Lost in translation

I just replied back to my Dad's text enquiring how I was doing. Said I was busy with work and that I have exams for my Dutch class tonight and tomorrow.

The response:

"Ach dung x"

*shakes head shamefully trying to conceal her laugh*

What chance have you got?!

Achoo!

I'm sick today. My cold has been gathering pace over the last few days and came to a bit of head last night when my cough developed into a fully blown beached seal bark thus, keeping me and unfortunately Sarah, awake most of the night. Having just gotten back from the H1N1 breeding ground in Scotland, I was thinking my chances were rather high of succumbing to it. Luckily not. But at least Sarah will have a chance to wear those beautiful face masks I brought from China.

In Belgium, even if you're off work sick from one day, you have to get a doctor's note. Whereas in Britain you can self-certificate for up to a week. I prefer the system in Belgium because at least you're forced to get medical help sooner. The level of treatment that I've received so far from my GP for many different ailments has been like night and day compared to what I'd normally get back home. Of course the fact that I have to pay 24E per visit does ensure a better quality of service, but at least I will be reimbursed for some of this. There's no long waits, I can get appointment and prescription in the same day and if I need medication after work hours, there's always 1 local Chemist that's open late through the night.

On another note, I shall be tuning into BBC Radio 2's Breakfast Show now that Moira Stuart will be the newsreader with Chris Evans as the new host.

p.s. I ordered a replacement book for my Dutch class on Monday from the publisher and it arrived today before they've even asked for payment - fantastic service!

TV-tastic

My new favourite Belgian tv program is "Man bijt hond." It's a captivating wee insight into the lives of every day Belgians. It's a breath of fresh air in contrast to the run of the mill reality tv format in that it is genuine and simple in its topics, subjects and filming style.

Words of the day

Verdomme! = dammit!
Herhalen = repeat.

I have a Dutch exam on the 19th and I've managed to leave my study book behind in Scotland.

Stom = stupid.

Everybody needs good neighbours

OMG! It's 8:55am on a Sunday and yet again there are un-Sunday-like loud noises coming from our apartment building! One of the joys of having retired people living in your block!!! Shouldn't they be in church at this time?!

They better have a good excuse for waking me out of my slumber for this. For example, they've broken their hip whilst sweeping the snow from the front door. *TUT*

Get back to bed old yean or wheeshed and read yer paper!

...I guess it's their turn to get us back for waking them every other morning Mon-Fri...

Sleeping is no mean art: for its sake one must stay awake all day.

It's 2:49am. I knew I would regret that coffee at 10:30 this evening. Oh well. Sarah's tucked up in bed snoozing away. You know, sometimes procastinators even put off going to sleep. Isn't that strange?

I did try tonight.

I'm too restless.

Besides, taking a midday nap is all the more enjoyable than sleeping when you're meant to be in bed.

Fortunately being restless at this time of year provides the perfect opportunity to write the "to do" lists for this year!

Roll on the risky decision making, irritability and slight tremors due to a lack of sleep!

Note to self: reduce caffeine intake in 2010 and pay more attention to circadian rhythm.

In prep for the big day

As I type this, my dad is out clearing the snow from the drive way in preparation for the big day tomorrow. He did the same thing yesterday but unfortunately for him we had more snow overnight. Actually, I think it's doing him some good. You know how parents can't sit still when there's a big event underway. Particularly one where there's public speaking involved.

You see tomorrow is my wee brother's wedding! So as you can imagine there's a lot of excitement in our house just now. I think I've heard my dad's speech a hundred times as has my brother lol. It's very warming to see how he's putting so much effort into it. I could hear him in the wee hours of this morning around 2am still practising...either that or he was just talking to himself...who knows...either is possible ;)

Shopping list

I just hope I have space in my luggage to some treats back from the motherland:

Scott's porridge oats
Green and Blacks hot chocolate
Mother's Pride plain loaf
Oh my mouth is watering for this one - Kettle Chips sea salt and vinegar.

Can't quite fit it in my suitcase but we must have a fish supper, black pudding supper and for sure an Indian...plus a wee glass of Irn-Bru.

...I need to do some more thinking on this list...

Something old, something new...

Actually, I'm really not fussy, anything would do right now. I've been looking FOR AGES for an outfit for my brother's wedding that's just after Christmas. I've only had a full year to prep for it but it would appear I've gotten rather side tracked.

Not to mention my dad checking in with me to make sure that I'm organised. Well, it's not that he's checking that I'm organised, he's doing the "my daughter is a lesbian therefore her track record of outfits to social gatherings can, well, erm, go against the norm." It's not like I'm going to turn up in a tie die top, dugaress and cherry doc martens. Please dad give me more credit than that, I live on the continent you know!

I'll be sure not to take my inspiration from the below...

Four!

Finally, a Chinese massage - it's only taken 2 days. Normally we have them every night when we're travelling in China. And a hotel room with disposable knickers.

What more could a girl ask for?!

Did I mention I managed to play 18 holes today as well? Admittedly rather badly but still...a good day!

yesterday

45 hours, zero sleep and 2 very tired eyes.
22 plates of food served at dinner - one very full stomach.
Whisky in honour of my culture...I managed to defend the glass being refilled.

I slept like a log last night when I finally got to bed.

The eagle has landed

I have just landed in Hong Kong airport having chosen (stupidly) not to sleep on the plane. For a 10 hour flight it was very comfortable with no turbulence which is my favourite kind of flight. I also managed to work through my emails and tidy up my calendar. Ahh, organised bliss.

We have free wifi acces in the airport (unheard of in Europe and the US!) which means that I can tackle my unusually small number of emails without interruption. Well, I say without interruption but the music in this French inspired cafe is doing my head in. If I hear an accordian song one more time...

Anyways, we're now just a ferry and a car ride away from our first meeting of the week. I hope that our hosts go easy on the kampai tonight and that the evening is finished with the usual relaxing massage.

Today

Sarah and I took care of something today that I can blog more about later. We were almost very late thanks to the weather. We don't like being late, particularly not for this. The rain absolutely drenched us to the core. But that doesn't matter because we made it. We are making this, together.

Today is a day that I'll recount for the rest of my life *smile and wink*

I'm not in a fucking bad mood!

Tell me, what is the evolutionary point in feeling hormonal, apart from the being able to get pregnant bit??? I've felt a bit shitty this week and I really don't like it. I came home tonight and cried in the car for the last 10k. I'm writing this blog in between sobbing. In my head I can rationalise positive things, but right now I just feel frustrated and down.

As if having to bleed once every 4 weeks wasn't enough to contend with!

Now where's my hot chocolate and pjs...

You know you live abroad when...

...the locals call you "Yo" instead of "Jo."

Is the appartment still free?

Sarah helps me practise excercises for Dutch class. She puts her heart and soul into it, really. Tonight on the way home we were pretending I was looking for a place to live and Sarah was someone renting out an appartment.

Below are 2 perfect examples of the support I receive from my loving girrelfriend...

Jo: *ring, ring* *ring, ring*
Sarah: "Hello, with Sarah"
Jo: "Goodevening. I have seen your advertisment in the paper. Is your appartment still free?"
Sarah: "No, I don't rent to foreigners!" *hangs up phone*

Session 2

Jo: *ring, ring* *ring, ring*
Sarah: "Hello, with Sarah"
Jo: "Goodevening. I have seen your advertisment in the paper. Is your appartment still free?"
Sarah: "No. I've just rented it out."
Jo: *hangs up phone*

Bergamo

Bergamo is just a hop, skip and a jump from Charleroi. It's a good location for a weekend getaway, the only downside being that you have to fly with you know who. It's also just outside Milan if you fancy a proper city weekend.

Thank goodness for modern conveniences. These were the old wash basins to wash clothes. Makes you thankful for the epoch you're born in!

Local delicacy - polenta cakes. Not my choice.

The view from the BB.

Room with a view

I flew to Bergamo and then onto Bratislava on Fri nite for work. We spent the fri nite in Bratislava at the Park Inn by the Danube river. Ideal for getting down town but watch out for the cost of the over night parking.

Saturday nite I stayed just outside Bergamo in Italy. This was what greeted me the next morning lol. Aside from the friendly dog, there is an excellent view over Bergamo and home baked cake with fantastic coffee for breakfast - Ca Nel Bosco

Spreekt u Vlaams?

I have an exam for my Flemish class tomorrow night.

I'm faffing.

Belgian Belters

I couldn't believe my ears last night driving back from the airport when I heard Milli Vanilli on the radio. Granted it was at 1am but still.

Someone has to take responsibility for these air waves ;)