Yep, I have a cold. I'm not exactly sure how - it's not like I've been over-indulg... Oh, wait. Yeah, okay, that'd be it...
This week has been pretty good so far. After feedback from several sources (thanks J and C, amongst others) I sent my first job application yesterday. It's for a job in Spain, granted, but it's a start. I have a few more to do this week for companies in France but I'll get to those after lunch. I think B is secretly thrilled that I'll be contributing beyond buying the odd loaf of bread - she's been super-supportive thus far but it's high-time I got back into work of some kind. Fingers crossed, eh?
This weekend should be pretty good, too. On Saturday we're going to sit down with a map of Europe and start planning places to go this year. We already have outrigging in Marseille, a few days with el Presidente in Amsterdam and visiting B's friends in London lined up, plus a stay in a treehouse possibly in August, but there are so many other places in Europe I would love to see that it's going to take some serious planning. High on my list are Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, mostly because I have a perverse desire to run naked through snow and dive into the freezing cold ocean...No, not really...Actually, yes really, but that's not the reason for going to these places. I just imagine that because they're so close to the North Pole they'll probably have completely different customs and that's one of the main things I want to experience while I'm over here. The desire for something different is strong in this one.
If you've been somewhere in Europe you think is worth visiting let me know. I'd love to hear your experiences.
2 comments:
Hem.
Hm.
A-hm.
Ahem!
AAAA-CHHEM!
Ah.
Yes.
Now that I've recovered from choking at the realisation that visiting Katy and I in London is NOT on your list, and on second reading I appreciate that you are looking for cultural difference (though I mean, come on, English to French is like bacon to eggs. Proximate on the plate yet completely different in taste. And in fat content, too.)
I would like to remind you that a country house and car awaits your arrival. But so be it. I too would vote for (a) nearly passing-out in a sauna, only to (b) run like a drunken idiot down the jetty and jump through a hole in the ice into sub-zero water, then (c) be dragged out, barely breathing and nearer than ever to death (yet oddly euphoric) and (d) be flogged by Barbara with a bunch of pine branches. And THEN to (e) laugh heartily, stark naked among all your stark naked friends with the confidence of ridiculously healthy people, finally to (f) down a shot of vodka. After which, one repeats (a) to (f) until collapse, or mistaken identities through the sauna steam. Yes, I can understand. I’d take (a) to (f) and its uncertain conclusions every time.
Yet notwithstanding those undeniable pleasures, and selflessly putting all that aside in the desire to assist you in your search for the "ethnic aisle" in the cultural supermarket of Europe (I mean, be honest), I do have a few suggestions:
1. Go eat a horse sandwich from a roadside barbecue in Sicily. Alternate between admiring the stunning architecture and drooling over the stunning human scenery. Squint and stare as if you've looked into the sun if Barbara catches a wandering gaze.
Marvel at how a large city in a first world country continues to function in the remains of bombed-out houses from the Second World War.
Eat other parts of barbecued horse and goat (cleaned intestines wrapped around chives are particularly good; although those aforementioned horse buns are just magnificent).
And enjoy their food markets, the best I've ever seen. Rent an apartment with a kitchen and go crazy. Indulge. On things like horse.
Between meals you can wander around dilapidated 12th century architecture sipping a coke bought from the dodgy corner store while avoiding soccer balls, the people playing soccer, wild dogs, and traffic jams. Squint (for real this time) in the dust, heat and glare, and take refuge in a catacomb, where you can ponder the evident shortcomings in 19th century embalming techniques as the soccer match plays above you.
(The above is clearly autobiographical).
2. Croatia. Go sailing along the coast in late September / early October when the prices are way down and the temperatures still up. Admire the villas on the coast. And the absolute hotties on the islands. And then never expect me to talk to you again. Ever.
If you ever drag yourself off the boat, head to a local-as-local-get restaurant (think big boned blonde women with neckerchiefs and welcoming …everything, except the ability to speak English), tip big, and eat the most magnificent dishes of protein and carbohydrates you’ve ever had. Hunting lodges are particularly good.
3. Go to Morocco. I’m sure it will be a case of been there, done that for B., but if it isn’t, go there in a trice. Ride camels. Sleep in the desert. Dream. And go a little crazy. However do not attempt to do a trans-Saharan walk to Algeria, as this is stupid. Do not go south of the Canary Islands, as there be land mines.
4. Come to London. Stay in Brixton.
There was another but it’s forgotten. It’s late, here in the ethnic desert that is Double Bay….
Ah yes.
5. Go to Turkey. Never been, heard lots, and seems much fun. Anywhere that has treehouses as official accommodation on islands only accessible by boat and yet a short distance from whitebread culture is worthy of attention. And I’m sure you could go paddling.
Best of luck!
hey mate, three fav european experiences. 1) Firenze. the is nothing missing from this city. the history, architecture, food, art, fashion, scenery, are all there in ample abundance. actually it can do without the tourists but that is surely the price of fame. my fav.
2) Andalucia, southern Spain. The capital is Sevilla, and is pure magic, esp. the jewish quarter. Dinny was recently there. Cordoba and Grenada other cities of note and fun in the area. Great Moorish architecture.
3) the Loire Valley. you, im sure, have read about this region. go for a boozy weekend, driving between the chateaux. my favs was Chenonceau (Catherine de Medici helped design), Blois (CdM died there, he son murdered in the other room), and Chambord (great double helix staircase designed by Leo de Vinci)
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