British Humour
I work with a nice Japanese guy.
Today on the way out of the office he was explaining to me that he was having a problem with his Nissan Micra - turns out that he'd lost a hubcap. Anyway, I asked him where he was going to get a replacement and he told me in his Japanese accent "Nissan main dealer"
This in itself is not an exciting or amusing story - unless you have previously heard this joke - in which case you'll understand why it brought a wry smile to my face to hear him say it in his accent.
I should point out that trying to explain British Ironic Humour to Japanese colleagues is a task we struggle with at times. The old classic about an inflatable lobster and inflatable pair of teeth is still currently beyond translation and explanation.
Incidentally, you can buy an inflatable lobster in a few places but I've not yet found a source for an actual pair of inflatable teeth (sorry inflatable lips don't count!)
If anyone knows where you can get some, please let me know as it'd make a great present for a Japanese friend.
Cake or Death?
I think I might have realised why I've been putting on weight recently...
This is a photo that I took today from an unamed establishment that I regularly frequent
If Muller Crunch Corners and Chocolate Muffins are in the "healthy" section next to the salads, imagine what's being served up to those guys who aren't dieting as hard as me!
Un-equal Opportunities
This is true - although it sounds like a joke:
I noticed an advertisement on the notice board at work for a job this week - something to do with Marketing.
Two of the requirements are:
- A keen eye for detail
- A full driving license, as the job entails driving
This all seems perfectly normal...
But then at the bottom of the ad they've added a statment that reads:
"Should you wish to have a copy of this advertisement in a different format (e.g. braille) please contact Mrs Smith" (name changed to protect the not-so-innocent)
Firstly, I'm none too sure if a braille reader would have a keen eye for detail, or make such a good driver.
But also - if somebody did need a braille copy, then how would be able to read the original ad in the first place to know they could get a version in braille??
I'm thinking of going in with a white stick and sunglasses and applying for the job - just to see the look on their faces!
Travelblog - Dovestones Again
Went for another walk roud Dovestones today - it is a pleasant stroll, if a little exposed making the breezy quite chilly in the Winter months.
One lap of the lower path around the reservoir takes about an hour and a half to two hours.
It's nice to get some fresh air and blow away those cobwebs
Travelblog - Manchester Airport
At last a trip to the Airport with no flying involved!
Just went to pick somebody up.
If you're going into the short stay car park at Terminal 3, be sure to head for the third floor - it's much more convenient to be on the right level for the bridge to the Terminal than to faff around with lifts and stairs.
Travelblog - Barcelona
At last - a trip somewhere that's not on business!
Oh the joy of being somewhere and not having to get up and go to work.
You know, travelling as part of your job sounds like a lot of fun, but it's not all quite what it's cracked up to be...
You get all the worst bits of a holiday (getting up early, waiting round in Airports, bumpy flights, rip off taxi rides, hotel food, living out of a suitcase, etc) and you miss out on all the best bits of a holiday (having a lie in, going to the beach, taking in the sights, not having an agenda)
On top of all that you have to work as well.
Oh, I really appreciated this holiday to Barcelona - what a great place. So much warmer than sunny Saddleworth - admittedly, I was the only ejit walking round in a tee shirt, but still they do say it's grim up north, so I suppose I'm hardened a bit by it!
One thing about the Barcelona skyline - you can't help but notice that there are an awful lot of cranes there.
Arriving at the beatiful and unfinished Sagrada Familia Church designed by Antoni Gaudi, from the ground you feel as though the cranes could be part of the architechture set in amongst the stunning spires reaching for that blue sky.
However, up close the intricate detail of the stonework makes the cranes stand a little more out of place.
Moving on to the Barcelona FC stadium - now I'm no football fan, but I can appreciate this place simply for its sheer size - with a capacity of over 100,000 people sitting down it's pretty amazing.
Just to put that into perspective...
If you're one of the thousand visitors to my Huddersfield Narrow CanalCam blog, then in this picture you're a single seat in one of the small red or blue rectangles.
Just three of which have been filled by people browsing the site in the last 6 months
Travelblog - Yeah London Baby!
Lucky me got sent on a SAP Enterprise (Netweaver) Portal conference in London.
Thought I was going to be bored out of my skull, but it was a very interesting, educating experience.
Ooh, that technology could have some potential if they could only sort out a few fundamental accessibility issues.
Stayed at the Regents Park Marriott near Swiss Cottage, Camden
Had a very nice room with what would have been a superb view over London - if it wasn't so hazy.
You can just about make out Post Office Tower in the photo
The weather was pretty chilly though, and the top floor rooms were equally as cold - that's the price you pay for the Penthouse!
