Last week I tried a new activity, geocaching.
A group colleagues from work and I downloaded the app and went on our way to the first site, hardly 5 minutes away from the office.
A strange activity,it has to be said, not for me, but then again, at least I have tried it.
Saturday, October 18, 2014
New venture at Teesside High
My colleague Roberta who was my Italian teacher, has given my business, Café Pierre Languages an amazing opportunity to develop at teesside High School.
We will be offering a short programme of languages in November.
The programme will include, French, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin and Japanese.
Our tutors are all native speakers and I am delighted to be involved in such an important project. I feel as though this is the chance we needed to establish a Language school in the Tees Valley.
We will be offering a short programme of languages in November.
The programme will include, French, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin and Japanese.
Our tutors are all native speakers and I am delighted to be involved in such an important project. I feel as though this is the chance we needed to establish a Language school in the Tees Valley.
The Ryder Cup.
If you want to understand sport, if you want to understand what it means to compete in a sport, if you want to see the pure emotion related to sport, watch Ian Poulter playing golf for Europe in the Ryder cup.
He wears his heart on his sleeve and you can experience his emotion as he chips in on the 14th. Today Saturday 28th September at the home of golf Gleneagles in Scotland.
I don't care if you think golf is boring, I don't care if you think it is a stupid game hitting a little ball with a stick.
Unless you have played this game, you will never appreciate the skill that these players have.
You have to be in awe of the raw talent and for that matter emotion involved in what I would say is perhaps, maybe not as big as the World Cup, but up there as one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
He wears his heart on his sleeve and you can experience his emotion as he chips in on the 14th. Today Saturday 28th September at the home of golf Gleneagles in Scotland.
I don't care if you think golf is boring, I don't care if you think it is a stupid game hitting a little ball with a stick.
Unless you have played this game, you will never appreciate the skill that these players have.
You have to be in awe of the raw talent and for that matter emotion involved in what I would say is perhaps, maybe not as big as the World Cup, but up there as one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
Friday, September 12, 2014
The Jacksons at Hardwick Hall
Tomorrow night Christine and I are going to see the Jacksons at Hardwick Hall .
35 years ago, 4 brothers went to see the Jacksons at Sheffield Fiesta.
Myself and my 3 brothers, Ian, Roy and Gordon.
Michael Jackson was a young lad of 21 only 3 years younger than I am.
He and his brothers were unbelievable! Total class!
35 years ago, 4 brothers went to see the Jacksons at Sheffield Fiesta.
Myself and my 3 brothers, Ian, Roy and Gordon.
Michael Jackson was a young lad of 21 only 3 years younger than I am.
He and his brothers were unbelievable! Total class!
Someone said to me, what's the point of going to see the Jacksons when Michael is dead.
Pretty stupid remark really, Jermaine Jackson is appearing, he wasn't part of the Jacksons in 1979 and as far as I am concerned, the Jacksons are Soul Royalty!
Watch this space for a gig report!
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Films to recommend
The cinema is a passion of mine, especially in the sense of language learning.
I love the idea of understanding what the French love to watch, what do the Russians watch at Christmas. What makes the Germans laugh? How do the Spanish rate their cinema?
A recent conversation with my Russian student Anya, reminded me of a Russian film that I have grown to love.
I love the idea of understanding what the French love to watch, what do the Russians watch at Christmas. What makes the Germans laugh? How do the Spanish rate their cinema?
A recent conversation with my Russian student Anya, reminded me of a Russian film that I have grown to love.
Тимур и его команда
A story about good and evil portrayed by the Pioneers of Russia.
I am now informed that the most popular film of all time for Russians during the Christmas and festive period is;
Ирония судьбы или с легким паром
THE IRONY OF FATE OR ENJOY YOUR BATH.
I gather that the film is about the Russian Banya.
My favourite Russian TV show is easy!
я люблю Маша и Медведь !!
Happy penguins
В воскресение в Эдинбурге мы пошли в зоопарк, шел дождь и дождь.
On Sunday
in Edinburgh, we went to the Zoo, it rained and rained.
Пингвины были счастливы но люди не были счастливы!
The
penguins were happy, but the humans were not happy!
.jpg)
Le tour de France dans le Yorkshire
Quite amazing!
As I sit here in my little house in North Yorkshire, one of the biggest sporting events in the world is passing by a part of my region.
The crowds are unbelievable and the world is seeing my beautiful county in all of its glory.
.jpg)
As I sit here in my little house in North Yorkshire, one of the biggest sporting events in the world is passing by a part of my region.
The crowds are unbelievable and the world is seeing my beautiful county in all of its glory.
Felicitations Yorkshire!
They think it's all over! Well it is now!
What a World cup that was!
How will we ever forget the drumming that Brazil got in the semi-final by Germany.
7-1 at the Cathedral of World football that is Brazil.
The stadium will never see the likes again, the Brazilians and for that matter, everyone else who was not German in the Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte were treated to a Masterclass of football by a German team that was ruthless.
The problem is that it could have been 15-1!!!!
How will we ever forget the drumming that Brazil got in the semi-final by Germany.
7-1 at the Cathedral of World football that is Brazil.
The stadium will never see the likes again, the Brazilians and for that matter, everyone else who was not German in the Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte were treated to a Masterclass of football by a German team that was ruthless.
The problem is that it could have been 15-1!!!!
Distraught Brazilian fans can not believe what they are witnessing!
Of course Germany went on to win the World cup, but for me my memories are in the semi final and the whole spectacle of the world cup in Brazil. Brazil should be proud of the enthusiasm and pure joy that was clearly expressed.
Russia, you have some act to follow!!!
Bring it on!!
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
The demise of Spain and another wonder goal from the boys from Down Under.
Australia 2- The Netherlands 3
Tim Cahill's goal is on par with Robin Van Persie's wonder goal against Spain.
Personally, I really can not decide which goal is the best as they were both total class and worthy of this amazing World Cup in Brazil.
Belgium 2 - Algeria 1
I thought for a fleeting moment that Algeria might upset one of the dark horses of the competition, but Belgium showed their class and came through to win.
Brazil 0-Mexico 0
Ochoa made saves to be compared with Gordon Bank's miracle save from Pele for England against Brazil back in 1970. Neymar and the gang are still there and I can only see them getting stronger.
Russia 1- South Korea 1
Bit of a mystery still this game, it was on late and I have not seen much of the highlights yet. This group has to be the most open of all of the groups, any two teams could qualify!
Spain 0- Chile 2
Who would have thought that Spain would be the first team to leave the competition? Well played Chile! I imagined watching the later stages in Spain in a great atmosphere, drinking 'Cerveza' with the Spanish fans, maybe they will support England?
You can only hope!!
So all of the teams have now made an appearance, what a competition!
Finger biting already for us English fans, nothing changes really does it!!
The Bell Jar- Sylvia Plath
Every time that I look at 'greatest books' lists, I seem to come across this book. Therefore I decided to give it a go and see what it was all about. I have to be honest that I went into it totally convinced it was a feminist work that men were not allowed to read.
I almost felt like a bit of a voyeur, thinking that I was not allowed to be present.
Well I should say that all men should read this book. It is clearly a book about relationships and how men treat women, but it is above all a book about mental illness.
The allergy of the fig tree, where life's choices are related to the fruit of the fig tree is quite an experience.
I almost felt like a bit of a voyeur, thinking that I was not allowed to be present.
Well I should say that all men should read this book. It is clearly a book about relationships and how men treat women, but it is above all a book about mental illness.
The allergy of the fig tree, where life's choices are related to the fruit of the fig tree is quite an experience.
“I saw my life branching out before me like the green fig tree in the story. From the tip of every branch, like a fat purple fig, a wonderful future beckoned and winked. One fig was a husband and a happy home and children, and another fig was a famous poet and another fig was a brilliant professor, and another fig was Ee Gee, the amazing editor, and another fig was Europe and Africa and South America, and another fig was Constantin and Socrates and Attila and a pack of other lovers with queer names and offbeat professions, and another fig was an Olympic lady crew champion, and beyond and above these figs were many more figs I couldn't quite make out. I saw myself sitting in the crotch of this fig tree, starving to death, just because I couldn't make up my mind which of the figs I would choose. I wanted each and every one of them, but choosing one meant losing all the rest, and, as I sat there, unable to decide, the figs began to wrinkle and go black, and, one by one, they plopped to the ground at my feet.”
Sadly, I would think that each and everyone of us can relate to someone we know or indeed are, after reading this book.
It is totally thought provoking, sad and true to life.
Reading my secret passion!
Over the years I have tried to make a list of my favourite books.
The last time I mentioned this project was April 2013.
50 Books to read before you die.
Over the next couple of weeks, I may have a little 'waiting time' on my hands as I am summoned for Jury service for the second time!
That will be another post or more I am sure!
.JPG)
.JPG)
Yesterday I had chance to visit what is probably the most important place of my childhood.
It is a place that I constantly revisit and a place that I can, or could certainly in the past, reflect, ponder and maybe dream?
This place in the Reference Library in Middlesbrough.
Reluctantly! I heard a couple of guys in raised voices announce as they entered my Cathedral of Literature.
They were clearly discussing the fact that they had to attend some course or other, mandated as the Job Centre describes the process.
If I had to chose two words that were the complete opposite of my experience with my wonderful library it would be these two words, reluctantly and mandated.
This pair of complete morons actually got under my skin the way they treat the place with such disrespect, they don't have a clue what magic there is in this wonderful building.
My most recent read was Gulliver's Travels by Johnathon Swift, if only I could write such a modern day satire on today's society, the characters would be as bizarre as those in Lilliput!
My most recent read was Gulliver's Travels by Johnathon Swift, if only I could write such a modern day satire on today's society, the characters would be as bizarre as those in Lilliput!
Monday, June 16, 2014
German Power unleashed! Messi arrives for Argentina!
Mr Smug! has his smile taken off his face!
Germany 4- Portugal 0
Awesome! simples.
Germany have arrived in Brazil!! Like a Zeppelin, huge, massive and powerful!
Iran 0 Nigeria 0
This game reminded me that Middlesbrough have a couple of players in Brazil, Kenneth Omeruo for Nigeria and my favourite Boro player Albert Adomah for Ghana.
Argentina 2 Bosnia 1
I couldn't watch this game, but the outcome was clear, however I wonder how Messi will cope with the expectations of Argentina.
France 3 Honduras 0
The French showed that they mean business this World Cup, they were very strong and physical. clearly a team to watch!
110 players from the English Premier league are represented in Brazil.
this confirms the strength of our football in England.
Sunday, June 15, 2014
It's a hard life!
This is Tinka the cat.
He has a hard life!
Especially in the summer, and he snores!
Here we go again
Well beaten!
England 1 v Italy 2
However there seems to be a bit of optimism around, especially due to the performances of the young English players.
But! we now have two South American teams to play. Who knows which Uruguay will turn up for the match on Thursday.
France 3 v Honduras 0
A strong French team put up with the cynical Central Americans. If the French continue in this form, they will be a team to watch.
Ivory Coast 2 Japan 1
Any team with Yaya Tore and Didier Drogba need to be watched, but I don't think that the Japanese are finished yet.
Switzerland 2 Ecuador 1
The Swiss are looking good, quite an interesting option?
And now Argentina enter into battle, how will Messi cope with the pressure?
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Magnificent World Cup 2014
PURE CLASS!
Robin van Persie confirms the statement that 'Class is permanent'
-----------------------------------
What a start to the greatest sporting event on Earth!
The Brazilians won, but how much did the home crowd influence the referee?
Croatia must feel that they were unlucky!
--------------------------------
And Holland 5 v Spain 1!
What a match! It was worthy of the final, just as it was 4 years ago.
It was a fantastic match and will take some beating, until.....
Costa Rica 3 v Uruguay 1.
This is the real shock of the competition , a wonderful game, it gives the other two teams in the group a real chance!
------------------------------
Mexico 1 v Cameroon 0
No real surprise there, but I expect Mexico to play better. Another South American side Columbia look good after trouncing Greece 3-0
Another South American giant Chile look strong against a poor Australian team, beating them 3-1.
As I write this, I am waiting for England v Italy.
COME ON ENGLAND!
Monday, June 09, 2014
English culture training!
REAL ENGLISH BEER IN A TRADITIONAL ENGLISH PUB
The White Swan in Stokesley
Here we are in Stokesley with a real pint of beer.
Arnau and Andreu are from Barcelona and I took them for some cultural training.
A game of darts a couple of pints.
Lovely!!
It's coming home , it's coming home, Football's coming home!
I had to take this photo of the Stadium of Light in Sunderland. We were there last week at a conference. Impressive!
All Boro fans will think, why would you want your photo outside the Stadium of Light?
Well, as far as I am concerned Sunderland are a local team in the Premiership with a great manager.
Subbuteo
A game all boys of my age played!
this looks like the Dutch kit, they will do well in the World Cup.
My predictions; read the next post.
First fish 2014
Can you believe it!
This is my first fish of 2014.
I normally go fishing very early in May, yet I don't seem to have had the time this year.
However, the summer is coming and I will be able to go soon.
Going fishing is very special to me, especially where I live.
I can be at the lake in less than 15 minutes and I have a choice of at least 4 different venues within 15 minutes drive from home.
Friday, May 30, 2014
One day!
Ты можешь себе представить, что однажды я смогу говорить по русски?
Иногда я думаю, что я никогда не смогу!
Can you
imagine that one day I will be able to speak Russian?
Sometimes
I think that I will never be able to!
Franz Kafka
Jeder, der sich die Fähigkeit erhält,
Schönes zu erkennen,
wird nie alt werden.
Franz Kafka
Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.
HOW TRUE!!!
Monday, May 26, 2014
Golf game 2 of the year . Wednesday 21st May
.gif)
So here we are at Middlesbrough Municipal Golf Club.
Steven and I on round 2 of our golf matches.
Ok, I lost again!
But this time it was 12 holes to 6.
What a beautiful day, red hot, a bit more practice and I might get there!,
That really is the problem with this game!
You need to practice and of course a practice game takes at least 3 hours normally!
Edinburgh Park Run
.gif)
Abigail and I before the Park run in Edinburgh.
.gif)
Pete and Mark before the run
.gif)
Cramond at the start of the Park run, what a beautiful place!
Yes another Flag! I love flags me!
Edinburgh Marathon Festival
.gif) |
| Finally across the finish line! |
.gif) |
| With Abigail at the end of the race |
.gif) |
| Swift Tees celebration after the Edinburgh Marathon Festival |
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Friday, May 16, 2014
Ma nouvelle voiture.
Ok , here it is, I admit it , it's pure self indulgence!!
.JPG)
An Alpha Romeo!
If I think about the cars that I have had in my life ;Most people of my age have had; A Mini;
This is very like my first car, only mine was black.
And a Morris 1000 with holes in the floor of the car!!
I learnt to drive in a Bedford van, which set on fire!
.jpg)
I am not joking!! It set on fire and a fire engine had to come and put out the fire.
What a driving lesson that was!!
So really, when you look at what I have had to drive in my youth.
I DESERVE MY NEW CAR!!
The value of football?
The most lucrative and important football game of the season is coming up soon.
4 teams are currently battling it out to be the winner of the most important football match of the season.
World Cup?
No, not yet!
Champions League?
No not yet!
Premiership title matches?
No!
What then?
The Championship play offs!
The winner will qualify for the Premier League.
It is said that the winner will earn millions and millions!
4 teams are currently battling it out to be the winner of the most important football match of the season.
World Cup?
No, not yet!
Champions League?
No not yet!
Premiership title matches?
No!
What then?
The Championship play offs!
The winner will qualify for the Premier League.
It is said that the winner will earn millions and millions!
Saturday, May 10, 2014
More shocking insults to the North East and Middlesbrough!
Yet again, Middlesbrough gets bad Press!
This time it is the Guardian that sends more insults to the North East.
The most annoying issue related to these stories and insults is that we know we have problems.
We know that we have child poverty!
We know that we have high unemployment!
We just don't need reminding by ignorant journalists sitting in their London offices!
For God's sake leave us alone!
The whole article has given more ammunition to endorse every stereotype ever said or written, to those people who have never even visited the area.
Friday, May 09, 2014
Café Pierre Languages. We have lift off!!!!!
Can anyone tell me where the photo was taken on the home page of my new website?
You will be able to comment on the home page of the site.
Have a look at how the site is developing over the weekend.
There will be news about languages in my area of the UK and news from my friends in different parts of the world.
The first news will be related to today's Bank Holiday in Russia.
Victory day.
You will be able to comment on the home page of the site.
Have a look at how the site is developing over the weekend.
There will be news about languages in my area of the UK and news from my friends in different parts of the world.
The first news will be related to today's Bank Holiday in Russia.
Victory day.
Krisis ! Was Krisis?
Immer wenn ich sage, dass ich mir ein neues Auto gekauft habe, fragen die Leute, ob ich die Midlife Crisis habe.
When I tell people that I have bought a new car, they always ask me, 'Are you having a Mid-life crisis?'
C"est bizarre!
That's weird!
If I am having a Mid -life crisis, how come I have just run a 10k race in 1 hour 1 minute?
How come, Café Pierre Languages, is developing at a rate of Knots!
[Follow this link to see the website develop!]
How come I am running in the Edinburgh Half Marathon in 3 weeks time, at the age of 58?
!Muy extraño!
Very strange!
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Hartlepool Park Run- Pipped at the Post!
.gif)
Cheeky Susan! Very cheeky!
You sneaked up on me, without a word! And! overtook me with 10 yards to go!
Anyway I got my PB! A new WORLD Record 29/:31 for 5k.
UNDER 30 MINUTES AND OVER THE MOON!!
Park Runs are Popping up all over the country.
This was the first at Hartlepool, have a look at where you can find your nearest Park Run in the U.K. on this link.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Golf is a good walk spoiled?
On Wednesday afternoon this week, I played my first game of golf of the year.
It was also my first game with my Son in law Steven.
I agree with Mark Twain!
Golf is a good walk spoiled!
[Only joking!]
We went to a course that I played many years ago. Saltburn by the Sea.
The views compensated for my awful golf, but as we say;' it is not the winning that counts but taking part'.
What a load of rubbish!
I got hammered! 17 holes to 1!
I played like a man with no arms!
Wait till the next game Steven! You'll see!
It was also my first game with my Son in law Steven.
I agree with Mark Twain!
Golf is a good walk spoiled!
[Only joking!]
We went to a course that I played many years ago. Saltburn by the Sea.
In this photo you can see Roseberry Topping in the background. The course is just spectacular, set on the coast with superb views all around.
What a load of rubbish!
I got hammered! 17 holes to 1!
I played like a man with no arms!
Wait till the next game Steven! You'll see!
Love Middlesbrough Blog / interview with Rob Nichols,
Follow this link to an interview that I did recently about a course that I am managing.
Love Middlesbrough Blog
Love Middlesbrough Blog
Football round up
This week saw the first legs of the Champions League semi-finals.
Chelsea managed a draw away to Atletico Madrid, no mean feat!
Real managed a 1-0 win at home to Bayern Munich.
Mourinio is now saying that he will rest certain players for the second leg against Liverpool!
Who is he trying to kid! ?
Are you telling me that he has given up the Premiership title?
No chance!
He is up to his old tricks again, mind games.
I can understand how big the return game is against Atletico, but I don't believe that he will not try to beat Liverpool!
Anyway, back to the Championship and Boro.
I am going to the last home game tomorrow at the riverside for this season.
Boro v Barnsley.
match report to follow!
Chelsea managed a draw away to Atletico Madrid, no mean feat!
Real managed a 1-0 win at home to Bayern Munich.
Mourinio is now saying that he will rest certain players for the second leg against Liverpool!
Who is he trying to kid! ?
Are you telling me that he has given up the Premiership title?
No chance!
He is up to his old tricks again, mind games.
I can understand how big the return game is against Atletico, but I don't believe that he will not try to beat Liverpool!
Anyway, back to the Championship and Boro.
I am going to the last home game tomorrow at the riverside for this season.
Boro v Barnsley.
match report to follow!
Monday, April 21, 2014
Premiership run in and Pak Doo -Ik.
The last few games are coming up for the end of the English Premiership season.
Who would have bet that Liverpool would be in contention?
Not me!
But , it's the people 's choice. Any neutral football fan, or in my case a Boro fan!, would love to see Steven Gerrard lift the Premiership trophy.
The alternatives, Chelsea and Manchester City are wonderful teams full of highly talented players, but somehow they don't have that magic and tradition that Liverpool have.
Liverpool have never won the Premiership, unbelievable really when you think about the way that Liverpool dominated the 70s and 80s, especially in Europe.
Another good reason is that there are a lot of really good English players in the Liverpool setup. Without even mentioning our Captain Marvel Steven Gerrard.
Surely these Liverpool players wil be the mainstay of the English attempt of winning the World Cup in the summer.
God knows, they would become legends, should we get anywhere near the semi finals!
The World Cup has a very special place in my heart, as my very first experience of a football match was at the 1966 World Cup in England.
Ayresome Park was the venue for 3 games in the first stages of the World Cup. Ayresome Park is the former ground for my team.Middlesbrough FC.
I will never forget my first experience of a big crowd and the big match atmosphere. I was only 10 years old, a wide eyed innocent child who loved nothing more than to kick a ball against the wall in our street. We had our own World Cup , dozens of scruffy little kids playing football from dawn till dusk.
It was the Soviet Union v North Korea. It is only recently that I realised how well the Soviet Union did in the 1966 World Cup, they only just lost in the semi final to West Germany.
But of course the legend of the game North Korea v Italy will last forever in football folklore.
Mighty Italy had been beaten 1-0 by the Soviet Union and were rank favourites to beat the minnows from North Korea and progress as expected to the next round.
The Ayresome Park crowd , the Boro crowd, were behind the underdogs North Korea. My dad told me that in fact he really didn't like the Italian team, too dirty and physical, he said.
In fact, there was a deeper reason why he didn't like the Italians in general, he served in Italy at the end of the War.
The Russian game was amazing, but this game was something else, it was electric. When Pak Doo Ik scored, the crowd, my Dad, and I went mad. Imagine! North Korea, Pak Doo Ik, so strange, so unlikely!
Ever since that match, I have loved football, playing , watching, talking about it, so thank you Soviet Union and most of all, thank you Pak Doo Ik!
Who would have bet that Liverpool would be in contention?
Not me!
But , it's the people 's choice. Any neutral football fan, or in my case a Boro fan!, would love to see Steven Gerrard lift the Premiership trophy.
The alternatives, Chelsea and Manchester City are wonderful teams full of highly talented players, but somehow they don't have that magic and tradition that Liverpool have.
Liverpool have never won the Premiership, unbelievable really when you think about the way that Liverpool dominated the 70s and 80s, especially in Europe.
Another good reason is that there are a lot of really good English players in the Liverpool setup. Without even mentioning our Captain Marvel Steven Gerrard.
Surely these Liverpool players wil be the mainstay of the English attempt of winning the World Cup in the summer.
God knows, they would become legends, should we get anywhere near the semi finals!
The World Cup has a very special place in my heart, as my very first experience of a football match was at the 1966 World Cup in England.
Ayresome Park was the venue for 3 games in the first stages of the World Cup. Ayresome Park is the former ground for my team.Middlesbrough FC.
I will never forget my first experience of a big crowd and the big match atmosphere. I was only 10 years old, a wide eyed innocent child who loved nothing more than to kick a ball against the wall in our street. We had our own World Cup , dozens of scruffy little kids playing football from dawn till dusk.
It was the Soviet Union v North Korea. It is only recently that I realised how well the Soviet Union did in the 1966 World Cup, they only just lost in the semi final to West Germany.
But of course the legend of the game North Korea v Italy will last forever in football folklore.
Mighty Italy had been beaten 1-0 by the Soviet Union and were rank favourites to beat the minnows from North Korea and progress as expected to the next round.
The Ayresome Park crowd , the Boro crowd, were behind the underdogs North Korea. My dad told me that in fact he really didn't like the Italian team, too dirty and physical, he said.
In fact, there was a deeper reason why he didn't like the Italians in general, he served in Italy at the end of the War.
The Russian game was amazing, but this game was something else, it was electric. When Pak Doo Ik scored, the crowd, my Dad, and I went mad. Imagine! North Korea, Pak Doo Ik, so strange, so unlikely!
Ever since that match, I have loved football, playing , watching, talking about it, so thank you Soviet Union and most of all, thank you Pak Doo Ik!
Pak Doo Ik scoring against Italy at Ayresome Park.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Kostroma song.
This video is just charming! Olga I need the words!
I think that this video sums up my wonderful visit to Russia this year.
Everywhere we went, we were treated with traditional music, dance and just honest , warm wondeful people.
Я люблю Россию
Friday, April 18, 2014
You are my Swift Tees, my only Swiftees! Mermaid, Marske by the Sea.
You make me happy, when skies are blue. You'll never notice how much I love you.
Don't ever take my Swiftees away!!
All together now!
You are my Swiftees!!!!!!!
Mermaid 10k. Marske by the Sea.
What a beautiful Spring day for a 10k run!
A sea of SWIFT_TEES blue shirts.
This is my first Official 10k, therefore it is a world record for me!!
Monday, April 14, 2014
End of the trip to Russia
All good things must come to an end.
Today we spent the day in Volgechensck at a school, where we had an excellent day.
Yesterday was a wonderful day with my friends in Kostroma.
I spent most of the day in Bar Barbara, drinking beer, chatting, eating, after this I returned to a Barbeque, salmon , salds and a lot wine!
OK, it was fairly fresh , in the garden and the guns came out for target practice, but when in Russia!
I seem to have managed to drink more alchohol in the last two days than I have in the last two months!
And we have tomorrow night's leaving party, yet to come, with the endless toasts and vodka.
But tomorow is a special day, because I will be spending it in the town of Krasnoye.
Today we spent the day in Volgechensck at a school, where we had an excellent day.
Yesterday was a wonderful day with my friends in Kostroma.
I spent most of the day in Bar Barbara, drinking beer, chatting, eating, after this I returned to a Barbeque, salmon , salds and a lot wine!
OK, it was fairly fresh , in the garden and the guns came out for target practice, but when in Russia!
I seem to have managed to drink more alchohol in the last two days than I have in the last two months!
And we have tomorrow night's leaving party, yet to come, with the endless toasts and vodka.
But tomorow is a special day, because I will be spending it in the town of Krasnoye.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
CAFE PIERRE Languages
I have found this cartoon of me, that Ronnie drew a few years ago.
Oh , how I miss the days of working in a hot kitchen, NOT!!!!
However, my dear old Boss always called me Pierre and therefore, it has stuck and this is how the name Cafe Pierre has evolved into the name for my language business.
Saturday 12th April
Kosomonaut's Day!
Собака ! Russian for dog.
Of course 12th April in Russia. is the day to celebrate the amazing conquests and expeditions by the cosmonauts and the famous space dogs.To celebrate this event every dog in Russia has come to my street and decided to bark!!!!!
What a racket!
Talk about ' Barking at the Moon'!
It is like something out of 101 Dalmatians, but they are all barking in Russian!
I think that if this carries on for much longer, I will be 'Barking Mad!
Friday, April 11, 2014
Kostroma Friday 11th. April
Bortsch , blinis, suchi and Macdonalds.
If I was to comment as a food critic of the Russian diet and culinary skills, I wouldn't know where to start.
It's easy for the 'so called' food critics to knock restaurants and food in general, basically because they haven't got a fxxxxxxx clue what they are talking about!
I am sure that if a certain food critic from my area came to Russia they would rip their cuisine to pieces.
Russian food is simple, everyday food consists of soups, vegetables, fish, bread, pasta, sweet tea, it is practical and to use a pedagogical term, 'Fit for purpose'.
We discussed stereotypes today in our class and of course Vodka was mentioned regarding a Russian stereotypical man.
You need vodka in Russia! It's bloody freezing! I will post some photos of Ice fishermen on the river Kostroma, they bloody well need the vodka!
After walking aorund the city yesterday for a while, the best thing in the world to warm you up is a bowl of Bortsch. We had our lunch in the Local Government Cafeteria and it felt like another era! It was like something out of a Spy thriller. I am sure the KGB were there!
Russian food has its identity, it is Russian, the vegetables that are the most delicious are usually preserved from the Family's Dacha. I absolutely love the idea of the forest and the Dacha.
Natural resources are abundent, I was told of a woman who collected wild Dill, got on the bus and shared it out with the passengers. Food is appreciated , I think that because of the climate, it is also treat with respect.
I have to visit Russia in the summer and spend some time in the forest and experience mushroom picking and the process of preserving food.
You never know it might inspire me to re-launch Abigail's pantry!
If I was to comment as a food critic of the Russian diet and culinary skills, I wouldn't know where to start.
It's easy for the 'so called' food critics to knock restaurants and food in general, basically because they haven't got a fxxxxxxx clue what they are talking about!
I am sure that if a certain food critic from my area came to Russia they would rip their cuisine to pieces.
Russian food is simple, everyday food consists of soups, vegetables, fish, bread, pasta, sweet tea, it is practical and to use a pedagogical term, 'Fit for purpose'.
We discussed stereotypes today in our class and of course Vodka was mentioned regarding a Russian stereotypical man.
You need vodka in Russia! It's bloody freezing! I will post some photos of Ice fishermen on the river Kostroma, they bloody well need the vodka!
After walking aorund the city yesterday for a while, the best thing in the world to warm you up is a bowl of Bortsch. We had our lunch in the Local Government Cafeteria and it felt like another era! It was like something out of a Spy thriller. I am sure the KGB were there!
Russian food has its identity, it is Russian, the vegetables that are the most delicious are usually preserved from the Family's Dacha. I absolutely love the idea of the forest and the Dacha.
Natural resources are abundent, I was told of a woman who collected wild Dill, got on the bus and shared it out with the passengers. Food is appreciated , I think that because of the climate, it is also treat with respect.
I have to visit Russia in the summer and spend some time in the forest and experience mushroom picking and the process of preserving food.
You never know it might inspire me to re-launch Abigail's pantry!
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Kostroma Thursday April 10th. 2014
Reflections in Space!
As we move towards the end of the week, I am reminded of the 12th. April .
This is Kosmonaut's day in Russia and 3 years ago, I managed to visit the Space museum in Moscow.
What a different world it was then, in the day of Gagarin and Strelka and Belka the space dogs. I remember so clearly watching wide-eyed at Apollo 11 and Neil Armstrong walking on the surface of the moon after landing on the 20th. july 1969.
I was just 14 years old, innocent and mesmorised by the USSR and the USA and the space race.
It seems to alien to me now as I am sat in a Russian home with my Russian family.
Yet, as I am meeting new people here and getting to know them and the language, this hazy dream of a 14 year old is becoming reality.
As we move towards the end of the week, I am reminded of the 12th. April .
This is Kosmonaut's day in Russia and 3 years ago, I managed to visit the Space museum in Moscow.
What a different world it was then, in the day of Gagarin and Strelka and Belka the space dogs. I remember so clearly watching wide-eyed at Apollo 11 and Neil Armstrong walking on the surface of the moon after landing on the 20th. july 1969.
I was just 14 years old, innocent and mesmorised by the USSR and the USA and the space race.
It seems to alien to me now as I am sat in a Russian home with my Russian family.
Yet, as I am meeting new people here and getting to know them and the language, this hazy dream of a 14 year old is becoming reality.
Wednesday, April 09, 2014
Language teaching and learning, a new level!
As life goes on, you sometimes realise that you have achieved something almost withour noticing it.
tonight, I think was one of those occasions.
I am in Russia , in Kostroma working with the group of English teachers, which in itself is a dream come true.
After the teaching sessions I took a Bania, believe me it has to be experienced, again another wonderful experience in another culture, we were drinking beer and of course talking about the situation in the Crimea.
Ok, yet another experience, but then, I returned to the house and went back to work for an hour.
I rang my student Carmen who lives in Spain near to Granada, and we had a one hour lesson all spoken in Spanish, but I was teaching English, in other words I had to explain everything in Spanish whilst we practised our English work.
Incredible! How the world has changed, I am so unbelievably happy that all of the things I have been looking at are coming to fruition.
I knew that we could use this type of tool, but the fact that I am in Russia, living with a Russian family, teaching English in Spanish to a Doctor in Granada is mind blowing.
Brilliant!!!
And now we are looking at the Russian market, we have 2 or 3 students ready for a program. It's up to Olga and I now.
tonight, I think was one of those occasions.
I am in Russia , in Kostroma working with the group of English teachers, which in itself is a dream come true.
After the teaching sessions I took a Bania, believe me it has to be experienced, again another wonderful experience in another culture, we were drinking beer and of course talking about the situation in the Crimea.
Ok, yet another experience, but then, I returned to the house and went back to work for an hour.
I rang my student Carmen who lives in Spain near to Granada, and we had a one hour lesson all spoken in Spanish, but I was teaching English, in other words I had to explain everything in Spanish whilst we practised our English work.
Incredible! How the world has changed, I am so unbelievably happy that all of the things I have been looking at are coming to fruition.
I knew that we could use this type of tool, but the fact that I am in Russia, living with a Russian family, teaching English in Spanish to a Doctor in Granada is mind blowing.
Brilliant!!!
And now we are looking at the Russian market, we have 2 or 3 students ready for a program. It's up to Olga and I now.
Thursday, April 03, 2014
Kostroma 2014
Here we go again, I travel out Saturday 5th. April and return 16th.
Clearly this is going to be a different experience in the light of what is happening in the Crimea, but hopefully it won't affect my trip!
The Russia I know is a fascinating place with warm and friendly people who are only too happy to meet an Englishman.
Watch this space to see if that remains the same!
I am looking forward to renewing my friendships with Max and Larissa and Olga , and all of the teachers and of course the young Russians who are so talented.
Sunday evening should be fun as I am visiting a Russian rock concert with a group called Aquarium.
Lets see also how my Russian is coming along!
Clearly this is going to be a different experience in the light of what is happening in the Crimea, but hopefully it won't affect my trip!
The Russia I know is a fascinating place with warm and friendly people who are only too happy to meet an Englishman.
Watch this space to see if that remains the same!
I am looking forward to renewing my friendships with Max and Larissa and Olga , and all of the teachers and of course the young Russians who are so talented.
Sunday evening should be fun as I am visiting a Russian rock concert with a group called Aquarium.
Lets see also how my Russian is coming along!