Author Archives: Dreamaticus

A flying cat, a red-haired witch, and an all-inclusive school reunion in Stockton-on-Tees (Rousse)

A flying cat screeched as it swooped over us, the tips of its ears glowing fluorescent green in the darkening sky at dusk. It landed high above us in the canopy of the bare winter trees, only just visible as … Continue reading →

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From Northumberland to Pitlochry in a gangster’s Mercedes (Rousse)

TPR and I lived in a lovely stone house in Northumberland. It had six bedrooms (two downstairs) and four bathrooms. On the day that I realised that I had forgotten to reserve a table for dinner I volunteered to walk … Continue reading →

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A charmed life working for Gary Lineker and sleeping with Hugh Grant (Rousse)

Gary Lineker (my boss) supervised our stand at the Online Conference, held this year in the University of Edinburgh’s student union building. Gary wasn’t entirely sure how to find the best position to promote our services, but he wasn’t doing … Continue reading →

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A blue-skinned lady (Rousse)

I discovered an anatomically-challenged, over-tall, medical dummy of a blue skinned woman on the Meadows. Her foot was particularly interesting because it detached at the ankle. Eventually a sculpture student from the Edinburgh College of Art claimed my find. I … Continue reading →

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A bread and chocolate breakfast feast (Rousse)

I woke up in a single bed in a luxurious Perth hotel. SC, in the bed to the left of me, was already awake and watching a BBC nature documentary on her iPad. There came a knock on the door … Continue reading →

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An unauthorised accommodation offer (Rousse)

I was heading for BIG TROUBLE. One of my students needed more drawer space in the office so I her a nice spot at the back of the room, then helped her move in without permission.

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A double performance by the Chinese acrobats (Rousse)

The annual student celebration was more professional every year. I watch in awe as Chinese acrobats executed perfect back-flips while flying massive kites above. It was a pity that they could only stay for 15 minutes, but they had another … Continue reading →

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A Nokia for an iPhone (Rousse)

I was sitting on the main deck of a ferry on my way to the Isle of Lewis when an enormous black rook dive-bombed my handbag and stole my iPhone. I had to survive on an ancient Nokia until my … Continue reading →

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A chilly dip in the Minch (Rousse)

There was no ferry to the Isle of Lewis at Christmas so we followed the diversion signs, then jumped in the water and swam the rest of the way there.

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Northern lights go uncaptured (Rousse)

I saw the aurora borealis in the sky, but did not have a camera.

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