Author Archives: Dreamaticus

Astragal window repair (Rousse)

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Dreamaticus

One stormy night night we settled down to sleep in our bedroom, with P and S there too, tucked in on the floor by the wardrobe. The next morning we discovered that the majority of the window’s astragal panes had … Continue reading →

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Stockton Sixth Form College students take to the skies and survive the flood (Rousse)

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Dreamaticus

Very few of the staff who taught me were still now working at the Stockton Sixth Form College. The only teacher that I recognised was Mr X, still sporting his distinctive comb-over. I found ECM queening it over everyone in … Continue reading →

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Opera singer and spy (Belle)

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Dreamaticus

How I loathed these ‘Team Spirit’ events. ‘Corporate Aria Idol’ was just about the worst idea ever. I had been paired with my sister J to perform at the end of the evening. I didn’t know the tune and the … Continue reading →

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Chinese clamour for Christmas goods (Rousse)

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Dreamaticus

The day before our trip to China I wandered around the warehouse watching the workers select goods for the trade exhibition. Christmas-branded materials were supposed to be very popular amongst the Chinese population. Now I understood why the Chinese cash … Continue reading →

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Word games with the mob (Belle)

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Dreamaticus

In Australia, the birthday party was in full swing. The gangland boss, who looked like a child but was in fact celebrating his 32nd birthday, was leading the games. He demanded all of his lackeys (me included) call out words … Continue reading →

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REF and romance (Rousse)

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Dreamaticus

It was meant to be a discussion of what I could contribute to our Research Excellence Framework (REF) submission. It soon turned into a passionate snog. I adjusted my silk petticoat and ran across the room to lock the office … Continue reading →

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Stornoway Calmac services dropped in favour of cargo runs to Iceland (Rousse)

Posted on March 31, 2013 by Dreamaticus

The Caledonian MacBrayne services from the Isle of Lewis to Ullapool had been greatly reduced: the unprofitable route across the Minch was barely worth running now that Stornoway was a major port for container ships bound for Iceland. So we … Continue reading →

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Sledging and the snow cemetery (Rousse)

Posted on March 30, 2013 by Dreamaticus

None other than social media guru ES joined us for an afternoon of sledging. Even though the pistes were packed, we had a great time dashing down the slopes. You just had to be careful not to crash into other … Continue reading →

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Rousse reprimanded

Posted on March 30, 2013 by Dreamaticus

PC grumbled “Oh no, I’m in one of your dreams! I hope you’re not going to blog this.” Meanwhile JA kept his mouth shut, unsure of British etiquette in such circumstances. Sorry PC…

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Skiing in Scotland: chairlifts, cafés and crime (Rousse)

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Dreamaticus

There was something not quite right about this Scottish ski resort. The main drag lift, for example, pulled skiers uphill at such a speed that TPR and I found it almost impossible to cross their path while out on our … Continue reading →

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