Guess what I'm looking forward to
Totally about me today! Just Came back to England a week earlier...mouwahahahahahahaha...Scared a certain mr. X ;)
- Observed no fancy ppl in fashionable clothes of the latest season- The city is only fancy in the centre, otherwise it looks like any other big city
- We decided that we don't like modern art
- Everything is SO expensive
- No one follows the traffic rules...and now neither do we (it's literally cross whenever you have a split second to do so)
- Stairs are following us everywhere
- Dan Brown is an incompetent stuck up idiot who has never been to the Louvre or any other place he's written about
- Mona Lisa is not a small painting...however, you won't get closer than 5 m
- Two hours in Louvre is enough for a lifetime as it tricks you to be more cultivated by luring you with fake EXIT signs that only lead you to more expositions
- Climbing the Eiffel tower is an amazing thing to do especially since you can see everywhere you've been earlier that day
- Parks are awesome and very relaxing
- It is possible to walk Paris in 2 days
- The food totally makes up for not understanding a word
- No matter what time of the day you take the metro, it's always extremely busy
- The Picasso museum is closed till 2012
- Disneyland is a dream come true for anyone who likes fairytales
- Not everyone knows French...someone should tell the Frenchmen about this fact
- They speak French
- The scenery is defined by varied ground levels and
steep hills. Expect lots of exercise while walking in this place
- Green country
- All information is in French and German. People generally don't speak English and keep explaining things in French even though you have tried telling them that you don't understand them
- Yummy bread :D
- Finding a toilet in the train station is a mission
- Much more quiet and nice outside the city
- Pretty Castles (best one in Vianden)
- Trains are on time....buses are not
- Relatively cheap place
- A tour of the city can be performed by getting on the bus - city circle line (costs about 3 euros)
- The scenery is defined by varied ground levels and
steep hills. Expect lots of exercise while walking in this place- Green country
- All information is in French and German. People generally don't speak English and keep explaining things in French even though you have tried telling them that you don't understand them
- Yummy bread :D
- Finding a toilet in the train station is a mission
- Much more quiet and nice outside the city
- Pretty Castles (best one in Vianden)
- Trains are on time....buses are not
- Relatively cheap place
- A tour of the city can be performed by getting on the bus - city circle line (costs about 3 euros)
Brugge is a small place in Belgium :)- Best place ever for chocolate lovers
- Small, but cozy streets that are welcoming and filled with architecture
- Many relaxing parks that are perfect for a lunch break
- Welcoming people
- A city for people who like exploring by foot -> perfect for a 2 day stay
- Very romantic atmosphere
- Horse carriages that are adorable, but will sadly not take you outside the city centre
- Interesting churches and museums
As you very well know, this summer I went on InterRail with my best friend Ingrid. During this month we visited 13 European countries, stayed at 19 different hostels, saw 17 cities, went to about a 1000 museums and never stayed anywhere for more than 5 days. I kept a diary all through this immense journey and now I want to share some of my experiences with you. I am, of course, not planning to re-write my whole diary on my blog (I mean, come on...I need to preserve at least a bit of privacy), however I will summarise the days in "some general observations" for each country. So here goes the first one:
Some general observations about
Amsterdam:
- The city has a very distinctive smell. A kind of interesting blend of weed and piss.
- The alleys are filled with some dodgy shops
- It's an island
- People live in houses built on the river
- There are far more bicycles than cars, hence you are more likely to get hit by a biker
- You are expected to know the art of walking through walls as various signs point directly into one
- No real concept of winning and loosing (we were there the day after Holland lost in the World Cup and there were a 1000 fans all in orange celebrating the team's homecoming)
- Getting lost between the channels is a piece of cake as everywhere looks the same
- Awesome parks
Some general observations about
Amsterdam:- The city has a very distinctive smell. A kind of interesting blend of weed and piss.
- The alleys are filled with some dodgy shops
- It's an island
- People live in houses built on the river
- There are far more bicycles than cars, hence you are more likely to get hit by a biker
- You are expected to know the art of walking through walls as various signs point directly into one
- No real concept of winning and loosing (we were there the day after Holland lost in the World Cup and there were a 1000 fans all in orange celebrating the team's homecoming)
- Getting lost between the channels is a piece of cake as everywhere looks the same
- Awesome parks
Yesterday I found out that my favourite band is suffering an immense loss. Their drummer and co-founder Mike Portnoy (the world's most awesome drummer!!) is leaving the group after a dispute. For those who have ever experienced this - you will understand my pain and shock. Never again will the tunes by that band sound the same, any drum solo will always lack that little something added by the genius that is Portnoy, and every dark song will have to do without his deep voice in the background setting the setting for a horrible story in the lyrics. After 25 years, Dream Theater are no longer. I am going into mourning....
MIKE PORTNOY QUITS DREAM THEATER (info provided by TotalRock Newsletter and Dream Theater's official site)
Drummer Mike Portnoy has sensationally left Dream Theater. However, the band intend to carry on without the founder-member. This is what Portnoy has said: "After 25 years, I have decided to leave Dream Theater... the band I founded, led and truly loved for a quarter of a century. "To many people this will come as a complete shock, and will also likely be misunderstood by some, but please believe me that it is not a hasty decision...it is something I have struggled with for the last year or so... "After having had such amazing experiences playing with Hail!, Transatlantic and Avenged Sevenfold this past year, I have sadly come to the conclusion that I have recently had more fun and better personal relations with these other projects than I have for a while now in Dream Theater. "Please don't misinterpret me, I love the Dream Theater guys dearly and have a long history, friendship and bond that runs incredibly deep with them... it's just that I think we are in serious need of a little break. "Dream Theater was always my baby...and I nurtured that baby every single day and waking moment of my life since 1985... 24/7, 365... never taking time off from Dream Theater's never-ending responsibilites (even when the band was 'off' between cycles)... working overtime and way beyond the call of duty that most sane people ever would do for a band. "But I've come to the conclusion that the Dream Theater machine was starting to burn me out...and I really needed a break from the band in order to save my relationship with the other members and keep my Dream Theater spirit hungry and inspired. "We have been on an endless write/record/tour cycle for almost 20 years now (of which I have overseen EVERY aspect without a break) and while a few months apart from each other here and there over the years has been much needed and helpful, I honestly hoped the band could simply agree with me to taking a bit of a 'hiatus' to recharge our batteries and 'save me from ourselves'... "Sadly, in discussing this with the guys, they determined they do not share my feelings and have decided to continue without me rather than take a breather... I even offered to do some occasional work throughout 2011 against my initial wishes, but it was not to be... "While it truly hurts for me to even think of a Dream Theater without Mike Portnoy (hell, my father named the band!!), I do not want to stand in their way...so I have decided to sacrifice myself and simply leave the band so as to not hold them back against their wishes. "Strangely enough, I just read an interview that I recently did that asked me about the future of Dream Theater and I talked about 'always following your heart and being true to yourself'... Sadly, I must say that at this particular moment, my heart is not with Dream Theater...and I would simply be 'going through the motions,' and would honestly NOT be true to myself if I stayed for the sake of obligation without taking the break I felt I needed. "I wish the guys the best and hope the music and legacy we created together is enjoyed by fans for decades to come... I am proud of every album we made, every song we wrote and every show we played.... "I'm sorry to all the disappointed Dream Theater fans around the world... I really tried to salvage the situation and make it work... I honestly just wanted a break (not a split)... but happiness cannot be forced, it needs to come from within. "You Dream Theater fans are the greatest fans in the world and as you all know, I have always busted my ass for you guys and I hope that you will stay with me on my future musical journey, wherever it may lead me.... (and as you all know my work ethic, there will surely be no shortage of future Mike Portnoy projects!)" The band have also issued a statement: "To all of our loyal fans and friends: It is with profound sadness — regret — we announce that Mike Portnoy, our lifelong drummer and friend, has decided to leave Dream Theater. "Mike's stature in the band has meant the world to all of us professionally, musically, and personally over the years. There is no dispute: Mike has been a major force within this band. "While it is true that Mike is choosing to pursue other ventures and challenges, we can assure you that Dream Theater will continue to move forward with the same intensity — and in the same musical tradition — that you have all helped make so successful, and which is truly gratifying to us. "Fans and friends: File this episode under Black Clouds And Silver Linings. "As planned, we begin recording our newest album in January 2011, and we'll follow that with a full-on world tour. "All of us in Dream Theater wholeheartedly wish Mike the best on his musical journey. We have had a long and meaningful career together. It is our true hope that he finds all he is looking for, and that he achieves the happiness he deserves. He will be missed."
MIKE PORTNOY QUITS DREAM THEATER (info provided by TotalRock Newsletter and Dream Theater's official site)
Drummer Mike Portnoy has sensationally left Dream Theater. However, the band intend to carry on without the founder-member. This is what Portnoy has said: "After 25 years, I have decided to leave Dream Theater... the band I founded, led and truly loved for a quarter of a century. "To many people this will come as a complete shock, and will also likely be misunderstood by some, but please believe me that it is not a hasty decision...it is something I have struggled with for the last year or so... "After having had such amazing experiences playing with Hail!, Transatlantic and Avenged Sevenfold this past year, I have sadly come to the conclusion that I have recently had more fun and better personal relations with these other projects than I have for a while now in Dream Theater. "Please don't misinterpret me, I love the Dream Theater guys dearly and have a long history, friendship and bond that runs incredibly deep with them... it's just that I think we are in serious need of a little break. "Dream Theater was always my baby...and I nurtured that baby every single day and waking moment of my life since 1985... 24/7, 365... never taking time off from Dream Theater's never-ending responsibilites (even when the band was 'off' between cycles)... working overtime and way beyond the call of duty that most sane people ever would do for a band. "But I've come to the conclusion that the Dream Theater machine was starting to burn me out...and I really needed a break from the band in order to save my relationship with the other members and keep my Dream Theater spirit hungry and inspired. "We have been on an endless write/record/tour cycle for almost 20 years now (of which I have overseen EVERY aspect without a break) and while a few months apart from each other here and there over the years has been much needed and helpful, I honestly hoped the band could simply agree with me to taking a bit of a 'hiatus' to recharge our batteries and 'save me from ourselves'... "Sadly, in discussing this with the guys, they determined they do not share my feelings and have decided to continue without me rather than take a breather... I even offered to do some occasional work throughout 2011 against my initial wishes, but it was not to be... "While it truly hurts for me to even think of a Dream Theater without Mike Portnoy (hell, my father named the band!!), I do not want to stand in their way...so I have decided to sacrifice myself and simply leave the band so as to not hold them back against their wishes. "Strangely enough, I just read an interview that I recently did that asked me about the future of Dream Theater and I talked about 'always following your heart and being true to yourself'... Sadly, I must say that at this particular moment, my heart is not with Dream Theater...and I would simply be 'going through the motions,' and would honestly NOT be true to myself if I stayed for the sake of obligation without taking the break I felt I needed. "I wish the guys the best and hope the music and legacy we created together is enjoyed by fans for decades to come... I am proud of every album we made, every song we wrote and every show we played.... "I'm sorry to all the disappointed Dream Theater fans around the world... I really tried to salvage the situation and make it work... I honestly just wanted a break (not a split)... but happiness cannot be forced, it needs to come from within. "You Dream Theater fans are the greatest fans in the world and as you all know, I have always busted my ass for you guys and I hope that you will stay with me on my future musical journey, wherever it may lead me.... (and as you all know my work ethic, there will surely be no shortage of future Mike Portnoy projects!)" The band have also issued a statement: "To all of our loyal fans and friends: It is with profound sadness — regret — we announce that Mike Portnoy, our lifelong drummer and friend, has decided to leave Dream Theater. "Mike's stature in the band has meant the world to all of us professionally, musically, and personally over the years. There is no dispute: Mike has been a major force within this band. "While it is true that Mike is choosing to pursue other ventures and challenges, we can assure you that Dream Theater will continue to move forward with the same intensity — and in the same musical tradition — that you have all helped make so successful, and which is truly gratifying to us. "Fans and friends: File this episode under Black Clouds And Silver Linings. "As planned, we begin recording our newest album in January 2011, and we'll follow that with a full-on world tour. "All of us in Dream Theater wholeheartedly wish Mike the best on his musical journey. We have had a long and meaningful career together. It is our true hope that he finds all he is looking for, and that he achieves the happiness he deserves. He will be missed."
I have just looked at my timetable for the next academic year and it is AWESOME! Since I chose lots of autumn based modules I will have 4 days off in the spring time to do whatever I want :D This gives me a great chance to finish my dissertation and maybe even get a job or an intern-ship as well as doing some volunteering! It also means that I'll get lots of time to spend with my amazing Mr. X! Yaaay!
12.07.10
Quote of the day: ”Vi tok flytogbussen som tok oss rett til flytoget som tok oss like til flyplassen.”
Started stressing as soon as I woke up. Did a million and one things including posting some keys and buying food. After that we took a bus to the train that took us to the airport. Managed to concour the evil check – in machines but were for some reason directed to the “heavy luggage” tilt (a piece of information we only received after having stood for ages in line for the normal bag drop). Grr.
Well in
Followed the route to our hostel trying not to get lost between the million bridges and channels that make up
Yesterday God was with you, today - you are under his care. Don't worry about tomorrow, he is already there :)
He is amazing, folks! I just have to tell you that he really provides, it's the dead honest truth. I am filled with so much love for him. He's the best. He is so personal and so full of grace and forgiveness. And the best thing is that he really cares, for each and every one who believes in him. Learn to trust God and you will never regret giving things to him!
I am a total control freak, and I always want to do things my way, but recently God has shown me again and again that after I have done my part all I should do is trust in Him to do his. That has NOT been easy for me, especially during exam times. However, he has pulled me through and all I can do now is thank him for the incredible work he has done in me and praise him for his glory.
I am a total control freak, and I always want to do things my way, but recently God has shown me again and again that after I have done my part all I should do is trust in Him to do his. That has NOT been easy for me, especially during exam times. However, he has pulled me through and all I can do now is thank him for the incredible work he has done in me and praise him for his glory.
It suddenly dawned on me that I have yet to introduce someone quite important to me. And since it's such a nice day for it, I decided that in stead of finishing my lab report I want to tell you about Mr. X:
The Mysterious Mr. X
The Mysterious Mr. XFirst of all, the pseudonym "X" was introduced in the earlier stages of our acquaintance and has stuck with the gentleman to this day. He is my greatest comforter and supporter. He makes my days brighter and my life happier. He reads, plays the drums like a pro and listens to tons of good music. Nearly every day he tells me a random fact about the world. He likes history and wants to travel. He knows two languages and is 2 years older than me. Most importantly - he is a passionate believer who constantly encourages and helps me on my walk with God. To me, he is perfect :)
I am one of those people who very often has "special" moments. Moments where I make a complete idiot of myself and if no one is around to see it I enjoy telling people about it afterward. It becomes my little story and it makes them smile, so I am just happy to tell anyone who will listen about my great stupidities :D
Here is an brilliant example of one such moment:
I was sitting on my bed this afternoon, talking to my friend Jamie. He had to wake up really early today because of lectures and I was emphasizing with his great pain. To me getting up before 11 seems like torture no one man should endure, but alas he was forced into it by necessity. Anyway, while I was emphasizing I thought it would be a great idea to get some breakfast (about time too, it was 1 pm after all), so I got off my bed, stretched out while still thinking how lucky I was for having my lie in and...
I woke up on the floor from an emerging panic-filled thought: "Where are the muffins?"
Then, calming down a series of other thoughts followed: "Wait, what muffins? And why am I on the floor? My head hurts :( !!! Ooooh"
Everything came back to me within seconds. I had gotten dizzy and fallen on the floor hittin my head twice. Laughing hysterically at this incident I explained all of it to Jamie, whereupon this conversation followed:
Jamie
wow lol!! That sounds exactly like something that would happen to me.
Here is an brilliant example of one such moment:
I was sitting on my bed this afternoon, talking to my friend Jamie. He had to wake up really early today because of lectures and I was emphasizing with his great pain. To me getting up before 11 seems like torture no one man should endure, but alas he was forced into it by necessity. Anyway, while I was emphasizing I thought it would be a great idea to get some breakfast (about time too, it was 1 pm after all), so I got off my bed, stretched out while still thinking how lucky I was for having my lie in and...
I woke up on the floor from an emerging panic-filled thought: "Where are the muffins?"
Then, calming down a series of other thoughts followed: "Wait, what muffins? And why am I on the floor? My head hurts :( !!! Ooooh"
Everything came back to me within seconds. I had gotten dizzy and fallen on the floor hittin my head twice. Laughing hysterically at this incident I explained all of it to Jamie, whereupon this conversation followed:
Jamie
wow lol!! That sounds exactly like something that would happen to me.
I liked the muffin part in particular, that's kind of how i think when i wake up
Me
same here, just completely random thoughts that are either left overs from a dream or just something my head creates to smooth the transition from sleep to awake
Jamie
yep, although i never thought about them that logically
Me
it just came to me, must have been the hit to my head :P
It's because I hit it twice. At first it rearranged my thought to "muffin-thinking" and then the 2nd hit rearranged them into "logical explanations for weird things- thinking"
Jamie
haha, sounds great! Who needs drugs?
Me
yh, just hit your head on the wall and you'll go to muffin land in no time
We are indeed a weird bunch :P
Porcupine Tree - Shallow
I don't remember
Did something in my past create a hole?
Don't use your gender
To drive a stake right through my soul
I live to function
On my own is all I know
No friends to mention
No distraction, nowhere to go
Shallow, shallow Give it to me
Scissors cutting out your anger
Shallow, shallow No good to me, not if you bleed
Bite your tongue, ignore the splinter
This city drains me
Well maybe it's the smell of gasoline
The millions pain me
It's easier to talk to my PC
Shallow, shallow Give it to me
Scissors cutting out your anger
Shallow, shallow No good to me, not if you bleed
Bite your tongue, ignore the splinter
I don't remember
Did something in my past create a hole?
Don't use your gender
To drive a stake right through my soul
I live to function
On my own is all I know
No friends to mention
No distraction, nowhere to go
Shallow, shallow Give it to me
Scissors cutting out your anger
Shallow, shallow No good to me, not if you bleed
Bite your tongue, ignore the splinter
This city drains me
Well maybe it's the smell of gasoline
The millions pain me
It's easier to talk to my PC
Shallow, shallow Give it to me
Scissors cutting out your anger
Shallow, shallow No good to me, not if you bleed
Bite your tongue, ignore the splinter
As you all very well know, I've been trying to read through a list of books that have long been recommended to me by both friends and family (and BBC) as books you "have to read before you die". There are many great titles in that list, but only a few jewels that I would keep reading again and again. One of these jewels is "The five people you meet in Heaven" by Mitch 
Albom.
The book starts with the end. A strange place to start a story, perhaps, but as Albom says "All endings are also beginnings. We just don't know it at the time." The story tells us about Eddie - an old maintenance worker at Ruby Pier, an amusement park near the ocean, who dies on his eighty-third birthday while trying to save a young girl from a falling cart. Eddie awakens in the afterlife remembering nothing from his last seconds on Earth except that he felt two small hands in is. He has no idea whether he managed to save the girl or not and thoughts of whether his life was worth anything in the end torment him throughout the whole story. He soon realizes that Heaven is not at all like the Eden he had imagined it to be, but rather a place where your earthly life is explained to you by five people who were in it. Five people who's path you changed forever, or who might have changed yours likewise. Strangers and loved ones who wait for you in their own version of Heaven to tell you their story and give you a lesson to learn.
Throughout the book Eddie starts understanding what his life meant to those around him. Seeing more than one incident from another point of view helps him accept the things he could not come to terms with before and see things, and people, in a different light. In the end he realizes that the ordinary life he thought he had settled for was the one he was meant to lead all along.
I believe this book is one of the most powerful stories I have ever read. An ordinary man leading an ordinary life that touched so many others whom he never knew. It' s a story that inspires, a story that comforts and a one that stays with you for the rest of your life. I highly recommend reading this book. It's good one for the soul.
Albom.The book starts with the end. A strange place to start a story, perhaps, but as Albom says "All endings are also beginnings. We just don't know it at the time." The story tells us about Eddie - an old maintenance worker at Ruby Pier, an amusement park near the ocean, who dies on his eighty-third birthday while trying to save a young girl from a falling cart. Eddie awakens in the afterlife remembering nothing from his last seconds on Earth except that he felt two small hands in is. He has no idea whether he managed to save the girl or not and thoughts of whether his life was worth anything in the end torment him throughout the whole story. He soon realizes that Heaven is not at all like the Eden he had imagined it to be, but rather a place where your earthly life is explained to you by five people who were in it. Five people who's path you changed forever, or who might have changed yours likewise. Strangers and loved ones who wait for you in their own version of Heaven to tell you their story and give you a lesson to learn.
Throughout the book Eddie starts understanding what his life meant to those around him. Seeing more than one incident from another point of view helps him accept the things he could not come to terms with before and see things, and people, in a different light. In the end he realizes that the ordinary life he thought he had settled for was the one he was meant to lead all along.
I believe this book is one of the most powerful stories I have ever read. An ordinary man leading an ordinary life that touched so many others whom he never knew. It' s a story that inspires, a story that comforts and a one that stays with you for the rest of your life. I highly recommend reading this book. It's good one for the soul.
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