport to Hasselt, and just show up at my parents's house and shout: 'Surprise'! I like the idea.
Friday, November 25, 2005
Experimenting
Thursday night is Big Brother night. So while Mónica watches 10 fighting weirdos that are frustrated of being locked up in a house, I have got some time to play around.
Last night, I got all creative with my camera. I tried out some new things like cloning and skywriting, and I discovered that the closet mirrors created a nice effect as well.
I feel like I should experiment more often, because it seems that I haven't discovered all the possibilities of this camera yet. I had fun.
Last night, I got all creative with my camera. I tried out some new things like cloning and skywriting, and I discovered that the closet mirrors created a nice effect as well.
I feel like I should experiment more often, because it seems that I haven't discovered all the possibilities of this camera yet. I had fun.
Thursday, November 24, 2005
I'm popular
I haven't got a clue about what is happening here, but over the last 3 days I have received at least 12 telephone calls and e-mails from people asking me if I am interested in a job.
I have a nice job with an attractive salary, so I'm not thinking about changing soon. But it's comforting to know that if something suddenly should occur, they are still looking for people with my profile.
Although I must say that the job they offered me in Barcelona sounded quite tempting. Especially the salary of 6000 euros a month! Holy sh*t.
I have a nice job with an attractive salary, so I'm not thinking about changing soon. But it's comforting to know that if something suddenly should occur, they are still looking for people with my profile.
Although I must say that the job they offered me in Barcelona sounded quite tempting. Especially the salary of 6000 euros a month! Holy sh*t.
Monday, November 21, 2005
About last week
Yes, my birthday was last thursday. But since I had such a busy week last week, I didn't have the time to post anything about it. I'm Sorry.
I had this course at work every day of last week, so I had to stay until 20:00 in the evening. I didn't even have the time to finish the work that I was supposed to be doing, so you can understand that I didn't have much time to post.
By thursday evening I was already really tired, so we didn't do anything special after all. And I didn't really mind, because I'm not really fond of my own birthdays.
Mónica had written me a beautiful letter, explaining to me how much our story means to her. And she got me the best gift of all gifts: this watch (It is more beautiful than it looks here).
Also, my 2 year old neice called me on the phone to sing 'happy birthday' to her uncle in Spain.
On saturday the weather was nice, so we decided to go shopping in Oviedo. It's so nice to wander around town now that the Christmas decorations start showing up everywhere.
Everybody was obsessed with THE soccer game of the year: Real Madrid - Barcelona. All the people in the bars were watching the game, and even in the television department of the shopping center 'El Corte Ingles', dozens of people were following the game on the televisions on display.
I got a haircut while we were there, and after a quick dinner we went to see the movie 'Flightplan'. And although the 'plan' of the movie is a little hard to believe (How could nobody have seen the kid?), we enjoyed watching it.
On sunday, I felt like a mess. My nose didn't stop running and I had a headache all day. I was afraid to feel completely miserable today, but in fact I'm feeling a little better already. Gonna take some vitamins later just in case.
Now it's back to work.
I had this course at work every day of last week, so I had to stay until 20:00 in the evening. I didn't even have the time to finish the work that I was supposed to be doing, so you can understand that I didn't have much time to post.
By thursday evening I was already really tired, so we didn't do anything special after all. And I didn't really mind, because I'm not really fond of my own birthdays.
Mónica had written me a beautiful letter, explaining to me how much our story means to her. And she got me the best gift of all gifts: this watch (It is more beautiful than it looks here).
Also, my 2 year old neice called me on the phone to sing 'happy birthday' to her uncle in Spain.
On saturday the weather was nice, so we decided to go shopping in Oviedo. It's so nice to wander around town now that the Christmas decorations start showing up everywhere.
Everybody was obsessed with THE soccer game of the year: Real Madrid - Barcelona. All the people in the bars were watching the game, and even in the television department of the shopping center 'El Corte Ingles', dozens of people were following the game on the televisions on display.
I got a haircut while we were there, and after a quick dinner we went to see the movie 'Flightplan'. And although the 'plan' of the movie is a little hard to believe (How could nobody have seen the kid?), we enjoyed watching it.
On sunday, I felt like a mess. My nose didn't stop running and I had a headache all day. I was afraid to feel completely miserable today, but in fact I'm feeling a little better already. Gonna take some vitamins later just in case.
Now it's back to work.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
brainstorming
I know I haven't been updating a lot lately.
This week, I'm having an intensive course at work, which means that I don't have much time to blog. Hell, I don't even have time to do my work.
I have been sleeping very bad the last two nights. I am busy brainstorming, and I can't stop thinking at night.
You see, some guy made about 600.000 dollars on the internet in a few months time, with an idea that could easily have been mine.
The idea and the realisation are so ridiculous, that I have been brainstorming about my own ridiculous idea.
I have read and learnt a lot in a few days time, and today I have started a new internet project. I'm not going to reveal anything yet, because I want to see if it works first.
Another project is almost ready as well.
I won't be making 600.000 dollars soon, but just maybe something can come out of it.
We'll see.
This week, I'm having an intensive course at work, which means that I don't have much time to blog. Hell, I don't even have time to do my work.
I have been sleeping very bad the last two nights. I am busy brainstorming, and I can't stop thinking at night.
You see, some guy made about 600.000 dollars on the internet in a few months time, with an idea that could easily have been mine.
The idea and the realisation are so ridiculous, that I have been brainstorming about my own ridiculous idea.
I have read and learnt a lot in a few days time, and today I have started a new internet project. I'm not going to reveal anything yet, because I want to see if it works first.
Another project is almost ready as well.
I won't be making 600.000 dollars soon, but just maybe something can come out of it.
We'll see.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Feeling down
I'm feeling a bit down lately. Must be autumn. Mónica seems to be experiencing the same thing.
Nothing seems to happen, we are both bored as hell, the days seem to last forever and the evenings are cold, dark and rainy. How I hate autumn.
Oh, we do have a new hobby. It's called Stepmania, and if you haven't heard of it before, maybe I will tell you about it someday. We're dancing and jumping our nights away. We're two little kids, really.
And how I wish I had the money to buy myself a Canon EOS 350D. I am trying to experiment a little with my camera, but the results are pathetic. Well, what can you expect from a just-push-the-little-button-because-everything-goes-automatic camera.
A few days ago, I discovered the work of Rebekka on Flickr, and her experimental work amazes me. And she only started making pictures in April of this year. What a talent.
Nothing seems to happen, we are both bored as hell, the days seem to last forever and the evenings are cold, dark and rainy. How I hate autumn.
Oh, we do have a new hobby. It's called Stepmania, and if you haven't heard of it before, maybe I will tell you about it someday. We're dancing and jumping our nights away. We're two little kids, really.
And how I wish I had the money to buy myself a Canon EOS 350D. I am trying to experiment a little with my camera, but the results are pathetic. Well, what can you expect from a just-push-the-little-button-because-everything-goes-automatic camera.
A few days ago, I discovered the work of Rebekka on Flickr, and her experimental work amazes me. And she only started making pictures in April of this year. What a talent.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Lucky me
I just heard that I will have to follow a course next week. No problem.
Unfortunately, that means that I will have to stay 2 hours extra every day of the week.
And thus I will be home only around 20:30 on my birthday. Lucky me.
Unfortunately, that means that I will have to stay 2 hours extra every day of the week.
And thus I will be home only around 20:30 on my birthday. Lucky me.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
What day is it anyway?
It feels like Monday, but it's already Wednesday. Well, at least it will soon be weekend again.
It seems that the end of the daylight saving time last weekend has also changed the weather. The temperatures have dropped a lot and the weatherman is already talking about snow when it was still 23C/73F last week.
On Monday, the Spanish princess Letizia gave birth to her first child, Leonor. The Spanish constitution will probably be changed soon, to make sure that Leonor can be the future queen of Spain.
But also my Belgian friends Tom and Louisa became parents on Monday morning. They had a baby girl named Emma. Too bad I can't visit them and see the baby.
My other friends, Liesbeth and David, a Belgian couple that got together thanks to my intervention, are expecting their firstborn in 9 days.
Yesterday, Mónica and I visited the grave of her grandfather, together with her parents and family. Afterwards, we all went to a shopping mall together. How strange that the shops stay open in Spain on the 1st of november.
Mónica's grandmother impresses me everytime I see her. She is 83 years old, but she is in great shape, has an incredible memory and a great sense of humor. She talks and laughs all the time.
What a great way to grow that old.
It seems that the end of the daylight saving time last weekend has also changed the weather. The temperatures have dropped a lot and the weatherman is already talking about snow when it was still 23C/73F last week.
On Monday, the Spanish princess Letizia gave birth to her first child, Leonor. The Spanish constitution will probably be changed soon, to make sure that Leonor can be the future queen of Spain.
But also my Belgian friends Tom and Louisa became parents on Monday morning. They had a baby girl named Emma. Too bad I can't visit them and see the baby.
My other friends, Liesbeth and David, a Belgian couple that got together thanks to my intervention, are expecting their firstborn in 9 days.
Yesterday, Mónica and I visited the grave of her grandfather, together with her parents and family. Afterwards, we all went to a shopping mall together. How strange that the shops stay open in Spain on the 1st of november.
Mónica's grandmother impresses me everytime I see her. She is 83 years old, but she is in great shape, has an incredible memory and a great sense of humor. She talks and laughs all the time.
What a great way to grow that old.
Friday, October 28, 2005
We learn every day
After I had received a few phone calls from customs about what was in the package that was coming over from the States, I started realising that maybe I was going to have to pay some import taxes. I just hadn't thought of that before.
So I called Mónica's mom (they were going to deliver the package to her place), to warn her that she was probably going to have to pay some taxes, but that I would refund her later.
I thought it could never be more than 4 dollars. Until I got the message that the package had arrived, and that the taxes were an amount of 44 dollars! That is more than 1/3 of the price of what I bought!
So I did some research on the internet, and found out that what I have to pay are customs duty and goods and services taxes.
You better keep that in mind whenever you buy something on the internet.
And to demonstrate the effectivity of Spanish couriers: It took 2 days to get the package from Dallas, Texas to Madrid. And it took another 2 days to get the package from Madrid to Asturias (5 hours by car).
So I called Mónica's mom (they were going to deliver the package to her place), to warn her that she was probably going to have to pay some taxes, but that I would refund her later.
I thought it could never be more than 4 dollars. Until I got the message that the package had arrived, and that the taxes were an amount of 44 dollars! That is more than 1/3 of the price of what I bought!
So I did some research on the internet, and found out that what I have to pay are customs duty and goods and services taxes.
You better keep that in mind whenever you buy something on the internet.
And to demonstrate the effectivity of Spanish couriers: It took 2 days to get the package from Dallas, Texas to Madrid. And it took another 2 days to get the package from Madrid to Asturias (5 hours by car).
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Tracking the shipment
Oh, I'm a real technology freak. I love gadgets, and I am aware of all the cool new things that are being invented around the world. I read about them every day.
So now I bought myself a little early birthday gift on Amazon. It has to be shipped over from the US, because apparently it is not for sale in Europe (I hope it will work here though).
You know what is great about UPS shipping? That you can track your package online across the globe. And it's sooo addictive! So now I'm checking my tracking number every 15 minutes on the internet to find out where my package is.
On monday evening it was sent in Dallas, Texas. On tuesday morning it was received in Louisville, Kentucky and sent to Cologne in Germany. And this morning it arrived already in Madrid! So I should get it by tomorrow. Woohoo!
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's UPS.
So now I bought myself a little early birthday gift on Amazon. It has to be shipped over from the US, because apparently it is not for sale in Europe (I hope it will work here though).
You know what is great about UPS shipping? That you can track your package online across the globe. And it's sooo addictive! So now I'm checking my tracking number every 15 minutes on the internet to find out where my package is.
On monday evening it was sent in Dallas, Texas. On tuesday morning it was received in Louisville, Kentucky and sent to Cologne in Germany. And this morning it arrived already in Madrid! So I should get it by tomorrow. Woohoo!
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's UPS.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
August, 1991
It was the summer of 91. One of the hottest summers I can remember. I was 17 years old.
My dad ordered me to mow the lawn, cut the hedge and paint the garage doors, like he would every summer. He couldn't stand the idea that we didn't have to go to school for two months.
I was working in the garden, when he suddenly came up to me and said that I had to stay home that afternoon, because someone was coming to see me.
When I asked who, he said that a man was coming to talk to me about a holiday in France, to learn French.
My heart skipped some beats. I was stunned. He wanted to send me on a boring holiday in France to learn French?? And he never even talked to me about it until now?? He'd better think again, because I wasn't going. Nope. Nuh uh. Never.
When a guy in a suit showed up that afternoon, sat down at our livingroom table and presented some papers for my father to sign, I realized what was going on. It had all been decided already behind my back. The papers were ready to sign, and I could just as well start packing my bags. I hated my dad for not even discussing this trip with me. I was sure that I was going to have the worst time of my life.
A few weeks later, I was waiting for the bus to arrive on an abandoned market place at 6 o'clock in the morning. The bus would stop at different cities throughout belgium, to pick up other people of my age that were being sent to the same hell in France.
In my town, only the first two victims had to get on the bus, a girl and me. She was very extrovert, came to sit next to me on the bus, introduced herself and started talking very spontaneously. We got along quite well. Later that day, other participants had the idea that she and I had known each other for years.
We were all staying with local families in Tours, France. We had to attend classes in the morning and would go on excursions in the afternoon, visiting castles and vineyards. On some days, we would have the afternoon off.
A small group of participants became very close in just a few days time. We were young, wanted to have fun, and were decided to make the best of this holiday.
My French parents were very modern, very trusting. They told me that the Belgians had the reputation of going out all night. So who was I to break with that tradition.
And so some of us came together every night and went to the clubs until they closed at 3 in the morning. Afterwards, we would buy a few bottles of wine and gather at the banks of the river Loire. By the time the baker started working in the morning, we would knock on the door of his workplace for fresh bread, and when it started to get light again, we would walk home for a few hours of rest before we had to go to class again.
We had a great time. We got drunk at the vineyards, drove from one club to another in cars of total strangers that we didn't understand, mislead our supervisors by getting into cabs and getting out again at the end of the street.
When we got back to Belgium two weeks later, some of us broke down in tears while saying goodbye. For many of us, it was the first time that we had experienced independence. And although I may not have learned a lot of French during those two weeks, I DID learn a lot about myself.
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My dad ordered me to mow the lawn, cut the hedge and paint the garage doors, like he would every summer. He couldn't stand the idea that we didn't have to go to school for two months.
I was working in the garden, when he suddenly came up to me and said that I had to stay home that afternoon, because someone was coming to see me.
When I asked who, he said that a man was coming to talk to me about a holiday in France, to learn French.
My heart skipped some beats. I was stunned. He wanted to send me on a boring holiday in France to learn French?? And he never even talked to me about it until now?? He'd better think again, because I wasn't going. Nope. Nuh uh. Never.
When a guy in a suit showed up that afternoon, sat down at our livingroom table and presented some papers for my father to sign, I realized what was going on. It had all been decided already behind my back. The papers were ready to sign, and I could just as well start packing my bags. I hated my dad for not even discussing this trip with me. I was sure that I was going to have the worst time of my life.
A few weeks later, I was waiting for the bus to arrive on an abandoned market place at 6 o'clock in the morning. The bus would stop at different cities throughout belgium, to pick up other people of my age that were being sent to the same hell in France.
In my town, only the first two victims had to get on the bus, a girl and me. She was very extrovert, came to sit next to me on the bus, introduced herself and started talking very spontaneously. We got along quite well. Later that day, other participants had the idea that she and I had known each other for years.
We were all staying with local families in Tours, France. We had to attend classes in the morning and would go on excursions in the afternoon, visiting castles and vineyards. On some days, we would have the afternoon off.
A small group of participants became very close in just a few days time. We were young, wanted to have fun, and were decided to make the best of this holiday.
My French parents were very modern, very trusting. They told me that the Belgians had the reputation of going out all night. So who was I to break with that tradition.
And so some of us came together every night and went to the clubs until they closed at 3 in the morning. Afterwards, we would buy a few bottles of wine and gather at the banks of the river Loire. By the time the baker started working in the morning, we would knock on the door of his workplace for fresh bread, and when it started to get light again, we would walk home for a few hours of rest before we had to go to class again.
We had a great time. We got drunk at the vineyards, drove from one club to another in cars of total strangers that we didn't understand, mislead our supervisors by getting into cabs and getting out again at the end of the street.
When we got back to Belgium two weeks later, some of us broke down in tears while saying goodbye. For many of us, it was the first time that we had experienced independence. And although I may not have learned a lot of French during those two weeks, I DID learn a lot about myself.
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Wednesday, October 19, 2005
1 year
Happy birthday, blog!
Yes, it has been 1 year since I wrote my first post on this blog, although the URL and name were different at that time. My nosy colleagues forced me to go undercover a little while ago. Too bad, because the number of visitors declined with it.
Or that could also be because of the level of my posts, of course.
Anyway, I will be back at full force as soon as things at work slow down a little.
Yes, it has been 1 year since I wrote my first post on this blog, although the URL and name were different at that time. My nosy colleagues forced me to go undercover a little while ago. Too bad, because the number of visitors declined with it.
Or that could also be because of the level of my posts, of course.
Anyway, I will be back at full force as soon as things at work slow down a little.
Monday, October 17, 2005
The Matrix
Proof that I am living in a virtual, controlled world:
- All the wishes that I did on the falling stars of the Perseid meteor showers that reoccur every year in August, have come true.
- I finished two college degrees successfully, despite the fact that I was partying all the time, and only started studying and copying notes two weeks before the exams started.
- I was offered a job in Spain after one 10 minute job interview on the phone, only 6 kilometers from the city where Mónica was living. Spain is BIG. I had been looking for a job in Spain for less than 2 weeks. I was still living in Belgium.
- I went to Spanish classes twice a week for only 3 months before I moved to Spain. I started working in a team of Spanish people and the language was never a problem for me. Now I speak Spanish fluently.
- Mónica and I moved in together, after only meeting each other 5 times in 10 years, on holidays that lasted less than two weeks. We are having a great relationship.
Does your life sometimes seem strange to you?
- All the wishes that I did on the falling stars of the Perseid meteor showers that reoccur every year in August, have come true.
- I finished two college degrees successfully, despite the fact that I was partying all the time, and only started studying and copying notes two weeks before the exams started.
- I was offered a job in Spain after one 10 minute job interview on the phone, only 6 kilometers from the city where Mónica was living. Spain is BIG. I had been looking for a job in Spain for less than 2 weeks. I was still living in Belgium.
- I went to Spanish classes twice a week for only 3 months before I moved to Spain. I started working in a team of Spanish people and the language was never a problem for me. Now I speak Spanish fluently.
- Mónica and I moved in together, after only meeting each other 5 times in 10 years, on holidays that lasted less than two weeks. We are having a great relationship.
Does your life sometimes seem strange to you?
Friday, October 14, 2005
Thank god it's Friday
Thank god it's Friday. And unlike last weekend, I will finally be able to rest and relax for two days.
I really need the rest after this tiresome week of showing my parents around in Asturias.
They arrived on Friday afternoon last week with a few hours of delay, and until they left on Wednesday morning, we have been travelling around constantly. We showed them Covadonga and the lakes, Oviedo, Gijon, Aviles and Salinas.
We were especially lucky with the weather. It felt like summer all the time they were here. It started raining a few hours after they left for Belgium on Wednesday, and it hasn't stopped since.
My parents seemed impressed by the beauty of Asturias, and the pride and traditions of the people that live here. My mom kept saying that we're living in a great place.
I really need the rest after this tiresome week of showing my parents around in Asturias.
They arrived on Friday afternoon last week with a few hours of delay, and until they left on Wednesday morning, we have been travelling around constantly. We showed them Covadonga and the lakes, Oviedo, Gijon, Aviles and Salinas.
We were especially lucky with the weather. It felt like summer all the time they were here. It started raining a few hours after they left for Belgium on Wednesday, and it hasn't stopped since.
My parents seemed impressed by the beauty of Asturias, and the pride and traditions of the people that live here. My mom kept saying that we're living in a great place.
Friday, October 07, 2005
Family visit
My parents are coming over today to visit us for a couple of days. It is the second time that they are coming.
That is if they get here, because I hear there is a big strike in Belgium today, and part of the airport staff doesn't seem to be working. My mom will probably be nervous already.
The next couple of days I will be guiding them around, showing them the nicest places of Asturias. The last time they came it was february, and freezing cold. So they didn't see much then.
But now it seems we are having luck with the weather, with temperatures up to 24C/75F and sun.
I will be taking my camera along. The result will be up around next thursday.
See ya.
That is if they get here, because I hear there is a big strike in Belgium today, and part of the airport staff doesn't seem to be working. My mom will probably be nervous already.
The next couple of days I will be guiding them around, showing them the nicest places of Asturias. The last time they came it was february, and freezing cold. So they didn't see much then.
But now it seems we are having luck with the weather, with temperatures up to 24C/75F and sun.
I will be taking my camera along. The result will be up around next thursday.
See ya.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Driving
Like I mentioned in an earlier post, Mónica is taking driving lessons again. She got her driver's license about 9 years ago, but since she never owned a car, she never drove again after getting her license. Big mistake.
Since 9 years is a long time, she practically had to start from zero again now.
Her biggest problem however is her fear. She tends to panic in a difficult situation. And Spanish drivers are not exactly the most considerate drivers there are.
Anyway, since the classes were going well, we decided to take my car for a spin yesterday afternoon. I think she wanted to show me the progress she had been making. We drove off to a quiet urbanization, and we changed seats. She drove off and I was impressed with how well she was doing.
But then...
She had to pass a parked car and at that moment another car came from the opposite direction at a high speed. Mónica miscalculated her speed, and not being used to the steering of my car, we ended up on the sidewalk and she managed to hit the breaks just in time for us not to hit a lamppost. It was a bit of a scare, and she was in panic.
After comforting her, I took over the wheel again, and we drove home. She felt awful all afternoon. I tried to comfort her, convince her that it only happened because she wasn't used to the car.
I only hope that this incident won't increase her fear.
Since 9 years is a long time, she practically had to start from zero again now.
Her biggest problem however is her fear. She tends to panic in a difficult situation. And Spanish drivers are not exactly the most considerate drivers there are.
Anyway, since the classes were going well, we decided to take my car for a spin yesterday afternoon. I think she wanted to show me the progress she had been making. We drove off to a quiet urbanization, and we changed seats. She drove off and I was impressed with how well she was doing.
But then...
She had to pass a parked car and at that moment another car came from the opposite direction at a high speed. Mónica miscalculated her speed, and not being used to the steering of my car, we ended up on the sidewalk and she managed to hit the breaks just in time for us not to hit a lamppost. It was a bit of a scare, and she was in panic.
After comforting her, I took over the wheel again, and we drove home. She felt awful all afternoon. I tried to comfort her, convince her that it only happened because she wasn't used to the car.
I only hope that this incident won't increase her fear.
Friday, September 30, 2005
About yesterday
Well, the sticky hearts were a success. So were the gifts. And dinner.
When I got home after work, Mónica arrived at exactly the same moment as I did. So she hadn't seen the hearts yet. She had been spending the afternoon with her parents and grandparents.
I tried to act naturally and let her open the door to the apartment. I could see that she knew that something was going to happen. She was stunned when she saw the decoration and read what I had written.
Afterwards, I got her my gifts that I had been storing in the attic. I gave her a watch, a gift voucher from her favourite shop and an aromatic gift set with bath oil, bath salt, lotion and perfume.
Later, I took her to dinner at Delabra. The place was beautiful, the service was excellent, and the food was great. I should take my parents for dinner there when they come to visit me next week.
We had a wonderful evening.
When I got home after work, Mónica arrived at exactly the same moment as I did. So she hadn't seen the hearts yet. She had been spending the afternoon with her parents and grandparents.
I tried to act naturally and let her open the door to the apartment. I could see that she knew that something was going to happen. She was stunned when she saw the decoration and read what I had written.
Afterwards, I got her my gifts that I had been storing in the attic. I gave her a watch, a gift voucher from her favourite shop and an aromatic gift set with bath oil, bath salt, lotion and perfume.
Later, I took her to dinner at Delabra. The place was beautiful, the service was excellent, and the food was great. I should take my parents for dinner there when they come to visit me next week.
We had a wonderful evening.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
B-day
It's Mónica's birthday today.
I got up early this morning, right after she left for work, and started sticking 180-something post-its to the wall. The ones that come in the shape of a heart (You can click on the pic).
I had never seen those post-its before, but I spotted them in the supermarket the other day and thought it was a nice way to decorate the hallway for her birthday. I try to think of a different decoration for each occasion.
I hope they keep sticking until she gets home this afternoon. The ones on the doors seemed to let loose easily. And I didn't know that post-its don't stick on glass.
Although it seems like an easy job, I was sweating like a pig when I left for work 35 minutes late.
I would love to see her face when she walks in. She is probably expecting something though, because she knows I decorate the place every time.
Tonight we will be going to dinner at Ronaldo's fine restaurant. Yes, the famous soccer player opened an exclusive restaurant in Oviedo a while ago, and we will be checking the place out tonight. I'll let you know how it was.
I got up early this morning, right after she left for work, and started sticking 180-something post-its to the wall. The ones that come in the shape of a heart (You can click on the pic).
I had never seen those post-its before, but I spotted them in the supermarket the other day and thought it was a nice way to decorate the hallway for her birthday. I try to think of a different decoration for each occasion.
I hope they keep sticking until she gets home this afternoon. The ones on the doors seemed to let loose easily. And I didn't know that post-its don't stick on glass.
Although it seems like an easy job, I was sweating like a pig when I left for work 35 minutes late.
I would love to see her face when she walks in. She is probably expecting something though, because she knows I decorate the place every time.
Tonight we will be going to dinner at Ronaldo's fine restaurant. Yes, the famous soccer player opened an exclusive restaurant in Oviedo a while ago, and we will be checking the place out tonight. I'll let you know how it was.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
On a quest
Sometimes I depress myself.
Like I said, I am looking for a birthday present for Mónica. I went to the shopping mall yesterday after work, while she was taking driving classes. About 2 hours later, I drove home with one stupid little item she once dropped a hint about. But I cant possibly give her only that.
I am terrible at buying gifts. Indecisive. An eternal doubter.
So Ill be off again after work, to continue my quest.
On Saturday, we were invited for dinner at Mónica's aunt and uncle's place. We were both a little nervous, because I hadn't met them yet and Mónica hadn't seen them in years. But they turned out to be the nicest and sweetest people, and we had a great time. Her aunt kept saying what a great looking couple we were, and how beautiful our children are going to be. And we were both so surprised when they suddenly showed up with an early birthday cake for Mónica.
On Sunday afternoon we went to the movies, to see Wes Craven's new thriller, red eye. Afterwards, we drove to Mónica's parents, to watch Fernando Alonso become the new F1 world champion together. The streets in Oviedo, hometown of Alonso, were filled with people celebrating.
Like I said, I am looking for a birthday present for Mónica. I went to the shopping mall yesterday after work, while she was taking driving classes. About 2 hours later, I drove home with one stupid little item she once dropped a hint about. But I cant possibly give her only that.
I am terrible at buying gifts. Indecisive. An eternal doubter.
So Ill be off again after work, to continue my quest.
On Saturday, we were invited for dinner at Mónica's aunt and uncle's place. We were both a little nervous, because I hadn't met them yet and Mónica hadn't seen them in years. But they turned out to be the nicest and sweetest people, and we had a great time. Her aunt kept saying what a great looking couple we were, and how beautiful our children are going to be. And we were both so surprised when they suddenly showed up with an early birthday cake for Mónica.
On Sunday afternoon we went to the movies, to see Wes Craven's new thriller, red eye. Afterwards, we drove to Mónica's parents, to watch Fernando Alonso become the new F1 world champion together. The streets in Oviedo, hometown of Alonso, were filled with people celebrating.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Just fooling around
Why isn't it possible to create categories in Blogger?
A few colleagues at work had been creating a blog on myblogsite. So I decided to try it out as well and created another blog for my colleagues to read, posting funny links I come across surfing the web. It's nice to be able to create categories for these kind of posts.
But the bloghost has been giving us nothing but trouble from the start. Now I appreciate Blogger even more. If they could only introduce categories soon. Please?
Oh, here's a google link to that other blog of mine. I won't post a direct link, because I know some colleagues are checking out my stats and I don't want them to find this site again.
And in the meantime, I'm trying to figure out what to buy for Mónica's birthday next week. Suggestions are always welcome. I should think about some decoration for the apartment too.
I will have more time to do some secret shopping, because she is taking driving lessons during the evenings now.
She already has her licence, but she hasn't driven a car in 9 years. So she is taking some classes again, in case a job offer would come up and she would need to drive again.
So, how about some ideas?
A few colleagues at work had been creating a blog on myblogsite. So I decided to try it out as well and created another blog for my colleagues to read, posting funny links I come across surfing the web. It's nice to be able to create categories for these kind of posts.
But the bloghost has been giving us nothing but trouble from the start. Now I appreciate Blogger even more. If they could only introduce categories soon. Please?
Oh, here's a google link to that other blog of mine. I won't post a direct link, because I know some colleagues are checking out my stats and I don't want them to find this site again.
And in the meantime, I'm trying to figure out what to buy for Mónica's birthday next week. Suggestions are always welcome. I should think about some decoration for the apartment too.
I will have more time to do some secret shopping, because she is taking driving lessons during the evenings now.
She already has her licence, but she hasn't driven a car in 9 years. So she is taking some classes again, in case a job offer would come up and she would need to drive again.
So, how about some ideas?
Thursday, September 15, 2005
The lakes of Covadonga
All spanish cities and villages have their own local holidays. Yesterday was a local holiday of the village that the company that I work for belongs to, so we had a day off.
The good thing about these local holidays is that one can calmly visit the beautiful places that are normally filled with hoards of loud tourists. That's why I decided to drive to Covadonga to visit the famous mountain lakes which I - shame on me - still hadn't seen yet.
All summer it had been forbidden to drive up to the lakes by car to avoid chaos on the small, winding roads.
People had been obliged to leave the car in the village and pay 6 euros for a terrifying bus trip. But that summer arrangement ended this week, so I was lucky and could do the 1200 meter climb by car.
Goats, sheep, horses and cows walk around freely in this natural paradise. It was amusing to have to stop for some crossing horses and cows on the way up.
The lakes have something magical. It feels like you have ended up in a different, peaceful world, and would expect some fairies to show up every moment.
It's a must see for every tourist visiting Asturias.
Click on the picture to see more.
The good thing about these local holidays is that one can calmly visit the beautiful places that are normally filled with hoards of loud tourists. That's why I decided to drive to Covadonga to visit the famous mountain lakes which I - shame on me - still hadn't seen yet.
All summer it had been forbidden to drive up to the lakes by car to avoid chaos on the small, winding roads.
People had been obliged to leave the car in the village and pay 6 euros for a terrifying bus trip. But that summer arrangement ended this week, so I was lucky and could do the 1200 meter climb by car.
Goats, sheep, horses and cows walk around freely in this natural paradise. It was amusing to have to stop for some crossing horses and cows on the way up.
The lakes have something magical. It feels like you have ended up in a different, peaceful world, and would expect some fairies to show up every moment.
It's a must see for every tourist visiting Asturias.
Click on the picture to see more.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
The white lilacs
My grandmother used to sing a song called 'Quand refleuriront les lilas blancs' (When will the white lilacs bloom again, 1929) to my mother when she was a little girl.
When I was a kid, my mother used to sing that song when the white lilacs in the garden started blooming in the springtime.
Thanks to some hilarious recordings by me and my sister of my mother singing this song, we never forgot about it.
And now, even my 2 year old niece starts asking her grandmother (my mother) to sing that song of the 'lilas blancs' again for her.
Unfortunately, my mother didn't remember the words of the song. And the rest of the family has never heard the original song.
But thanks to the internet and certain P2P programs, I managed to find it and I sent it to my father.
He sent me a mail saying: 'Thanks for the song! Your mother is feeling 50 years younger today.'
For all of you: Quand refleuriront les lilas blancs
When I was a kid, my mother used to sing that song when the white lilacs in the garden started blooming in the springtime.
Thanks to some hilarious recordings by me and my sister of my mother singing this song, we never forgot about it.
And now, even my 2 year old niece starts asking her grandmother (my mother) to sing that song of the 'lilas blancs' again for her.
Unfortunately, my mother didn't remember the words of the song. And the rest of the family has never heard the original song.
But thanks to the internet and certain P2P programs, I managed to find it and I sent it to my father.
He sent me a mail saying: 'Thanks for the song! Your mother is feeling 50 years younger today.'
For all of you: Quand refleuriront les lilas blancs
Monday, September 12, 2005
Why men are happier than women
Our last name stays put.
The garage is all ours.
Wedding plans take care of themselves.
Chocolate is just another snack.
We can be President.
We can never be pregnant.
We can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.
We can wear NO shirt to a water park.
Car mechanics tell us the truth.
The world is our urinal.
We never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky.
We don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.
Same work, more pay.
Wrinkles add character.
Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100.
People never stare at our chest when we're talking to them.
The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected.
New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle our feet.
One mood all the time. Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
We know stuff about tanks.
A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
We can open all our own jars.
We get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.
If someone forgets to invite us, he or she can still be our friend.
Our underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.
Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
We almost never have strap problems in public.
We are unable to see wrinkles in our clothes.
Everything on our face stays its original color.
The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.
We only have to shave your face and neck.
We can play with toys all our life.
Our belly usually hides our big hips.
One wallet and one pair of shoes one color for all seasons.
We can wear shorts no matter how our legs look.
We can "do" our nails with a pocket knife.
We have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.
We can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.
go to main page
The garage is all ours.
Wedding plans take care of themselves.
Chocolate is just another snack.
We can be President.
We can never be pregnant.
We can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.
We can wear NO shirt to a water park.
Car mechanics tell us the truth.
The world is our urinal.
We never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky.
We don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.
Same work, more pay.
Wrinkles add character.
Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100.
People never stare at our chest when we're talking to them.
The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected.
New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle our feet.
One mood all the time. Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
We know stuff about tanks.
A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
We can open all our own jars.
We get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.
If someone forgets to invite us, he or she can still be our friend.
Our underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.
Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
We almost never have strap problems in public.
We are unable to see wrinkles in our clothes.
Everything on our face stays its original color.
The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.
We only have to shave your face and neck.
We can play with toys all our life.
Our belly usually hides our big hips.
One wallet and one pair of shoes one color for all seasons.
We can wear shorts no matter how our legs look.
We can "do" our nails with a pocket knife.
We have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.
We can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.
go to main page
Friday, September 09, 2005
It feels like Monday
Yesterday was an Asturian holiday, so we were given a day off.
We had planned on going to a shopping mall in Santander, but in the end - we were already in the car, turning rounds at the roundabout - we changed our mind because we didn't feel like driving that far.
Instead, we ended up at the movies, watching 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith'. We were both disappointed with the second half of the movie, that consisted of nothing else than unbelievable action scenes.
After the movie, we went for a walk at the newly build port in Aviles. This used to be a stinking river until a couple of years ago, but they managed to drain it and create an attractive pier where people come for a walk in the sun.
Today, it feels a little like Monday, but it is already Friday. It is also the start of the San Mateo celebrations in Oviedo, the last festivities of the summer.
If it doesn't start raining by the end of the day, we will go to Oviedo for the free concert of Bebe.
We had planned on going to a shopping mall in Santander, but in the end - we were already in the car, turning rounds at the roundabout - we changed our mind because we didn't feel like driving that far.
Instead, we ended up at the movies, watching 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith'. We were both disappointed with the second half of the movie, that consisted of nothing else than unbelievable action scenes.
After the movie, we went for a walk at the newly build port in Aviles. This used to be a stinking river until a couple of years ago, but they managed to drain it and create an attractive pier where people come for a walk in the sun.
Today, it feels a little like Monday, but it is already Friday. It is also the start of the San Mateo celebrations in Oviedo, the last festivities of the summer.
If it doesn't start raining by the end of the day, we will go to Oviedo for the free concert of Bebe.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
The bull
See that animal on top of this page? The bull is some sort of international symbol for Spain, as a result of the numerous bullfights that are still being held in this country every year.
Just like the famous flamenco dance though, the bullfights are especially a southern Spanish custom. Here in the north, bullfights are held only a few times a year, on special festive occasions.
Osborne, A famous wine brand that has a bull as its logo, has been placing over 90 bulls like the one above on hillsides throughout Spain since the year 1956. If you have ever been to Spain, I'm sure you must have seen one. They are quite photogenic.
I was a little insecure to put the Osborne bull on top of my blog though, because the animal also has a very negative meaning here in Spain.
The bull, or the horned one (el cornudo), is also the symbol for a person who is being cheated on by his or her partner. To put the horns on your partner (ponerle los cuernos a alguien) means cheating on your partner.
But just to make sure that there are no misunderstandings: that is not the reason why that bull is up here.
For me, this animal has always been thé symbol of Spain.
Just like the famous flamenco dance though, the bullfights are especially a southern Spanish custom. Here in the north, bullfights are held only a few times a year, on special festive occasions.
Osborne, A famous wine brand that has a bull as its logo, has been placing over 90 bulls like the one above on hillsides throughout Spain since the year 1956. If you have ever been to Spain, I'm sure you must have seen one. They are quite photogenic.
I was a little insecure to put the Osborne bull on top of my blog though, because the animal also has a very negative meaning here in Spain.
The bull, or the horned one (el cornudo), is also the symbol for a person who is being cheated on by his or her partner. To put the horns on your partner (ponerle los cuernos a alguien) means cheating on your partner.
But just to make sure that there are no misunderstandings: that is not the reason why that bull is up here.
For me, this animal has always been thé symbol of Spain.
What really happened
As to why I changed the address of my blog:
The site had become so easy to find on Google, that I caught my colleagues at work reading my posts. Since most of the entries on my blog are rather personal and I didn't like the idea of them reading my online diary, I decided to close down the blog and consider my options. The most obvious thing I could do was move to a new address. And so I did.
I didn't register the new address on search engines or directories. This way they won't find this new blog as easy as the old one. This also means that I won't have as many visitors as I used to have. But I think that people finding my blog on strange Google searches are not easily becoming regular readers anyway.
As I was going to move the blog, I thought it was a good idea to change the layout as well. So I deleted my template and started working on a new one. I was a little afraid that I wasn't going to remember how to program in HTML (I hadn't done it in a long time), but it turned out pretty good. That's why I'm a little proud about this new layout: I created it without any help and with my own inspiration.
And I'm quite pleased with the result.
The site had become so easy to find on Google, that I caught my colleagues at work reading my posts. Since most of the entries on my blog are rather personal and I didn't like the idea of them reading my online diary, I decided to close down the blog and consider my options. The most obvious thing I could do was move to a new address. And so I did.
I didn't register the new address on search engines or directories. This way they won't find this new blog as easy as the old one. This also means that I won't have as many visitors as I used to have. But I think that people finding my blog on strange Google searches are not easily becoming regular readers anyway.
As I was going to move the blog, I thought it was a good idea to change the layout as well. So I deleted my template and started working on a new one. I was a little afraid that I wasn't going to remember how to program in HTML (I hadn't done it in a long time), but it turned out pretty good. That's why I'm a little proud about this new layout: I created it without any help and with my own inspiration.
And I'm quite pleased with the result.
Monday, September 05, 2005
A new address, a new design
Hi, apparently you have found your way to my new site address. Welcome.
How do you like my new blog layout? I'm still working on some changes though.
If you should encounter a problem with the new layout, please let me know.
It seems my links have accidentally been deleted, but they will be up again soon.
Please update your bookmarks and links to my site.
As of tomorrow, everything will be back to normal.
How do you like my new blog layout? I'm still working on some changes though.
If you should encounter a problem with the new layout, please let me know.
It seems my links have accidentally been deleted, but they will be up again soon.
Please update your bookmarks and links to my site.
As of tomorrow, everything will be back to normal.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Gameboy hunt
My nephew lost his gameboy in a store in Oviedo last friday. Unfortunately he noticed it when the store was already closed. He could see his gameboy lying on the store counter, and suggested we would throw in a window to get it.
On monday morning they had to leave early to get to Valladolid in time for their flight. They delayed their departure until the store would open at 10:30. But Spaniards are never rushed, so the store didn't open in time and they had to leave without the gameboy.
Today I drove to Oviedo on my lunch break to get it. I would send it to my nephew, but he told me he is afraid it would get lost in the mail. So I guess he will have to wait for his gameboy until my parents visit me in October.
Now I can be a Pokemon trainer for a month. I checked it out, but this must be the most annoying game ever made. I don't understand why kids are so obsessed with it.
Anyway. My parents are having a family barbecue this evening in Belgium. Everyone will be there, except me of course. I ordered my other sister to send me a mail tomorrow with all the complaints my oldest sister had about her trip here. I'm curious. We have been gossiping already. :-p
On monday morning they had to leave early to get to Valladolid in time for their flight. They delayed their departure until the store would open at 10:30. But Spaniards are never rushed, so the store didn't open in time and they had to leave without the gameboy.
Today I drove to Oviedo on my lunch break to get it. I would send it to my nephew, but he told me he is afraid it would get lost in the mail. So I guess he will have to wait for his gameboy until my parents visit me in October.
Now I can be a Pokemon trainer for a month. I checked it out, but this must be the most annoying game ever made. I don't understand why kids are so obsessed with it.
Anyway. My parents are having a family barbecue this evening in Belgium. Everyone will be there, except me of course. I ordered my other sister to send me a mail tomorrow with all the complaints my oldest sister had about her trip here. I'm curious. We have been gossiping already. :-p
Monday, August 29, 2005
Remember me?
It seems I have been neglecting my site again over the last 2 weeks.
Well, I have been on a trip, sick and very busy, in that order.
Do you remember that we were going on a weekend trip two weeks ago? Well, we spent 3 days in A Coruña, Santiago de Compostela and Caión, and had a great time and wonderful weather. A coruña is a beautiful city, but we had expected more of Santiago.
My A Coruña pictures can be seen here, the Santiago pics are here.
Two days after we got back, I got sick. A high fever, headaches and digestional problems made me lose 2 kilos/4.4 lbs in 4 days. I felt so miserable that I wasn't in the mood for writing a post.
And last week, my sister, her boyfriend and the two kids came to visit us in Spain. It was the first time they visited the area, so we showed them the cities Oviedo, Gijon and Aviles. We spent a lot of time shopping (my sister was ecstatic with the Spanish prices), and enjoyed the local tapas and sidra.
Today, they are heading back to Belgium, and I am back at work. Back to routine.
I read that 13% of the Spaniards long to return to work before their holiday is over. I'm definately not like that. But then again, I'm not a Spaniard.
Well, I have been on a trip, sick and very busy, in that order.
Do you remember that we were going on a weekend trip two weeks ago? Well, we spent 3 days in A Coruña, Santiago de Compostela and Caión, and had a great time and wonderful weather. A coruña is a beautiful city, but we had expected more of Santiago.
My A Coruña pictures can be seen here, the Santiago pics are here.
Two days after we got back, I got sick. A high fever, headaches and digestional problems made me lose 2 kilos/4.4 lbs in 4 days. I felt so miserable that I wasn't in the mood for writing a post.
And last week, my sister, her boyfriend and the two kids came to visit us in Spain. It was the first time they visited the area, so we showed them the cities Oviedo, Gijon and Aviles. We spent a lot of time shopping (my sister was ecstatic with the Spanish prices), and enjoyed the local tapas and sidra.
Today, they are heading back to Belgium, and I am back at work. Back to routine.
I read that 13% of the Spaniards long to return to work before their holiday is over. I'm definately not like that. But then again, I'm not a Spaniard.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Guardawhat???
Since we are going on a weekend trip to A Coruña and my car was in need of a revision, I decided to drive to the only Toyota dealer in Asturias, only to find out that it was closed.
No sign on the door, no message on the answering machine. They are probably taking a vacation, but to me it would only be normal that they would put a sign on the door to let clients know when they will be open again.
But since Toyotas never break down, they probably thought: Nobody is going to miss us.
So I went to a local 'Feu Vert' station. How strange that they are called Feu Vert here in Spain, by the way. Spanish people must have no idea what it means.
Anyway, they changed the oil and filter and threw in a free revision of 15 of the most important points of the car.
So now I know that I have to get the left 'guardapolvo palier' changed, but I haven't got a clue what it is! It seemed pretty complicated to explain.
Well, he is getting a little old, my four-wheeled friend. I have no problem admitting that I drive an almost twelve year old Toyota Corolla, although I do know people that wouldn't want to be seen in my car. But as long as he doesn't let me down, I'm not getting another one.
To me, a car is just a transport medium to get from point A to point B without any problems. And until now, my car has never let me down. Knock on wood.
No sign on the door, no message on the answering machine. They are probably taking a vacation, but to me it would only be normal that they would put a sign on the door to let clients know when they will be open again.
But since Toyotas never break down, they probably thought: Nobody is going to miss us.
So I went to a local 'Feu Vert' station. How strange that they are called Feu Vert here in Spain, by the way. Spanish people must have no idea what it means.
Anyway, they changed the oil and filter and threw in a free revision of 15 of the most important points of the car.
So now I know that I have to get the left 'guardapolvo palier' changed, but I haven't got a clue what it is! It seemed pretty complicated to explain.
Well, he is getting a little old, my four-wheeled friend. I have no problem admitting that I drive an almost twelve year old Toyota Corolla, although I do know people that wouldn't want to be seen in my car. But as long as he doesn't let me down, I'm not getting another one.
To me, a car is just a transport medium to get from point A to point B without any problems. And until now, my car has never let me down. Knock on wood.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Sign my guestmap
I just found this nice thingy on the internet. So go sign my guestmap!
Just click on where you live and leave a mark. Remember, you can zoom in and you can click on the markers.
Just click on where you live and leave a mark. Remember, you can zoom in and you can click on the markers.
Trying not to bend my arms
I've got sore arms. I can't even fully stretch or bend them.
Yesterday I was surprised that they didn't hurt much. But today it has gotten worse. You should see me try to have a drink or even brush my teeth without having to bend my arms. Nearly every basic action involves having to bend your arms! Now I realise that.
Wanna know what happened? Well, until monday evening I wasn't aware that there was a gym at the sports center next to our apartment building. I thought it was just a municipal swimming pool and athletics track. But then I heard about the gym, and I had to go and check it out immediately.
You see, I used to work out regularly when I was still living in Belgium. But since I moved to Spain, I haven't been very active at all, and I noticed recently that my body has started to change. So I decided that I have to do something about it. Luckily I have a mesomorphic body type and I grow muscle very fast.
So I started working out at the gym on monday evening, trying to keep in mind that I had to take it easy, being the first time and all. But apparently, I did overdo it just a little. Well, no pain, no gain!
So I'll just try to avoid any movements that involve bending arms for a while, and I think I'll be fine.
Yesterday I was surprised that they didn't hurt much. But today it has gotten worse. You should see me try to have a drink or even brush my teeth without having to bend my arms. Nearly every basic action involves having to bend your arms! Now I realise that.
Wanna know what happened? Well, until monday evening I wasn't aware that there was a gym at the sports center next to our apartment building. I thought it was just a municipal swimming pool and athletics track. But then I heard about the gym, and I had to go and check it out immediately.
You see, I used to work out regularly when I was still living in Belgium. But since I moved to Spain, I haven't been very active at all, and I noticed recently that my body has started to change. So I decided that I have to do something about it. Luckily I have a mesomorphic body type and I grow muscle very fast.
So I started working out at the gym on monday evening, trying to keep in mind that I had to take it easy, being the first time and all. But apparently, I did overdo it just a little. Well, no pain, no gain!
So I'll just try to avoid any movements that involve bending arms for a while, and I think I'll be fine.
Monday, August 08, 2005
The return
Well, I'm back at work. My holiday is over. For now.
Since next monday is a national holiday, we will be having a long weekend. So Mónica and I have decided that we will be spending the weekend in A Coruña, in the upper left corner of Spain. I already booked a romantic hotel in the area. Now let's hope the weather stays fine.
I opened my mailbox at work this morning, and it looks like very strange things have been happening while I was gone. Clients have been testing the wrong programs, and processes that never fail have been failing. So I can start figuring out what's been going on.
My bloglines notifier tells me that my favourite blogs did not take a break while I was gone. I still have a 1008 new blog entries to read. I'm afraid I'm going to have to skip a few.
And yesterday, 135 people visited my blog. And they all came looking for information about the same movie. I noticed the same effect when the movie was on Polish television a few months ago. So where was it on now?
Since next monday is a national holiday, we will be having a long weekend. So Mónica and I have decided that we will be spending the weekend in A Coruña, in the upper left corner of Spain. I already booked a romantic hotel in the area. Now let's hope the weather stays fine.
I opened my mailbox at work this morning, and it looks like very strange things have been happening while I was gone. Clients have been testing the wrong programs, and processes that never fail have been failing. So I can start figuring out what's been going on.
My bloglines notifier tells me that my favourite blogs did not take a break while I was gone. I still have a 1008 new blog entries to read. I'm afraid I'm going to have to skip a few.
And yesterday, 135 people visited my blog. And they all came looking for information about the same movie. I noticed the same effect when the movie was on Polish television a few months ago. So where was it on now?
Friday, August 05, 2005
Enjoying the last couple of days
It's incredible how fast time goes by when you are having some days off.
My week is almost over, but now that I'm writing this post I don't even remember what I have been doing the last couple of days.
Let's see.
On monday and tuesday I cleaned the apartment and the attic. It was necessary, and I thought: let's get that over with as fast as possible.
But by tuesday evening I started feeling depressed, because I had been working my butt off for 2 days, and it didn't really feel like I was having a holiday.
So I decided to get out of the house on wednesday. I had to go to Oviedo anyway for some paperwork, so I went for a walk there, visited the cathedral, looked for the hotel where my sister will be staying at the end of this month, got a haircut (it was necessary) and made some pictures.
After Mónica got home, we went for a walk at the beach and we checked out a beach we had never been to.
Yesterday morning, I went out to explore new places. I was always curious if it was possible to get up the high cliff at the end of Salinas' beach. So I decided to find out how to get there. And it was worth it. The view was spectacular from up above.
I drove on, and went for a breakfast at the airport. I love hanging around in airports, watching people take off for a vacation.
Afterwards I wanted to check out a beach I had heard of in Cudillero, but I couldn't seem to find it. So I drove to the coast and found a spectacular lookout point.
When I looked down from there, I spotted this great looking swimming pool at San Esteban and felt like going for a swim immediately.
So I drove home, waited for Mónica to come home from work, told her about the pool, and we went back to San Esteban for a swim.
We will probably be going back today.
My week is almost over, but now that I'm writing this post I don't even remember what I have been doing the last couple of days.
Let's see.
On monday and tuesday I cleaned the apartment and the attic. It was necessary, and I thought: let's get that over with as fast as possible.
But by tuesday evening I started feeling depressed, because I had been working my butt off for 2 days, and it didn't really feel like I was having a holiday.
So I decided to get out of the house on wednesday. I had to go to Oviedo anyway for some paperwork, so I went for a walk there, visited the cathedral, looked for the hotel where my sister will be staying at the end of this month, got a haircut (it was necessary) and made some pictures.
After Mónica got home, we went for a walk at the beach and we checked out a beach we had never been to.
Yesterday morning, I went out to explore new places. I was always curious if it was possible to get up the high cliff at the end of Salinas' beach. So I decided to find out how to get there. And it was worth it. The view was spectacular from up above.
I drove on, and went for a breakfast at the airport. I love hanging around in airports, watching people take off for a vacation.
Afterwards I wanted to check out a beach I had heard of in Cudillero, but I couldn't seem to find it. So I drove to the coast and found a spectacular lookout point.
When I looked down from there, I spotted this great looking swimming pool at San Esteban and felt like going for a swim immediately.
So I drove home, waited for Mónica to come home from work, told her about the pool, and we went back to San Esteban for a swim.
We will probably be going back today.
Friday, July 29, 2005
A holiday, at last
Two weeks since my last post. That must have been the longest absence since I started this blog.
What have I been up to? Nothing, really. I have been working mostly, counting the days until today. I have been a bit down lately, that's what more than 3 months of working without a single day off do to me.
I didn't feel like doing anything the last two weeks. So I didn't have anything to write about either. And I was a little bored of writing those posts about what we had been doing in the weekend. Not that we have been doing anything special in the last two weeks, anyway.
But today, in less than 2 hours, my holiday officially starts. It will be only for a week, but you can't imagine how much I need to get away from the routine for a little while.
As some of you already know, we can't go on a holiday this year because of Monica's work. But I'm still going to try to enjoy these couple of days off, even if I have a big list of things that have to be done. At least I'm going to have the time to do them. And maybe these days will give me some inspiration to write some nice posts again.
So I'm going to hurry to finish the work that I still have to do today, and then I'm out of here! I suggest you do the same.
What have I been up to? Nothing, really. I have been working mostly, counting the days until today. I have been a bit down lately, that's what more than 3 months of working without a single day off do to me.
I didn't feel like doing anything the last two weeks. So I didn't have anything to write about either. And I was a little bored of writing those posts about what we had been doing in the weekend. Not that we have been doing anything special in the last two weeks, anyway.
But today, in less than 2 hours, my holiday officially starts. It will be only for a week, but you can't imagine how much I need to get away from the routine for a little while.
As some of you already know, we can't go on a holiday this year because of Monica's work. But I'm still going to try to enjoy these couple of days off, even if I have a big list of things that have to be done. At least I'm going to have the time to do them. And maybe these days will give me some inspiration to write some nice posts again.
So I'm going to hurry to finish the work that I still have to do today, and then I'm out of here! I suggest you do the same.
Friday, July 15, 2005
Rumours
I don't like rumours. I don't believe in them. I'm a scientific kind of guy. I need facts. Proof.
A rumour had been spreading around the office. A good rumour. So people started speculating if it would be true what they were saying, talking about how great it would be if the rumour would be true. They started dreaming, believing that it was going to be true. Everybody was talking about it.
For two weeks I kept telling some of my colleagues not to get their hopes up. To wait for an official statement before getting euphoric. That they were going to be disappointed if it didn't turn out the way they were hoping. I even mentioned reasons why the rumour maybe would not be true.
They told me that I had to think positive. The official statement would come anyday now.
Today we had an official statement. It seemed the rumour was only partly true.
The ones who had been speculating for weeks are very disappointed.
And me, I'm feeling great, because I wasn't expecting anything at all.
A rumour had been spreading around the office. A good rumour. So people started speculating if it would be true what they were saying, talking about how great it would be if the rumour would be true. They started dreaming, believing that it was going to be true. Everybody was talking about it.
For two weeks I kept telling some of my colleagues not to get their hopes up. To wait for an official statement before getting euphoric. That they were going to be disappointed if it didn't turn out the way they were hoping. I even mentioned reasons why the rumour maybe would not be true.
They told me that I had to think positive. The official statement would come anyday now.
Today we had an official statement. It seemed the rumour was only partly true.
The ones who had been speculating for weeks are very disappointed.
And me, I'm feeling great, because I wasn't expecting anything at all.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Stuck
I was ready to leave the apartment to go to work this morning, when I walked past the fishtank in the kitchen and noticed how dirty the water was. I took a look at the clock on the wall, saw I was earlier than I usually am, and thought: what the heck. So I started refreshing part of the water of the tank, to make sure our fish would still be alive by tonight.
Ten minutes later - I really had to get going now - I looked at the water and it seemed even filthier than before. But it was all I could do for the moment.
I grabbed all my stuff, closed the door behind me and got into the elevator. I pushed the button to get to the garage, the elevator door closed and I greeted myself in the mirror like I do every morning. Yes, I'm nice to myself.
Why didn't the elevator start moving? And why was the door making that strange sound? I pushed the button again, waited for a few more seconds, held my breath and listened closely. A few moments later the feeling hit me. That one second of panic on the moment that you realize that you are stuck.
I decided to stay calm and think rationally. I tried pushing the button for opening the door, without any luck. I tried pushing the button of the floor I was on, but still nothing happened.
I checked my mobile phone, but it didn't have any signal of course. Who was I going to call anyway? Mónica was at work already, and her parents who live nearby surely weren't awake yet.
Should I push the alarm button? There probably wouldn't be a lot of people at home, and the ones that were at home were probably still sleeping.
But who hasn't been tempted to push the alarm button in an elevator, and now I had a real reason to do so.
So I pushed the button, and the alarm started making a hell of a noise. Cool. Come on, wake up and get me out of here, you sleepy heads!
About a few minutes later, I suddenly heard someone shouting: 'Cut it out! We heard you already!'. I had to suppress a smile.
I could hear some people talking below and all of a sudden the elevator started moving. What a relief!
The elevator stopped in the hall, the door opened, and there was a woman with a 1 year old kid on her arm, who was laughing at me as if he was making fun of me. They had just arrived, and had heard the noise I was making. Aparently it had happened before, and there seems to be a problem with the elevator door.
I think I'm going to use the stairs for a while.
Ten minutes later - I really had to get going now - I looked at the water and it seemed even filthier than before. But it was all I could do for the moment.
I grabbed all my stuff, closed the door behind me and got into the elevator. I pushed the button to get to the garage, the elevator door closed and I greeted myself in the mirror like I do every morning. Yes, I'm nice to myself.
Why didn't the elevator start moving? And why was the door making that strange sound? I pushed the button again, waited for a few more seconds, held my breath and listened closely. A few moments later the feeling hit me. That one second of panic on the moment that you realize that you are stuck.
I decided to stay calm and think rationally. I tried pushing the button for opening the door, without any luck. I tried pushing the button of the floor I was on, but still nothing happened.
I checked my mobile phone, but it didn't have any signal of course. Who was I going to call anyway? Mónica was at work already, and her parents who live nearby surely weren't awake yet.
Should I push the alarm button? There probably wouldn't be a lot of people at home, and the ones that were at home were probably still sleeping.
But who hasn't been tempted to push the alarm button in an elevator, and now I had a real reason to do so.
So I pushed the button, and the alarm started making a hell of a noise. Cool. Come on, wake up and get me out of here, you sleepy heads!
About a few minutes later, I suddenly heard someone shouting: 'Cut it out! We heard you already!'. I had to suppress a smile.
I could hear some people talking below and all of a sudden the elevator started moving. What a relief!
The elevator stopped in the hall, the door opened, and there was a woman with a 1 year old kid on her arm, who was laughing at me as if he was making fun of me. They had just arrived, and had heard the noise I was making. Aparently it had happened before, and there seems to be a problem with the elevator door.
I think I'm going to use the stairs for a while.
Monday, July 11, 2005
In need of a break
As I mentioned in the shoutbox, I was a little busy at work last week. Therefore I wasn't able to update much. Not that I had that much to tell anyway. You could say that I was struggling with a little bloggers block.
I could really use a little holiday now to get away from the routine that's called work. But I still have to wait until the first week of August to get my week off. And as you already know, it won't be a real holiday, because Mónica will have to work.
But I will have a little more time for myself, and maybe I will be able to visit some of the places that I still want to check out, make some nice pictures, try out some of the new computer games I installed lately, or even have some time to start playing the guitar again. These are all things on my 'to do list' that I am looking forward too.
If you need a break too, you can play with me. Yes, it's me.
I could really use a little holiday now to get away from the routine that's called work. But I still have to wait until the first week of August to get my week off. And as you already know, it won't be a real holiday, because Mónica will have to work.
But I will have a little more time for myself, and maybe I will be able to visit some of the places that I still want to check out, make some nice pictures, try out some of the new computer games I installed lately, or even have some time to start playing the guitar again. These are all things on my 'to do list' that I am looking forward too.
If you need a break too, you can play with me. Yes, it's me.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Major links
I updated my other blog http://majorlinks.blogspot.com/ with some of the greatest links I found on the internet this month.
Check it out.
Check it out.
Monday, July 04, 2005
Nostalgia
I'm a nostalgic kind of guy. I don't like relationships or friendships to have an abrupt ending, never again hearing anything from a person that maybe used to be my friend for years.
But these things happen in life. Friendships end, relationships get broken, people go their own way.
I went my own way as well, moving to a different country, following my dream.
Sometimes it's weird to live in an environment where I never ever see a familiar face or a person that I used to know during the first 30 years of my life. Everybody is new to me!
I don't ever bump into someone familiar on my way home, catching up on this person's life. Sometimes I think I recognize a face in the crowd, quickly realizing that it can never be the person who I think it is, but only someone who looks like him or her.
Every now and then when I'm bored, I Google up names of people that have played a part in my former life: old schoolmates, friends, acquaintances, familiar faces, former girlfriends. And if I'm lucky, I just might get a glimpse of this person's life: what they do, where they live, if they have gotten married, if they have got kids.
And then all of a sudden, I open my mailbox in the morning and I find a mail from a good friend I had years ago, checking if this is still my e-mail, asking me how I've been, and this person just makes my day.
But these things happen in life. Friendships end, relationships get broken, people go their own way.
I went my own way as well, moving to a different country, following my dream.
Sometimes it's weird to live in an environment where I never ever see a familiar face or a person that I used to know during the first 30 years of my life. Everybody is new to me!
I don't ever bump into someone familiar on my way home, catching up on this person's life. Sometimes I think I recognize a face in the crowd, quickly realizing that it can never be the person who I think it is, but only someone who looks like him or her.
Every now and then when I'm bored, I Google up names of people that have played a part in my former life: old schoolmates, friends, acquaintances, familiar faces, former girlfriends. And if I'm lucky, I just might get a glimpse of this person's life: what they do, where they live, if they have gotten married, if they have got kids.
And then all of a sudden, I open my mailbox in the morning and I find a mail from a good friend I had years ago, checking if this is still my e-mail, asking me how I've been, and this person just makes my day.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
The start of the festival season
Today, one of Europe's most famous music festivals starts in Belgium: Rock Werchter.
In 4 days, 58 bands will perform on 2 stages, including: New Order, Snoop Dogg, The Chemical Brothers, Green Day, Faithless, Within Temptation, Rammstein, REM, Keane, Queens of the stone age, and many more.
The festival also means the start of the summer holiday for thousands of Belgian students.
I remember spending several days on the festival area, just relaxing and enjoying the music, amongst 60000 other visitors. Legendary concerts took place there.
When we were visiting Llanes a few weekends ago, we spotted a poster for a summerfestival on the beach in Santander. What a surprise to find Belgian's '2 many dj's' on the list of performers. We just might visit Santander next weekend.
By the way, here you can see the live streaming of Rock Werchter.
In 4 days, 58 bands will perform on 2 stages, including: New Order, Snoop Dogg, The Chemical Brothers, Green Day, Faithless, Within Temptation, Rammstein, REM, Keane, Queens of the stone age, and many more.
The festival also means the start of the summer holiday for thousands of Belgian students.
I remember spending several days on the festival area, just relaxing and enjoying the music, amongst 60000 other visitors. Legendary concerts took place there.
When we were visiting Llanes a few weekends ago, we spotted a poster for a summerfestival on the beach in Santander. What a surprise to find Belgian's '2 many dj's' on the list of performers. We just might visit Santander next weekend.
By the way, here you can see the live streaming of Rock Werchter.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Bloggers beware
Apparently, another blogger got fired for things he wrote on his blog. He didn't care much about it though, since he found a better job already. But still.
What surprised me more is that there actually seems to be a word for getting fired for what you write on your blog: you get dooced.
I'm pretty sure nobody of my colleagues knows the way to my blog. I check who has been in here daily (Yes, I know you were here, so you might as well leave a comment!), and as soon as a Spanish IP address shows up in the statistics, I double check the way he or she got here.
Not that I have written anything they can't read. But as long as Bloggers keep getting dooced, I think it's normal to get a little paranoid.
They once found my former blog though. But as it was written in Dutch, they couldn't understand a single word. Before I knew it, the little buggers were using Babelfish to find out what I had written. Luckily, Dutch is such a horrible language that even Babelfish couldn't produce understandable sentences for them. That'll teach them invading my privacy.
What surprised me more is that there actually seems to be a word for getting fired for what you write on your blog: you get dooced.
I'm pretty sure nobody of my colleagues knows the way to my blog. I check who has been in here daily (Yes, I know you were here, so you might as well leave a comment!), and as soon as a Spanish IP address shows up in the statistics, I double check the way he or she got here.
Not that I have written anything they can't read. But as long as Bloggers keep getting dooced, I think it's normal to get a little paranoid.
They once found my former blog though. But as it was written in Dutch, they couldn't understand a single word. Before I knew it, the little buggers were using Babelfish to find out what I had written. Luckily, Dutch is such a horrible language that even Babelfish couldn't produce understandable sentences for them. That'll teach them invading my privacy.
Monday, June 27, 2005
Description of a weekend
Visiting Ikea has one disadvantage: You always buy more than what you were planning to buy.
On Friday evening, we decided to visit the recently opened Ikea shop in Asturias, because we had set our eye on a little side table that would fit perfectly into our living room interior.
Almost two hours later, we left Ikea with the table and: a plant, a lamp, bed sheets, table decorations, a cooking alarm clock and a carpet.
We're going to have to prevent visiting Ikea again for a while.
It was already late, and on our way home, we stopped at the Mexican restaurant 'cantina mariachi' for dinner.
On Saturday, we cleaned the apartment, constructed our Ikea table and lamp and looked for a space for the other things we bought.
After that we drove to our favourite mall to check out the pre-sales offers that were already going on there.
We decided to try out the new Foster's Hollywood restaurant for dinner, had a 'plate of everything for two' and ate way too much.
It had been years since I had eaten ribs for the last time.
on Sunday morning, we went over to Mónica's parents for lunch and visited the medieval market of Candás in the afternoon. On this market, people in traditional clothing were selling handmade objects and demonstrating ancient habits.
Back home, our pet fish needed fresh water. While pouring the water out of the fish tank, it slipped out of my hands and broke. Normally, I'm not very clumsy. But after work I'll have to go buy a new house for our 2 little swimmers.
(My pictures on Flickr)
On Friday evening, we decided to visit the recently opened Ikea shop in Asturias, because we had set our eye on a little side table that would fit perfectly into our living room interior.
Almost two hours later, we left Ikea with the table and: a plant, a lamp, bed sheets, table decorations, a cooking alarm clock and a carpet.
We're going to have to prevent visiting Ikea again for a while.
It was already late, and on our way home, we stopped at the Mexican restaurant 'cantina mariachi' for dinner.
On Saturday, we cleaned the apartment, constructed our Ikea table and lamp and looked for a space for the other things we bought.
After that we drove to our favourite mall to check out the pre-sales offers that were already going on there.
We decided to try out the new Foster's Hollywood restaurant for dinner, had a 'plate of everything for two' and ate way too much.
It had been years since I had eaten ribs for the last time.
on Sunday morning, we went over to Mónica's parents for lunch and visited the medieval market of Candás in the afternoon. On this market, people in traditional clothing were selling handmade objects and demonstrating ancient habits.
Back home, our pet fish needed fresh water. While pouring the water out of the fish tank, it slipped out of my hands and broke. Normally, I'm not very clumsy. But after work I'll have to go buy a new house for our 2 little swimmers.
(My pictures on Flickr)
Friday, June 24, 2005
Thank god it's friday
I've been quite busy at work the last couple of days. Therefor I wasn't able to post on monday and thursday.
Clients who need a program urgently but don't have a clue about how they want the program to work, are the worst.
We didn't make it to the San Juan celebrations last night. We were both tired, and Mónica had to get up early today. Better luck next year, when the 23rd of June will be on a friday.
I'm off to enjoy the weekend. We're having bad luck with the weather though. The forecasts say it's going to rain all weekend.
Have fun!
Clients who need a program urgently but don't have a clue about how they want the program to work, are the worst.
We didn't make it to the San Juan celebrations last night. We were both tired, and Mónica had to get up early today. Better luck next year, when the 23rd of June will be on a friday.
I'm off to enjoy the weekend. We're having bad luck with the weather though. The forecasts say it's going to rain all weekend.
Have fun!
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
San Juan
On the night of the 23rd of June, Spain celebrates 'San Juan'.
It is the celebration of the arrival of the summer, on the shortest night of the year. On midnight, bonfires are being lit all over the countryside and people dance around them, set off fireworks and go swimming in the sea.
In southern cities like Alicante, the celebration is being held for several days, and beautiful, enormous wooden figures are being created which go up in flames on the night of San Juan.
It is a night full of traditions and superstitions.
These are some of the superstitions of San Juan:
Update:
I bet this guy sat under the fig tree with his ukelele on the night of San Juan. This makes me want to start learning how to play the guitar again. Wonderful.
It is the celebration of the arrival of the summer, on the shortest night of the year. On midnight, bonfires are being lit all over the countryside and people dance around them, set off fireworks and go swimming in the sea.
In southern cities like Alicante, the celebration is being held for several days, and beautiful, enormous wooden figures are being created which go up in flames on the night of San Juan.
It is a night full of traditions and superstitions.
These are some of the superstitions of San Juan:
- If you get up early on the 24th, you won't feel tired for the rest of the year.
- If you sit down underneath a fig tree with a guitar on the night of San Juan, you will learn to play it immediately.
- If you write down the things you want to forget and burn the paper on this night, you will have good luck for the rest of the year.
- If you bath in the dew of the night, you will be blessed for the rest of the year.
- If you are single and you look out of the window on the morning of the 24th, you will see the love of your life passing by.
- If you bath nude in the sea, lean backwards and watch the moon, you will be able to work miracles.
Update:
I bet this guy sat under the fig tree with his ukelele on the night of San Juan. This makes me want to start learning how to play the guitar again. Wonderful.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Our weekend
On Saturday morning, we packed our bags and left for Llanes, a little touristic village by the coast, known for its beautiful beaches.
We checked into a simple hotel and headed for the beach at Barro, with the finest white sand, to enjoy the weather.
By 6 o'clock in the afternoon, clouds came rolling in, so we headed back to the hotel, showered and drove to the city center of Llanes, to stroll through the narrow, ancient streets with many colorful shops. Later we enjoyed an abundant dinner in one of the many fine restaurants.
On Sunday morning, the sun kept hiding behind the clouds, so we decided to drive back to Gijon and visit the enormous Sunday market. By 4 o'clock we got tired of strolling around and headed home to relax and cuddle up on the couch.
Why do great weekends always go by so fast?
(My pictures on flickr)
We checked into a simple hotel and headed for the beach at Barro, with the finest white sand, to enjoy the weather.
By 6 o'clock in the afternoon, clouds came rolling in, so we headed back to the hotel, showered and drove to the city center of Llanes, to stroll through the narrow, ancient streets with many colorful shops. Later we enjoyed an abundant dinner in one of the many fine restaurants.
On Sunday morning, the sun kept hiding behind the clouds, so we decided to drive back to Gijon and visit the enormous Sunday market. By 4 o'clock we got tired of strolling around and headed home to relax and cuddle up on the couch.
Why do great weekends always go by so fast?
(My pictures on flickr)
Friday, June 17, 2005
Enjoy the weekend
I overslept this morning. I woke up at 9:07, while I normally should be at work at 9:00.
Mónica has to start earlier, so she was already out of the house. But I must have hit my alarm clock in my sleep, turned around and slept on. Luckily it's not a problem. I just called in that I would be a little later.
The thing is that some programs on the Spanish television are a real pain in the...
Yesterday was the final show of one of those reality tv shows, la casa de tu vida (literally 'the house of your life'). Not exactly my cup of tea, because all they do is fight, but Mónica wanted to see who was going to win the house.
While these shows in Belgium normally last about 50 minutes, in Spain they need 3 full hours of discussion, involving all the contestants that were already voted out in earlier episodes ánd their family, to finally announce the winners of the show. Sometimes they literally drive me wild.
And just when I can go to bed and I'm happy that it's finally over, they announce the beginning of the next reality tv show next week. Spanish tv is terrible.
Anyway, it's friday and the weather is great. I'm off for a weekend at the beach. Have fun!
Mónica has to start earlier, so she was already out of the house. But I must have hit my alarm clock in my sleep, turned around and slept on. Luckily it's not a problem. I just called in that I would be a little later.
The thing is that some programs on the Spanish television are a real pain in the...
Yesterday was the final show of one of those reality tv shows, la casa de tu vida (literally 'the house of your life'). Not exactly my cup of tea, because all they do is fight, but Mónica wanted to see who was going to win the house.
While these shows in Belgium normally last about 50 minutes, in Spain they need 3 full hours of discussion, involving all the contestants that were already voted out in earlier episodes ánd their family, to finally announce the winners of the show. Sometimes they literally drive me wild.
And just when I can go to bed and I'm happy that it's finally over, they announce the beginning of the next reality tv show next week. Spanish tv is terrible.
Anyway, it's friday and the weather is great. I'm off for a weekend at the beach. Have fun!
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Feeling hot, hot, hot
When it's cold outside, and the air conditioning at work shouldn't be working at all, it feels like we are working in a refrigerator here. But today it's 24C/75F outside, and 28C/82F on my desk.
I have a thermometer within reach, and every half hour one of my colleagues comes asking me if the temperature is still rising.
Yesterday I had another bad allergy day. I was sneezing and blowing my nose all day, feeling exhausted when I finally got home. I collapsed in the sofa and didn't get up again until it was time to go to bed. So today I brought 4 packets of kleenex to work, but although the weather is the same as yesterday, I didn't have to sneeze a single time. Weird things, those pollen.
I have a thermometer within reach, and every half hour one of my colleagues comes asking me if the temperature is still rising.
Yesterday I had another bad allergy day. I was sneezing and blowing my nose all day, feeling exhausted when I finally got home. I collapsed in the sofa and didn't get up again until it was time to go to bed. So today I brought 4 packets of kleenex to work, but although the weather is the same as yesterday, I didn't have to sneeze a single time. Weird things, those pollen.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Been arranging flights and rooms
Let's see, where shall I begin.
The weekend was great. We had 2 beautiful days with lots of sun and high temperatures. So we spent most of the weekend on the beach, getting a tan.
On Sunday afternoon, we had arranged to meet an ex-coworker of Mónica, and her boyfriend. Two very nice people who showed us around in their hometown, Mieres, which we had never visited before.
On Sunday I got the news that my oldest sister, her husband and the two boys will come and visit us in August. So I had to start looking for and writing mails to hotels in the neighborhood, to arrange some rooms for them. Since this afternoon the flights and the rooms seem to be booked and confirmed.
It's the first time that they will visit us in Spain. So they're very curious to see where I live, and I'm sure that Mónica's parents are very curious to meet my sister and the two kids.
And suddenly it wasn't so difficult anymore to decide when I was going to take my summer holidays.
The weekend was great. We had 2 beautiful days with lots of sun and high temperatures. So we spent most of the weekend on the beach, getting a tan.
On Sunday afternoon, we had arranged to meet an ex-coworker of Mónica, and her boyfriend. Two very nice people who showed us around in their hometown, Mieres, which we had never visited before.
On Sunday I got the news that my oldest sister, her husband and the two boys will come and visit us in August. So I had to start looking for and writing mails to hotels in the neighborhood, to arrange some rooms for them. Since this afternoon the flights and the rooms seem to be booked and confirmed.
It's the first time that they will visit us in Spain. So they're very curious to see where I live, and I'm sure that Mónica's parents are very curious to meet my sister and the two kids.
And suddenly it wasn't so difficult anymore to decide when I was going to take my summer holidays.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Holidays
We have been asked to decide when we want to take our holidays this summer. That way our teamleader can check the dates and make sure that always 2 members of the team are present.
I said that I will decide whenever the rest of the team has given their preferences, because we probably won't be going anywhere this summer anyway. Mónica has just started on a new job, and won't have the possibility to take a holiday this summer.
Too bad, because we were both longing to go visit Barcelona this year. We have never been there, and Mónica would finally like to meet the girls she has been in contact with over the internet for many years. They have promised us to be our city guides whenever we decide to go.
But with the nearest beach only 10 minutes away, every weekend can be a little holiday if the weather is fine. And we can always go on a weekend trip to Santander or another big city along the coast.
Well, I'm off to enjoy this weekend as if it were a small holiday. I suggest you do the same.
I said that I will decide whenever the rest of the team has given their preferences, because we probably won't be going anywhere this summer anyway. Mónica has just started on a new job, and won't have the possibility to take a holiday this summer.
Too bad, because we were both longing to go visit Barcelona this year. We have never been there, and Mónica would finally like to meet the girls she has been in contact with over the internet for many years. They have promised us to be our city guides whenever we decide to go.
But with the nearest beach only 10 minutes away, every weekend can be a little holiday if the weather is fine. And we can always go on a weekend trip to Santander or another big city along the coast.
Well, I'm off to enjoy this weekend as if it were a small holiday. I suggest you do the same.
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
About bikes
I'm thinking about getting a mountain bike, because I should get some exercise. And I could make some beautiful bike trips here, Asturias being a natural paradise and all.
But Spain is not like Belgium, when it comes to bikes. There are no bicycle paths on the side of the roads, and the Spanish drivers are not used to share the road with bikes.
I hardly ever see a bicycle on the road here. Which is a real shame, because it could be a great mean of transport in these busy cities.
I remember when Mónica visited me in Belgium for the first time, she frowned and asked me: "where are all those people going on their bikes?". I thought she was kidding me. But for her, a bike was a sports item, not a transport item. She was stunned when she saw a guy in a suit on a bike.
Anyway, I might go take a look at some cheap mountain bikes. I'm only afraid that in a few months it will be oxidizing in our garage, next to those dumbbells that I bought last year.
Have you heard? Blogging might not save your life, but it might catch your killer. That is what happened to 19 year old Simon Ng, who was killed in May. The police found his killer, because Simon had written in the last post of his Blog that his sister's former boyfriend was visiting. Guess who killed Simon and his sister? His last post already has 2800 comments.
Link to the blog Link to the story
But Spain is not like Belgium, when it comes to bikes. There are no bicycle paths on the side of the roads, and the Spanish drivers are not used to share the road with bikes.
I hardly ever see a bicycle on the road here. Which is a real shame, because it could be a great mean of transport in these busy cities.
I remember when Mónica visited me in Belgium for the first time, she frowned and asked me: "where are all those people going on their bikes?". I thought she was kidding me. But for her, a bike was a sports item, not a transport item. She was stunned when she saw a guy in a suit on a bike.
Anyway, I might go take a look at some cheap mountain bikes. I'm only afraid that in a few months it will be oxidizing in our garage, next to those dumbbells that I bought last year.
Have you heard? Blogging might not save your life, but it might catch your killer. That is what happened to 19 year old Simon Ng, who was killed in May. The police found his killer, because Simon had written in the last post of his Blog that his sister's former boyfriend was visiting. Guess who killed Simon and his sister? His last post already has 2800 comments.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
In today's news
Today Shakira launches her new CD 'Fijación Oral'. You might know Shakira from her worldwide hit 'Whenever, wherever'. I first heard Shakira's music when I was on holiday in Asturias, Spain in 1996.
Since then I'm a big fan of her Spanish work. So I'm curious about this new CD.
On Sunday evening, she performed some of the songs at a free concert in Madrid, to support Madrid's candidature for the 2012 summer Olympics.
The first single 'la tortura', featuring Alejandro Sanz, another great Spanish artist, is already becoming a big hit in Spain. (You can see the video here)
The CD that will be released today is completely in Spanish. In November, the same CD will be released in English to the rest of the world.
And today Ikea opens a store in Asturias. The nearest store up until now was in Madrid, about 5 hours from here. This morning, people were already waiting at the doors of the store for the opening. The first weeks it will be almost impossible to visit due to the crowd.
Oh, and on Sunday, we had a perfect day at the beach.
(Click for a bigger view)
Since then I'm a big fan of her Spanish work. So I'm curious about this new CD.
On Sunday evening, she performed some of the songs at a free concert in Madrid, to support Madrid's candidature for the 2012 summer Olympics.
The first single 'la tortura', featuring Alejandro Sanz, another great Spanish artist, is already becoming a big hit in Spain. (You can see the video here)
The CD that will be released today is completely in Spanish. In November, the same CD will be released in English to the rest of the world.
And today Ikea opens a store in Asturias. The nearest store up until now was in Madrid, about 5 hours from here. This morning, people were already waiting at the doors of the store for the opening. The first weeks it will be almost impossible to visit due to the crowd.
Thursday, June 02, 2005
By the way
Exactly one year and six months ago I arrived in Spain, my car filled with all that it could carry. The start of a new era in my life.
And today Mónica got offered a new job. Since it is better than the one she has now, she decided to take it and is going to start on monday. That is, if she can get away from her recent job that fast without a problem.
Sounds like we have something to celebrate tonight.
Oh, and when you open your wardrobe in the morning, and find all your clothes on the floor of it because the bar couldn't take the weight of them hanging on it, does this mean you have too many clothes?
And today Mónica got offered a new job. Since it is better than the one she has now, she decided to take it and is going to start on monday. That is, if she can get away from her recent job that fast without a problem.
Sounds like we have something to celebrate tonight.
Oh, and when you open your wardrobe in the morning, and find all your clothes on the floor of it because the bar couldn't take the weight of them hanging on it, does this mean you have too many clothes?
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
About RSS, Atom and XML
Every now and then someone asks me: "Oi Chris! What are these RSS, Atom and XML feed things about, and do I need them on my blog??"
You could start searching on the internet for more information on these site feeds, but most of the time you need to be quite a computer freak to be able to understand what the hell they are talking about.
So let me try to shed some light on this subject for you.
Take me for example. Since I am a full-time computer geek and internet addict, I read about 30 blogs on a daily basis. Yes, 30, at least. You might ask yourself where I find the time to read them all. Well, that is where these feeds come in handy.
RSS, Atom and XML are 3 different standards, but theoretically they do the same thing. They create a basic text layout of your blog entries, so that they can easily be imported into an RSS-reader (a program that can import these texts).
The RSS-reader that I use is Bloglines. It has 3 major advantages: it is free, it can read all 3 feed standards and it is an online RSS-reader. This means you don't have to install it on your computer, and that you can check your favourite blogs for updates on every computer in the world with an internet connection.
So how does it work?
You create an account in bloglines. This is totally free and only takes a minute. Then you go to the 'My Feeds' tag, and click on 'add' to add one of your favourite blogs. You enter the blog or feed URL (for example: http://welcomeatthe.blogspot.com) and bloglines checks if this blog publishes one of the 3 feeds. If he finds one or more, you can subscribe to one of them and a link is added to 'my feeds' (The 3 feeds normally give the same result, so subscribing to one of them should do the trick).
Once you click on the link that is created in 'my feeds', bloglines considers the entries that you see of this blog to be read. Now every time you enter bloglines and that blog link is in bold, this means that there is a new entry on that blog that you haven't read yet.
bloglines also has a notifier. You install it, and it creates an icon in the windows toolbar. By right-clicking on it you enter the e-mail adress in the settings that you used to log in to bloglines. Now every time a blog you subscribed to has a new entry, the icon notifies you of this.
So instead of checking each blog every half hour to see if you guys have written an entry yet, I get notified by an icon when you do. That's the advantage of these feeds.
You could start searching on the internet for more information on these site feeds, but most of the time you need to be quite a computer freak to be able to understand what the hell they are talking about.
So let me try to shed some light on this subject for you.
Take me for example. Since I am a full-time computer geek and internet addict, I read about 30 blogs on a daily basis. Yes, 30, at least. You might ask yourself where I find the time to read them all. Well, that is where these feeds come in handy.
RSS, Atom and XML are 3 different standards, but theoretically they do the same thing. They create a basic text layout of your blog entries, so that they can easily be imported into an RSS-reader (a program that can import these texts).
The RSS-reader that I use is Bloglines. It has 3 major advantages: it is free, it can read all 3 feed standards and it is an online RSS-reader. This means you don't have to install it on your computer, and that you can check your favourite blogs for updates on every computer in the world with an internet connection.
So how does it work?
You create an account in bloglines. This is totally free and only takes a minute. Then you go to the 'My Feeds' tag, and click on 'add' to add one of your favourite blogs. You enter the blog or feed URL (for example: http://welcomeatthe.blogspot.com) and bloglines checks if this blog publishes one of the 3 feeds. If he finds one or more, you can subscribe to one of them and a link is added to 'my feeds' (The 3 feeds normally give the same result, so subscribing to one of them should do the trick).
Once you click on the link that is created in 'my feeds', bloglines considers the entries that you see of this blog to be read. Now every time you enter bloglines and that blog link is in bold, this means that there is a new entry on that blog that you haven't read yet.
bloglines also has a notifier. You install it, and it creates an icon in the windows toolbar. By right-clicking on it you enter the e-mail adress in the settings that you used to log in to bloglines. Now every time a blog you subscribed to has a new entry, the icon notifies you of this.
So instead of checking each blog every half hour to see if you guys have written an entry yet, I get notified by an icon when you do. That's the advantage of these feeds.
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Tag Time
I got tagged by 3 people at the same time today: Thanks Tine, Lien and Dorien.
The problem is that it was a book tag, and that I don't read books. None. Never. Ever. I wouldn't know where to find the time to read books.
I only read the internet. Your blogs. And some more.
If you ever have a tag about movies, you can count me in!
The problem is that it was a book tag, and that I don't read books. None. Never. Ever. I wouldn't know where to find the time to read books.
I only read the internet. Your blogs. And some more.
If you ever have a tag about movies, you can count me in!
Monday, May 30, 2005
Reliving my childhood
Tonight, we will be watching Ferris Bueler's day off. And for the next two weeks or so, we've got these waiting to pass the DVD-player: The breakfast club, pretty in pink, sixteen candles, st. Elmo's fire and Class.
Yes, I'm going to relive my 1980's childhood with these "brat pack" movies that I haven't seen in 20 years. Mónica has never seen them at all, as she was still watching cartoons in the early 80's.
I was still pretty young as well, but I had 2 older sisters who were in love with Rob Lowe and Andrew McCarthy's smile, so these movies were videotaped and watched again and again until the tapes were worn out.
The actors in these movies were being labeled as 'THE' actors of the future back then, but their careers never really got that big. If Andrew McCarthy ever stumbles upon this site while Googling his popularity, he has to explain me why he never became as big as Tom Cruise. But I heard he did many things on Broadway.
I wonder if all these movies are still enjoyable after 20 years. I would of course like to see them in the original version, but since Mónica wouldn't understand much if we did, we will have to see the dubbed versions.
Yes, I'm going to relive my 1980's childhood with these "brat pack" movies that I haven't seen in 20 years. Mónica has never seen them at all, as she was still watching cartoons in the early 80's.
I was still pretty young as well, but I had 2 older sisters who were in love with Rob Lowe and Andrew McCarthy's smile, so these movies were videotaped and watched again and again until the tapes were worn out.
The actors in these movies were being labeled as 'THE' actors of the future back then, but their careers never really got that big. If Andrew McCarthy ever stumbles upon this site while Googling his popularity, he has to explain me why he never became as big as Tom Cruise. But I heard he did many things on Broadway.
I wonder if all these movies are still enjoyable after 20 years. I would of course like to see them in the original version, but since Mónica wouldn't understand much if we did, we will have to see the dubbed versions.
Friday, May 27, 2005
Let's hope for once the forecasts are wrong
Oh lucky us. It's 24ºC/75F outside and the sun is burning. This weekend it will only be 16ºC/61F, and overcast. I'm sure the sun will be shining again on Monday though. Maybe I should take some days off to be able to enjoy the weather. But now that Mónica is working as well, I'd rather wait until we can take some days off together.
The beach was already packed with people the last couple of days. At least we were able to go for a walk along the sea twice this week, after work. How I enjoy living only 10 minutes away from the nearest beach. It has such a relaxing effect. And there are still so many beautiful beaches to explore. And villages. And woods. And lakes. And mountains. But we would like some sun with that.
I'm eager to start taking some pictures again as well. I won't leave the house without my camera this weekend.
I was fooling around with photopaint yesterday, and created this artistic tree from one of my pictures. I uploaded it to Flickr, and within one minute someone tagged it as a favourite. I'm starting to like Flickr more and more.
Have a lovely weekend.
The beach was already packed with people the last couple of days. At least we were able to go for a walk along the sea twice this week, after work. How I enjoy living only 10 minutes away from the nearest beach. It has such a relaxing effect. And there are still so many beautiful beaches to explore. And villages. And woods. And lakes. And mountains. But we would like some sun with that.
I'm eager to start taking some pictures again as well. I won't leave the house without my camera this weekend.
I was fooling around with photopaint yesterday, and created this artistic tree from one of my pictures. I uploaded it to Flickr, and within one minute someone tagged it as a favourite. I'm starting to like Flickr more and more.
Have a lovely weekend.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
43 things
How I like those nice little internet projects I run into while surfing every day.
Today I discovered 43 things. I had never heard of it before.
I don't know why it gives me this nice feeling. At least I know now that there are 637 other persons out there who would like to, just like me, spend less time fooling around on the net and more time actually working.
Today I discovered 43 things. I had never heard of it before.
I don't know why it gives me this nice feeling. At least I know now that there are 637 other persons out there who would like to, just like me, spend less time fooling around on the net and more time actually working.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
When catholic priests turn into businessmen
The last couple of days, we have been confronted with hidden camera images demonstrating the malpractice of many Spanish priests in the news and in Spanish television programs.
These priests are telling couples that want to get married that their church has their own exclusive photographer and that other photographers are not admitted inside the church during the ceremony. The price for the exclusive photographer to attend the wedding is about 300 euros.
According to the priests, it's all about respect for the ceremony and for the church. The exclusive photographers know the course of the celebration, and know where to take place to make the best pictures, without disturbing the wedding.
But in fact, the priests are offered a percentage of the income of the photographers.
The hidden video images we have been shown these days are unbelievable. Wedding ceremonies that are suddenly stopped and photographers that are brutally thrown out of the church by the priests.
"This is the house of God", shouted a photographer. "But I'm running the place", was the answer of the priest.
These priests are telling couples that want to get married that their church has their own exclusive photographer and that other photographers are not admitted inside the church during the ceremony. The price for the exclusive photographer to attend the wedding is about 300 euros.
According to the priests, it's all about respect for the ceremony and for the church. The exclusive photographers know the course of the celebration, and know where to take place to make the best pictures, without disturbing the wedding.
But in fact, the priests are offered a percentage of the income of the photographers.
The hidden video images we have been shown these days are unbelievable. Wedding ceremonies that are suddenly stopped and photographers that are brutally thrown out of the church by the priests.
"This is the house of God", shouted a photographer. "But I'm running the place", was the answer of the priest.
Monday, May 23, 2005
Forgetting Dutch
Once every couple of weeks I have an online webcam meeting with my parents.
It's easier and cheaper than calling on the phone, and we can at least see each other again. And since the speed of my internet connection got quadrupled two weeks ago, the quality of the sound and the image are perfect.
Last night we had another meeting. But for the first time, I was actually having problems speaking in Dutch, the language that I have been speaking for 30 years before moving to Spain.
I guess it must have been the sudden switch of having to talk in another language, since I am used to speaking Spanish all the time now. But it felt very strange, having to think for seconds and not finding the words I was looking for, knowing how to say what I meant in Spanish, but not in Dutch.
I never thought this was going to happen.
Amie passed me this baton or meme or whatever they are called: If I could be.
If I could be a poet, I could finally express all those feelings that I can't find the right words for now.
If I could be a chef, I would make the most delicious low-calory chocolate desserts for my girl.
If I could be a psychologist, I would finally know all the right words to say whenever someone needs my support again.
If I could be an explorer, I would be able to visit all those beautiful places in the world that I would still love to see.
But I'm just an average programmer, living from day to day, trying to make the best of it all.
It's easier and cheaper than calling on the phone, and we can at least see each other again. And since the speed of my internet connection got quadrupled two weeks ago, the quality of the sound and the image are perfect.
Last night we had another meeting. But for the first time, I was actually having problems speaking in Dutch, the language that I have been speaking for 30 years before moving to Spain.
I guess it must have been the sudden switch of having to talk in another language, since I am used to speaking Spanish all the time now. But it felt very strange, having to think for seconds and not finding the words I was looking for, knowing how to say what I meant in Spanish, but not in Dutch.
I never thought this was going to happen.
Amie passed me this baton or meme or whatever they are called: If I could be.
If I could be a poet, I could finally express all those feelings that I can't find the right words for now.
If I could be a chef, I would make the most delicious low-calory chocolate desserts for my girl.
If I could be a psychologist, I would finally know all the right words to say whenever someone needs my support again.
If I could be an explorer, I would be able to visit all those beautiful places in the world that I would still love to see.
But I'm just an average programmer, living from day to day, trying to make the best of it all.
Friday, May 20, 2005
I see wild animals, running around like domestic animals
So I'm driving towards the exit of the company last night after work (we are located in an enormous valley), when I take a look in my rear view mirror and suddenly see 4 wild boars(wild pig, see picture) crossing the street!
I thought I was hallucinating, so I stopped the car, looked back and saw 2 full-grown wild boars and 2 little ones running across the street. I never have my camera ready when I need it!
So I thought that nobody was going to believe me when I told my colleagues this morning about what I had seen. But they just said: "Ah, yes. They are always around here. I've seen them several times already."
As if we are talking about the cats of the neighbours.
I thought I was hallucinating, so I stopped the car, looked back and saw 2 full-grown wild boars and 2 little ones running across the street. I never have my camera ready when I need it!
So I thought that nobody was going to believe me when I told my colleagues this morning about what I had seen. But they just said: "Ah, yes. They are always around here. I've seen them several times already."
As if we are talking about the cats of the neighbours.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
More health problems
As if the allergy wasn't enough already (thanks for the tips, my dear readers), my throat started hurting on Saturday morning. I immediately blamed the damn air conditioning at work, because one of the lateral vents is blowing directly at me.
So I close the damn thing now and then, only to find it opened again a few days later by one of the maintenance workers.
We already had a notice that we are not allowed to close the green lateral vents because of some weird reason, but my hands are sometimes almost freezing from the cold wind blowing in my direction. So I close it whenever nobody's watching.
Anyway, by Saturday evening I had a mild fever. The throat ache got worse, accompanied by a headache and a dry cough. So when I was still feeling quite weak on Sunday night, I decided not to go to work on Monday and to go see the doctor.
My doctor (A doctor is assigned to you in Spain) is an older man. Usually, He justs asks what the problem is and prescribes a few days of rest to get it out of your system.
But when I went to the doctor yesterday, I had to see a substitute. So I told him about the fever, the throat ache and the headache, and he started to examine my throat and respiration.
And then he asked me with a smile: So tell me, what is the problem?
I could only think: Is this man an idiot? I just told him what the problem was!
And he continued: Because I don't see or hear anything wrong. And a grown 31 year old man like yourself should be able to endure a little throat ache, no?
I felt like a complete idiot at that moment, stupified by what he was telling me.
He prescribed me some soluble powders, while I was wondering why I needed those if there was nothing wrong with me!!??
And when he asked me if I needed a note to rectify my absence at work, I told him no, not wanting him to think that I only had come for that.
So here I am at work again, sucking on some tablets for my throat, with the air blowing at me from the left. I have to find a moment to close that damn thing again.
So I close the damn thing now and then, only to find it opened again a few days later by one of the maintenance workers.
We already had a notice that we are not allowed to close the green lateral vents because of some weird reason, but my hands are sometimes almost freezing from the cold wind blowing in my direction. So I close it whenever nobody's watching.
Anyway, by Saturday evening I had a mild fever. The throat ache got worse, accompanied by a headache and a dry cough. So when I was still feeling quite weak on Sunday night, I decided not to go to work on Monday and to go see the doctor.
My doctor (A doctor is assigned to you in Spain) is an older man. Usually, He justs asks what the problem is and prescribes a few days of rest to get it out of your system.
But when I went to the doctor yesterday, I had to see a substitute. So I told him about the fever, the throat ache and the headache, and he started to examine my throat and respiration.
And then he asked me with a smile: So tell me, what is the problem?
I could only think: Is this man an idiot? I just told him what the problem was!
And he continued: Because I don't see or hear anything wrong. And a grown 31 year old man like yourself should be able to endure a little throat ache, no?
I felt like a complete idiot at that moment, stupified by what he was telling me.
He prescribed me some soluble powders, while I was wondering why I needed those if there was nothing wrong with me!!??
And when he asked me if I needed a note to rectify my absence at work, I told him no, not wanting him to think that I only had come for that.
So here I am at work again, sucking on some tablets for my throat, with the air blowing at me from the left. I have to find a moment to close that damn thing again.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Damn polen
It's another one of those days when my hayfever is slowly driving me mad.
Yes, I'm one of those poor people who pass half the summer sneezing just because the sun is shining and the flowers are blooming.
Today my nose hasn't stopped running all day, I have been sneezing at least a thousand times and my eyes are swollen, red and prickly.
It makes me want to scream and kick, but I realize that that won't help.
The 3 packages of kleenex I had in my drawer were already empty around noon, so I have to get me a supply of that rough, industrial toilet paper every half hour, that makes me look like Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer.
Of course I have a medicine to take, some tablets called Zyrtec, but on days like these even those don't seem to help a lot. And as if sneezing a thousand times isn't tiring enough, these tablets are also sleep inducing. So by the time I'll get home, I will probably be exhausted.
It all started when I was about 16 years old, and since then it has been bothering me every year.
Tests concluded that I'm especially allergic to the polen of birch trees and grasses. And back when I used to smoke, the effect was even worse. I remember studying with tissues stuffed in my nostrils, so I wouldn't have to bother blowing my nose for 2 minutes.
Well, I'm off to get me some more of that terrible sandpaper they call toilet paper.
I'm counting the minutes until I can go home.
Yes, I'm one of those poor people who pass half the summer sneezing just because the sun is shining and the flowers are blooming.
Today my nose hasn't stopped running all day, I have been sneezing at least a thousand times and my eyes are swollen, red and prickly.
It makes me want to scream and kick, but I realize that that won't help.
The 3 packages of kleenex I had in my drawer were already empty around noon, so I have to get me a supply of that rough, industrial toilet paper every half hour, that makes me look like Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer.
Of course I have a medicine to take, some tablets called Zyrtec, but on days like these even those don't seem to help a lot. And as if sneezing a thousand times isn't tiring enough, these tablets are also sleep inducing. So by the time I'll get home, I will probably be exhausted.
It all started when I was about 16 years old, and since then it has been bothering me every year.
Tests concluded that I'm especially allergic to the polen of birch trees and grasses. And back when I used to smoke, the effect was even worse. I remember studying with tissues stuffed in my nostrils, so I wouldn't have to bother blowing my nose for 2 minutes.
Well, I'm off to get me some more of that terrible sandpaper they call toilet paper.
I'm counting the minutes until I can go home.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
World of photography
When surfing the web today, I stumbled upon this website: http://www.woophy.com.
As I thought it is a remarkable photography project, I decided to upload some of my pictures, and cover some more of the world map. You can find me in Brussels, Porto, Hasselt and of course the north of Spain.
With the help of amateur photographers across the world they strive to ultimately cover every inch of the world map with images that represent the world's beauty and peculiarity from all different cultural perspectives.
As I thought it is a remarkable photography project, I decided to upload some of my pictures, and cover some more of the world map. You can find me in Brussels, Porto, Hasselt and of course the north of Spain.
With the help of amateur photographers across the world they strive to ultimately cover every inch of the world map with images that represent the world's beauty and peculiarity from all different cultural perspectives.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
All work and no play makes Chris a dull boy
It's going to be a long week.
All of a sudden, our team has been asked to attend a training, starting today and until the end of this week, from 6 to 8 pm.
So they decide to give us a training about something we will probably never use in our job, and to give it in our free time. Lucky us.
And of course it starts exactly the day that Mónica will be home a little sooner.
The poor girl has been working very hard the last two weeks, getting up at 7 am and coming home at 8:30 pm.
I had already written here that she is a saleswoman for the most important radio station of the area now, not only selling radio advertisements, but also creating them. And she is doing better than I had ever expected.
The first few days were a bit chaotic and nervebraking. But suddenly she transformed into this professional salesperson, convincing managers to advertise on the radio and creating advertisements and slogans out of nothing. And she actually seems to like it.
Too bad they don't even pay her half of what she is worth. But it's a start, and she is learning very fast.
All of a sudden, our team has been asked to attend a training, starting today and until the end of this week, from 6 to 8 pm.
So they decide to give us a training about something we will probably never use in our job, and to give it in our free time. Lucky us.
And of course it starts exactly the day that Mónica will be home a little sooner.
The poor girl has been working very hard the last two weeks, getting up at 7 am and coming home at 8:30 pm.
I had already written here that she is a saleswoman for the most important radio station of the area now, not only selling radio advertisements, but also creating them. And she is doing better than I had ever expected.
The first few days were a bit chaotic and nervebraking. But suddenly she transformed into this professional salesperson, convincing managers to advertise on the radio and creating advertisements and slogans out of nothing. And she actually seems to like it.
Too bad they don't even pay her half of what she is worth. But it's a start, and she is learning very fast.
Monday, May 09, 2005
Another weekend flew by
Mónica is slowly starting to understand that the weekend passes by too fast and that it should have one more day.
On Saturday, we spent too much time thinking and discussing what we would do. The weather was worse than we had expected, so enjoying the sun like we had done last weekend wasn't an option. We were both a little tired, and after the siesta and a few rounds of the very addictive game 'crazy taxi 3', we decided to drive to a new shopping mall in a near village.
We checked out the shops, dined in a restaurant with a serious shortage of staff, and went to see 'The Interpreter' afterwards.
The trailer of the movie had looked very promising to me, but it wasn't as good as I had expected. The plot was a little too complicated and the end was rather disappointing. Mónica even fell asleep during the movie.
Nicole looked younger than ever (apparently she has discovered botox), and Sean penn's nose is growing beyond human proportions.
On Sunday we went to have lunch at Mónica's parents' house again. Since Mónica started working, we hardly see them anymore. Of course we watched the Spanish F1 Grand Prix, supporting the Asturian Fernando Alsonso.
After lunch, I made my mom happy by calling her for mother's day. In Spain it had been mother's day last week.
On Saturday, we spent too much time thinking and discussing what we would do. The weather was worse than we had expected, so enjoying the sun like we had done last weekend wasn't an option. We were both a little tired, and after the siesta and a few rounds of the very addictive game 'crazy taxi 3', we decided to drive to a new shopping mall in a near village.
We checked out the shops, dined in a restaurant with a serious shortage of staff, and went to see 'The Interpreter' afterwards.
The trailer of the movie had looked very promising to me, but it wasn't as good as I had expected. The plot was a little too complicated and the end was rather disappointing. Mónica even fell asleep during the movie.
Nicole looked younger than ever (apparently she has discovered botox), and Sean penn's nose is growing beyond human proportions.
On Sunday we went to have lunch at Mónica's parents' house again. Since Mónica started working, we hardly see them anymore. Of course we watched the Spanish F1 Grand Prix, supporting the Asturian Fernando Alsonso.
After lunch, I made my mom happy by calling her for mother's day. In Spain it had been mother's day last week.
Friday, May 06, 2005
Talking about speed
Mónica and I both like playing race computer games. I like all type of games, actually. She mainly likes the racing ones. And she doesn't even like driving in real life.
But everytime we ended up in the arcade hall of the shopping mall, we would play a round against each other.
I already had some racing games installed on my computer, like 'Need for speed underground II' or 'Colin McRae Rally 2005', but without a steering wheel it's just not the same.
So when we went shopping in 'el Corte Ingles' last week, we just couldn't resist the offer they had on a Trust steering wheel, even if we don't have much time to use the computer lately. Less since Mónica started working.
So our 'computer room/recording studio' got a new gadget, and we lose the stress of a working day by driving at 120m/h through the streets of a virtual city.
But everytime we ended up in the arcade hall of the shopping mall, we would play a round against each other.
I already had some racing games installed on my computer, like 'Need for speed underground II' or 'Colin McRae Rally 2005', but without a steering wheel it's just not the same.
So when we went shopping in 'el Corte Ingles' last week, we just couldn't resist the offer they had on a Trust steering wheel, even if we don't have much time to use the computer lately. Less since Mónica started working.
So our 'computer room/recording studio' got a new gadget, and we lose the stress of a working day by driving at 120m/h through the streets of a virtual city.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
We're speeding up
We finally had the great news that our Internet Service Provider is going to upgrade the speed of their client's connections. Just in time, as I was thinking about upgrading my contract to be able to surf a little faster.
Up until now, we only had a 160 Kbps connection at home. But in the month of May it will be quadrupled, to 640 Kbps, without an extra charge.
Broadband internet connections only started to get widely popular in Spain in 2004, and due to the lack of competition, the speed offered by the ISP's was still very low. But since 2005, the competition is getting tougher and the offered speeds are slowly rising.
But still, for the same price I am paying in Spain, I would have a 5Mbit connection in Belgium.
So what's your speed?
Up until now, we only had a 160 Kbps connection at home. But in the month of May it will be quadrupled, to 640 Kbps, without an extra charge.
Broadband internet connections only started to get widely popular in Spain in 2004, and due to the lack of competition, the speed offered by the ISP's was still very low. But since 2005, the competition is getting tougher and the offered speeds are slowly rising.
But still, for the same price I am paying in Spain, I would have a 5Mbit connection in Belgium.
So what's your speed?
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
visiting monte Naranco
On Monday morning the weather was quite nice, so we decided to search the Asturian tourist guide for a place we had not visited yet.
The first place I came up with was mount Naranco: a 600 meters high mountain in Oviedo, from where you have a stunning view of the city.
On our way up, we visited two pre-roman churches, constructed in the ninth century. And on top of the mountain, there is the 35 meter high statue of the sacred heart (Sagrado Corazón), that seems to be embracing the city.
We had lunch in the fields overlooking Oviedo and enjoyed the warmth of the springtime sun, until in the afternoon the clouds came rolling in.
By the end of the day, our faces had a beautiful colour.
The first place I came up with was mount Naranco: a 600 meters high mountain in Oviedo, from where you have a stunning view of the city.
On our way up, we visited two pre-roman churches, constructed in the ninth century. And on top of the mountain, there is the 35 meter high statue of the sacred heart (Sagrado Corazón), that seems to be embracing the city.
We had lunch in the fields overlooking Oviedo and enjoyed the warmth of the springtime sun, until in the afternoon the clouds came rolling in.
By the end of the day, our faces had a beautiful colour.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
So I snapped
Has the climate in Belgium changed since I left?
While the temperature in Belgium reached 30C/86F this weekend, here in the north of Spain we had 21C/70F, heavy clouds and an occasional shower. And I just heard that people in Belgium are having Thursday and Friday off this week, while here only Monday was a public holiday.
Why is the grass always greener on the other side of the fence?
My weekend began with this little story.
In March I bought a new digital camera in the local Carrefour supermarket. It came with a promotion of 100 free picture prints, valid until the 30th of april.
So I rushed to Carrefour on Friday evening, carrying my cd containing 93 of my favourite digital snapshots. I just couldn't find 7 more that were worth a print or that I didn't have printed yet. And I was in a hurry, so I didn't really bother.
When I arrived at the supermarket, I handed my cd to the lady at the counter, mentioning the promotion.
She asked: Are there 100 pictures on the cd?
Me: No, just 93.
That's when she said to me in a silly tone: Then it's not valid. The promotion is for 100 pictures. Not 99 and not 101. Exactly 100.
I looked at her in disbelief and that's when I snapped…
You have to know that this was the fourth time that I went to Carrefour with a promotion, and the fourth time that they told me they couldn't give it to me for some obscure reason. In fact, when I arrived, I was already wondering what they were going to invent this time.
And so I snapped.
I made quite a scene, and I'm not very proud of it. I raised my voice more than 1 tone, told her exactly what I thought about their promotions, took my cd, and left. She didn't even see it coming, and looked at me as if she got hit by a train.
So I went home and told Mónica what had happened.
That's when we remembered that her father had bought the same camera when I had bought it, and that he was going to go to Carrefour also that evening to get his 100 free prints.
So she called her dad:
- Dad? Where are you?
º In Carrefour.
- Did you ask for your free prints yet?
º Yes. They are ready in an hour.
- How many pictures did you have? 100?
º No, just 73.
My mouth fell open.
The only explanation we could find was that my scene earlier had somehow changed the rules, and that now it didn't have to be exactly 100 pictures (We checked the promotion papers at home, and there was no rule saying that it had to be exactly 100).
So we rushed back to Carrefour, Mónica went to the counter to hand over the cd (I wasn't going to show my face again), and this time there was no problem.
1 Hour later they were ready: 93 crispy clean pictures.
Why do these kind of things always happen to me?
While the temperature in Belgium reached 30C/86F this weekend, here in the north of Spain we had 21C/70F, heavy clouds and an occasional shower. And I just heard that people in Belgium are having Thursday and Friday off this week, while here only Monday was a public holiday.
Why is the grass always greener on the other side of the fence?
My weekend began with this little story.
In March I bought a new digital camera in the local Carrefour supermarket. It came with a promotion of 100 free picture prints, valid until the 30th of april.
So I rushed to Carrefour on Friday evening, carrying my cd containing 93 of my favourite digital snapshots. I just couldn't find 7 more that were worth a print or that I didn't have printed yet. And I was in a hurry, so I didn't really bother.
When I arrived at the supermarket, I handed my cd to the lady at the counter, mentioning the promotion.
She asked: Are there 100 pictures on the cd?
Me: No, just 93.
That's when she said to me in a silly tone: Then it's not valid. The promotion is for 100 pictures. Not 99 and not 101. Exactly 100.
I looked at her in disbelief and that's when I snapped…
You have to know that this was the fourth time that I went to Carrefour with a promotion, and the fourth time that they told me they couldn't give it to me for some obscure reason. In fact, when I arrived, I was already wondering what they were going to invent this time.
And so I snapped.
I made quite a scene, and I'm not very proud of it. I raised my voice more than 1 tone, told her exactly what I thought about their promotions, took my cd, and left. She didn't even see it coming, and looked at me as if she got hit by a train.
So I went home and told Mónica what had happened.
That's when we remembered that her father had bought the same camera when I had bought it, and that he was going to go to Carrefour also that evening to get his 100 free prints.
So she called her dad:
- Dad? Where are you?
º In Carrefour.
- Did you ask for your free prints yet?
º Yes. They are ready in an hour.
- How many pictures did you have? 100?
º No, just 73.
My mouth fell open.
The only explanation we could find was that my scene earlier had somehow changed the rules, and that now it didn't have to be exactly 100 pictures (We checked the promotion papers at home, and there was no rule saying that it had to be exactly 100).
So we rushed back to Carrefour, Mónica went to the counter to hand over the cd (I wasn't going to show my face again), and this time there was no problem.
1 Hour later they were ready: 93 crispy clean pictures.
Why do these kind of things always happen to me?
Friday, April 29, 2005
Excuse me??
Maybe I'm just being a snob, but it bothered me while we were shopping in Belgium during our trip. And it didn't just happen once, it happened 3 times.
Imagine that you try on some clothes in the dressing room of a clothes shop, but they don't fit or you don't like them. What do you do with the clothes when you leave the dressing room?
Well, in 3 different shops during our stay in Belgium we were asked by one of the girls who were working there: 'Could you please put it back where you took it?'.
My mouth fell open in disbelief.
Now tell me, am I being a snob and does this sound normal to you?
On another ocasion, I was about to make a picture in a shopping mall, when all of a sudden a security guard comes running to me, saying: 'sir, sir! You can't make pictures here!'
Can they forbid you to take pictures in the passage of a shopping mall?
Imagine that you try on some clothes in the dressing room of a clothes shop, but they don't fit or you don't like them. What do you do with the clothes when you leave the dressing room?
Well, in 3 different shops during our stay in Belgium we were asked by one of the girls who were working there: 'Could you please put it back where you took it?'.
My mouth fell open in disbelief.
Now tell me, am I being a snob and does this sound normal to you?
On another ocasion, I was about to make a picture in a shopping mall, when all of a sudden a security guard comes running to me, saying: 'sir, sir! You can't make pictures here!'
Can they forbid you to take pictures in the passage of a shopping mall?
Thursday, April 28, 2005
We're home again!
Hello again.
We're back home, in Spain. We arrived on Tuesday evening after a very long and tiring trip: an hour and a half to get to the airport in Belgium, 2 hours on the plane, and 3 hours by car again to get home.
It was a good idea to take an extra day off yesterday to rest a little. But today I'm back at work.
Our trip to Belgium was great. The weather got better the day after we arrived, and we had sun and temperatures above 20ºC/68F almost every day.
Our family and friends were all fine, and it was great to see them again after 6 months.
My 2 year old niece Morgane was the star of the week. We had a blast with her. She's absolutely adorable.
My friends all came together for a nice dinner on Saturday night, and after dinner we went out like old times. The biggest news was that my friends Tom and Louisa are expecting a baby.
We visited Brussels together with my parents. But they don't have enough patience for these kind of trips. We saw all of Brussels in about 3 hours. After the trip it felt like we had seen nothing at all.
The communion party of my nephew was fine, but spending five hours eating gets a little boring. They should have organised it a little differently.
Of course we spent a day shopping as well and we even went to club Versuz on Thursday night.
So you can understand that those five days flew by extremely fast, and that we had to plan and calculate to be able to do everything we wanted to do.
But now it's back to reality. Even Mónica is having her first day at her new job today. I'm already curious to know how that worked out.
More pics here
We're back home, in Spain. We arrived on Tuesday evening after a very long and tiring trip: an hour and a half to get to the airport in Belgium, 2 hours on the plane, and 3 hours by car again to get home.
It was a good idea to take an extra day off yesterday to rest a little. But today I'm back at work.
Our trip to Belgium was great. The weather got better the day after we arrived, and we had sun and temperatures above 20ºC/68F almost every day.
Our family and friends were all fine, and it was great to see them again after 6 months.
My 2 year old niece Morgane was the star of the week. We had a blast with her. She's absolutely adorable.
My friends all came together for a nice dinner on Saturday night, and after dinner we went out like old times. The biggest news was that my friends Tom and Louisa are expecting a baby.
We visited Brussels together with my parents. But they don't have enough patience for these kind of trips. We saw all of Brussels in about 3 hours. After the trip it felt like we had seen nothing at all.
The communion party of my nephew was fine, but spending five hours eating gets a little boring. They should have organised it a little differently.
Of course we spent a day shopping as well and we even went to club Versuz on Thursday night.
So you can understand that those five days flew by extremely fast, and that we had to plan and calculate to be able to do everything we wanted to do.
But now it's back to reality. Even Mónica is having her first day at her new job today. I'm already curious to know how that worked out.
More pics here
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