The First Hundred Days
This entry is slightly overdue because I have actually been living and working in Prague for about 111 days now. I have been laid low with a stomach bug for the last two days, but now I am feeling better and am catching up with e-mail and the blog. So here is a summary of the first hundred days.
My application for a "Trade Licence" was finally granted last week as the final pieces of documentation from the UK were translated and accepted. At the beginning of this week one of the office staff from the school came with me to various city offices to help me complete the remaining paperwork to register with the Tax, Social Insurance and Health Insurance agencies, and to open a bank account. I now have a large bill for unpaid Social and Health Insurance fees, but the paperwork is straight.
Two weeks ago it was my turn to have the Director of Studies observe one of my lessons. His feedback was generally positive, but obviously his experience in the profession allowed him to point out the areas where I need to concentrate, improve and grow.
From the beginning of this month my teaching load increased to 22 hours a week. This is enough to feel like a full-time occupation, and is just about enough to meet my living costs here. I have to leave the flat at 7:00 am most days, and usually don't return until about 7:30 pm since most students have their lessons at the beginning or end of their working day. Indeed these are regarded as peak hours by the school, and the period from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm is regarded as off-peak hours.
When you take into account my off-peak classes, travel time to classes, lesson-planning time and adminstrative tasks most of my time is occupied. I do have quite a lot of freedom in how and when I plan my lessons, though, so I can create some blocks of free time during daylight hours, which makes it all feel less of a bind than the routine of office life.
The work itself is very rewarding, the students are keen to participate in their classes and I enjoy working with them. Each class is different, even when two classes are using the same textbook they can respond to the material very differently.
Lesson preparation time can vary a lot, some lessons are a natural follow-on from the previous lesson, or are conversation-based and much of the work is already done. For other lessons more work is required. I may have to listen to audio material to ensure I am familiar with it, prepare for supplementary questions the students may have on grammar points, work through the accompanying exercises in the textbook and model answers in the teacher's book to make sure I know the answer I should be expecting, and prepare supplementary materials.
The Internet is a wonderful resource for supplementary material, of course. Dilbert cartoons are great for warm-up exercises on business vocabulary and modern office culture in Business English lessons. Students are also interested in short articles on contemporary British life, and they are also keen to talk about their own country, both as it is now and as it was before 1989. I am always very interested to hear their views and their experiences.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Monday, November 13, 2006
A Foreign Field
Yesterday Sue and I joined fellow expat Brits, Czech Nationals and Embassy staff from Britain and other Commonwealth Nations at the annual Remembrance Day ceremony. This was held at the Prague Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery. The service was very moving, particularly when a Czech military band played Nimrod from Elgar's Enigma Variations while the representatives of various nations laid their wreaths.
One of the teachers here was a member of the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service and attended the ceremony in uniform. Apparently it is quite rare for the Navy to be represented at the ceremony, which is unsurprising as Prague is a long way from any coast.
I first spotted the cemetery a few months ago when I passed it on the tram. It is part of a large municipal cemetery which also contains war graves from the Red Army and the Bulgarian Army. According to the CWGC website the Prague War Cemetery contains 256 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, 34 of which are unidentified. The graves were brought into the cemetery from 73 small cemeteries scattered all over the Czech Republic. Many of those buried there died as Prisoners of War. There is also one burial of the First World War and eight Polish war graves.
Yesterday Sue and I joined fellow expat Brits, Czech Nationals and Embassy staff from Britain and other Commonwealth Nations at the annual Remembrance Day ceremony. This was held at the Prague Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery. The service was very moving, particularly when a Czech military band played Nimrod from Elgar's Enigma Variations while the representatives of various nations laid their wreaths.
One of the teachers here was a member of the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service and attended the ceremony in uniform. Apparently it is quite rare for the Navy to be represented at the ceremony, which is unsurprising as Prague is a long way from any coast.
I first spotted the cemetery a few months ago when I passed it on the tram. It is part of a large municipal cemetery which also contains war graves from the Red Army and the Bulgarian Army. According to the CWGC website the Prague War Cemetery contains 256 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, 34 of which are unidentified. The graves were brought into the cemetery from 73 small cemeteries scattered all over the Czech Republic. Many of those buried there died as Prisoners of War. There is also one burial of the First World War and eight Polish war graves.
Out of the City
Sue came out for a long weekend, so we decided to go for some walks near Prague. On Friday we took the tram to Hostivař, in the south-east of the city. According to the Rough Guide there is a 4.2 km walk from there past a lake to a nice village called Průhonice. The walk passes a large lake and makes use of a trail which is part of the Prague-Vienna cycle route. We set off on the walk and soon discovered that the guide-book was incorrect. After 4km we came to the village of Petrovice, but Průhonice was another 7km from there. As it was lunchtime and we were getting hungry we decided we would leave Průhonice for another day and look for lunch in Petrovice.
The original village is quite nice, but we couldn't find any nice pubs there so we set off to the new part of the village which is a large development of concrete tower blocks. We couldn't find anywhere to eat there, either, so we cut our losses and took the bus to somewhere we knew before we got too hungry.
On Saturday we decided to take the bus to Průhonice and explore the park there. It was a very grey day with the threat of rain, so we didn't take any pictures of the park. You can get an idea of how it looks from this site, though.
We decided to have some coffee and a snack before we explored the park, so after getting off the bus we went into the first likely-looking place. This was a very up-market restaurant, but they welcomed us and served us morning coffee and cakes. We left before lunchtime so we weren't causing them too much trouble. Their menu looks good, so we intend to go there for a meal sometime.
After a couple of hours exploring the park the weather closed in and we returned to the village for lunch. This time we went to U Bežousků, which is a popular pub and micro-brewery. The pub was crowded, but we managed to get a table in the restaurant which was nice, although a bit less cosy. The beer and food were very good, and we certainly want to go there again, too.
Sue came out for a long weekend, so we decided to go for some walks near Prague. On Friday we took the tram to Hostivař, in the south-east of the city. According to the Rough Guide there is a 4.2 km walk from there past a lake to a nice village called Průhonice. The walk passes a large lake and makes use of a trail which is part of the Prague-Vienna cycle route. We set off on the walk and soon discovered that the guide-book was incorrect. After 4km we came to the village of Petrovice, but Průhonice was another 7km from there. As it was lunchtime and we were getting hungry we decided we would leave Průhonice for another day and look for lunch in Petrovice.
The original village is quite nice, but we couldn't find any nice pubs there so we set off to the new part of the village which is a large development of concrete tower blocks. We couldn't find anywhere to eat there, either, so we cut our losses and took the bus to somewhere we knew before we got too hungry.
On Saturday we decided to take the bus to Průhonice and explore the park there. It was a very grey day with the threat of rain, so we didn't take any pictures of the park. You can get an idea of how it looks from this site, though.
We decided to have some coffee and a snack before we explored the park, so after getting off the bus we went into the first likely-looking place. This was a very up-market restaurant, but they welcomed us and served us morning coffee and cakes. We left before lunchtime so we weren't causing them too much trouble. Their menu looks good, so we intend to go there for a meal sometime.
After a couple of hours exploring the park the weather closed in and we returned to the village for lunch. This time we went to U Bežousků, which is a popular pub and micro-brewery. The pub was crowded, but we managed to get a table in the restaurant which was nice, although a bit less cosy. The beer and food were very good, and we certainly want to go there again, too.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Kutna Hora
Sue and I visited Kutna Hora two weekends ago with another teacher from the school.
The town was a silver-mining and coin-minting centre in the 15th century, and became very wealthy until the time of the thirty-years war. A combination of being on the losing side, and the end of the easily reachable silver led to its decline.
Prior to that the area first became famous as a place of pilgrimage. The nearby Cistercian monastery in Sedlec was reputed to contain a handful of earth from Calvary, and so many faithful were buried here from about 1278. The ossuary at Sedlec contains bones from about 40000 skeletons, some in large pyramidal mounds, and others in macabre sculptural arrangements. The present arrangement of the bones dates back to 1870.
The weather was fine and warm and we spent a lovely Autumn day there. We travelled by train and learned that the Czech railway system is more complex than we had imagined. On the way out we had to pay supplements as we were using an Inter-City train rather than the local train we had bought tickets for. On the way back we took a local train, but we inadvertently chose one which took a longer route. This meant we had to pay another supplement for the privilege of an extra 45 minutes journey with more stops.
I also managed to cause confusion at lunch due to my lack of Czech. I ordered two Mattoni mineral waters (or so I thought), but ended up with two Martinis. I now know that Mattoni is subject to the rules of Czech grammar just like any other noun, and that if I had ordered dve Mattonku I would have got what I wanted.
Some of the pictures I took at Kutna Hora and Sedlec can be found here.
Sue and I visited Kutna Hora two weekends ago with another teacher from the school.
The town was a silver-mining and coin-minting centre in the 15th century, and became very wealthy until the time of the thirty-years war. A combination of being on the losing side, and the end of the easily reachable silver led to its decline.
Prior to that the area first became famous as a place of pilgrimage. The nearby Cistercian monastery in Sedlec was reputed to contain a handful of earth from Calvary, and so many faithful were buried here from about 1278. The ossuary at Sedlec contains bones from about 40000 skeletons, some in large pyramidal mounds, and others in macabre sculptural arrangements. The present arrangement of the bones dates back to 1870.
The weather was fine and warm and we spent a lovely Autumn day there. We travelled by train and learned that the Czech railway system is more complex than we had imagined. On the way out we had to pay supplements as we were using an Inter-City train rather than the local train we had bought tickets for. On the way back we took a local train, but we inadvertently chose one which took a longer route. This meant we had to pay another supplement for the privilege of an extra 45 minutes journey with more stops.
I also managed to cause confusion at lunch due to my lack of Czech. I ordered two Mattoni mineral waters (or so I thought), but ended up with two Martinis. I now know that Mattoni is subject to the rules of Czech grammar just like any other noun, and that if I had ordered dve Mattonku I would have got what I wanted.
Some of the pictures I took at Kutna Hora and Sedlec can be found here.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Kofola
Kofola is the local soft drink here. It was first produced in the 1960s as the Communist world's answer to Coca-Cola and Pepsi. Somehow it managed to survive the entry of western soft-drink companies after 1989, and is still popular here.
I have had a bottle in the fridge for a few weeks, but hadn't got round to drinking it until yesterday. The taste is quite different from Coke and Pepsi, it is quite fruity and spicy. If you can imagine "mulled cola" it is that kind of taste.
I'm not sure how often I will drink it, it is a bit of an acquired taste in my opinion, and I don't think I will bother to acquire it. I'll stick to beer, mineral water or wine.
Kofola is the local soft drink here. It was first produced in the 1960s as the Communist world's answer to Coca-Cola and Pepsi. Somehow it managed to survive the entry of western soft-drink companies after 1989, and is still popular here.
I have had a bottle in the fridge for a few weeks, but hadn't got round to drinking it until yesterday. The taste is quite different from Coke and Pepsi, it is quite fruity and spicy. If you can imagine "mulled cola" it is that kind of taste.
I'm not sure how often I will drink it, it is a bit of an acquired taste in my opinion, and I don't think I will bother to acquire it. I'll stick to beer, mineral water or wine.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
I Served The King Of England
"I Served The King Of England" is the title of a book by Czech author Bohumil Hrabal. I first read it five years ago when we visited Prague for a holiday. The book is a satirical look at the history of the Czech Repbulic through the eyes of a single character, a waiter called Dite.
The story starts in the 1930s with Dite working as a young waiter alongside a head waiter who appears to know everything. When Dite asks him how he knows things he replies enigmatically "I server the King of England". Dite's own big moment comes when the Emperor of Ethiopia makes an official visit to Prague, and by a combination of good luck and sharp wits Dite ends up serving his food. Thereafter whenever he impresses more junior waiters with his skill and knowledge he always explains his abilities with the phrase "I served the Emperor of Ethiopia".
From there his life follows the twists and turns of his country through the German annexation of the Sudetenland, the Second World War, the brief period of freedom before the Communist coup, and the purges against businessmen during the early Communist period.
For me the book gives a darkly-humorous overview of Czech history. I would recommend it to anyone interested in the country. Apparently a film of the book is due to released later this year.
"I Served The King Of England" is the title of a book by Czech author Bohumil Hrabal. I first read it five years ago when we visited Prague for a holiday. The book is a satirical look at the history of the Czech Repbulic through the eyes of a single character, a waiter called Dite.
The story starts in the 1930s with Dite working as a young waiter alongside a head waiter who appears to know everything. When Dite asks him how he knows things he replies enigmatically "I server the King of England". Dite's own big moment comes when the Emperor of Ethiopia makes an official visit to Prague, and by a combination of good luck and sharp wits Dite ends up serving his food. Thereafter whenever he impresses more junior waiters with his skill and knowledge he always explains his abilities with the phrase "I served the Emperor of Ethiopia".
From there his life follows the twists and turns of his country through the German annexation of the Sudetenland, the Second World War, the brief period of freedom before the Communist coup, and the purges against businessmen during the early Communist period.
For me the book gives a darkly-humorous overview of Czech history. I would recommend it to anyone interested in the country. Apparently a film of the book is due to released later this year.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Fighting identity theft (via unsolicited e-mail)
I was amused by a story in The Register about the fact that the Metropolitan Police's efforts to notify potential victims of identity theft. Apparently some of those notified are treating the mail from the Met as a hoax.
How long before the phishers start copying the Met's mail?
I was amused by a story in The Register about the fact that the Metropolitan Police's efforts to notify potential victims of identity theft. Apparently some of those notified are treating the mail from the Met as a hoax.
How long before the phishers start copying the Met's mail?
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Working too hard to keep fit?
Are you worried that you don't get time to take exercise because you are stuck in front of a computer every day? Help is at hand with the Geek-a-Cycle(tm). This recumbent home-trainer and computer desk is just the thing, you can work and keep fit at the same time. Just take care that you don't breath too heavily when you're on conference calls, though!
Are you worried that you don't get time to take exercise because you are stuck in front of a computer every day? Help is at hand with the Geek-a-Cycle(tm). This recumbent home-trainer and computer desk is just the thing, you can work and keep fit at the same time. Just take care that you don't breath too heavily when you're on conference calls, though!
St Wenceslas Day
September 28th is St Wenceslas's day, and the Czechs have a public holiday to celebrate their patron saint, Wenceslas I, Duke of Bohemia. I often pass a really striking church which is dedicated to St Wenceslas and was built to commemorate his 1000th anniversary in 1929.
St Wenceslas's day was on Thursday and I had no lessons, although I managed to reschedule them to make up for the lost time. On this holiday the public transport runs to a Sunday timetable, and the big shops are open. The smaller shops were closed, but I was prepared for this and had stocked up on essentials.
We have had a real Indian Summer this September. The weather has been fine and warm most days. Thursday dawned chilly and misty and I thought we had seen the last of the fine weather. Fortunately the mist cleared and the sun came out later in the day.
I spent the late morning and early afternoon visiting the Czech Air Force Museum which is located at an airbase in the northern suburbs. I took pictures, but haven't yet chosen the best ones. Watch this space.
September 28th is St Wenceslas's day, and the Czechs have a public holiday to celebrate their patron saint, Wenceslas I, Duke of Bohemia. I often pass a really striking church which is dedicated to St Wenceslas and was built to commemorate his 1000th anniversary in 1929.
St Wenceslas's day was on Thursday and I had no lessons, although I managed to reschedule them to make up for the lost time. On this holiday the public transport runs to a Sunday timetable, and the big shops are open. The smaller shops were closed, but I was prepared for this and had stocked up on essentials.
We have had a real Indian Summer this September. The weather has been fine and warm most days. Thursday dawned chilly and misty and I thought we had seen the last of the fine weather. Fortunately the mist cleared and the sun came out later in the day.
I spent the late morning and early afternoon visiting the Czech Air Force Museum which is located at an airbase in the northern suburbs. I took pictures, but haven't yet chosen the best ones. Watch this space.
Karlstejn
Two weeks ago Sue came out again for the weekend. We decided to get out of the city on Sunday and headed by train for Karlstejn and its castle. We ended up leaving Prague late in the morning so we decided to get lunch before sightseeing. The station at Karlstejn is in the valley across the river from the castle and village.
There was a promising-looking bar just before we crossed the river (named after the Good Soldier Swejk) so we went there. The food was good and the prices were an absolute bargain, roughly a third of what we might pay in central Prague, and cheaper than the prices we are used to paying in the non-touristy parts of the city. The bar was popular with Czech cyclists and walkers, too.
After lunch we walked up the hill through the village to the castle. We decided not to pay for a guided tour of the interior as apparently it is quite bare inside, and photographs are forbidden. Instead we went for a walk hoping to get views of the castle from the other side. We didn't have a map but we followed some tracks and almost managed a circular walk. We could see our starting point, but it was about 200 feet below with a nasty looking steep drop. We decided to be safe and retrace.
We felt we deserved more refreshment so we stopped at another bar (again out of the village and popular with walkers and cyclists) for ice cream and cold drinks. We then made our way back through the village to the station for the train back to Prague.
Two weeks ago Sue came out again for the weekend. We decided to get out of the city on Sunday and headed by train for Karlstejn and its castle. We ended up leaving Prague late in the morning so we decided to get lunch before sightseeing. The station at Karlstejn is in the valley across the river from the castle and village.
There was a promising-looking bar just before we crossed the river (named after the Good Soldier Swejk) so we went there. The food was good and the prices were an absolute bargain, roughly a third of what we might pay in central Prague, and cheaper than the prices we are used to paying in the non-touristy parts of the city. The bar was popular with Czech cyclists and walkers, too.
After lunch we walked up the hill through the village to the castle. We decided not to pay for a guided tour of the interior as apparently it is quite bare inside, and photographs are forbidden. Instead we went for a walk hoping to get views of the castle from the other side. We didn't have a map but we followed some tracks and almost managed a circular walk. We could see our starting point, but it was about 200 feet below with a nasty looking steep drop. We decided to be safe and retrace.
We felt we deserved more refreshment so we stopped at another bar (again out of the village and popular with walkers and cyclists) for ice cream and cold drinks. We then made our way back through the village to the station for the train back to Prague.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
On Saturday evening we were out of milk. I knew that there was a small local shop which would be open, so I went there. Milk seems to be sold here in 1 litre plastic bottles for the most part, but 500ml containers are available. The shop had lots of litre bottles, but I don't use much milk, so I prefer the smaller amount. I a 500ml carton, read the word mléko (milk) and took it home.
We decided to have some tea before bed, and we had finished the previous milk earlier when we had a friend round after a meal out, so I handed Sue the fresh carton. Luckily she sniffed it before adding it to the tea. It was sour! I dug out the dictionary and read the other words on the carton carefully. Translated it read sour milk product.
It is quite refreshing if you know that's what you're drinking. It would not taste good in tea, though.
On Saturday evening we were out of milk. I knew that there was a small local shop which would be open, so I went there. Milk seems to be sold here in 1 litre plastic bottles for the most part, but 500ml containers are available. The shop had lots of litre bottles, but I don't use much milk, so I prefer the smaller amount. I a 500ml carton, read the word mléko (milk) and took it home.
We decided to have some tea before bed, and we had finished the previous milk earlier when we had a friend round after a meal out, so I handed Sue the fresh carton. Luckily she sniffed it before adding it to the tea. It was sour! I dug out the dictionary and read the other words on the carton carefully. Translated it read sour milk product.
It is quite refreshing if you know that's what you're drinking. It would not taste good in tea, though.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
The weekend
Sue came out for the weekend. For some reason flights on Friday afternoon and Monday morning were more expensive than usual, so she decided to fly out on Saturday morning and return on Monday evening. The flight was slightly delayed so it was almost 1pm by the time we reached the centre of town on Saturday. We decided to have lunch out, and went to the terrace bar I had visited the night before. The weather was excellent and it was nice to have lunch while enjoying a lovely view.
In the afternoon we left Sue's bags at the flat and walked through the local area (for about 5km) looking for interesting buildings before having a quiet meal.
On Sunday we took the tram to the old exhibition ground of Výstavište and walked through Stromovka Park to the river. From there we crossed two bridges to arrive on the north side of the river near Troja chateau. We explored the gardens and had lunch before we discovered that the Pragus Botanical Gardens are just up the hill from here. We spent the rest of the afternoon in the gardens before returning to Výstavište for the tram home.
I didn't have a lesson on Monday morning, so I was able to spend time with Sue until after lunch. After my class I just had time to dash to Vitkov hill wioth my camera to take some pictures of the sunset. I have now set up an account at Flickr, so my nicest pictures from the last week are now available here.
Sue came out for the weekend. For some reason flights on Friday afternoon and Monday morning were more expensive than usual, so she decided to fly out on Saturday morning and return on Monday evening. The flight was slightly delayed so it was almost 1pm by the time we reached the centre of town on Saturday. We decided to have lunch out, and went to the terrace bar I had visited the night before. The weather was excellent and it was nice to have lunch while enjoying a lovely view.
In the afternoon we left Sue's bags at the flat and walked through the local area (for about 5km) looking for interesting buildings before having a quiet meal.
On Sunday we took the tram to the old exhibition ground of Výstavište and walked through Stromovka Park to the river. From there we crossed two bridges to arrive on the north side of the river near Troja chateau. We explored the gardens and had lunch before we discovered that the Pragus Botanical Gardens are just up the hill from here. We spent the rest of the afternoon in the gardens before returning to Výstavište for the tram home.
I didn't have a lesson on Monday morning, so I was able to spend time with Sue until after lunch. After my class I just had time to dash to Vitkov hill wioth my camera to take some pictures of the sunset. I have now set up an account at Flickr, so my nicest pictures from the last week are now available here.
Payday!
The second Friday of the month is payday at the school. In some months there is also a teachers' meeting on this day, but since the new teachers had their induction and training this week there was nothing left to discuss in a meeting. The owners did host drinks in a local bar from 5pm, though. The bar chosen had a lovely terrace at the back which looks into a great bowl of a valley. This part of town is called Vinohrady and at one time was famous for its vineyards. Looking into the valley I could just imagine rows of vines clinging to the sides.
Since many of the new teachers are still progressing through the local bureaucracy, they do not yet have bank accounts. As a result the school paid cash to those teachers without an account. I haven't been paid in cash for work since I was 18! It was slightly unsettling going to the pub with all my money for the next month about my person. I did the sensible thing and had a few drinks before going home.
The second Friday of the month is payday at the school. In some months there is also a teachers' meeting on this day, but since the new teachers had their induction and training this week there was nothing left to discuss in a meeting. The owners did host drinks in a local bar from 5pm, though. The bar chosen had a lovely terrace at the back which looks into a great bowl of a valley. This part of town is called Vinohrady and at one time was famous for its vineyards. Looking into the valley I could just imagine rows of vines clinging to the sides.
Since many of the new teachers are still progressing through the local bureaucracy, they do not yet have bank accounts. As a result the school paid cash to those teachers without an account. I haven't been paid in cash for work since I was 18! It was slightly unsettling going to the pub with all my money for the next month about my person. I did the sensible thing and had a few drinks before going home.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Connected!
As soon as I had a date to move into my flat I started making arrangements for an Internet connection. My landlord very kindly came with me to the Česky Telecom office to do the talking, while I signed the forms. The landline was connected this morning, eight days after placing the order.
I picked up a DLS modem from the Telecom office yesterday (over the last week they changed their name and branding from Česky Telecom to Telefonica O2 to make things more entertaining).
I had been told that I would get an e-mail with the account information for the DSL, but no such e-mail came. This afternoon I decided to plug everything in and then call the O2 help line to try and find someone who spoke English and could tell me the configuration information which I needed.
To my surprise as soon as the laptop booted it was on the Internet! The router was pre-configured with the DSL information and it was set up as a DHCP server, so everything just worked!
Maybe the fact that I am so surprised marks me down as an old-timer, but like Paul Humphreys I can remember the pain which we used to have to go through in the "good" old days to get a working network connection.
I really missed not having a net connection available to me. I'm really pleased to be back in contact with the world again, and now that I can use VOIP for phone calls, Sue and I should save a fortune.
As soon as I had a date to move into my flat I started making arrangements for an Internet connection. My landlord very kindly came with me to the Česky Telecom office to do the talking, while I signed the forms. The landline was connected this morning, eight days after placing the order.
I picked up a DLS modem from the Telecom office yesterday (over the last week they changed their name and branding from Česky Telecom to Telefonica O2 to make things more entertaining).
I had been told that I would get an e-mail with the account information for the DSL, but no such e-mail came. This afternoon I decided to plug everything in and then call the O2 help line to try and find someone who spoke English and could tell me the configuration information which I needed.
To my surprise as soon as the laptop booted it was on the Internet! The router was pre-configured with the DSL information and it was set up as a DHCP server, so everything just worked!
Maybe the fact that I am so surprised marks me down as an old-timer, but like Paul Humphreys I can remember the pain which we used to have to go through in the "good" old days to get a working network connection.
I really missed not having a net connection available to me. I'm really pleased to be back in contact with the world again, and now that I can use VOIP for phone calls, Sue and I should save a fortune.
Monday, September 04, 2006
A New Term
Today was the first Monday in September, and the schools here in the Czech Republic started back today. True to form the weather this morning was the best it has been for a few weeks.
Life will get busy from now on, the students have had their summer holidays and their English lessons will resume. We had an induction day at the school today, all of the new teachers were given a huge amount of information on how to deal with the Czech bureaucracy, and how to keep track of their schedules and timesheets at the school. I was able to help with this as I have now been here a month and have learned a bit about how things work here.
My new classes begin next week, and I will have a full teaching load by the end of this month.
Today was the first Monday in September, and the schools here in the Czech Republic started back today. True to form the weather this morning was the best it has been for a few weeks.
Life will get busy from now on, the students have had their summer holidays and their English lessons will resume. We had an induction day at the school today, all of the new teachers were given a huge amount of information on how to deal with the Czech bureaucracy, and how to keep track of their schedules and timesheets at the school. I was able to help with this as I have now been here a month and have learned a bit about how things work here.
My new classes begin next week, and I will have a full teaching load by the end of this month.
A Golden Wedding
Sue's parents celebrated their Golden Wedding on Saturday, the actual anniversary was in August, but they scheduled the party after the holiday season. I flew from Prague to Newcastle on Friday afternoon, and Sue picked me up at the airport.
On Saturday afternoon we decorated the hall while the caterers set up the kitchen and the buffet. The party went well, Brian and Betty's relatives and friends from way back came along, and everyone enjoyed themselves. Sue had baked and decorated a cake for the occasion, and our nieces handed out drinks and canapes as people arrived.
There is only one flight a day from Newcastle to Prague and on Sunday it left at 9 am. I didn't get a lot of sleep after the party so I was feeling very droopy by the time I got back to Prague.
Sue's parents celebrated their Golden Wedding on Saturday, the actual anniversary was in August, but they scheduled the party after the holiday season. I flew from Prague to Newcastle on Friday afternoon, and Sue picked me up at the airport.
On Saturday afternoon we decorated the hall while the caterers set up the kitchen and the buffet. The party went well, Brian and Betty's relatives and friends from way back came along, and everyone enjoyed themselves. Sue had baked and decorated a cake for the occasion, and our nieces handed out drinks and canapes as people arrived.
There is only one flight a day from Newcastle to Prague and on Sunday it left at 9 am. I didn't get a lot of sleep after the party so I was feeling very droopy by the time I got back to Prague.
Moving Day
My move from the shared flat into my own flat on Tuesday evening went smoothly. Everything I had fitted into a few bags and the whole process of packing, moving and unpacking was over very quickly. My landlord went with me to the Czech Telecom office to sort out the paperwork involved in getting a telephone line, and I should be set up with a line and broadband Internet within the next couple of weeks.
I'm really looking forward to getting broadband, I feel as though I have lost a limb, or one of my senses, over the last few weeks. I have been able to get access to computers to check e-mail or update this blog from time to time, but it isn't the same as having full Internet access from my own computer at home.
I had no classes on Thursday, so I went to Tesco to buy a few household essentials, and now I feel quite at home. I took the Metro to the far western edge of the city where there are two big shopping centres, one of which has an IKEA. I was sidetracked by a big electronics shop (like Curry's and PC World combined in one) so I decided to leave IKEA for another day.
In the evening I went out for a drink with some fellow teachers and added to my knowledge of which local bars and restaurants are good value. By the time I get some visitors I should have a good choice of places to take them.
My move from the shared flat into my own flat on Tuesday evening went smoothly. Everything I had fitted into a few bags and the whole process of packing, moving and unpacking was over very quickly. My landlord went with me to the Czech Telecom office to sort out the paperwork involved in getting a telephone line, and I should be set up with a line and broadband Internet within the next couple of weeks.
I'm really looking forward to getting broadband, I feel as though I have lost a limb, or one of my senses, over the last few weeks. I have been able to get access to computers to check e-mail or update this blog from time to time, but it isn't the same as having full Internet access from my own computer at home.
I had no classes on Thursday, so I went to Tesco to buy a few household essentials, and now I feel quite at home. I took the Metro to the far western edge of the city where there are two big shopping centres, one of which has an IKEA. I was sidetracked by a big electronics shop (like Curry's and PC World combined in one) so I decided to leave IKEA for another day.
In the evening I went out for a drink with some fellow teachers and added to my knowledge of which local bars and restaurants are good value. By the time I get some visitors I should have a good choice of places to take them.
Where have I been?
I finished my week-long intensive course on the Friday afternoon (August 25th) and my student went home to Prague. I stayed at the hotel an extra night to recharge my batteries after a week of intensive conversation, and spent Saturday morning taking a short walk through the forest near the hotel and visiting an historic church above the town. The walks were pleasant but it isn't possible to cover much ground in a morning. The ideal tool for exploring countryside is a bicycle, so I should try to have a bike with me on future trips.
Owing to some confusion over the rail timetable I had a two hour wait at the railway station. Since I had two large bags and there was a severe rainstorm I decided to sit tight and read rather than go back into town to explore further. On Sunday I contacted my landlord and he told me that my flat would be ready for me to move in on Tuesday evening.
I finished my week-long intensive course on the Friday afternoon (August 25th) and my student went home to Prague. I stayed at the hotel an extra night to recharge my batteries after a week of intensive conversation, and spent Saturday morning taking a short walk through the forest near the hotel and visiting an historic church above the town. The walks were pleasant but it isn't possible to cover much ground in a morning. The ideal tool for exploring countryside is a bicycle, so I should try to have a bike with me on future trips.
Owing to some confusion over the rail timetable I had a two hour wait at the railway station. Since I had two large bags and there was a severe rainstorm I decided to sit tight and read rather than go back into town to explore further. On Sunday I contacted my landlord and he told me that my flat would be ready for me to move in on Tuesday evening.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Old Habits Die Hard
Today was a lovely sunny day so this afternoon my student and I decided we would have lessons outdoors. We drove to Pernstein Castle which is about 30 km from where we are staying. We spent an hour or so in an informal conversational class, and then decided that we should have a drink. I asked for mineral water, but he persuaded me to have a beer. He asked why I had wanted water and I told him that I should at least try to look like we were at work.
He smiled and said "This is hard work, but it could be worse."
As we were getting in to his car earlier I had noticed that he had a CD case with a Java logo. I commented on this and explained that my former employers had invented Java. We then had a chat about the computer industry and I described Sun's products and philosophy. Although I left Sun I still have a huge admiration for what they produce, and wish them well, especially following this week's encouraging news.
Today was a lovely sunny day so this afternoon my student and I decided we would have lessons outdoors. We drove to Pernstein Castle which is about 30 km from where we are staying. We spent an hour or so in an informal conversational class, and then decided that we should have a drink. I asked for mineral water, but he persuaded me to have a beer. He asked why I had wanted water and I told him that I should at least try to look like we were at work.
He smiled and said "This is hard work, but it could be worse."
As we were getting in to his car earlier I had noticed that he had a CD case with a Java logo. I commented on this and explained that my former employers had invented Java. We then had a chat about the computer industry and I described Sun's products and philosophy. Although I left Sun I still have a huge admiration for what they produce, and wish them well, especially following this week's encouraging news.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Healthy Eating
I was skinny when I was young, but now I am among the unfortunate majority who enjoy their food, but have to watch what they eat. I was interested in a report in today's Guardian about the efforts of the fast-food companies to try to provide healthier options for their customers. I was particularly amused by this quote:
I wouldn't call it a lie, but I do have a gap between my intentions and my actions. In a country where meat and dumplings make up much of the national cuisine I may struggle.
I was skinny when I was young, but now I am among the unfortunate majority who enjoy their food, but have to watch what they eat. I was interested in a report in today's Guardian about the efforts of the fast-food companies to try to provide healthier options for their customers. I was particularly amused by this quote:
The American burger restaurant Wendy's added a fresh-fruit bowl to its menu; at the end of last year, the company quietly killed it, blaming a lack of demand. "We listened to consumers who said they wanted to eat fresh fruit," a disarmingly honest spokesman told the New York Times, "but apparently they lied."
I wouldn't call it a lie, but I do have a gap between my intentions and my actions. In a country where meat and dumplings make up much of the national cuisine I may struggle.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
My first week teaching in Prague went well, all of my students are friendly and keen.
Sue came out for the weekend and on Saturday morning we explored my nearest major landmark, Vitkov Hill, just a few minutes from my flat. The hill is home to the Czech National Memorial and the world's largest equestrian statue, of Jan Žižka who gives his name to the Žižkov district where I live.
The hill is popular with joggers and people out strolling, and there are excellent views from here to the north and west. On descending the hill we passed the Military Museum, which I will save for a damp day in the winter, before taking the tram out of the city to the Divoká Šárka country park. We spent a few hours walking in the park before returning to the city for afternoon tea at the Cafe Slavia.
The Slavia used to one of the places to go in Prague, and after some uncertain times has been restored to its Art Deco grandeur.
On Sunday we took the tram to the old fortress of Vysehrad, which gaves us further views of the city from another perspective. I must go up the Žižkov TV tower sometime. This was built in the 1980s, allegedly to jam western TV transmissions as much as to transmit Czech TV, and is regarded by some as an eyesore. There are those who say that the TV tower has the best view in Prague, as it is the only place from which you can't see the TV tower.
Next week I will be teaching in a small town in Moravia. One of the school's students is taking an intensive off-site course, and I will be teaching the first week. My fellow teachers have been giving me great assistance in preparing for this amount of work. I am looking forward to it, but am feeling slightly nervous and a bit daunted at the prospect.
Sue came out for the weekend and on Saturday morning we explored my nearest major landmark, Vitkov Hill, just a few minutes from my flat. The hill is home to the Czech National Memorial and the world's largest equestrian statue, of Jan Žižka who gives his name to the Žižkov district where I live.
The hill is popular with joggers and people out strolling, and there are excellent views from here to the north and west. On descending the hill we passed the Military Museum, which I will save for a damp day in the winter, before taking the tram out of the city to the Divoká Šárka country park. We spent a few hours walking in the park before returning to the city for afternoon tea at the Cafe Slavia.
The Slavia used to one of the places to go in Prague, and after some uncertain times has been restored to its Art Deco grandeur.
On Sunday we took the tram to the old fortress of Vysehrad, which gaves us further views of the city from another perspective. I must go up the Žižkov TV tower sometime. This was built in the 1980s, allegedly to jam western TV transmissions as much as to transmit Czech TV, and is regarded by some as an eyesore. There are those who say that the TV tower has the best view in Prague, as it is the only place from which you can't see the TV tower.
Next week I will be teaching in a small town in Moravia. One of the school's students is taking an intensive off-site course, and I will be teaching the first week. My fellow teachers have been giving me great assistance in preparing for this amount of work. I am looking forward to it, but am feeling slightly nervous and a bit daunted at the prospect.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
First day at school
As mentioned in the previous post, Sue and I went to the airport on Monday for her to check in at 6:30. I made my way back to the flat for a second breakfast before going into the school. I arrived just before 10 and spent the morning learning about the school's procedures for lesson scheduling and time tracking as well as finding out about the students from the school's records and other teachers. My fellow teachers are very helpful and can offer advice on life in Prague and the Czech Republic as well as helping with tips on teaching and lesson planning.
I spent Monday afternoon planning for my first lesson, and yesterday morning I met my first students. This was a small group, most of my lessons will be to small groups or individuals, and I think things went well. My teaching load is quite light at the moment, which gives me plenty of time for planning, but I'm sure it will be harder to manage my time once I have a full teaching load.
As mentioned in the previous post, Sue and I went to the airport on Monday for her to check in at 6:30. I made my way back to the flat for a second breakfast before going into the school. I arrived just before 10 and spent the morning learning about the school's procedures for lesson scheduling and time tracking as well as finding out about the students from the school's records and other teachers. My fellow teachers are very helpful and can offer advice on life in Prague and the Czech Republic as well as helping with tips on teaching and lesson planning.
I spent Monday afternoon planning for my first lesson, and yesterday morning I met my first students. This was a small group, most of my lessons will be to small groups or individuals, and I think things went well. My teaching load is quite light at the moment, which gives me plenty of time for planning, but I'm sure it will be harder to manage my time once I have a full teaching load.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Settling in
Sue flew out with me to Prague, and we arrived in the flat on Saturday evening. On Sunday the weather was showery, which was a change from the weather there a few weeks ago. We went out to look for breakfast and discovered that virtually nothing was open until eleven, we ended up having muffins and coffee at McDonalds at the Flora Palac shopping centre.
We took the Metro into the centra and strolled to the river, crossing over to Smychov and Mala Strana. As we crossed the street from Smychov to Mala Strana we suddenly found loads of tourists - obviously Smychov isn't recommended in any of the guides. By the time we got to the Charles Bridge it was lunchtime and the tourists were now out in strength. We managed to find a reasonably-priced lunch at the foot of the Charles Bridge (to my surprise).
After lunch we walked up to Hradcany (the castle area) and then took a tram back through the town. I showed Sue where the language school is located, then we got the Metro back to the shopping centre to buy groceries before returning to the flat.
Sunday night was wet, so after a quick pizza we headed back to the flat for an early night. We had to be up early for Sue's flight on Monday morning.
Sue flew out with me to Prague, and we arrived in the flat on Saturday evening. On Sunday the weather was showery, which was a change from the weather there a few weeks ago. We went out to look for breakfast and discovered that virtually nothing was open until eleven, we ended up having muffins and coffee at McDonalds at the Flora Palac shopping centre.
We took the Metro into the centra and strolled to the river, crossing over to Smychov and Mala Strana. As we crossed the street from Smychov to Mala Strana we suddenly found loads of tourists - obviously Smychov isn't recommended in any of the guides. By the time we got to the Charles Bridge it was lunchtime and the tourists were now out in strength. We managed to find a reasonably-priced lunch at the foot of the Charles Bridge (to my surprise).
After lunch we walked up to Hradcany (the castle area) and then took a tram back through the town. I showed Sue where the language school is located, then we got the Metro back to the shopping centre to buy groceries before returning to the flat.
Sunday night was wet, so after a quick pizza we headed back to the flat for an early night. We had to be up early for Sue's flight on Monday morning.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Malcolm Wotton - Celebration Of A Life
I wrote last month about Malcolm's cycling accident. He never regained full consciousness, and he died two weeks ago while I was in Prague. The funeral was yesterday. It was a very emotional occasion for everyone involved, but we all took a lead from his partner, Janice.
She wanted the day to be a celebration of Malcolm's life, rather than a mourning of his death. We were all encouraged to wear bright clothes rather than sombre ones, and the tributes and readings were a celebration of life, too.
I knew Malcolm for about ten years, and he was a remarkable man. He was intelligent, sporty, witty, caring, popular and interested in almost every subject one could think of. Malcolm gave all that he could in everything that he did. He lived life on his own terms to a greater degree than anyone else I know.
Malcolm managed to structure his career to give him what I regard as the ideal balance between work and life. He would take on IT work in intensive bursts which he would complete at full effort, then he would take some time to pursue other things. He lived fairly modestly from day to day, but was always able to enjoy himself when travelling, and always managed to keep adding to his collection of cool gadgets.
Sue and I didn't see Malcolm and Janice on a daily basis since we moved away from the North-West London area over ten years ago, but we did see them for weekends and short holidays. These trips usually involved cycling, and always involved nice meals, good beer and wine, and the occasional single-malt whisky. I will cherish all of the times the four of us spent together. The week we spent in a cottage in Bowmore visiting the Islay Whisky Festival is one I will particularly cherish.
I feel Malcolm's loss most keenly now that I too have given up the daily office routine for a less-structured career. I always imagined that in my new life Malcolm and I would have times when we weren't busy working and could do interesting things together. I also hoped that I would be able to get his guidance on making the freelance life work.
On Tuesday night, after we had returned from the funeral, Sue and I poured ourselves a dram of Ardbeg and toasted his memory.
There's no-one else like Malcolm, I'll never forget him, and I want to get as much out of my life has he did from his.
I wrote last month about Malcolm's cycling accident. He never regained full consciousness, and he died two weeks ago while I was in Prague. The funeral was yesterday. It was a very emotional occasion for everyone involved, but we all took a lead from his partner, Janice.
She wanted the day to be a celebration of Malcolm's life, rather than a mourning of his death. We were all encouraged to wear bright clothes rather than sombre ones, and the tributes and readings were a celebration of life, too.
I knew Malcolm for about ten years, and he was a remarkable man. He was intelligent, sporty, witty, caring, popular and interested in almost every subject one could think of. Malcolm gave all that he could in everything that he did. He lived life on his own terms to a greater degree than anyone else I know.
Malcolm managed to structure his career to give him what I regard as the ideal balance between work and life. He would take on IT work in intensive bursts which he would complete at full effort, then he would take some time to pursue other things. He lived fairly modestly from day to day, but was always able to enjoy himself when travelling, and always managed to keep adding to his collection of cool gadgets.
Sue and I didn't see Malcolm and Janice on a daily basis since we moved away from the North-West London area over ten years ago, but we did see them for weekends and short holidays. These trips usually involved cycling, and always involved nice meals, good beer and wine, and the occasional single-malt whisky. I will cherish all of the times the four of us spent together. The week we spent in a cottage in Bowmore visiting the Islay Whisky Festival is one I will particularly cherish.
I feel Malcolm's loss most keenly now that I too have given up the daily office routine for a less-structured career. I always imagined that in my new life Malcolm and I would have times when we weren't busy working and could do interesting things together. I also hoped that I would be able to get his guidance on making the freelance life work.
On Tuesday night, after we had returned from the funeral, Sue and I poured ourselves a dram of Ardbeg and toasted his memory.
There's no-one else like Malcolm, I'll never forget him, and I want to get as much out of my life has he did from his.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Frustrations of being a teacher?
Saturday's Telegraph had the following piece:
Saturday's Telegraph had the following piece:
I'm sure that teaching adults won't be quite as frustrating, let's see what I think in three months or a year, though. In the meantime, I'll try to get hold of a copy of Classroom Behaviour to see what I can learn from it.How can I convey to parents and others how frustrating teaching can be?
The following, which is anonymous, comes from Classroom Behaviour, an illuminating guide to good teaching by Bill Rogers, published by Paul Chapman: "Then Jesus took his disciples up the mountain and, gathering them around him, he taught them saying: blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven; blessed are the meek; blessed are they that mourn; blessed are the merciful; blessed are they that thirst for justice; blessed are you when persecuted; blessed are you when you suffer; be glad and rejoice for your reward is great in heaven.
Then Simon Peter said, 'Are we supposed to know this?' And Andrew said, "Do we have to write this down?' And James said, 'Will we have a test on this?' And Phillip said, 'I don't have any paper.'
And John said, 'The other disciples didn't have to learn this.' And Matthew said, 'May I go to the lavatory?' "Then one of the Pharisees who was present asked to see Jesus's lesson plan and inquired of Jesus, 'Where is your statement of objectives?' "And Jesus wept."
Friday, July 28, 2006
Prague
My trip to Prague last week went well. I met several people from the school I will be working for, and managed to organise my accommodation for the coming year. A kindly American called Johnson was my host for the trip, and I will be living in the same apartment building as him.
The apartment is in an area called Žižkov, which is a few kilometres from the centre. This area has lots of cafes and bars frequented both by locals and expats. I'm sure I will settle there happily.
I had more time than I expected for tourism while I was in Prague. One of the letting agencies failed to arrange appointments for me to view apartments, so I used the time to familiarise myself once more with the city. Prague has changed immensely since my first visit fifteen years ago, most of the buildings have been renovated where many were dilapidated before. There are many more restaurants, and they are much more welcoming. Most of the international chain stores are represented there now, too.
My trip to Prague last week went well. I met several people from the school I will be working for, and managed to organise my accommodation for the coming year. A kindly American called Johnson was my host for the trip, and I will be living in the same apartment building as him.
The apartment is in an area called Žižkov, which is a few kilometres from the centre. This area has lots of cafes and bars frequented both by locals and expats. I'm sure I will settle there happily.
I had more time than I expected for tourism while I was in Prague. One of the letting agencies failed to arrange appointments for me to view apartments, so I used the time to familiarise myself once more with the city. Prague has changed immensely since my first visit fifteen years ago, most of the buildings have been renovated where many were dilapidated before. There are many more restaurants, and they are much more welcoming. Most of the international chain stores are represented there now, too.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Exam time
I was working at Farnborough College again on Monday. The Speaking and Listening exams were being held for the Summer Course students, and I was acting as a facilitator for the afternoon session. Each student took part in an individual session with the external examiner, followed by a group discussion.
My duties were to ensure that each student was given a record card for their marks, which they had to hand to the external examiner, and that they were present when the examiner called for them. In the case of the group discussion I had to read out the topic for the group to discuss, warn them if they were straying from the topic of discussion, prevent any one student from monopolising the discussion, and ensure that everyone took part in the discussion.
The one thing which Farnborough is famous for is the Farnborough International Air Show, and this year's show began on the same day as the exam. The flying display began in the afternoon, and the college is directly under the approach path of the runway. This meant that the poor students had to cope with aircraft noise during their speaking and listening exam.
I had warned them beforehand that this might be a problem, and they coped with it sensibly, but maybe next time we should ask the air show to hold their display on a day which doesn't conflict with the exams...
I was working at Farnborough College again on Monday. The Speaking and Listening exams were being held for the Summer Course students, and I was acting as a facilitator for the afternoon session. Each student took part in an individual session with the external examiner, followed by a group discussion.
My duties were to ensure that each student was given a record card for their marks, which they had to hand to the external examiner, and that they were present when the examiner called for them. In the case of the group discussion I had to read out the topic for the group to discuss, warn them if they were straying from the topic of discussion, prevent any one student from monopolising the discussion, and ensure that everyone took part in the discussion.
The one thing which Farnborough is famous for is the Farnborough International Air Show, and this year's show began on the same day as the exam. The flying display began in the afternoon, and the college is directly under the approach path of the runway. This meant that the poor students had to cope with aircraft noise during their speaking and listening exam.
I had warned them beforehand that this might be a problem, and they coped with it sensibly, but maybe next time we should ask the air show to hold their display on a day which doesn't conflict with the exams...
Friday, July 14, 2006
Flat hunting in Prague
I have now agreed a start date for my work in Prague. I will fly out on August 5th to start on the 7th. I'm sure the time will rush by between now and then.
I need to find somewhere to live. I have been checking out property ads on the Internet and the language school has an arrangement with some local landlords, but there is no substitute for checking out a place in person. I will take a short trip out there next week to view a few places and choose one.
The trip will also give me an opportunity to visit the school and meet at least some of the people. Many of the teachers won't be there until the beginning of September. I won't have a full teaching load in August, so I will have a chance to settle in and get up to speed without being overwhelmed.
I have now agreed a start date for my work in Prague. I will fly out on August 5th to start on the 7th. I'm sure the time will rush by between now and then.
I need to find somewhere to live. I have been checking out property ads on the Internet and the language school has an arrangement with some local landlords, but there is no substitute for checking out a place in person. I will take a short trip out there next week to view a few places and choose one.
The trip will also give me an opportunity to visit the school and meet at least some of the people. Many of the teachers won't be there until the beginning of September. I won't have a full teaching load in August, so I will have a chance to settle in and get up to speed without being overwhelmed.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Cycling again
Since Malcolm's accident Sue and I haven't been out cycling much. We decided last weekend to get out and take a trip to get back into the groove again. Sue took Friday off work and we spent the day riding down to Portsmouth for a late-afternoon ferry to Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight.
Once over the water we followed the small lanes from Fishbourne to Sandown taking in a scenic road across Brading Down. The views were good, although there was a lot of fast traffic for such a minor road. I think the culprits were people anxious to get away for the weekend, along with a couple of motorcyclists out for an after-work burn-up.
We were booked into the Youth Hostel at Sandown. We haven't been hostelling for some years, but decided to re-join this summer. The hostel was nice and less formal than they used to be. It was a fine evening, so dinner consisted of fish and chips from Fat Harry's taken on a bench near the pier, followed by an evening stroll.
On Saturday we left Sandown via an off-road cycle route to Newport, and then made our way to Yarmouth for lunch. We left Yarmouth on the ferry to Lymington, and from Lymington we rode through the New Forest to Burley. Burlet hostel was very busy, not just inside, but also with families and groups camping in the hostel grounds in tents and teepees.
On Sunday morning we set off to ride through the New Forest to Mottisfont Abbey which is a National Trust property. We are members of the National Trust so we are able to make use of their properties for informal tea-shop stops. At Mottisfont they served some excellent cheese and watercress scones which set us up for the next part of the ride.
We rode through King's Somborne and skirted the north of Winchester, pausing for a cream tea at the garden centre in Headbourne Worthy. From there we skirted the south of Basingstoke to arrive home in the early evening.
It was a lovely weekend. We had some damp spells, but each day ended with sunshine Some of the roads were busy, but many were quiet, and the whole experience reminded us why we love cycletouring.
Since Malcolm's accident Sue and I haven't been out cycling much. We decided last weekend to get out and take a trip to get back into the groove again. Sue took Friday off work and we spent the day riding down to Portsmouth for a late-afternoon ferry to Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight.
Once over the water we followed the small lanes from Fishbourne to Sandown taking in a scenic road across Brading Down. The views were good, although there was a lot of fast traffic for such a minor road. I think the culprits were people anxious to get away for the weekend, along with a couple of motorcyclists out for an after-work burn-up.
We were booked into the Youth Hostel at Sandown. We haven't been hostelling for some years, but decided to re-join this summer. The hostel was nice and less formal than they used to be. It was a fine evening, so dinner consisted of fish and chips from Fat Harry's taken on a bench near the pier, followed by an evening stroll.
On Saturday we left Sandown via an off-road cycle route to Newport, and then made our way to Yarmouth for lunch. We left Yarmouth on the ferry to Lymington, and from Lymington we rode through the New Forest to Burley. Burlet hostel was very busy, not just inside, but also with families and groups camping in the hostel grounds in tents and teepees.
On Sunday morning we set off to ride through the New Forest to Mottisfont Abbey which is a National Trust property. We are members of the National Trust so we are able to make use of their properties for informal tea-shop stops. At Mottisfont they served some excellent cheese and watercress scones which set us up for the next part of the ride.
We rode through King's Somborne and skirted the north of Winchester, pausing for a cream tea at the garden centre in Headbourne Worthy. From there we skirted the south of Basingstoke to arrive home in the early evening.
It was a lovely weekend. We had some damp spells, but each day ended with sunshine Some of the roads were busy, but many were quiet, and the whole experience reminded us why we love cycletouring.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Alec Muffett
One of my ex-Sun colleagues mailed on Friday to say that Alec Muffett is in hospital in France following a motorbike accident. Alec's friend Chris Samuel is keeping his blog updated with news of Alec as it comes in. I hope he makes a speedy recovery.
One of my ex-Sun colleagues mailed on Friday to say that Alec Muffett is in hospital in France following a motorbike accident. Alec's friend Chris Samuel is keeping his blog updated with news of Alec as it comes in. I hope he makes a speedy recovery.
Friday, June 30, 2006
At this time of year I should be looking forward to the Tour de France.
Since Lance Armstrong's retirement after last year's event I have been wondering who would be the winner this time round. Sadly the world of cycling has been rocked by the latest in a succession of doping scandals, and the two riders most likely to succeed, Ivan Basso and Jan Ulrich have both been suspended today by their teams pending investigations.
I have lost interest in the event now. I find it hard to believe that there are any clean riders in the top flight of professionals. I do not know what it will take to rid the sport of doping, and to restore the confidence of the public and the sponsors in the sport.
Since Lance Armstrong's retirement after last year's event I have been wondering who would be the winner this time round. Sadly the world of cycling has been rocked by the latest in a succession of doping scandals, and the two riders most likely to succeed, Ivan Basso and Jan Ulrich have both been suspended today by their teams pending investigations.
I have lost interest in the event now. I find it hard to believe that there are any clean riders in the top flight of professionals. I do not know what it will take to rid the sport of doping, and to restore the confidence of the public and the sponsors in the sport.
More teaching.
My teaching at the Summer Course went well. The students were very keen, and I think we all enjoyed ourselves. My two-week stint finished with a lesson in which the students worked in groups to produce a presentation and report on one of a range of contemporary issues such as "How people spend their leisure time" and "The effect of smoking on health". I thought that preparing a presentation like this during their first two weeks was a bit of a tall order, but they all worked hard and produced some good presentations.
One of the other teachers is unable to take her lesson on Wednesday morning so she has asked me to stand in for her. It will be good to work with the class again. I have also been asked to act as facilitator for a Speaking and Listening exam on July 17th.
My teaching at the Summer Course went well. The students were very keen, and I think we all enjoyed ourselves. My two-week stint finished with a lesson in which the students worked in groups to produce a presentation and report on one of a range of contemporary issues such as "How people spend their leisure time" and "The effect of smoking on health". I thought that preparing a presentation like this during their first two weeks was a bit of a tall order, but they all worked hard and produced some good presentations.
One of the other teachers is unable to take her lesson on Wednesday morning so she has asked me to stand in for her. It will be good to work with the class again. I have also been asked to act as facilitator for a Speaking and Listening exam on July 17th.
It is almost a month since I last wrote here. The reason for my silence is that Malcolm, a friend of mine, was seriously injured in a cycling accident nearly three weeks ago. I was riding with him and his partner, Janice, when it happened although he was a little way behind us so we didn't see him fall.
Malcolm has been in a coma since the day of the accident, and although he seems to be out of immediate danger, the doctors don't know the extent to which he will eventually recover.
Malcolm and Janice have many friends who have rallied round to give what help and support they can. Still, this is a very upsetting time for all concerned.
Malcolm has been in a coma since the day of the accident, and although he seems to be out of immediate danger, the doctors don't know the extent to which he will eventually recover.
Malcolm and Janice have many friends who have rallied round to give what help and support they can. Still, this is a very upsetting time for all concerned.
Monday, June 05, 2006
The first day
Today was the first day of the Summer Course. There are three classes at different levels, but they were all combined in one room for the enrollments and examination paperwork. My students are at a level where the basic form-filling was no problem for them. The teacher of the entry-level class had to do a lot more handholding.
After enrollment I was able to set my students to work on a 'get to know your partner' exercise as an ice-breaker, which took us up to the end of the first session. I then started work from one of the set books for the second session. The students all seem keen and are very friendly, and I was pleased with the way today's lesson went.
The college allocated lessons slots at the Summer Course to all of the existing teachers who wanted them, which meant that the new teachers are mainly covering for teachers who are on holiday.
I am one of three new teachers, and have been given a block of work from Monday to Thursday this week and Monday, Tuesday and Friday next week. This is less work than I had initially hoped for, but the fact that it is a solid block of work makes it closer to a full-time teaching experience than if I had been given a single morning for six weeks. Now that I will have more free time in the summer I am investigating the possibility of going to Prague for August rather than waiting until September.
Prior to this I have never had to plan for more than one lesson at a time. For this week I have had to plan a block of 8 lessons. I'm sure that I will become more efficient in my lesson planning but over the last week I have been struggling to keep my head above water. I think I have done enough to ensure that everything is in place for this week's lessons, but I had to revise tomorrow's lesson plan to take account of the pace my students were working at today. I may have to revisit Wednesday and Thursday's plans, too.
Today was the first day of the Summer Course. There are three classes at different levels, but they were all combined in one room for the enrollments and examination paperwork. My students are at a level where the basic form-filling was no problem for them. The teacher of the entry-level class had to do a lot more handholding.
After enrollment I was able to set my students to work on a 'get to know your partner' exercise as an ice-breaker, which took us up to the end of the first session. I then started work from one of the set books for the second session. The students all seem keen and are very friendly, and I was pleased with the way today's lesson went.
The college allocated lessons slots at the Summer Course to all of the existing teachers who wanted them, which meant that the new teachers are mainly covering for teachers who are on holiday.
I am one of three new teachers, and have been given a block of work from Monday to Thursday this week and Monday, Tuesday and Friday next week. This is less work than I had initially hoped for, but the fact that it is a solid block of work makes it closer to a full-time teaching experience than if I had been given a single morning for six weeks. Now that I will have more free time in the summer I am investigating the possibility of going to Prague for August rather than waiting until September.
Prior to this I have never had to plan for more than one lesson at a time. For this week I have had to plan a block of 8 lessons. I'm sure that I will become more efficient in my lesson planning but over the last week I have been struggling to keep my head above water. I think I have done enough to ensure that everything is in place for this week's lessons, but I had to revise tomorrow's lesson plan to take account of the pace my students were working at today. I may have to revisit Wednesday and Thursday's plans, too.
Friday, June 02, 2006
I've been away
We spent a week in the north of England. We took our walking gear and spent time on the Northumberland Coast, at Hadrian's Wall, and in the North Pennines.
On the days we weren't walking we did some gentle sightseeing, visiting places we've often intended to see, but haven't quite managed. At Escomb the ladies of the church were preparing tea and coffee for a party of visiting US students that they were expecting. They very kindly offered us a cup while they were waiting.
While we were away, Sue's car developed a problem, too. The engine warning light came on, and so we had to get it checked by a dealer. It wasn't severe enough to need immediate repairs, but we spent most of the week driving it gently. It got us home in the end, though.
I have spent most of this week planning my lessons for the next two weeks as I start teaching on Monday morning.
I have been discussing start dates and accommodation with the people in Prague. I may be going out there in August rather than September.
We spent a week in the north of England. We took our walking gear and spent time on the Northumberland Coast, at Hadrian's Wall, and in the North Pennines.
On the days we weren't walking we did some gentle sightseeing, visiting places we've often intended to see, but haven't quite managed. At Escomb the ladies of the church were preparing tea and coffee for a party of visiting US students that they were expecting. They very kindly offered us a cup while they were waiting.
While we were away, Sue's car developed a problem, too. The engine warning light came on, and so we had to get it checked by a dealer. It wasn't severe enough to need immediate repairs, but we spent most of the week driving it gently. It got us home in the end, though.
I have spent most of this week planning my lessons for the next two weeks as I start teaching on Monday morning.
I have been discussing start dates and accommodation with the people in Prague. I may be going out there in August rather than September.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Ready for work
I have just spoken with my new boss at the local college about the teaching work which I will be doing.
I will be taking a Level 1 class in the first two weeks of June. Level 1 students are not beginners, there are three entry levels before this so these students will probably have been learning English for at least three years. As I mentioned in a previous entry, the class will have a number of different teachers over the ten-week course so there is a planning meeting at the college on Friday to allow us to co-ordinate our activities.
The other good news of the week is that I have now been offered the job in Prague. This will involve teaching to individuals and small groups within companies, and will draw on my experience in the corporate world as much as my English. I am waiting to see the details in writing before I formally accept, but it is looking good.
I have just spoken with my new boss at the local college about the teaching work which I will be doing.
I will be taking a Level 1 class in the first two weeks of June. Level 1 students are not beginners, there are three entry levels before this so these students will probably have been learning English for at least three years. As I mentioned in a previous entry, the class will have a number of different teachers over the ten-week course so there is a planning meeting at the college on Friday to allow us to co-ordinate our activities.
The other good news of the week is that I have now been offered the job in Prague. This will involve teaching to individuals and small groups within companies, and will draw on my experience in the corporate world as much as my English. I am waiting to see the details in writing before I formally accept, but it is looking good.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Catching up with the news (from 1914)
One of my interests is Military History, and I have slowly been researching the story of 4th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers in the First World War. My grandfather was a member of this battalion, which consisted of territorials (part-time volunteers, somewhat similar to National Guard units in the US).
From my previous research I knew that the unit was at its annual summer camp when war broke out, and that most of the unit volunteered for service overseas almost immediately. I spent Friday at the A.N. Palmer Centre for Local Studies and Archives in Wrexham reading the microfilm archives of the Wrexham Advertiser from the Summer and Autumn of 1914. The paper carried reports of the battalion's return from camp, and their despatch first to Conwy, then Northampton before being sent to France in November 1914.
This was fascinating reading, the paper carried a sense of adventure mixed with foreboding, although at that time no-one really knew of the horrors which were to come before the survivors would return home.
One of my interests is Military History, and I have slowly been researching the story of 4th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers in the First World War. My grandfather was a member of this battalion, which consisted of territorials (part-time volunteers, somewhat similar to National Guard units in the US).
From my previous research I knew that the unit was at its annual summer camp when war broke out, and that most of the unit volunteered for service overseas almost immediately. I spent Friday at the A.N. Palmer Centre for Local Studies and Archives in Wrexham reading the microfilm archives of the Wrexham Advertiser from the Summer and Autumn of 1914. The paper carried reports of the battalion's return from camp, and their despatch first to Conwy, then Northampton before being sent to France in November 1914.
This was fascinating reading, the paper carried a sense of adventure mixed with foreboding, although at that time no-one really knew of the horrors which were to come before the survivors would return home.
Back to work soon.
I had intended to spend all of last week in North Wales but two job interviews came up which meant that I returned home in order to prepare for them. The first interview was at the local college, and I have now been given a firm offer of some work teaching for the summer. There is a planning meeting on Friday where the teachers will discuss the overall curriculum and then plan their individual schemes of work. I will be very much the new boy in this, so I will need to take a close eye on proceedings. I don't want to end up with all the parts that no-one else wants.
The second interview was a telephone interview for a job in Prague, beginning in September. I am waiting to hear further on this one, so I have my fingers crossed.
I had intended to spend all of last week in North Wales but two job interviews came up which meant that I returned home in order to prepare for them. The first interview was at the local college, and I have now been given a firm offer of some work teaching for the summer. There is a planning meeting on Friday where the teachers will discuss the overall curriculum and then plan their individual schemes of work. I will be very much the new boy in this, so I will need to take a close eye on proceedings. I don't want to end up with all the parts that no-one else wants.
The second interview was a telephone interview for a job in Prague, beginning in September. I am waiting to hear further on this one, so I have my fingers crossed.
North Wales
We spent the last two weekends in North Wales. On May 6th we walked in the Berwyn Mountains for about 13 miles. We had originally planned to walk in the Ogwen Valley but the forecast of strong winds and rain persuaded us to pick some hills which were harder to fall off. In the end the weather held good for us, although clouds were gathering all round by late afternoon.
This last weekend we spent Saturday cycling via Mold to the Vale of Clwyd with Sue's sister and her husband, before joining them at a fundraising quiz in aid of the local Silver Band.
We spent the last two weekends in North Wales. On May 6th we walked in the Berwyn Mountains for about 13 miles. We had originally planned to walk in the Ogwen Valley but the forecast of strong winds and rain persuaded us to pick some hills which were harder to fall off. In the end the weather held good for us, although clouds were gathering all round by late afternoon.
This last weekend we spent Saturday cycling via Mold to the Vale of Clwyd with Sue's sister and her husband, before joining them at a fundraising quiz in aid of the local Silver Band.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Sunday cycle ride. We had planned a long cycle ride for Sunday. We were so certain we would do it that in the pub on Saturday night we told everyone that we were going to ride 100 miles on Sunday. We were a little bit late setting off on Sunday morning, sufficiently so that it was clear that we wouldn't be able to ride 100 miles before dark. Faced with this we decided to cut the ride short and just do about 80 miles.
Unfortunately we miscalculated and ended up riding over 94 miles, of which the last six or so were in darkness. We were too tired to even consider adding on another six miles to make a round hundred, so we finished the day worn out and a little disappointed.
Looking back, the ride was still quite an achievement. It was the longest ride Sue has ever done, and my longest for almost 18 years, and even if we missed the target of 100 miles we have the consolation prize of 150 kilometres.
Unfortunately we miscalculated and ended up riding over 94 miles, of which the last six or so were in darkness. We were too tired to even consider adding on another six miles to make a round hundred, so we finished the day worn out and a little disappointed.
Looking back, the ride was still quite an achievement. It was the longest ride Sue has ever done, and my longest for almost 18 years, and even if we missed the target of 100 miles we have the consolation prize of 150 kilometres.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Thank you, and goodbye. Obviously my current team also marked the occasion of my leaving, too. This is another geographically dispersed team, and my manager visits our site roughly one day a week.
He was down on Thursday, and after dealing with the administrative side of my leaving he called the team together for a little gathering. They gave me a leaving card and gifts, and I felt quite emotional as I said a few words of thanks.
We got together for a few drinks on Thursdayevening and Friday lunchtime, and I managed to catch up with people I have worked with at various times.
I have had some great times, met some great people and learned a lot at Sun. Although it is the right time for me to move on, I won't forget the times I had there.
He was down on Thursday, and after dealing with the administrative side of my leaving he called the team together for a little gathering. They gave me a leaving card and gifts, and I felt quite emotional as I said a few words of thanks.
We got together for a few drinks on Thursdayevening and Friday lunchtime, and I managed to catch up with people I have worked with at various times.
I have had some great times, met some great people and learned a lot at Sun. Although it is the right time for me to move on, I won't forget the times I had there.
A Cyber Hug. One of the interesting facets of life at Sun was the way in which international teams can be created and people work together who are based in different locations and timezones. The teams keep in touch via conference calls, instant messaging and e-mails. It is possible to build quite close working relationships over a period of years with people whom you never meet.
I have been part of such teams for several years, and the team I was in until a few months ago managed to build quite a remarkable team spirit. Thursday was my next to last day and one of my colleagues from the old team arranged a conference call for the former team members to get together and share reminiscences about our time working together.
We had a good old chat, and after it was over one of my old colleagues referred to it as a "cyber hug".
I have been part of such teams for several years, and the team I was in until a few months ago managed to build quite a remarkable team spirit. Thursday was my next to last day and one of my colleagues from the old team arranged a conference call for the former team members to get together and share reminiscences about our time working together.
We had a good old chat, and after it was over one of my old colleagues referred to it as a "cyber hug".
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
This morning's big news story in my corner of the world is that Scott McNealy is to step down as Sun Microsystems' CEO. I'm sure the news will be the talk of the office when I go in this morning. I'm trying to imagine what Sun will be like with a new man at the top. I will be watching with interest, from the outside.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Not long now. I leave my current job with a major computer manufacturer at the end of next week. From May 1st I should have more time on my hands to pursue my interests, and to try to make my living teaching English to adult learners.
The change should give me an opportunity to catch up on my backlog of books. Sitting at the top of the pile at the moment I have "Scoop" by Evelyn Waugh, "The Unbearable Lightness of Being in Aberystwyth" by Malcolm Pryce and "The Pity of War" by Niall Ferguson.
I will record my opinions here as I read each of them.
The change should give me an opportunity to catch up on my backlog of books. Sitting at the top of the pile at the moment I have "Scoop" by Evelyn Waugh, "The Unbearable Lightness of Being in Aberystwyth" by Malcolm Pryce and "The Pity of War" by Niall Ferguson.
I will record my opinions here as I read each of them.
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