Tag Archives: conference

Tuning into Toto’s Africa (Rousse)

A full orchestra was tuning up from seats (rather than the stage) in the conference hall. I recognised the refrain: Toto’s Africa. The conductor was so enthusiastic that she was playing a clarinet herself, as well as leading the musicians. … Continue reading

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A caravan, a conference, and carbonara (Rousse)

I elected to sleep in the static caravan, along with the students. However, I had hoped that I would still be allowed to use the bathroom in the house. When the students told me that they used the caravan shower, … Continue reading

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An academic affair in New York (Rousse)

This should not have been the highlight of the New York conference, but I was extremely flattered to be the object of CDX’s affections. It barely crossed my mind that TPR would not approve of my affair. In any case, … Continue reading

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Violence on the buses (Rousse)

ECM and I were travelling south along the east coast train line. I was heading to a conference in Kent, and she was accompanying me part of the way. It was only when ECM left the train that I realised … Continue reading

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Fracas at conference dinner (Rousse)

As I eavesdropped on the conference conversation at the top table I could sense PB’s increasing frustration at the ignorant pronouncements of the American. ‘What’s the main message of your keynote anyway?’ the American drawled. ‘There’s little point in trying … Continue reading

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Love at the cosmetics counter (Rousse)

My young charge and I ran a cosmetics counter in a department store. Customers were few so we enjoyed a lot of free time to get to know each other and – eventually – fall in love, despite our 36 … Continue reading

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Hostage clings to novel entertainment at end of ordeal (Rousse)

By posting messages about a conference that did not exist, FR arranged my rescue from kidnap by an American gang. While I waited for my formal release, I begged my captors not to take away the two novels in bag … Continue reading

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Louis Theroux in love (Rousse)

I hoped to slip out of the conference hall unnoticed when I heard JK mention my name. I had no option but to return to the round table and discover what she was saying about me. ‘I was just talking … Continue reading

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A relation from Barnsley (Rousse)

I recognised the man’s voice immediately, but what was my father doing at the conference? When he stood up I could tell that this wasn’t my father after all, but someone who sounded and looked like him. He was even … Continue reading

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Conference cutlery freebies fight (Rousse)

FR and I fought for conference cutlery freebies.

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