Peter bought some Christmas lights for the loungeroom window.
Sunday, November 21, 2004
Saturday, November 20, 2004
A Classical Spectacular
Tonight Natalie and I went to the Royal Albert Hall, sat in a box and watched a concert billed as a 'Classical Spectacular'.
If you have ever seen the Last Night of the Proms on TV, well you are some way there to understanding what this was like. It was pretty much the same thing but with extra lighting effects and lasers.
The opening piece was Aaron Copeland's "Fanfare for the Common Man", which apart from one of the trumpeters strangling an early note or two was a great start. Next was the William Tell Overture, by Rossini.
The third piece was Handel's "Zadok the Priest". This was played by most of the orchestra and the London Philharmonic Choir and Royal Choral Society. The piece incidently, was played when Mary Donaldson walked down the aisle earlier this year in Denmark.
Sousa's "The Liberty Bell March" was next, followed by Pachelbel's "Canon in D Major". The violins missed their entry early for this, which was disappointing.
Gounod's "Soldiers' Chorus from Faust" was next and then a famouse aria, "O soave fanciulla" from La Boheme was sung by Soprano, Joanna Burton and Tenor Geraint Dodd.
Ravel's "Bolero" was next and was a splendid effort, except for the harpist who wished to race the snare drum which was keeping the tempo of the piece.
The finale of the first half was Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1". With great patriotic verve, Union Jacks (which came FREE with the programmes) were waved through the hall. It is obvious that the British long for the days when the sun never set of their Empire. Alas, that was a lifetime ago and they need to move on. Of course no red-blooded Brit can only sing "Land of Hopeless Glory" just once and so we were treated to an encore.
The second half started with the "Tirsh Trash Polka", performed by the Band of the Welsh Guards only. The conductor for the night, Anthony Inglis, was obviously still on tea break.
The conductor returned and the orchestra played Wagner's "Prelude to Act III" from Lohengrin. Then the second aria of the night, Verdi's "Sempre Libera" from La traviata, was performed, again by the sop and tenor.
Techaikovsky's "The Sleeping Beauty Waltz" was accompanied by dancers who ran throughout the stalls. Once they disappeared it was time for Orff's "O Fortuna" from Carmina Burana, a very powerful choral and orchestral work.
Then we were treated to Greig's "Morning" and "In the Hall of the Mountain King" from Peer Gynt. This was one of the highlights of the evening for me. You really couldn't fault the performance of these pieces.
Strauss's "Thunder and Lighting Polka" got the crowd warmed up for the patriotic "Jerusalem", by Parry. Then it was onto "Rule! Britannia" and the Union Jacks were once again flying.
Puccini's "Nessun Dorma" from Turandot was next. Memories of three waiters performing this at our wedding reception came flooding back and I had to smile. An encore of this was deservedly called for, the tenor doing a splendid job.
Now, for the Finale. Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" (not to be confused with the 1815 with twin overhead cams). This was fantastic! the lighting was terrific, the real muskets being fired, simulated cannon fire, and fireworks added a dimension to this piece that I have never experienced. What a way to finish... or so you would think.
No, we had to have an encore of the "Trish Trash Polka", followed by "Land of Hope and Glory" (Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance" again), before the red, blue and white balloons were dropped from far above and everyone could go home.
What a night! While the first half was a little disappointing in places for not being up to scratch, the second half well and truly made up for it. Natalie and I both came away from the night with many great memories.
If you have ever seen the Last Night of the Proms on TV, well you are some way there to understanding what this was like. It was pretty much the same thing but with extra lighting effects and lasers.
The opening piece was Aaron Copeland's "Fanfare for the Common Man", which apart from one of the trumpeters strangling an early note or two was a great start. Next was the William Tell Overture, by Rossini.
The third piece was Handel's "Zadok the Priest". This was played by most of the orchestra and the London Philharmonic Choir and Royal Choral Society. The piece incidently, was played when Mary Donaldson walked down the aisle earlier this year in Denmark.
Sousa's "The Liberty Bell March" was next, followed by Pachelbel's "Canon in D Major". The violins missed their entry early for this, which was disappointing.
Gounod's "Soldiers' Chorus from Faust" was next and then a famouse aria, "O soave fanciulla" from La Boheme was sung by Soprano, Joanna Burton and Tenor Geraint Dodd.
Ravel's "Bolero" was next and was a splendid effort, except for the harpist who wished to race the snare drum which was keeping the tempo of the piece.
The finale of the first half was Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1". With great patriotic verve, Union Jacks (which came FREE with the programmes) were waved through the hall. It is obvious that the British long for the days when the sun never set of their Empire. Alas, that was a lifetime ago and they need to move on. Of course no red-blooded Brit can only sing "Land of Hopeless Glory" just once and so we were treated to an encore.
The second half started with the "Tirsh Trash Polka", performed by the Band of the Welsh Guards only. The conductor for the night, Anthony Inglis, was obviously still on tea break.
The conductor returned and the orchestra played Wagner's "Prelude to Act III" from Lohengrin. Then the second aria of the night, Verdi's "Sempre Libera" from La traviata, was performed, again by the sop and tenor.
Techaikovsky's "The Sleeping Beauty Waltz" was accompanied by dancers who ran throughout the stalls. Once they disappeared it was time for Orff's "O Fortuna" from Carmina Burana, a very powerful choral and orchestral work.
Then we were treated to Greig's "Morning" and "In the Hall of the Mountain King" from Peer Gynt. This was one of the highlights of the evening for me. You really couldn't fault the performance of these pieces.
Strauss's "Thunder and Lighting Polka" got the crowd warmed up for the patriotic "Jerusalem", by Parry. Then it was onto "Rule! Britannia" and the Union Jacks were once again flying.
Puccini's "Nessun Dorma" from Turandot was next. Memories of three waiters performing this at our wedding reception came flooding back and I had to smile. An encore of this was deservedly called for, the tenor doing a splendid job.
Now, for the Finale. Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" (not to be confused with the 1815 with twin overhead cams). This was fantastic! the lighting was terrific, the real muskets being fired, simulated cannon fire, and fireworks added a dimension to this piece that I have never experienced. What a way to finish... or so you would think.
No, we had to have an encore of the "Trish Trash Polka", followed by "Land of Hope and Glory" (Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance" again), before the red, blue and white balloons were dropped from far above and everyone could go home.
What a night! While the first half was a little disappointing in places for not being up to scratch, the second half well and truly made up for it. Natalie and I both came away from the night with many great memories.
Friday, November 19, 2004
WIll it snow?
That has been the question, weatherwise, for the last few days. This weekend continues to look like seeing at least a small dusting of snow in London.
I have been checking Metcheck daily to see their latest prognostications. They can tell, almost by the hour, when snow (or rain for that matter) is likely to fall. To see when London is likely to receive snow, they have a special page. And the all important question of the likelihood of a white Christmas is also answered.
At the moment we look like we are in for some heavy rain overnight which might make it fun going tomorrow morning on public transport. I have yet to travel following extreme weather here.
I have been checking Metcheck daily to see their latest prognostications. They can tell, almost by the hour, when snow (or rain for that matter) is likely to fall. To see when London is likely to receive snow, they have a special page. And the all important question of the likelihood of a white Christmas is also answered.
At the moment we look like we are in for some heavy rain overnight which might make it fun going tomorrow morning on public transport. I have yet to travel following extreme weather here.
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
The Lord Mayor's Parade
Last Saturday (13th November), we braved the cold (6 degrees) to go and watch the Lord Mayor's annual parade in London. The main streets of London were cordoned off for the event, as the Lord Mayor travelled through London on his horse drawn carriage, stopping off at St Paul's for his annual blessing. We were greeted by a large crowd huddled along the barriers, but managed to see quite a bit. The parade was quite long, and there were some very extravagant displays, such as the hands, but the highlight of the event was the passing by of the Lord Mayor. He was preceded by several bands, all dressed up, on horses nonetheless, and by dignitaries in horse drawn carriages. His carriage, led by 4 Clydesdales, was the most elaborate, and he even waved to us! (or was that the person next to us?). It was a fun morning, and afterward we headed to Monmouth coffee in Covent Garden for some serious warming up.
New Books
Well, after hoping that I would survive on library books alone this year, alas, I could not. Over the past couple of months not only have I invested in a stack of new economics and statistics textbooks, but I have even bought a bookcase to store them! At least this keeps our bedroom tidy.
In all seriousness, the workload is tough, but not too hard. Keeping up each week with all the readings and problem sets is tricky, but I am getting there. I've got a series of mock (practice) exams coming up in two weeks' time, before a four-week break over Christmas (starting the 10th of December).
In all seriousness, the workload is tough, but not too hard. Keeping up each week with all the readings and problem sets is tricky, but I am getting there. I've got a series of mock (practice) exams coming up in two weeks' time, before a four-week break over Christmas (starting the 10th of December).
Monday, November 15, 2004
We're going to Germany!
So, we've been enduring the cold weather while our bodies are expecting summer... and it's only going to get colder! So what do you do? Make the most of what Australia doesn't have! In this case, we are heading to Germany, to visit the lovely Christmas markets in Munich. We are going the weekend of 11-12 December, and are looking forward to sampling the lovely Gluewein (warm wine) and other delicious German Christmas favourites.
I am, of course, particularly looking forward to practising my German again, and riding the trams, while Peter is envisioning the beer and yummy German food. If we're lucky, it will also be a white Munich, something else to look forward to (if not rug up for)..
The Christmas markets in Germany (and in other countries - they are just most well known in Germany) have a long tradition (from about the 14th century). In Munich, there are four different Christmas markets, not to mention countless others in neighbouring towns. The major market is in Marienplatz, with a 30-metre decorated Christmas tree in the market place. The manger market specialises in nativity scenes, while the other Christmas markets are dotted around the suburbs in Munich. The markets sell a huge variety of Christmas-related products. Tree decorations are, of course, very popular, but at the markets you'll also find lots of different types of candles, nutcrackers, ornaments to create your own Christmas scene, ceramic or wooden, toys, all imaginable types of Chrissie craftwork, bottles of Gluehwein, ... The Marienplatz market has over 140 stands.
And, no market is complete without Christmas treats. Generally, all markets offer Lebkuchen (gingerbread), in packets or individual personalised hearts or circles of Lebkuchen, roasted almonds and Bretzel (bread pretzels). In Munich, local specialties include baked apples, Springerle (aniseed-flaboured biscuits), Schmalzgebaeck (deep fried cakes), and, of course, all kinds of sausages! There are also Christmas carols performed over the course of every evening.
The link provides a more detailed description (in English!) of Munich and its markets.
I am, of course, particularly looking forward to practising my German again, and riding the trams, while Peter is envisioning the beer and yummy German food. If we're lucky, it will also be a white Munich, something else to look forward to (if not rug up for)..
The Christmas markets in Germany (and in other countries - they are just most well known in Germany) have a long tradition (from about the 14th century). In Munich, there are four different Christmas markets, not to mention countless others in neighbouring towns. The major market is in Marienplatz, with a 30-metre decorated Christmas tree in the market place. The manger market specialises in nativity scenes, while the other Christmas markets are dotted around the suburbs in Munich. The markets sell a huge variety of Christmas-related products. Tree decorations are, of course, very popular, but at the markets you'll also find lots of different types of candles, nutcrackers, ornaments to create your own Christmas scene, ceramic or wooden, toys, all imaginable types of Chrissie craftwork, bottles of Gluehwein, ... The Marienplatz market has over 140 stands.
And, no market is complete without Christmas treats. Generally, all markets offer Lebkuchen (gingerbread), in packets or individual personalised hearts or circles of Lebkuchen, roasted almonds and Bretzel (bread pretzels). In Munich, local specialties include baked apples, Springerle (aniseed-flaboured biscuits), Schmalzgebaeck (deep fried cakes), and, of course, all kinds of sausages! There are also Christmas carols performed over the course of every evening.
The link provides a more detailed description (in English!) of Munich and its markets.
Two and a half months down the track
Well, we've now been here two and a half months, and we're still surviving. More than surviving, actually! We try to get out and about in London once a week (usually Saturday), and for the past couple of weekends, the weather has been kind to us. On the 30th of October, we went for a walk to Covent Garden, went to the markets there, and enjoyed some street entertainment. We stopped off at TGI Friday's (American-style steakhouse) for a really yummo and fun feed. Then it was off to the Strand for some window shopping (see picture).
I (Natalie) am trying some more adventurous dishes when I get the time. This week I picked up some fresh blackberries from a fruit stall and made a pie with them (well, with the ones I didn't eat on the walk home, anyway). It was my first attempt at making a pie from scratch, and it turned out very well. I will have to keep my eye out for more cooking possibilities...
The other photo below is of Mecklenburgh Square (where we live). This one faces our building (the one nearest the third street lamp, far down the road). This photo is a few weeks old - with the advent of colder weather, the leaves have started to turn autumn colours and cover the footpaths.
I (Natalie) am trying some more adventurous dishes when I get the time. This week I picked up some fresh blackberries from a fruit stall and made a pie with them (well, with the ones I didn't eat on the walk home, anyway). It was my first attempt at making a pie from scratch, and it turned out very well. I will have to keep my eye out for more cooking possibilities...
The other photo below is of Mecklenburgh Square (where we live). This one faces our building (the one nearest the third street lamp, far down the road). This photo is a few weeks old - with the advent of colder weather, the leaves have started to turn autumn colours and cover the footpaths.
Thursday, November 11, 2004
North American week
Here at Goodenough College they hold cultural weeks, organised by the residents.
Lucky coincidence had last week as North American week. This was perfectly timed with the US Presidential election. And while the election was a very big part of last week's activities, Natalie and I enjoyed some of the other things on offer.
The organising team for the week were successful in getting the newly arrived First Secretary of the US Embassy, London, to speak in an after dinner talk here at the college on Friday.
After an introductory talk for about ten minutes on the US Election the floor was turned over to the students for their questions and comments on the elections and US Foreign Policy. While things got a little controversial at times it was an interesting forum and certainly Natalie and I took away a bit from it.
What was really great to see was that the First Secretary stayed back afterwards for more informal chats with students. I joined in on this. He seemed to really enjoy the discussions held in the informal setting.
Saturday night was Thanksgiving Dinner night. And while US Thanksgiving is still a few weeks away this was timed to coincide roughly halfway between US and Canadian Thanksgiving, which is in early October. The food for this was really good.
Finally Sunday saw a game of flag football. Think oztag/touch footy meets gridiron.
I have been very sore since, mainly from my right hamstring which was a little stiff after the warm up. But Natalie and I both had fun, playing on different teams. Natalie's team in the end got up to win the 'Turkey Bowl' trophy. I am pleased though that I was able to score a touchdown and come close on a couple of other occasions. I also had a hand in introducing the Nebraska 'option' to our team which successfully ran it for good yardage. And yes, before some of my cricketing friends ask, there was little wind about.
Lucky coincidence had last week as North American week. This was perfectly timed with the US Presidential election. And while the election was a very big part of last week's activities, Natalie and I enjoyed some of the other things on offer.
The organising team for the week were successful in getting the newly arrived First Secretary of the US Embassy, London, to speak in an after dinner talk here at the college on Friday.
After an introductory talk for about ten minutes on the US Election the floor was turned over to the students for their questions and comments on the elections and US Foreign Policy. While things got a little controversial at times it was an interesting forum and certainly Natalie and I took away a bit from it.
What was really great to see was that the First Secretary stayed back afterwards for more informal chats with students. I joined in on this. He seemed to really enjoy the discussions held in the informal setting.
Saturday night was Thanksgiving Dinner night. And while US Thanksgiving is still a few weeks away this was timed to coincide roughly halfway between US and Canadian Thanksgiving, which is in early October. The food for this was really good.
Finally Sunday saw a game of flag football. Think oztag/touch footy meets gridiron.
I have been very sore since, mainly from my right hamstring which was a little stiff after the warm up. But Natalie and I both had fun, playing on different teams. Natalie's team in the end got up to win the 'Turkey Bowl' trophy. I am pleased though that I was able to score a touchdown and come close on a couple of other occasions. I also had a hand in introducing the Nebraska 'option' to our team which successfully ran it for good yardage. And yes, before some of my cricketing friends ask, there was little wind about.
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