Psyche's Basket

I'm not entirely sure what to entitle this post therefore it can just be ponderings for now. In Paris using the world's worst internet connection in the sister hotel to my own. Apparently it won't work in my room cos I'm on the wrong floor. Grrrr of all the crappy excuses ! Anyhoo am making the most of the other hotel for now. Will go back and have my very French supermarket stylee tea later (although I might be exceedingly excessive and have a drink from the mini bar). To compliment my sausage, baguette, and cheese (followed by something naughty and bonne maman made).

Had a nice day wandering pretty aimlessly around Paris - nice to just do stuff not anything in particular. Went up the Eiffel Tower and have pootled down the river. Other than that have mainly been wandering. Had a nice lunch only slightly spoiled by the lecchy waiter. Yes I did get given his number. Yes he did ask me out. Yes I pulled my usual trick and went running into a church and then away. Saint Severin did the trick this time ! Strangely enough it appears to be the hair what did it. Which led to an experiment.

I had already bought a cheapy pashmina for visiting churches (I know it's not obligatory to cover hair but i feel better for it). So I decided (as my hair appears to be the problem as regards picking up random french men) to cover up and see what happened. It worked. What is also very strange is people's attitudes to someone in a head scarf. Most people suddenly seem to assume I am married which is quite funny ... although in the circumstances also quite handy. And every seems to treat one slightly differently - deffo not getting the same attention either hair/or chest-wise. Funny thing was the reaction from two genuiune headscarf wearers who were looking a bit dubiously at me (I hasten to add here that the headscarf is accompanied by usual cut of jumper - so I suppose it's hardly suprising). Will continue the experiment 2moro to see what continued reactions are ...

Well the radio times website tells me that Big Brother is about to end this week. I am impressed with myself that even in my darkest hours I have resisited the idea of seeing how dire the programme might be this year. And in fact, unlike many other years, I have not kept up with the news on any websites. Now that it IS drawing to a close surely it is about time that the thing is cancelled ! There have been far too many series, and it could never be considered a 'social experiment' after the first few series - even then most people were in it just to be famous - and how many ex-contestants can we think of now ? Save the programming time and money for a documentary highlighting the plight of the British Hedgehogs ... educational and the subjects are far cuter !

Well here I am stuck in Minneapolis waiting to re-board my flight to New York which is currently running 3 hours late cos of rotten weather. Trying to stay philosophical as much as is possible. Really I'm just too tired to really care ! Not eaten a proper meal since I was in Ann Arbor 2 days ago - and that was a salad. Starting to feel the effects of food deprivation a little so have grabbed a bagel and a nana - have some pringles and jelly beans on the plane. I've been reading the inflight sales magazine - what a hoot ! It's like a mad version of the innovations catalogue - and all completely serious ! Nabbed a copy (you are allowed) to keep because it's so funny. Ah well. Not really much extra to say so am going to sign off again.

Writing this at a ridiculously late hour (as far as my body is concerned) whilst waiting for my bath to run ... rather spiffing spa type thing altho apparently the spa itself doesn't work. Had a bit of a stressful day thanks to lost luggage and the prospect of not managing to meet up with John Koster (leaving me open to crucifixion on my return to Edinburgh) but I now have my bag - clean clothes and toiletries and the items in question so am happily waiting on the tub filling. Vermillion is quite a pleasant wee place altho there's not much here other than the university. Oddly enough the Church at the edn of the road is St Paul's episcopal church ! Must try and take a pic for the records 2moro. Anyhooo bath reasonably full so am going to sign off and go to bedfordshire.

Yet another early (American) morning posting. This time I'm actually sat in the airport waiting on my flight to Sioux Falls via Chicago - quite impressed by the organisation of the airlines - I don't have to go and pick up my bag or anything - they're routing it right through. Saw a bit of Ann Arbor yesterday courtesy of Chris Dempsey - very much a university town but with some reasonably nice buildings. As usual nothing I would class as old ! Still a bit worried that I haven't heard from Vermillion but at least I now have a number for them so hopefully it won't be too much of a problem. Weather is still mostly dire - less of a problem when I'm stuck indoors but I wish it would clear up a bit for my time in New York ! Anyhoo am about to board I think so will sign off for now.

Well I've taken the opportunity to explore the city a little today - well in the three hours before I had to go to the airport again. The city is quite nice although a rather odd juxtaposition between the older buildings and the newer ones - looks quite weird in places. And of course nothing is particularly old at all. There are however some lovely art deco structures.

Found all the shops I needed to stick up on books and on toiletries and stuff. In fact it was Borders I went into - one of the biggest bookshops I have ever been in to ! Went back later for a smoothie (foul) and a carrot cake (OK but too rich). Don't think I'll ever get used to the American food - although I do quite like the hotdogs. Not dared try any sweets yet lol although am getting a little addicted to oreos.

Now sat in the airport because my plane seems to be delayed. It's only by about half an hour so I'm not too worried. Gives me the opportunity to surf a little and write this I suppose.

Wasn't impressed by the bus service from the tube station - driver went straight past me ! Ended up having to walk/run all the way to the hotel - early got myself run over too. So if anyone is going to Boston the Ramada isn't great - rooms are comfy enough but allow plenty of time to get back for shuttles and stuff - oh and make sure you have a mobile phone or they get very confused.

Well yesterday was the day for going to the MFA - Darcy is such a nice guy ! Spent a nice day exploring the museum and measuring the instruments.Discovered that although I HATE American coffee the hot dogs are quite good lol. Actually have meat in them ! Can't really think of much else to write at the moment so will go grab some lunch (well breakfast)

Well I made it - some how ! Can see why landing at Boston could be rather hairy (some of the runways end in the harbour). Not really seen much yet but am trying to keep to UK time a bit so I've been up for a bit but it's only just turned 6am here. All the tales I've heard about the coffee over here has so far seemed to be true - the stuff I made in my room is not so much coffee as slightly coffee flavoured dish water. Yuk.

Ooo I did manage to see the statue of liberty - very small from the plane ! But I'll be coming back through New York so it's something to do later I suppose. If I don't just want to sleep then lol.

One thing I find rather amazing is that, although the Germans could understand both my English and my German, the Americans really can't seem to cope with my accent ! Wonder if it's too close ... ah well - no WAY am I going to pick up the American accent.

Thought I would make use of the fact that I am currently online (if in another hotel cos my stupid assive one can't cope with Apple computers).

Now in Munich - my final destination for this trip - scary how little time I've had elsewhere and how long I've ended up having here ! It's not like there is anything else touristy I want to do 2moro. Might just get a train out somewhere after I've been to the museum. I like trains here - especially the ICE ones which are soooooooo comfy and really just an excuse to sit and read a book for a bit.

Not really a huge amount to say. Got here (Germany that is). Seen several clarinets and for some reason a flute ... altho it has given me some ideas. Also taken lots of photos of a pretty spinet which made up for all the woodwind rubbish. Off to see more clarinets 2moro then home to collapse. Well until I have to go to work/US. Getting a wee bit worried about the fact one of my contacts hasn't replied yet ... better re-read her emails and see if I was supposed to be doing something else.

Anyhoo that's kinda me - been here ages (finally eaten a proper meal today) and not really done anything interesting lol. TTFN.

This is a kind of special night. The weather is being really odd and a cloud has come down over the city. Just come back from curry/tv round at Nick's - when I left the flat earlier it was sweltering and muggy and now it's lovely and cool. Managed to turn some conference guy's head which was quite cool - nice to know one can do it. He kept turning round to watch me leave. Very flattering (well to be frank, being ginger it doesn't happen much).

I think I just fell in love, with the city, but also with one street in particular. I can see myself sat in one of the front gardens when I am 60 (I'll prob have to save up that long to afford a house there) with a million cats and *fingers crossed* the odd grandchild pottering around in a flower pot. It's right on the edge of the park - called Saint Leonard's Bank and is such an amazing street. Whatever twists and turns my life takes, I know that I want to die in one of those houses after a nice cup of cocoa.

It may be strange that I feel such an attachment to this city as some of the hardest moments of my life have happened here. But also some of the most wonderful moments and experiences tie me to Edinburgh, as well as some of the best friends I have ever made in my life. And although I occasionally have doubts as to whether my 'academic hothousing' is the right course that my life should be taking, I know that I am in the right country and the right city.

Said it was a magical night

Well my first post is simply to get over blank space syndrome. So bored not only can I not think of anything to do - I also can't think of anything to write !