We are becoming intimately acquainted with our new bricks and mortar. Or, more specifically, with the cracks and gouges contained therein. New homeowners that we are, we of course wanted to make our mark on something. We figured that our bedroom, with its vast expanses of wall, would be a fairly safe bet for a quick makeover. Little did we suspect the horrors that lay beneath the wallpaper, the marks that we would first have to erase.
Since we stripped off the paper last weekend, we have spent every waking, at home hour filling holes in the walls. They are practically white all over, and we are on our third packet of Polyfilla. Ah, the joys of DIY. Had we understood the scale of the job, we might have just got a plasterer in (it sounds easy, but is not without attendant problems in a town where houses are scarce and tradesmen are king).
The delights of sanding and painting await us, but tonight's a night off.
Other adventures of late...
A trip to the Scottish Borders this weekend, to show face at a boring conference and do a bit of exploring on the side. I can highly recommend the coffee shop at Floors Castle, where the very tasty food is prepared by the Duke of Roxburghe's chef.
Work is keeping me busy - we're gearing up for Adult Learners' Week, which means 10 national events, 500+ local events, a mountain of promotional junk to be sent throughout Scotland, lots of media attention and frazzled people, and me stuck in the middle somewhere. Fun!
Another Kate recommendation - Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Love that movie. Charlie Kaufman is a genius indeed.
Monday, May 10, 2004
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
Washing & reading
ahhh...the dulcet tones of my new Bosch washing machine. So quiet. So watertight (the last one was a bit leaky). It's even got a digital countdown and lots of other nifty features. Like words that make sense instead of pictures that don't. Not quite F&P (you can't get their washing machines here, although I have seen a very expensive dishdrawer in John Lewis).
I'm reading and enjoying the Penguin History of New Zealand at the moment (the enjoying bit might be a first for a history book, I think). It's so well written, such an easy, almost conversational style, while still doing justice to the subject - I'd highly recommend it. I was shocked, though, to discover that Michael King had been killed in a car accident - what a tremendous loss for NZ.
In fact, I think I'll get back to it now...altogether too much computer today.
I'm reading and enjoying the Penguin History of New Zealand at the moment (the enjoying bit might be a first for a history book, I think). It's so well written, such an easy, almost conversational style, while still doing justice to the subject - I'd highly recommend it. I was shocked, though, to discover that Michael King had been killed in a car accident - what a tremendous loss for NZ.
In fact, I think I'll get back to it now...altogether too much computer today.
Monday, April 26, 2004
Another week has passed
How did that happen?
It was a good week, actually. For the last three days (that includes Saturday AND Sunday, plus Monday when I should be at work but instead am lounging at home awaiting delivery of my brand new Bosch washing machine...exciting!!!) it has been hot and sunny - with all the windows flung wide, our weather station tells me it's 22.3 degrees. Nice. Nothing like a bit of sunshine to put a smile on a girl's face and bright red jandals on her feet. And it's only April...hopefully this bodes well for another record-breaking Scottish summer (there, I've jinxed it).
Speaking of footwear, I made my first e-bay purchase last week. I've been hunting down a pair of Puma Mostro sneakers since I saw them in France, but you can't get them here. Well you can, but only in red and white (white, white, all sneakers, I mean trainers, here are white and neddy)...maybe black's last year's model? I found them online in the US, but nobody would ship outside of the US. I found a lovely guy near Philadelphia by the name of Joshua (some of you might know him...he quite likes meat) who was going to accept delivery and post them back, but then no-one had them in stock in my size. I'd just about given up, and then ebay throws up a treasure...a pair of these very shoes, my size, brand new, in Newcastle (and for less dosh than I was planning to shell out). They haven't arrived yet, so I shouldn't get too excited.
Online shopping's had its ups and downs of late. Sainsbury's were a treat with their punctual delivery of NZ lamb, all frozen and perfectly stamped, plus a case of Stella (a bit hard to fit that on the scooter) and other delights. Argos, on the other hand, were dreadful. Their convenient delivery window is 8am-6pm (made even less convenient when 4 of 5 items ordered arrive at midday, and you wait the rest of the day for the 5th, assured that it's on its way with a different driver, only to be let down). The missing kettle & toaster were delivered a few days later to my neighbour, despite me cancelling their delivery, and when I took them back to the shop (opting to give another 10 hr wait for a pick-up a miss) they could only give me gift vouchers and not my money back.
Sorry, rant over.
France was fun. We arrived in Marseille, and spent our first four days there & thereabouts. Much time was spent in waterfront cafes, sipping coffee or pastis and watching the world go by. It was hot enough to sit outside, a real treat after a long Scottish winter, and we even managed to come back with slight tans (but no-one got to see mine, as I also came home with some kind of French flu). Other days were spent exploring the Calanques, Aix-en-Provence, and of course churches, shops, markets and art (just like everywhere we visit in Europe).
From Marseille we took the train to Toulouse, and mooched around there for a couple of days (again enjoying cafes, French food, shops, markets & cool old churches). It's very compact and picturesque, and unbelievably friendly (our first encounter with a Toulousian was when we got off the Metro and must have done our slightly lost tourist impression (luggage is a dead giveaway). We were swiftly and accurately pointed in the direction of our hotel. What girl could not love a town called "la ville rose" because of all its pretty pink buildings. Beats the pants off "City of the Future" - NZ's not exactly hi-tech Hamilton (maybe they've dropped that slogan, I couldn't find it on their website), or Scotland's own "City of Discovery", Dundee.
Next stop was Bordeaux, where we were being met at the train station by Andrew's cousin, Jay. We managed to wait for him in Departures for quite a while (for some reason, he thought we woudl arrive in Arrivals), and worried that we had missed him and wouldn't find him, as A last saw him 15 or more years ago. We needn't have worried. I recognised him the minute he stepped into the Departures hall, as yet another Taylor clone (strong gene pool, that lot). See for yourself.
We stayed with Jay and his wife Celine in their gorgeous old apartment in the old part of Bordeaux, with views over the rooftops and cobbled streets and pretty Places all around. It was a nice end to the trip - hanging out with Jay, Celine & their friends (including Simon from Christchurch!), eating late, sleeping late, drinking Bordeaux and climbing Europe's highest sand-dune.
Still no washing machine...hope this won't be a repeat of my Argos experience!
It was a good week, actually. For the last three days (that includes Saturday AND Sunday, plus Monday when I should be at work but instead am lounging at home awaiting delivery of my brand new Bosch washing machine...exciting!!!) it has been hot and sunny - with all the windows flung wide, our weather station tells me it's 22.3 degrees. Nice. Nothing like a bit of sunshine to put a smile on a girl's face and bright red jandals on her feet. And it's only April...hopefully this bodes well for another record-breaking Scottish summer (there, I've jinxed it).
Speaking of footwear, I made my first e-bay purchase last week. I've been hunting down a pair of Puma Mostro sneakers since I saw them in France, but you can't get them here. Well you can, but only in red and white (white, white, all sneakers, I mean trainers, here are white and neddy)...maybe black's last year's model? I found them online in the US, but nobody would ship outside of the US. I found a lovely guy near Philadelphia by the name of Joshua (some of you might know him...he quite likes meat) who was going to accept delivery and post them back, but then no-one had them in stock in my size. I'd just about given up, and then ebay throws up a treasure...a pair of these very shoes, my size, brand new, in Newcastle (and for less dosh than I was planning to shell out). They haven't arrived yet, so I shouldn't get too excited.
Online shopping's had its ups and downs of late. Sainsbury's were a treat with their punctual delivery of NZ lamb, all frozen and perfectly stamped, plus a case of Stella (a bit hard to fit that on the scooter) and other delights. Argos, on the other hand, were dreadful. Their convenient delivery window is 8am-6pm (made even less convenient when 4 of 5 items ordered arrive at midday, and you wait the rest of the day for the 5th, assured that it's on its way with a different driver, only to be let down). The missing kettle & toaster were delivered a few days later to my neighbour, despite me cancelling their delivery, and when I took them back to the shop (opting to give another 10 hr wait for a pick-up a miss) they could only give me gift vouchers and not my money back.
Sorry, rant over.
France was fun. We arrived in Marseille, and spent our first four days there & thereabouts. Much time was spent in waterfront cafes, sipping coffee or pastis and watching the world go by. It was hot enough to sit outside, a real treat after a long Scottish winter, and we even managed to come back with slight tans (but no-one got to see mine, as I also came home with some kind of French flu). Other days were spent exploring the Calanques, Aix-en-Provence, and of course churches, shops, markets and art (just like everywhere we visit in Europe).
From Marseille we took the train to Toulouse, and mooched around there for a couple of days (again enjoying cafes, French food, shops, markets & cool old churches). It's very compact and picturesque, and unbelievably friendly (our first encounter with a Toulousian was when we got off the Metro and must have done our slightly lost tourist impression (luggage is a dead giveaway). We were swiftly and accurately pointed in the direction of our hotel. What girl could not love a town called "la ville rose" because of all its pretty pink buildings. Beats the pants off "City of the Future" - NZ's not exactly hi-tech Hamilton (maybe they've dropped that slogan, I couldn't find it on their website), or Scotland's own "City of Discovery", Dundee.
Next stop was Bordeaux, where we were being met at the train station by Andrew's cousin, Jay. We managed to wait for him in Departures for quite a while (for some reason, he thought we woudl arrive in Arrivals), and worried that we had missed him and wouldn't find him, as A last saw him 15 or more years ago. We needn't have worried. I recognised him the minute he stepped into the Departures hall, as yet another Taylor clone (strong gene pool, that lot). See for yourself.
We stayed with Jay and his wife Celine in their gorgeous old apartment in the old part of Bordeaux, with views over the rooftops and cobbled streets and pretty Places all around. It was a nice end to the trip - hanging out with Jay, Celine & their friends (including Simon from Christchurch!), eating late, sleeping late, drinking Bordeaux and climbing Europe's highest sand-dune.
Still no washing machine...hope this won't be a repeat of my Argos experience!
Sunday, April 18, 2004
Jings
It feels like that last month or so has been lived in fast-forward. Or maybe a strange combination of speed and busy-ness and moments of contemplation (after all, there have been two holidays).
I am a person who likes things to happen quickly anyway (and yet am not very keen on speed in and of itself - sports and activities that require one to go really fast are not my thing). There's an ad on TV at the moment (for AOL broadband I think), which has a guy in a variety of scenarios, experiencing frustration at how slowly things are happening (eg supermarket checkout) and intervening to remedy the situation (eg scanning his own shopping). Scarily, I'm reminded a little of myself. Andrew thinks I hold the land speed record for travel within an airport terminal (and probably for Princes St on a Saturday too).
So, what's been going on?
Well, on Friday we officially became property owners. Our little flat now really is ours. Exchange went without a hitch, except for the minor scare with the mortgage a week out when the Halifax inquired about A's accent and discovered that we had not been living in the UK for very long. Hurried lobbying of his HR dept and some signatures in the right place managed to avert that one. It's impossible to get any other credit here (except, of course, credit cards, which are given away like sweets) - we were excited about not having to pay anything towards our sofas for a whole year, but of course we failed the credit check, as they can't, for some reason, check NZ. In fact, we can't even open a bank account to deposit money into, never mind anything else, at the bank that A works for! Believe what everyone tells you, and set up your bank accounts BEFORE travelling the UK!
Our flat is looking a bit spartan (or perhaps minimalist) . We have the basics covered - somewhere to sleep (a new bed, heaven after the protruding springs of the last one), somewhere to sit, a bright red rug and kitchen basics - but our chest of drawers is still an assortment of shoeboxes, and our coffeetable is also of the cardboard variety. I had to go out and buy a grater today as we had a craving for carrot cake. It is nice, though, to be surrounded by things that are ours - the place really feels different. And that's before DIY adventures...
We've been to France, too - there are photos. More on that anon.
I am a person who likes things to happen quickly anyway (and yet am not very keen on speed in and of itself - sports and activities that require one to go really fast are not my thing). There's an ad on TV at the moment (for AOL broadband I think), which has a guy in a variety of scenarios, experiencing frustration at how slowly things are happening (eg supermarket checkout) and intervening to remedy the situation (eg scanning his own shopping). Scarily, I'm reminded a little of myself. Andrew thinks I hold the land speed record for travel within an airport terminal (and probably for Princes St on a Saturday too).
So, what's been going on?
Well, on Friday we officially became property owners. Our little flat now really is ours. Exchange went without a hitch, except for the minor scare with the mortgage a week out when the Halifax inquired about A's accent and discovered that we had not been living in the UK for very long. Hurried lobbying of his HR dept and some signatures in the right place managed to avert that one. It's impossible to get any other credit here (except, of course, credit cards, which are given away like sweets) - we were excited about not having to pay anything towards our sofas for a whole year, but of course we failed the credit check, as they can't, for some reason, check NZ. In fact, we can't even open a bank account to deposit money into, never mind anything else, at the bank that A works for! Believe what everyone tells you, and set up your bank accounts BEFORE travelling the UK!
Our flat is looking a bit spartan (or perhaps minimalist) . We have the basics covered - somewhere to sleep (a new bed, heaven after the protruding springs of the last one), somewhere to sit, a bright red rug and kitchen basics - but our chest of drawers is still an assortment of shoeboxes, and our coffeetable is also of the cardboard variety. I had to go out and buy a grater today as we had a craving for carrot cake. It is nice, though, to be surrounded by things that are ours - the place really feels different. And that's before DIY adventures...
We've been to France, too - there are photos. More on that anon.
Thursday, March 25, 2004
oor hoose
Yep, we can finally say that. The flat we are currently living in is pretty much ours - it will be once the missives are complete and we exchange on 16th April. Yay! Can't quite believe it finally happened. There was much anguish, gnashing of teeth, a wee bit of playing hardball, and it has taken a wee while to come to terms with the fact that we are not going to be moving, after spending so long thinking about moving and trying to make it happen.
We can reclaim Thursday nights and Sundays, and Monday nights when the espc website is updated. It's quite a relief!
The weather didn't really get much better in Amsterdam, but we had a good time anyway. Our hotel was fab, even though the climb up the stairs to our "Mae West" room on the third floor required mountaineering skills (the stairs were very steep). Only 5 rooms, I think, so quite homely, and breakfast definitely fuel for the day.
Other highlights were the Van Gogh museum, and the Anne Frank House - incredibly simple and quite sombre, but an affecting experience. It reminds you of the impact that one young person's writing and experience can have, and even managed to keep the ubiquitous American tourists quiet for an hour or so. Shopping continued to be a worthwhile pursuit, as was cafe-hopping...mmm...applepie...yum...
Off to France on Saturday. It seems like our feet have barely touched the ground this week!
We can reclaim Thursday nights and Sundays, and Monday nights when the espc website is updated. It's quite a relief!
The weather didn't really get much better in Amsterdam, but we had a good time anyway. Our hotel was fab, even though the climb up the stairs to our "Mae West" room on the third floor required mountaineering skills (the stairs were very steep). Only 5 rooms, I think, so quite homely, and breakfast definitely fuel for the day.
Other highlights were the Van Gogh museum, and the Anne Frank House - incredibly simple and quite sombre, but an affecting experience. It reminds you of the impact that one young person's writing and experience can have, and even managed to keep the ubiquitous American tourists quiet for an hour or so. Shopping continued to be a worthwhile pursuit, as was cafe-hopping...mmm...applepie...yum...
Off to France on Saturday. It seems like our feet have barely touched the ground this week!
Saturday, March 20, 2004
Amsterdamming
Hello from the Netherlands - a really windy and sometimes rainy, but rather charming, Amsterdam. Nice to be here and away for a weekend. We're in the depths of touristville just now (the first time today though) and consequently are suffering an attack from loud Americans (do they come any other way when abroad?) in the internet cafe.
Our time here didn't start so well - I got our Hotel Keizerhof muddled with Hotel Keizergracht. One was much closer to the railway station that the other...we had quite a long walk! And I felt quite silly. Ah well.
Since then, we've had lots of amazing coffee (not at "coffee shops", though), are well-fed, and have visited lots of uber stylish design stores (and seriously considered Easyjet's reaction to taking chairs as hand luggage). The highlight of the day so far has definitely been the discovery of Kitsch Kitchen - the ultimate antidote to beige.
Our time here didn't start so well - I got our Hotel Keizerhof muddled with Hotel Keizergracht. One was much closer to the railway station that the other...we had quite a long walk! And I felt quite silly. Ah well.
Since then, we've had lots of amazing coffee (not at "coffee shops", though), are well-fed, and have visited lots of uber stylish design stores (and seriously considered Easyjet's reaction to taking chairs as hand luggage). The highlight of the day so far has definitely been the discovery of Kitsch Kitchen - the ultimate antidote to beige.
Sunday, March 14, 2004
Coded
Something I didn't consider in our quest for a new abode...postcode. If we move out of EH10 I'll need to rename my blog. I can't believe A hasn't factored this into his "consider every possibility and rank it" spreadsheet yet. That's probably why things haven't worked out for us so far...
More unsuccessful offers found us fleeing Edinburgh for the day yesterday, to an altogether more friendly place...Glasgow. The great thing is it's only 45 mins away on the train, so no pre-planning required.
It rains lots more in Glasgow, and, true to form, it was pissing down when we arrived - meaning that our first purchase of the day was a brolly! By afternoon, though, the sun was shining through a very moody sky, and the views from the top of the Lighthouse were spectacular. Not a real lighthouse, you ken, but a centre for architecture & design, housed in a Charles Rennie MacKintosh designed building, complete with an uber stylish design store, the best views in town, and some great exhibitions. We checked out the latest Hungarian architecture in preparation for our trip there in June (geeks that we are) and were astounded by some of the daft suggestions in Re:Motion - an exhibition about sustainability (eg. flood the site of Waverley station - Edinburgh's main train station - and use seaplanes as transport to/from Edinburgh instead).
Retail therapy was achieved without even buying anything - just wandering around the ultra-trendy Open and checking out the latest t-shirts, sneakers and other treasures is enough to lift the spirits. Glasgow's apparently the best place to shop in the UK, after London. It beats the pants off Edinburgh anyway.
As always, the weekend has flown by. Next weekend we have three days in Amsterdam, though, and the week after that we'll be in France. Yay.
More unsuccessful offers found us fleeing Edinburgh for the day yesterday, to an altogether more friendly place...Glasgow. The great thing is it's only 45 mins away on the train, so no pre-planning required.
It rains lots more in Glasgow, and, true to form, it was pissing down when we arrived - meaning that our first purchase of the day was a brolly! By afternoon, though, the sun was shining through a very moody sky, and the views from the top of the Lighthouse were spectacular. Not a real lighthouse, you ken, but a centre for architecture & design, housed in a Charles Rennie MacKintosh designed building, complete with an uber stylish design store, the best views in town, and some great exhibitions. We checked out the latest Hungarian architecture in preparation for our trip there in June (geeks that we are) and were astounded by some of the daft suggestions in Re:Motion - an exhibition about sustainability (eg. flood the site of Waverley station - Edinburgh's main train station - and use seaplanes as transport to/from Edinburgh instead).
Retail therapy was achieved without even buying anything - just wandering around the ultra-trendy Open and checking out the latest t-shirts, sneakers and other treasures is enough to lift the spirits. Glasgow's apparently the best place to shop in the UK, after London. It beats the pants off Edinburgh anyway.
As always, the weekend has flown by. Next weekend we have three days in Amsterdam, though, and the week after that we'll be in France. Yay.
Friday, March 05, 2004
Sabotage update
Last night the was the first viewing of our flat. Our landlord - Grimm by name and nature - was brusque and businesslike as always, seemingly forgetting that this is actually our home as well as a sales proposition. He came armed with accessories - a horrible standard lamp which nonetheless cast a very nice light, and pictures which he hung above our bed - no questions, no apologies, just down to business and please put away that unsightly ironing board. At least he said please.
He hadn't reckoned with all our deviousness though. We have two lamps in the living room which cast a very nice light, but there is no centre light. The only other lighting option is a seventies-style fluoro concealed behind a pelmet - we never have it on as it is hideous (and shows up all the flaws in the paintwork). I woke up one night last week with the cunning thought that if the lamps were not working, the fluoro would have to be on. A. embraced this wholeheartedly, and set about breaking the filament in one of the bulbs. Throughout the whole disturbing and bizarre (second) helicopter episode of ER (I thought it was quite sad that no-one found Romano - his pic on the end credits the only reference to his fate) he shook and rattled this lightbulb - to no avail. It remained intact, but not when subjected to the same treatment after spending a night in the freezer. See, physics study comes in handy for something! We thought we'd been scuppered when we got home after the viewing, as Grimm had swapped the bulb with that of another lamp in our bedroom. But someone must be looking out for us, because it wasn't working either.
Rereading the above paragraph, we sound quite mad! We probably are!
He hadn't reckoned with all our deviousness though. We have two lamps in the living room which cast a very nice light, but there is no centre light. The only other lighting option is a seventies-style fluoro concealed behind a pelmet - we never have it on as it is hideous (and shows up all the flaws in the paintwork). I woke up one night last week with the cunning thought that if the lamps were not working, the fluoro would have to be on. A. embraced this wholeheartedly, and set about breaking the filament in one of the bulbs. Throughout the whole disturbing and bizarre (second) helicopter episode of ER (I thought it was quite sad that no-one found Romano - his pic on the end credits the only reference to his fate) he shook and rattled this lightbulb - to no avail. It remained intact, but not when subjected to the same treatment after spending a night in the freezer. See, physics study comes in handy for something! We thought we'd been scuppered when we got home after the viewing, as Grimm had swapped the bulb with that of another lamp in our bedroom. But someone must be looking out for us, because it wasn't working either.
Rereading the above paragraph, we sound quite mad! We probably are!
Wednesday, March 03, 2004
No news is never good news
Another week and a bit, another ten houses viewed, another two offers, and ever more astronomical prices. Waiting to hear whether your offer's been accepted, every minute past noon means the probability has shrunk. Yesterday, it was 4:30 before we found out...not a fun afternoon!
In a twist to the tale, the flat we are currently renting is also for sale. We thought we might be able to sneakily buy it before it went to market, but our landlord's solicitor stymied that plan. So now we're working on sabotage - stinky food, dirty washing, Andrew's even dismantled the toilet cistern. Actually, he did that (at 2am this morning) because something seemed to be wrong with the overflow mechanism (I just thought it was raining outside), but even though it's now fixed it looks like something's badly wrong so we're thinking about leaving it off!
Snow was in the air. It's been gloriously sunny for about 10 days straight. Mightily chilly/frosty/frozen canal kind of weather, probably the coldest of the winter so far, but beautiful. Things are changing, however, and rain is on the cards, according to A's brand new all-singing, all-dancing weather station. It tells us the temperature and humidity in different rooms, as well as barometric readings, moon phases, the time (synchronised by radio - so it just found the correct time moments after him turning it on), wakes us up in the morning, and probably other things I've forgotten about. He's in gadget heaven, and I'm feeling quite chuffed to have chosen such a popular pressie.
Great Oscar results! It's a shame to have missed watching it at the beloved Embassy, and to be so far removed from the action & celebration. I didn't manage to watch it at all - no amount of national pride could drag me out of bed at 2am (with a cold) to watch it, and I don't think the news coverage here was particularly comprehensive (perhaps even a bit cynical).
Mmmm...I smell some risotto action in the kitchen...
In a twist to the tale, the flat we are currently renting is also for sale. We thought we might be able to sneakily buy it before it went to market, but our landlord's solicitor stymied that plan. So now we're working on sabotage - stinky food, dirty washing, Andrew's even dismantled the toilet cistern. Actually, he did that (at 2am this morning) because something seemed to be wrong with the overflow mechanism (I just thought it was raining outside), but even though it's now fixed it looks like something's badly wrong so we're thinking about leaving it off!
Snow was in the air. It's been gloriously sunny for about 10 days straight. Mightily chilly/frosty/frozen canal kind of weather, probably the coldest of the winter so far, but beautiful. Things are changing, however, and rain is on the cards, according to A's brand new all-singing, all-dancing weather station. It tells us the temperature and humidity in different rooms, as well as barometric readings, moon phases, the time (synchronised by radio - so it just found the correct time moments after him turning it on), wakes us up in the morning, and probably other things I've forgotten about. He's in gadget heaven, and I'm feeling quite chuffed to have chosen such a popular pressie.
Great Oscar results! It's a shame to have missed watching it at the beloved Embassy, and to be so far removed from the action & celebration. I didn't manage to watch it at all - no amount of national pride could drag me out of bed at 2am (with a cold) to watch it, and I don't think the news coverage here was particularly comprehensive (perhaps even a bit cynical).
Mmmm...I smell some risotto action in the kitchen...
Sunday, February 22, 2004
House quest
End of week seven, the stats look like this:
No. of flats viewed (some 2 or even three times) - 40+
No. of offers submitted - 3
No. of other people looking for flats with similar criteria - at least 500
Today we encountered the first queue out the door - of course it was the place we have liked the most so far, and because of the extra competition, are unlikely to be able to afford (bidding war, anyone?). There seem to be a lot of mums & dads shopping with their kids (and contributing heftily to the deposit, too). We had looked at in on Thursday already, and tried to sneak in an early offer first thing Friday, but there were already two other notes of interest. The sellers like us, greeted us like old friends today, but sadly, that's not enough to close a deal in this mad market.
Saw and greatly enjoyed The Barbarian Invasions this weekend. The dialogue is excellent, electric, and the film moving without being even slightly sentimental.
It feels like snow is in the air again...
End of week seven, the stats look like this:
No. of flats viewed (some 2 or even three times) - 40+
No. of offers submitted - 3
No. of other people looking for flats with similar criteria - at least 500
Today we encountered the first queue out the door - of course it was the place we have liked the most so far, and because of the extra competition, are unlikely to be able to afford (bidding war, anyone?). There seem to be a lot of mums & dads shopping with their kids (and contributing heftily to the deposit, too). We had looked at in on Thursday already, and tried to sneak in an early offer first thing Friday, but there were already two other notes of interest. The sellers like us, greeted us like old friends today, but sadly, that's not enough to close a deal in this mad market.
Saw and greatly enjoyed The Barbarian Invasions this weekend. The dialogue is excellent, electric, and the film moving without being even slightly sentimental.
It feels like snow is in the air again...
Sunday, February 15, 2004
News break at the BAFTAs
...which should really by BAFAs since there's no telly in the awards.
I have no idea why Girl With A Pearl Earring has been nominated for so many awards (just about every one!) - it's really just a nice looking film where not much happens. LOTR3's tally is two so far - cinematography and the Orange (aka people's choice) award - up against such strong competition as Matrix Reloaded and Bruce Almighty! Orange make the most fantastic cinema ads - anyone in the UK will be familiar with them, but for those further afield, their theme is "don't let a mobile phone ruin your movie" (ie switch your phone off). They're a series of satirical looks at pitching films and the Hollywood studio system / corporate sponsorship - so knowing and richly textured, you can watch them again and again and appreciate them each time (which is lucky, given the frequency with which I visit the cinema).
Speaking of cinema, saw School of Rock last night. It rocked! Jack Black rocks! Highly recommended as a piece of cheesy, but not schmaltzy, fun.
...which should really by BAFAs since there's no telly in the awards.
I have no idea why Girl With A Pearl Earring has been nominated for so many awards (just about every one!) - it's really just a nice looking film where not much happens. LOTR3's tally is two so far - cinematography and the Orange (aka people's choice) award - up against such strong competition as Matrix Reloaded and Bruce Almighty! Orange make the most fantastic cinema ads - anyone in the UK will be familiar with them, but for those further afield, their theme is "don't let a mobile phone ruin your movie" (ie switch your phone off). They're a series of satirical looks at pitching films and the Hollywood studio system / corporate sponsorship - so knowing and richly textured, you can watch them again and again and appreciate them each time (which is lucky, given the frequency with which I visit the cinema).
Speaking of cinema, saw School of Rock last night. It rocked! Jack Black rocks! Highly recommended as a piece of cheesy, but not schmaltzy, fun.
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Grieving
poor neglected blog...I've been rather inattentive of late, preoccupied by other enterprises. Extremely frustrating enterprises they have been too. Aaah, the joys of househunting in the solicitor-driven lottery of a Scottish purchase system. I wasn't going to blog until we actually found a place, but that could spell the end of my blog for good. For those not in the know, here's how things work:
1. Join the logjam scanning the ESPC website every Tuesday lunchtime/evening (when most new places are listed).
2. Follow a tight schedule on Thursday night (inevitably in the rain or snow), looking at masses of grotty places that you can barely afford because you foolishly want to live in the city rather than the suburbs or, worse, the country. Stinky stairs, bathrooms without baths (a bath is a rare commodity), kitchens without sinks, bizarre, unworkable layouts (and ye cannae just knock out walls - everything is masonry here). Either that or the carbon copy "new kitchen for sale", all "blonde" wood and granite tops, installed by folk who have been watching Property Ladder, House Doctor and the like, and increased the value of their homes by the book.
3. Repeat on Sunday between 2 & 4pm to see if "south-facing" really faces south (can be hard to gauge when raining/snowing).
4. As soon as you see a place you like and might be able to afford, "note interest" via solicitor. Get them to scan their secret squirrel database and find out what other properties in the street sold for. Try to sneak in an early offer (this never works).
5. Try to figure out how much to offer. Most properties are advertised as "offers over" £ xyz. The guideline we were given when we first started looking was that properties generally sell between 15-30% over this price. In reality, it's more like 50% or more just now. In calculating a figure, it seems to be 90% gut instinct - how much to pay to beat the competition (today we were up against 21 other offers on one place, and 9 on the other), without paying way over the value of the property (cos then you'll have trouble bridging the gap between what you can borrow and what you have to pay as a deposit - aaagh!!!). Also a weird thing is that you seem to pay a premium just now for places that need some DIY.
6. Submit your offer by the closing date set, and wait for the results of the blind auction, all the while redecorating in your head and imagining yourself living in the place you won't be able to buy...
7. Miss out by a tiny margin and curse not offering that bit extra to stave off the competition.
8. see 1
It's a vicious cycle, that today leaves me grieving for two equally lovable though quite different flats that we almost bought.
poor neglected blog...I've been rather inattentive of late, preoccupied by other enterprises. Extremely frustrating enterprises they have been too. Aaah, the joys of househunting in the solicitor-driven lottery of a Scottish purchase system. I wasn't going to blog until we actually found a place, but that could spell the end of my blog for good. For those not in the know, here's how things work:
1. Join the logjam scanning the ESPC website every Tuesday lunchtime/evening (when most new places are listed).
2. Follow a tight schedule on Thursday night (inevitably in the rain or snow), looking at masses of grotty places that you can barely afford because you foolishly want to live in the city rather than the suburbs or, worse, the country. Stinky stairs, bathrooms without baths (a bath is a rare commodity), kitchens without sinks, bizarre, unworkable layouts (and ye cannae just knock out walls - everything is masonry here). Either that or the carbon copy "new kitchen for sale", all "blonde" wood and granite tops, installed by folk who have been watching Property Ladder, House Doctor and the like, and increased the value of their homes by the book.
3. Repeat on Sunday between 2 & 4pm to see if "south-facing" really faces south (can be hard to gauge when raining/snowing).
4. As soon as you see a place you like and might be able to afford, "note interest" via solicitor. Get them to scan their secret squirrel database and find out what other properties in the street sold for. Try to sneak in an early offer (this never works).
5. Try to figure out how much to offer. Most properties are advertised as "offers over" £ xyz. The guideline we were given when we first started looking was that properties generally sell between 15-30% over this price. In reality, it's more like 50% or more just now. In calculating a figure, it seems to be 90% gut instinct - how much to pay to beat the competition (today we were up against 21 other offers on one place, and 9 on the other), without paying way over the value of the property (cos then you'll have trouble bridging the gap between what you can borrow and what you have to pay as a deposit - aaagh!!!). Also a weird thing is that you seem to pay a premium just now for places that need some DIY.
6. Submit your offer by the closing date set, and wait for the results of the blind auction, all the while redecorating in your head and imagining yourself living in the place you won't be able to buy...
7. Miss out by a tiny margin and curse not offering that bit extra to stave off the competition.
8. see 1
It's a vicious cycle, that today leaves me grieving for two equally lovable though quite different flats that we almost bought.
Wednesday, January 28, 2004
snow
It finally arrived, not quite with abundance, but more than enough to coat everything white. I'm very glad of my possum socks and merino tops today.
A. is watching a kind of Candid Camera show called Just For Laughs, and is taking it's name way too seriously (it's not that funny), shrieking maniacally from the couch like a man possessed. Well, I suppose he is really...possessed by the spirit of bad TV.
It finally arrived, not quite with abundance, but more than enough to coat everything white. I'm very glad of my possum socks and merino tops today.
A. is watching a kind of Candid Camera show called Just For Laughs, and is taking it's name way too seriously (it's not that funny), shrieking maniacally from the couch like a man possessed. Well, I suppose he is really...possessed by the spirit of bad TV.
Monday, January 26, 2004
Sunday, January 25, 2004
Viewing
The sun's streaming in our (ever so slightly grubby) windows, heating things up nicely and giving little away about the severe weather warning - an "Arctic blast" is due later today. What fun. It will be a real shock to the system after unseasonably mild temperatures.
The last day things were really cold was the day A. hit some black ice on the scooter and promptly hit the black ice himself - more than a week ago, and the bruise is still a splendid technicolour thing.
We've seen lots of films lately - making the most of our Unlimited cards (£9.99 per month, all the movies you can eat). Girl With a Pearl Earring last night - gorgeous cinematography and Scarlett Johansson, but not too much else going for it. A very thin plot. Much better was the other Johansson pic, Lost In Translation. Not to everyone's taste, but I really enjoyed it - the ultimate evocation of being bored in a hotel room in a strange place. The soundtrack is great, very moody (esp Air's Alone in Kyoto). Now I want to go to Tokyo.
We had to see The Last Samurai, as I have a tenuous professional connection to it (i.e. not a big enough connection to make it onto the credits list!). The film was shot in Taranaki (to replicate Japan) and when the production team was first shopping for locations, Film NZ put together a package recommending that very province. See, tenuous! It was interesting to see, and the action scenes were fantastically choreographed, almost making up for the cringeworthy dialogue. The locations just looked like NZ to me, though (or do they have pungas in Japan?).
We've also been to see Cold Mountain, an enjoyable (apart from the gruesome war scenes) and transporting epic, American Splendour, a film that, while not always totally engaging at the time, is one that I have thought a lot about since - and what incredible casting! And Touching the Void, one of those films that we ended up seeing because what we wanted to see was sold out, and were delighted to have seen. Well worth a look. And that's just this month...
Apologies if my movie-viewing diary is of no interest (although I doubt that you would have made it this far if that was the case!) - I guess it's just symptomatic of this time of year. The nights are long (but gradually getting shorter) and the telly's crap (but getting better - new series of ER & Sex & The City have just started).
Other viewing has been of the theatrical kind. Over a couple of weeks we watched the Slab Boys Trilogy at the Traverse - 3 plays by artist and playwright John Byrne, set in Paisley in the 50's and 60's. I had decided to go and see them as they are held to be "one of Scotland's defining literary works of the twentieth century", and wasn't disappointed.
And of course flat viewing - every Thursday 7-9pm, Sunday 2-4pm...more on that anon...
The sun's streaming in our (ever so slightly grubby) windows, heating things up nicely and giving little away about the severe weather warning - an "Arctic blast" is due later today. What fun. It will be a real shock to the system after unseasonably mild temperatures.
The last day things were really cold was the day A. hit some black ice on the scooter and promptly hit the black ice himself - more than a week ago, and the bruise is still a splendid technicolour thing.
We've seen lots of films lately - making the most of our Unlimited cards (£9.99 per month, all the movies you can eat). Girl With a Pearl Earring last night - gorgeous cinematography and Scarlett Johansson, but not too much else going for it. A very thin plot. Much better was the other Johansson pic, Lost In Translation. Not to everyone's taste, but I really enjoyed it - the ultimate evocation of being bored in a hotel room in a strange place. The soundtrack is great, very moody (esp Air's Alone in Kyoto). Now I want to go to Tokyo.
We had to see The Last Samurai, as I have a tenuous professional connection to it (i.e. not a big enough connection to make it onto the credits list!). The film was shot in Taranaki (to replicate Japan) and when the production team was first shopping for locations, Film NZ put together a package recommending that very province. See, tenuous! It was interesting to see, and the action scenes were fantastically choreographed, almost making up for the cringeworthy dialogue. The locations just looked like NZ to me, though (or do they have pungas in Japan?).
We've also been to see Cold Mountain, an enjoyable (apart from the gruesome war scenes) and transporting epic, American Splendour, a film that, while not always totally engaging at the time, is one that I have thought a lot about since - and what incredible casting! And Touching the Void, one of those films that we ended up seeing because what we wanted to see was sold out, and were delighted to have seen. Well worth a look. And that's just this month...
Apologies if my movie-viewing diary is of no interest (although I doubt that you would have made it this far if that was the case!) - I guess it's just symptomatic of this time of year. The nights are long (but gradually getting shorter) and the telly's crap (but getting better - new series of ER & Sex & The City have just started).
Other viewing has been of the theatrical kind. Over a couple of weeks we watched the Slab Boys Trilogy at the Traverse - 3 plays by artist and playwright John Byrne, set in Paisley in the 50's and 60's. I had decided to go and see them as they are held to be "one of Scotland's defining literary works of the twentieth century", and wasn't disappointed.
And of course flat viewing - every Thursday 7-9pm, Sunday 2-4pm...more on that anon...
Thursday, January 08, 2004
Happy New Year
I was about to start this post waaaaay back on the 1st January, but who should turn up on our doorstep than the Reeve-Reeves pair, all the way from Bexley (I just tried to find a link that would give a flavour of the place, but all I could find were hotels (why would you stay in Bexley unless you had free accommodation like Olly?), online dating, UK swingers in Bexley and Al Anon).
We had a super time - Olly brought the car so we were able to drive on fast roads and go places (not possible on the scooter). We went over the Forth to a wee coastal village called Aberdour for a pub lunch by a roaring fire and walk along the coast one day, and up to the Glenturret Distillery, home of the Famous Grouse Experience for some whisky action another. We managed to encounter some snow, albeit snow that had been on the ground a couple of days and more closely resembled ice, which pleased Antoinette no end. At least until we decided to take a walk in said snow, along a woodland trail (or icy death-trap). We soldiered on for a while, but the sight of Olly careering away towards the creek, limbs everywhere and almost uprooting a tree, was enough entertainment for one trip.
New Year itself was a wee bit of a let-down, as Hogmanay was cancelled. It didn't seem that windy and dangerous - and as not many people left the street party anyway, it would have been nice of the party organisers to at least do the countdown, and pipe a bit of music through the PA. I'm glad we hadn't paid for tickets. Still, the atmosphere was quite lively, a fair few kilted bums bared, but not too many slobbery snogs.
I was about to start this post waaaaay back on the 1st January, but who should turn up on our doorstep than the Reeve-Reeves pair, all the way from Bexley (I just tried to find a link that would give a flavour of the place, but all I could find were hotels (why would you stay in Bexley unless you had free accommodation like Olly?), online dating, UK swingers in Bexley and Al Anon).
We had a super time - Olly brought the car so we were able to drive on fast roads and go places (not possible on the scooter). We went over the Forth to a wee coastal village called Aberdour for a pub lunch by a roaring fire and walk along the coast one day, and up to the Glenturret Distillery, home of the Famous Grouse Experience for some whisky action another. We managed to encounter some snow, albeit snow that had been on the ground a couple of days and more closely resembled ice, which pleased Antoinette no end. At least until we decided to take a walk in said snow, along a woodland trail (or icy death-trap). We soldiered on for a while, but the sight of Olly careering away towards the creek, limbs everywhere and almost uprooting a tree, was enough entertainment for one trip.
New Year itself was a wee bit of a let-down, as Hogmanay was cancelled. It didn't seem that windy and dangerous - and as not many people left the street party anyway, it would have been nice of the party organisers to at least do the countdown, and pipe a bit of music through the PA. I'm glad we hadn't paid for tickets. Still, the atmosphere was quite lively, a fair few kilted bums bared, but not too many slobbery snogs.
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
Scotland was in fact colder than Moscow yesterday. Fortunately not in Edinburgh, but it still felt damn chilly! So think of us freezing our wee tootsies while you are nursing NY hangovers at the beach in NZ.
Last night, to keep warm, we danced in the World's Longest (and most chaotic) Strip-the-Willow, along George Street. we seemed to be surrounded by non-scots, so there was a fair but of creative licence in the dancing. All good fun though.
Tonight is Hogmanay proper - more crowds, more cold, more record-breaking attempts (tonight I think it's something to do with singing Auld Lang Syne). All the Christmas winter woollies are coming in handy!
Last night, to keep warm, we danced in the World's Longest (and most chaotic) Strip-the-Willow, along George Street. we seemed to be surrounded by non-scots, so there was a fair but of creative licence in the dancing. All good fun though.
Tonight is Hogmanay proper - more crowds, more cold, more record-breaking attempts (tonight I think it's something to do with singing Auld Lang Syne). All the Christmas winter woollies are coming in handy!
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
Christmas in Scotland
Our Christmas kicked off on Christmas Eve with a bit of present opening (well, that's how Europeans do things, plus Christmas Eve in Scotland = Christmas Day in NZ). Also, we decided to open some in advance as we were heading across to Bellshill on Christmas Eve (no way of getting across on Christmas day, save a £120 taxi), and then going straight to Brussels on Boxing Day - it seemed silly to carry them all that way.
We got some cracker pressies from here and from home - a Bic Runga CD that has been played a lot already, plenty of winter woolies, books, cars (x2 - when Andrew opened his remote control one on Christmas Day he lost interest in the outside world and his only concern was which appliance in my uncle's house contained AA batteries!), and a paua necklace that was perfect for Christmas day. Thanks everyone!
Next stop was Joseph & Michael's (my uncles in Bellshill - where we stayed when we first came to Scotland) - we were staying at their place on Christmas Eve. Little did we suspect that this meant we would be up till 2am wrapping their neighbours' kids' presents! Apparently, this is an annual tradition, and as houseguests, we got roped in. It did mean that we got to see the latest toys and gadgets (all the same really - bikes, colouring books, dolls, games - but new ones to me were the eyetoy and golfclubs). And to marvel at the excessive volume and value of presents.
On Christmas Day we went to my Uncle George & Aunt Janette's for Christmas Dinner - back in Renfrew, my home town. Everyone was there (18 in total) - aunties, uncles, cousins, and even a brand new baby (Dylan) to keep everyone amused and clucking. It was like a family dinner back home, ramped up a notch or two. The Dohertys are renowned for their "gift o' the gab", and consequently, there is much gabbing. Usually at least 6 conversations taking place simultaneously, rich in dialect and colloquialism and family history/rivalries (inevitable at Christmas time and in a family of six). I loved it, even though I could rarely get a word in edgewise - love the verbal agility, the sparring, the storytelling, the laughs. Andrew reports that sometimes he had no clue what was going on!
After presents, food (a very trad Christmas spread, the highlight of which was definitely my Auntie Maureen's chicken soup) and much banter, we left in a different vehicle and in a different direction - this time to Ayrshire, with my Uncle Martin and his partner Ian. Martin keeps horses, so they have a place in the country. As it was dark and raining, we opted out of mucking out the horses before bed! Instead, we marvelled at the volume of stuff in the house, from fab paintings to more than 100 Royal Doulton dolls (the latter less to my taste!). Later, my uncle theorised that this was a reaction to an impoverished Glasgow childhood - because he now has the means to buy and surround himself with material possessions, he does. Interesting...
Our Christmas kicked off on Christmas Eve with a bit of present opening (well, that's how Europeans do things, plus Christmas Eve in Scotland = Christmas Day in NZ). Also, we decided to open some in advance as we were heading across to Bellshill on Christmas Eve (no way of getting across on Christmas day, save a £120 taxi), and then going straight to Brussels on Boxing Day - it seemed silly to carry them all that way.
We got some cracker pressies from here and from home - a Bic Runga CD that has been played a lot already, plenty of winter woolies, books, cars (x2 - when Andrew opened his remote control one on Christmas Day he lost interest in the outside world and his only concern was which appliance in my uncle's house contained AA batteries!), and a paua necklace that was perfect for Christmas day. Thanks everyone!
Next stop was Joseph & Michael's (my uncles in Bellshill - where we stayed when we first came to Scotland) - we were staying at their place on Christmas Eve. Little did we suspect that this meant we would be up till 2am wrapping their neighbours' kids' presents! Apparently, this is an annual tradition, and as houseguests, we got roped in. It did mean that we got to see the latest toys and gadgets (all the same really - bikes, colouring books, dolls, games - but new ones to me were the eyetoy and golfclubs). And to marvel at the excessive volume and value of presents.
On Christmas Day we went to my Uncle George & Aunt Janette's for Christmas Dinner - back in Renfrew, my home town. Everyone was there (18 in total) - aunties, uncles, cousins, and even a brand new baby (Dylan) to keep everyone amused and clucking. It was like a family dinner back home, ramped up a notch or two. The Dohertys are renowned for their "gift o' the gab", and consequently, there is much gabbing. Usually at least 6 conversations taking place simultaneously, rich in dialect and colloquialism and family history/rivalries (inevitable at Christmas time and in a family of six). I loved it, even though I could rarely get a word in edgewise - love the verbal agility, the sparring, the storytelling, the laughs. Andrew reports that sometimes he had no clue what was going on!
After presents, food (a very trad Christmas spread, the highlight of which was definitely my Auntie Maureen's chicken soup) and much banter, we left in a different vehicle and in a different direction - this time to Ayrshire, with my Uncle Martin and his partner Ian. Martin keeps horses, so they have a place in the country. As it was dark and raining, we opted out of mucking out the horses before bed! Instead, we marvelled at the volume of stuff in the house, from fab paintings to more than 100 Royal Doulton dolls (the latter less to my taste!). Later, my uncle theorised that this was a reaction to an impoverished Glasgow childhood - because he now has the means to buy and surround himself with material possessions, he does. Interesting...
Brussels sprouts part two
Brussels highlights range from the obvious to the pleasantly surprising. The beer was varied and delicious, served in wood-panelled bars that haven't changed in a century, by aproned waiters (some even with the full-length Trappist-monk style apron) who seem pleased to see and serve you. At a place called A La Becasse, waiters as above serve your draught lambic in earthenware pitchers, and you're seated at long wooden tables. Very rustic! Here's Andrew enjoying a Kriek at La Falstaff:
The food in Brussels was tasty - winter is a great time of year for this kind of food - all mashed potatoes and hearty sausages and tasty stews. No Brussel sprouts, but that's OK, I had my annual quotient at Christmas-time. The Doherty Christmas. That's a whole other story... back to Belgian food for now... The street food was excellent - waffles, of course, and a great find at the Christmas Market were croustillons (sp?), deep fried dough balls with an amazing texture, served dredged with icing sugar in a paper cone. yum.
The Christmas market was a great discovery, 10 mins from our hotel. In the pretty Place Ste Catherine, you could skate, ride bicycles with oval wheels (well, Belgium is the home of surrealism), ride ostriches and flying machines and dinosaurs and other fantastical birds/beasts/machines on the gorgeous merry-go-rounds, ride the big wheel and enjoy spectacular views over the city (we did this at night - the christmas lights looked so cool), eat (and eat, and eat, all manner of tempting treats), drink (mulled wine, gluhwine, hot wine and other variations on the theme) and if you're bored of all that, shop. I could have spent hours there soaking up the festive atmosphere (actually, we might have spent a couple of hours there).
The Atomium was a place that had been recommended to Andrew, and with a name like that, a visit was obligatory (science is fun, he keeps telling me). Actually, it was a very cool place, quite unlike any other building I've seen, with a very fast lift that takes you up to the top sphere, and then skinny escalators taking you between the other spheres. It was all very retro, very 50's - captured the spirit of the age, I think. Up close it's a bit rusty and leaky, but apparently they are working to restore and renovate it to its former fifties' shine. Check out the Atomium website for lots of great pics.
Another surreal moment in Brussels (there were a few!) - the huge nativity scene in the Grand'Place, complete with neon-lit cows (pink, orange, purple) and real grazing sheep. Decidedly weird.
Andrew has a colleague who visited Brussels twice last year, and is going again soon. I can now see why - I would happily visit again (although maybe not with Ryanair!).
Brussels highlights range from the obvious to the pleasantly surprising. The beer was varied and delicious, served in wood-panelled bars that haven't changed in a century, by aproned waiters (some even with the full-length Trappist-monk style apron) who seem pleased to see and serve you. At a place called A La Becasse, waiters as above serve your draught lambic in earthenware pitchers, and you're seated at long wooden tables. Very rustic! Here's Andrew enjoying a Kriek at La Falstaff:
The food in Brussels was tasty - winter is a great time of year for this kind of food - all mashed potatoes and hearty sausages and tasty stews. No Brussel sprouts, but that's OK, I had my annual quotient at Christmas-time. The Doherty Christmas. That's a whole other story... back to Belgian food for now... The street food was excellent - waffles, of course, and a great find at the Christmas Market were croustillons (sp?), deep fried dough balls with an amazing texture, served dredged with icing sugar in a paper cone. yum.
The Christmas market was a great discovery, 10 mins from our hotel. In the pretty Place Ste Catherine, you could skate, ride bicycles with oval wheels (well, Belgium is the home of surrealism), ride ostriches and flying machines and dinosaurs and other fantastical birds/beasts/machines on the gorgeous merry-go-rounds, ride the big wheel and enjoy spectacular views over the city (we did this at night - the christmas lights looked so cool), eat (and eat, and eat, all manner of tempting treats), drink (mulled wine, gluhwine, hot wine and other variations on the theme) and if you're bored of all that, shop. I could have spent hours there soaking up the festive atmosphere (actually, we might have spent a couple of hours there).
The Atomium was a place that had been recommended to Andrew, and with a name like that, a visit was obligatory (science is fun, he keeps telling me). Actually, it was a very cool place, quite unlike any other building I've seen, with a very fast lift that takes you up to the top sphere, and then skinny escalators taking you between the other spheres. It was all very retro, very 50's - captured the spirit of the age, I think. Up close it's a bit rusty and leaky, but apparently they are working to restore and renovate it to its former fifties' shine. Check out the Atomium website for lots of great pics.
Another surreal moment in Brussels (there were a few!) - the huge nativity scene in the Grand'Place, complete with neon-lit cows (pink, orange, purple) and real grazing sheep. Decidedly weird.
Andrew has a colleague who visited Brussels twice last year, and is going again soon. I can now see why - I would happily visit again (although maybe not with Ryanair!).
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