M.C. Solaar and Klong Chen Pa snooze in NYC
Tuesday, 30 October 2007
Monday, 29 October 2007
just the facts
I am having to use the bookstore for online time as I fill my cases with books to take back to Morocco for long afternoons filled with the adventures of others. I borrowed my friend's car today for shopping and it was so strange to be driving again, and with a seat belt! Very odd indeed. I picked up three jars of peanut butter for my landlord Abdul Latif - we can't get peanut butter in Morocco, and apparently he loves the stuff. I will admit to the occasional late night spoon dipping into the 'chunky' genre...
I will be posting in a spotty-at-best-manner I fear, until I am once again in the Maghreb. I find no end of amusement to the fact I have internet access in North Africa but I can't get online in MA in a very 'wired' house! The Verizon hook-up for cable television, telephone and internet service does not 'recognize' me. Can you imagine that?
It is stunningly beautiful here. Fall is awash in her glorious cape of colors - gold, red, yellow, orange.... The breeze is crisp and the nights chilly - heaven. It is so odd to see cars with only ONE person inside, and to sit in the book store SURROUNDED by books and people speaking English. I can finally get some sleep tonight as the Boston Red Sox won the World Series and I do not have to stay up with Cathy until the last pitch of the ninth inning. They swept the Rockies in four games! and happiness reigns in Boston.
I have had my appointment with the opthalmologist who says I do NOT have a detached retina even though I fit all the symptoms, whew. Just a bit of wandering viterous... I have seen the dentist to find out my gums are in great shape (yes!) and he replaced the broken tooth that I had ignored for a year, and gave me a bag of free dental goodies.
I am on the run as I must get home and work on my final papers for my history class. Education on the fly as it were.
More to follow, bear with me lovely readers until I am once again in the land of constant internet access.
I will be posting in a spotty-at-best-manner I fear, until I am once again in the Maghreb. I find no end of amusement to the fact I have internet access in North Africa but I can't get online in MA in a very 'wired' house! The Verizon hook-up for cable television, telephone and internet service does not 'recognize' me. Can you imagine that?
It is stunningly beautiful here. Fall is awash in her glorious cape of colors - gold, red, yellow, orange.... The breeze is crisp and the nights chilly - heaven. It is so odd to see cars with only ONE person inside, and to sit in the book store SURROUNDED by books and people speaking English. I can finally get some sleep tonight as the Boston Red Sox won the World Series and I do not have to stay up with Cathy until the last pitch of the ninth inning. They swept the Rockies in four games! and happiness reigns in Boston.
I have had my appointment with the opthalmologist who says I do NOT have a detached retina even though I fit all the symptoms, whew. Just a bit of wandering viterous... I have seen the dentist to find out my gums are in great shape (yes!) and he replaced the broken tooth that I had ignored for a year, and gave me a bag of free dental goodies.
I am on the run as I must get home and work on my final papers for my history class. Education on the fly as it were.
More to follow, bear with me lovely readers until I am once again in the land of constant internet access.
Thursday, 25 October 2007
help wanted: geeks please listen up..
I can't get online at my friend's house in MA. I went to the local Barnes and Noble and accessed the wireless there, no worries. The Apple screen says: "Airport is connected to the network NUQC1. Airport has a self-assigned IP address and may not be able to connect to the internet." Thoughts? Suggestions? Hemlock? At times it was asking for a password and reading the network as WEP, but it is not... Argh! I NEED MY COMPUTER! I need access. I am feeling lightheaded... this is NOT good.
Wednesday, 24 October 2007
from yesterday..
Now where was I? After the conference ended on Sunday, jmb and her lovely husband picked me up at the hotel and took me ‘over the bridge’ to Vancouver, where even shrouded in mist and dark clouds it was lovely. We went to Granville Island which is so much like the Fisherman’s Wharf area of San Francisco it was eerie – right down to the weather. Jmb (as you would expect) is a tourist’s guide extraordinaire, down to describing the mountains that you can’t see through the mist, “Now normally you can see the mountains right over there (include expansive hand gestures).” After a tour through the fabulous market, which was wreathed, in the rich reds, golds, purples, and intense orange colors of fall with fruit, vegetables, and flower;, we walked outside to the edge of False Creek, which runs between Granville Island and the silver glittering glass towers of Vancouver proper. Jmb was so desperate to show Vancouver in its best light she suggested, “How about a ride in one of the water taxis?” Remember – winds, rain, and mist in some serious chilly, when her brilliant husband quietly suggested, “Looks like time for a cup of tea.”
Sitting in a lovely glass enclosure that overlooks the water and shows off the sparkle of Vancouver proper we had tea and scones because according to Mr. jmb, “Fruit (my lunch) does not count as lunch.” Part of my welcome to Surrey consisted of the news item of the day, which was the discovery of six (yes SIX) dead bodies in an apartment. And just to really make me feel all warm and fuzzy the night before I was to leave Canada – by air – there was an airplane that came off the Vancouver runway into a building.
We visited an art gallery that showcases Inuit art; the gallery was closed but I assure you that jmb did not let that stop her. After a succulent dinner of “hot vichyssoise” (jmb’s description of the “a steaming potato soup with leeks”), salmon, and wine I was drooping at the edges but so grateful for the opportunity to have an afternoon and evening with Mr. and Mrs. Jmb.
Canada was not done with me yet, both in a good and a bad way. Checking out of the hotel (Sheraton Guilford Hotel) the next morning I mentioned that one of my orders from room service had exceeded their “thirty minutes or you get it free” rule of the hotel. The young woman at the desk did not breathe again before saying; “I’ll take that right off your bill.” I really liked that hotel, and they knew how to make porridge. The taxi arrived to take me to the airport, not a gnome this time but another native of India; one who was having some serious lower intestinal tract disturbances resulting in the sneaky expelling of a series of stinky flatus that filled the back seat with the odor of vile pustulant rot. In his defense, he did at one point roll down his window trying to flush out the smell - causing a small gale through the back seat.
The flight from Vancouver to Salt Lake went without a hitch if you don’t count the fact we left almost an hour late and I had only 56 minutes scheduled to make my connection. I arrived at the line, out of breath, trailing my scarf, but before the gate closed. A four-hour flight – they offered us crackers. I love Royal Air Maroc… I wish it had flights inside the U.S.
Most memorable moment during the flight? This was when the pilot announced over the PA system that we were entering an area of very bad turbulence and he was turning on the seat belt sign: seconds later the flight attendant appears in the aisle to ask the chap sitting across the aisle, “Hot coffee sir?” You do the math…
I know, I know I am behind. I have about six days of stuff to tell you, and I have not forgotten jmb that I still owe you Part IV of “the dinner on the beach”, but we are running into a thousand words here and I don’t have an Internet connection tonight! Yikes! I am on it. Keep your computer tuned to this channel for updates. Meanwhile I am now safely, if tiredly, in MA, usa after the dental appointment this morning. Oh yes, a story there as well. I do not understand how some people have a problem with something to write about! Please give me another day to answer comments and come to visit. I should be back online tomorrow.
Ciao.
Sitting in a lovely glass enclosure that overlooks the water and shows off the sparkle of Vancouver proper we had tea and scones because according to Mr. jmb, “Fruit (my lunch) does not count as lunch.” Part of my welcome to Surrey consisted of the news item of the day, which was the discovery of six (yes SIX) dead bodies in an apartment. And just to really make me feel all warm and fuzzy the night before I was to leave Canada – by air – there was an airplane that came off the Vancouver runway into a building.
We visited an art gallery that showcases Inuit art; the gallery was closed but I assure you that jmb did not let that stop her. After a succulent dinner of “hot vichyssoise” (jmb’s description of the “a steaming potato soup with leeks”), salmon, and wine I was drooping at the edges but so grateful for the opportunity to have an afternoon and evening with Mr. and Mrs. Jmb.
Canada was not done with me yet, both in a good and a bad way. Checking out of the hotel (Sheraton Guilford Hotel) the next morning I mentioned that one of my orders from room service had exceeded their “thirty minutes or you get it free” rule of the hotel. The young woman at the desk did not breathe again before saying; “I’ll take that right off your bill.” I really liked that hotel, and they knew how to make porridge. The taxi arrived to take me to the airport, not a gnome this time but another native of India; one who was having some serious lower intestinal tract disturbances resulting in the sneaky expelling of a series of stinky flatus that filled the back seat with the odor of vile pustulant rot. In his defense, he did at one point roll down his window trying to flush out the smell - causing a small gale through the back seat.
The flight from Vancouver to Salt Lake went without a hitch if you don’t count the fact we left almost an hour late and I had only 56 minutes scheduled to make my connection. I arrived at the line, out of breath, trailing my scarf, but before the gate closed. A four-hour flight – they offered us crackers. I love Royal Air Maroc… I wish it had flights inside the U.S.
Most memorable moment during the flight? This was when the pilot announced over the PA system that we were entering an area of very bad turbulence and he was turning on the seat belt sign: seconds later the flight attendant appears in the aisle to ask the chap sitting across the aisle, “Hot coffee sir?” You do the math…
I know, I know I am behind. I have about six days of stuff to tell you, and I have not forgotten jmb that I still owe you Part IV of “the dinner on the beach”, but we are running into a thousand words here and I don’t have an Internet connection tonight! Yikes! I am on it. Keep your computer tuned to this channel for updates. Meanwhile I am now safely, if tiredly, in MA, usa after the dental appointment this morning. Oh yes, a story there as well. I do not understand how some people have a problem with something to write about! Please give me another day to answer comments and come to visit. I should be back online tomorrow.
Ciao.
Saturday, 20 October 2007
Shrimp and baseball..
I met the author Bruce Hale at dinner last night. He writes for the younger audience, and has a gorgeous wife whose photograph he proudly displayed. I have always said, and still do – There is nothing sexier than a man who is madly in love with his wife, and talks about it.
Another great presentation by Hallie Ephron today, this one on point-of-view. I have no idea what sort of writer she is, but if she writes as well as she teaches, I’m in. Yes, she is one of those Ephrons.
I have met some lovely people here, and exchanged cards, like you do. I had breakfast this morning with a lovely German couple who live here in Canada; there are so many nice people in the world, I love that.
I missed lunch, as it just wasn’t worth standing in the long line to get the food they had – great conference, not so great food; but the fruit was good. Tonight I was going downstairs to the Book Fair and do some shopping – you know me, but I came to my room and the Red Sox are playing and the big dress-up banquet is not until seven! I turned on the t.v. and ordered room service. You have to make choices in this life… I will go down for the banquet – I mean I must – I bought a new outfit, and I have my Paris shoes with me.
Looking out the window briefly today I did notice the rain has cleared a bit; not that it needs do so on my account! Jmb has called and she and her best accessory are coming to pick me up tomorrow for some sight seeing and dinner. I promise to take photographs, only for you people – I hate looking like a tourist. Wow the Red Sox are tearing up the field!
A grand slam in the first inning! Of course with the Sox, that just makes you nervous that they will blow the lead…
I’m tired, but in a good way. Now for baseball, then networking…
Ciao.
Another great presentation by Hallie Ephron today, this one on point-of-view. I have no idea what sort of writer she is, but if she writes as well as she teaches, I’m in. Yes, she is one of those Ephrons.
I have met some lovely people here, and exchanged cards, like you do. I had breakfast this morning with a lovely German couple who live here in Canada; there are so many nice people in the world, I love that.
I missed lunch, as it just wasn’t worth standing in the long line to get the food they had – great conference, not so great food; but the fruit was good. Tonight I was going downstairs to the Book Fair and do some shopping – you know me, but I came to my room and the Red Sox are playing and the big dress-up banquet is not until seven! I turned on the t.v. and ordered room service. You have to make choices in this life… I will go down for the banquet – I mean I must – I bought a new outfit, and I have my Paris shoes with me.
Looking out the window briefly today I did notice the rain has cleared a bit; not that it needs do so on my account! Jmb has called and she and her best accessory are coming to pick me up tomorrow for some sight seeing and dinner. I promise to take photographs, only for you people – I hate looking like a tourist. Wow the Red Sox are tearing up the field!
A grand slam in the first inning! Of course with the Sox, that just makes you nervous that they will blow the lead…
I’m tired, but in a good way. Now for baseball, then networking…
Ciao.
Friday, 19 October 2007
Frosty....
I’m freezing, and so happy about it. I can’t remember the last time I was really cold, but today one of the conference rooms was so frigid (even with the Princess coat on) I left the presentation early to scrape the frost off my ears and toes! It was fabulous.
Clouds have cleared from outside my window and I can see the mountains, but I fear my head is going to explode from all the information being thrown at me. I want to thank you all, lovely readers, for coming by and leaving comments – especially during this time when I am not doing any visiting of my own, due to the size of my brain. I can’t do one more thing!
Should any of you be writers in search of a writer’s conference, I am telling you this is the one to get your money’s worth – and that’s the word of a Scot! I listened, and made notes, and (yes jmb and Q), did my networking. Payoff: this evening over dinner a lovely young woman, who is attending the conference with her mum (my sort of girl!) gave me her card and the name of the person she suggested I contact to write yet another article about Curling in Morocco! How wonderful is that? I love it! I’m a ‘sports reporter’: a sports reporter who reports on Curling! Soon I shall be following the top Curling teams about the world to their competitions. Interviewing hunky Curling guys on the Ice (yippee, more cold stuff), and giving the inside call on who will win the next World Curling Cup. I already have the hat and the cigar…
The Princess Coat has been a big hit! I kept thinking of the stripper in the movie about Gypsy Rose Lee who said, “You gotta have a gimmick kid.” My conversation with the agent went very well this morning. It was a bit like speed dating, and I was nervous; but she was grand – and asked me to send her my ‘stuff’. Now, now.. not too excited, she may just have been being nice..
I have to rest my brain now; I am in fear of a sneaky migraine. You are all brilliant and wonderful, and I swear I can feel your support from wherever you are, all the way into Canada. That’s all pretty mushy for a Scot you know, so take it in that context.
Ciao.
Clouds have cleared from outside my window and I can see the mountains, but I fear my head is going to explode from all the information being thrown at me. I want to thank you all, lovely readers, for coming by and leaving comments – especially during this time when I am not doing any visiting of my own, due to the size of my brain. I can’t do one more thing!
Should any of you be writers in search of a writer’s conference, I am telling you this is the one to get your money’s worth – and that’s the word of a Scot! I listened, and made notes, and (yes jmb and Q), did my networking. Payoff: this evening over dinner a lovely young woman, who is attending the conference with her mum (my sort of girl!) gave me her card and the name of the person she suggested I contact to write yet another article about Curling in Morocco! How wonderful is that? I love it! I’m a ‘sports reporter’: a sports reporter who reports on Curling! Soon I shall be following the top Curling teams about the world to their competitions. Interviewing hunky Curling guys on the Ice (yippee, more cold stuff), and giving the inside call on who will win the next World Curling Cup. I already have the hat and the cigar…
The Princess Coat has been a big hit! I kept thinking of the stripper in the movie about Gypsy Rose Lee who said, “You gotta have a gimmick kid.” My conversation with the agent went very well this morning. It was a bit like speed dating, and I was nervous; but she was grand – and asked me to send her my ‘stuff’. Now, now.. not too excited, she may just have been being nice..
I have to rest my brain now; I am in fear of a sneaky migraine. You are all brilliant and wonderful, and I swear I can feel your support from wherever you are, all the way into Canada. That’s all pretty mushy for a Scot you know, so take it in that context.
Ciao.
Thursday, 18 October 2007
boots, bombs, and mystery
Deborah Kerr has died. Oh my …”An Affair to Remember” (sigh), “The King and I”, “From Here to Eternity” (that scene on the beach!). She was indeed a class act; a nice Scottish girl.
The Boston Red Sox have won their game tonight! Well done there. A Yankees fan myself, I root for the Sox when they are NOT playing the Yankees; Q’s grandmother is a Sox fan, uh a rabid Sox fan. There is a great deal of angst involved when one is a Red Sox fan…
I had a very productive day indeed. The weather is bloody brilliant – heavy misting rain to outright downpours and 10 to 12 degrees C. Thank you Canada. I love it! My other suitcase (the one with my clothes) arrived during the night, and was delivered to my room this morning. The FedEx package with my shoes and the Princess coat arrived shortly thereafter – so I’m dressed now.
The hotel is nice, and my room has a huge picture window, a roomy couch, desk, and tables, along with a big comfy bed, and a view of the mountains. Good lighting in the bathroom (this is important chaps believe me), and good service so far.
After an early night to bed last night, I was up this morning and downstairs to the quite nice gym (treadmills, elliptic, bikes, mats, and no free weights but the machines) for a hard run. I had a good workout, and then picked up my registration packet for the conference. At one o’clock I attended a class by Hallie Ephron on mystery writing, ergo writing a mystery. I don’t write mysteries (albeit I LOVE reading the good ones) but I think any story needs suspense. It was an excellent class. She is a clear and organized speaker who was entertaining as well; and has written quite a few successful mysteries herself. I met a couple of other writers who are from Canada.
Tomorrow is a full day of lectures, and I have a meeting with one of the agents at 1030 hours. I decided to take the pressure off myself and take the attitude of ‘listen and learn’ since this is my first conference; should anything more happen I will be thrilled. I am looking forward to learning much about the business of writing, and how to sell that writing.
I can’t believe the violence in Pakistan today; or rather I CAN believe it, but it saddens me greatly. My first thought was (because of politic real) to wonder if Musharaf had anything to do with instigating the violence against Bhutto, or if she herself may have planned it in order to stir up sympathy. What a world.
On the other hand I loved the article in The Globe and Mail today, “Swearing by what you do” which says that swearing in the workplace helps boost morale. Now that’s my kind of study!
Ciao.
The Boston Red Sox have won their game tonight! Well done there. A Yankees fan myself, I root for the Sox when they are NOT playing the Yankees; Q’s grandmother is a Sox fan, uh a rabid Sox fan. There is a great deal of angst involved when one is a Red Sox fan…
I had a very productive day indeed. The weather is bloody brilliant – heavy misting rain to outright downpours and 10 to 12 degrees C. Thank you Canada. I love it! My other suitcase (the one with my clothes) arrived during the night, and was delivered to my room this morning. The FedEx package with my shoes and the Princess coat arrived shortly thereafter – so I’m dressed now.
The hotel is nice, and my room has a huge picture window, a roomy couch, desk, and tables, along with a big comfy bed, and a view of the mountains. Good lighting in the bathroom (this is important chaps believe me), and good service so far.
After an early night to bed last night, I was up this morning and downstairs to the quite nice gym (treadmills, elliptic, bikes, mats, and no free weights but the machines) for a hard run. I had a good workout, and then picked up my registration packet for the conference. At one o’clock I attended a class by Hallie Ephron on mystery writing, ergo writing a mystery. I don’t write mysteries (albeit I LOVE reading the good ones) but I think any story needs suspense. It was an excellent class. She is a clear and organized speaker who was entertaining as well; and has written quite a few successful mysteries herself. I met a couple of other writers who are from Canada.
Tomorrow is a full day of lectures, and I have a meeting with one of the agents at 1030 hours. I decided to take the pressure off myself and take the attitude of ‘listen and learn’ since this is my first conference; should anything more happen I will be thrilled. I am looking forward to learning much about the business of writing, and how to sell that writing.
I can’t believe the violence in Pakistan today; or rather I CAN believe it, but it saddens me greatly. My first thought was (because of politic real) to wonder if Musharaf had anything to do with instigating the violence against Bhutto, or if she herself may have planned it in order to stir up sympathy. What a world.
On the other hand I loved the article in The Globe and Mail today, “Swearing by what you do” which says that swearing in the workplace helps boost morale. Now that’s my kind of study!
Ciao.
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