Monthly Archives: September 2013

The Chinese Italian student and the Financial Times juggling balls (Rousse)

Posted on September 22, 2013 by Dreamaticus

The Chinese student presented me with two black and white Financial Times branded juggling balls in the back of the car. Then, in perfect English, he told me that he was not Chinese, but Italian. This was seriously confusing. Nevertheless, … Continue reading →

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Foil-wrapped Easter bunnies prove more interesting than professorships (Rousse)

Posted on September 22, 2013 by Dreamaticus

We ejected the two students from the table and got down to business. Our newly-appointed bearded colleague contributed much to the discussion. This was just what we hoped for when we took the decision to recruit external experienced staff on … Continue reading →

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Searching for stationery in Stockton-on-Tees (Rousse)

Posted on September 22, 2013 by Dreamaticus

What a joy it was to be back in Stockton-on-Tees searching for stationery! The high street had barely changed in 40 years. I loved the old-fashioned 1970s shop frontages. I hoped with all my heart that Dressers still be there … Continue reading →

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Edinburgh’s top Italian café offers a new line in raw vegetable dishes, and entertains guests in an interactive anteroom (Rousse)

Posted on September 21, 2013 by Dreamaticus

JM was back from his holiday and enjoying all the attention from the charming waiting staff at Edinburgh’s best Italian café. I watched from across the table as he tucked into two enormous bowls of raw fruit and vegetables. It … Continue reading →

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Narwhal is cover for Finnish plot to invade Estonia (Rousse)

Posted on September 21, 2013 by Dreamaticus

I explained to my companion that I had long experience of mixing with wealthy people, mainly in the country seats of Northumberland and the chateaux of Auvergne. However, never before had I seen a place like this. Our multimillionaire host … Continue reading →

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Prince William cliff jumps in Hastings (Rousse)

Posted on September 19, 2013 by Dreamaticus

Prince William and I watched in amazement as TD leapt from the cliff high above Hastings into the sea below. “It’s your turn now!” she shouted back to us from the water. Prince William and I looked at one another. … Continue reading →

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Andrew Lawrence, the Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre, a stranded bride, and the ruler of the universe (Rousse)

Posted on September 18, 2013 by Dreamaticus

We headed up the M6, keen to reach our destination in time to take part in the 10k race, my final exams, and the graduation ceremony. We were grateful not to be travelling in the opposite direction. A light aircraft … Continue reading →

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Unwise words and a Christmas tragedy on the Thames (Rousse)

Posted on September 15, 2013 by Dreamaticus

“How awful that your daughter-in-law’s father is a crook, and that her mother is a burnt-to-a-crisp, over-tanned, airhead shopaholic!” said N. More awful was that she uttered these words while (unknowingly) sitting right next to the daughter-in-law in question. This … Continue reading →

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Top of the Form meets the Archers in 1970s quiz flashback (Rousse)

Posted on September 13, 2013 by Dreamaticus

“And next, after the 7 o’clock news bulletin on Radio 4, 13-year old TPR answers quiz questions in the Archers”. We both looked up from unpacking our suitcases, each searching for answers to half a dozen questions evident in the … Continue reading →

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Wet underwear (Rousse)

Posted on September 12, 2013 by Dreamaticus

The underwear crisis struck in a rented house in Corbridge, Northumberland. My black bra was still wet from handwashing. I couldn’t wear it in this state, but I did not have a spare. What was I to do? PB’s girlfriend … Continue reading →

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