It's going to be a little quiet in here for a while, because I started a new project.
People who understand dutch can have a look at http://www.spaansetapas.be.
I got my own domain and hosting, and am trying out a lot of new things.
I still have a lot of ideas, but working them out will be the hardest part.
Anyway, I will be writing some more on the new site, and a little less here.
See you around.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Monday, January 16, 2006
How to buy a home theater system
You wouldn't believe the things I went through this week, trying to buy a home theater system: you know, one of those DVD players with built-in amplifiers that comes with 5 speakers and a subwoofer (In Europe we call them home cinema systems).
It all started when we went shopping on Tuesday evening, and I spotted a Panasonic home theater system at a very nice price.
I had been able to save some money lately, and since we watch a lot of movies, I thought it would be a nice idea to buy one of those home theater systems, as a little new year gift to myself.
So I talked to the vendor a little, and he convinced me that it was a good buy.
I took it home, read the manual, installed everything, and decided to give it a try.
When I played a DVD, the sound was impressive. I was going to be the terror of the building.
But then I turned on the television, and noticed that the sound was only coming from the front left and right speakers. So I thought I probably had to change some settings, and started reading the manual again.
I learned that the DVD player had a system called Dolby Pro Logic II:
Dolby Pro Logic II is a technology that can transform any stereo sound and create a virtual surround sound experience by dividing the sound over the 5 speakers and the subwoofer.
So in theory, I had to be able to hear the sound of the television through all 5 speakers. But after studying the manual some more, I found some small letters on the bottom of a page, saying: Dolby Pro Logic II only works when listening to a DVD.
Conclusion: I could hear the sound of a DVD through all 5 speakers, but when listening to cd's, mp3's, the radio or the television, I would only hear the sound through the left and right front speakers, in Stereo.
Now that's not what I would call a home theater system! Why would I buy 5 speakers and a subwoofer if most of the time only 2 of them would be reproducing sound!
So I packed the system up again, returned it to the store, explained it to the manager, and he gave me a refund, totally understanding my arguments.
That's when I started investigating home theater systems, reading forums, visiting shops, downloading and reading manuals, talking to vendors and home theater system owners.
And to my surprise, almost all of the systems on the market seem to work this way.
What surprised me even more, is that there are home theater system owners who think this is absolutely normal!
Then why was Dolby Pro Logic II invented??
Finally, after a few days of lurking through forums, I found an owner who had a system that could reproduce the television, radio, mp3's, cd's and DVD's through all 5 speakers. So I knew it was possible!
This weekend I visited Mediamarkt. They had an offer on a Pioneer home theater system, and the vendor spotted me checking it out.
So he came over, put in a demo DVD, turned up the volume and it sounded awesome.
He showed me his biggest smile, and said: sounds great, doesn't it?
So I said: Why wouldn't it sound great, if you put in a demo DVD that was created especially for you to show me how great it sounds. Now put on the radio for me, and let me hear the sound of the radio through all 5 speakers.
So he put on the built-in tuner, and after trying for at least 10 minutes, while his partner was studying the manual, they came to the conclusion that it was impossible.
So I said: That's how great it sounds. They were puzzled.
You wouldn't believe the stupidities some vendors have tried to tell me:
Some said it was impossible to hear the radio or television through all 5 speakers, and that it was absolutely normal that I would hear the sound in Stereo.
Some said that it would even sound better if it is heard through the front speakers alone!!
Some told me that I had to buy an expensive amplifier to be able to do that!
One of them said that I would only be able to hear 'the Simpsons' through all 5 speakers, because it was broadcast in dolby surround. So I asked him to explain to me how that would be possible, if the audio output of my television is in Stereo!??!
Anyway, most of the vendors didn't have a clue!
In the end, I found one system that apparently can do it all (thanks to Laurens Slechten). It's a Samsung HT-UP30.
My advice for you, if you are about to buy a home theater system: Ask the vendor to turn on the built-in tuner for you and ask him to make it sound through all 5 speakers. If he can't do that, get another one.
It all started when we went shopping on Tuesday evening, and I spotted a Panasonic home theater system at a very nice price.
I had been able to save some money lately, and since we watch a lot of movies, I thought it would be a nice idea to buy one of those home theater systems, as a little new year gift to myself.
So I talked to the vendor a little, and he convinced me that it was a good buy.
I took it home, read the manual, installed everything, and decided to give it a try.
When I played a DVD, the sound was impressive. I was going to be the terror of the building.
But then I turned on the television, and noticed that the sound was only coming from the front left and right speakers. So I thought I probably had to change some settings, and started reading the manual again.
I learned that the DVD player had a system called Dolby Pro Logic II:
Dolby Pro Logic II is a technology that can transform any stereo sound and create a virtual surround sound experience by dividing the sound over the 5 speakers and the subwoofer.
So in theory, I had to be able to hear the sound of the television through all 5 speakers. But after studying the manual some more, I found some small letters on the bottom of a page, saying: Dolby Pro Logic II only works when listening to a DVD.
Conclusion: I could hear the sound of a DVD through all 5 speakers, but when listening to cd's, mp3's, the radio or the television, I would only hear the sound through the left and right front speakers, in Stereo.
Now that's not what I would call a home theater system! Why would I buy 5 speakers and a subwoofer if most of the time only 2 of them would be reproducing sound!
So I packed the system up again, returned it to the store, explained it to the manager, and he gave me a refund, totally understanding my arguments.
That's when I started investigating home theater systems, reading forums, visiting shops, downloading and reading manuals, talking to vendors and home theater system owners.
And to my surprise, almost all of the systems on the market seem to work this way.
What surprised me even more, is that there are home theater system owners who think this is absolutely normal!
Then why was Dolby Pro Logic II invented??
Finally, after a few days of lurking through forums, I found an owner who had a system that could reproduce the television, radio, mp3's, cd's and DVD's through all 5 speakers. So I knew it was possible!
This weekend I visited Mediamarkt. They had an offer on a Pioneer home theater system, and the vendor spotted me checking it out.
So he came over, put in a demo DVD, turned up the volume and it sounded awesome.
He showed me his biggest smile, and said: sounds great, doesn't it?
So I said: Why wouldn't it sound great, if you put in a demo DVD that was created especially for you to show me how great it sounds. Now put on the radio for me, and let me hear the sound of the radio through all 5 speakers.
So he put on the built-in tuner, and after trying for at least 10 minutes, while his partner was studying the manual, they came to the conclusion that it was impossible.
So I said: That's how great it sounds. They were puzzled.
You wouldn't believe the stupidities some vendors have tried to tell me:
Some said it was impossible to hear the radio or television through all 5 speakers, and that it was absolutely normal that I would hear the sound in Stereo.
Some said that it would even sound better if it is heard through the front speakers alone!!
Some told me that I had to buy an expensive amplifier to be able to do that!
One of them said that I would only be able to hear 'the Simpsons' through all 5 speakers, because it was broadcast in dolby surround. So I asked him to explain to me how that would be possible, if the audio output of my television is in Stereo!??!
Anyway, most of the vendors didn't have a clue!
In the end, I found one system that apparently can do it all (thanks to Laurens Slechten). It's a Samsung HT-UP30.
My advice for you, if you are about to buy a home theater system: Ask the vendor to turn on the built-in tuner for you and ask him to make it sound through all 5 speakers. If he can't do that, get another one.
Monday, January 09, 2006
I'm still alive
It seems that I have been neglecting my blog again since the new year has started.
First of all, a happy new year to all of you!
Mónica and I had a great time on New Year's Eve. We ate, drank and danced until 6 o'clock in the morning. And of course we respected the Spanish traditions like wearing red underwear for good luck and eating the 12 grapes of luck in 12 seconds at midnight, while listening to the chimes of the bells in Madrid on the radio.
Last Friday, another Spanish tradition took place. On the evening of the 6th of January, a big parade visits the major streets of every Spanish city, to celebrate the arrival of the three wise men from the east.
You see, in Spain it is not Santa who brings gifts for the children. The gifts are brought on the night of the 6th of January by the three wise men from the east: Melchior, Balthasar and Caspar.
Unfortunately, not everyone has had a happy new year.
In only 2 weeks time, 176 people have died in car accidents on the Spanish roads. And since the new year has started, 6 Spanish women have already been killed by their husbands or lovers in crimes of passion.
The year may have changed, but the problems have stayed the same.
First of all, a happy new year to all of you!
Mónica and I had a great time on New Year's Eve. We ate, drank and danced until 6 o'clock in the morning. And of course we respected the Spanish traditions like wearing red underwear for good luck and eating the 12 grapes of luck in 12 seconds at midnight, while listening to the chimes of the bells in Madrid on the radio.
Last Friday, another Spanish tradition took place. On the evening of the 6th of January, a big parade visits the major streets of every Spanish city, to celebrate the arrival of the three wise men from the east.
You see, in Spain it is not Santa who brings gifts for the children. The gifts are brought on the night of the 6th of January by the three wise men from the east: Melchior, Balthasar and Caspar.
Unfortunately, not everyone has had a happy new year.
In only 2 weeks time, 176 people have died in car accidents on the Spanish roads. And since the new year has started, 6 Spanish women have already been killed by their husbands or lovers in crimes of passion.
The year may have changed, but the problems have stayed the same.
Friday, December 30, 2005
Last post
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.
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)