Venice!

Staying in Italy this week, I'm reviewing another trip that has been featured on the blog before.  During these very Autumn holidays two years ago, I was in Venice with my Dad and sister.  Usually, I like to stick to the capital cities but Venice was truly unique and magical.

Bonfire Night!

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Remember, remember the fifth of November...  a holiday I greatly miss since moving to Germany.  Have a great Bonfire Night and enjoy all he firework displays and bonfires in England - I wish I was there!

The Unconsoled - Kazuo Ishiguro

I've just finished this reading this novel and am not sure what to make of it.  I started it a week ago after my Dad passed it on to me for a second opinion - having read it twice he couldn't get to grips with it either.  That didn't put me off too much as I had seen this author's work around quite a bit and wanted to read something of his for a while - now I'm wondering whether it's just this book or whether they are all like this.

It's difficult to explain.  My best guess is that it's supposed to be a dream - it's certainly not based on reality and some of the ways that things happen remind me of dreams - when completely random people turn up or you turn a familiar corner and end up at the other side of town.  It also seems to have a theme based on lack of time and maybe choosing to prioritise the important things in life.  There's certainly a sense of pressure throughout the book and things going wrong all the time that made me uncomfortable as a reader.  I also found it very difficult to relate to the characters, especially the narrator as he just seems to make things more and more difficult for himself throughout the novel.

Altogether, I'm glad I can say I tried the book but I didn't really take anything away from it.  Looking through the internet, there's a lot of debate around this novel, with many claiming it a masterpiece, unfortunately, I just can't see it!

The Saturday Update

Good morning!

What a relaxing second week to the holidays.  We spent three days with Nico's family which I always enjoy.  We caught up with everyone and helped his mum prepare dinner for thirty as all the family came round!  Being away also gave me the time to finish my latest knitting project.  I can't post about it yet as it is a Christmas present for someone who I know reads this blog regularly so I will just get that ready for a Boxing Day post!

While there, Nico also took Pete for some exercise around the garden which was fun to watch.  We discovered that he does not like rain as he brought Nico back from the walk for the first time.  As ever, it was great for us all to be away and get some fresh country air.

Since being back I've been working on another project, finished reading The Unconsoled (more on that tomorrow) and started reading A Clockwork Orange.  I now feel much better about my German since I don't understand a lot of it in English either.  I've also done some more Christmas shopping and have my first birthday present for next year - a ticket to see Michael Buble in London in July - can't wait!  

Apart from that, it's been about enjoying the quiet and preparing for games night tonight - can't wait to catch up with friends.

Next wee it is back to work and the start of my adult courses again - that should keep me busy on these crazy dark nights.

Dance!

How can you watch this without dancing?

Congratulations!

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A big well done to my wonderful boyfriend as today he becomes a Beamte - that is like a civil servant.  After years of studying and working hard it's all paid off and he has a lot more job security now - well done Nico!

Inspiration

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