It had been agreed that from now on (or at least until I forget) all cities, countries and towns are to be called by their local name. Eating and drinking in Munchen is a dream. The masters of the humble saussage and brewers of kings. Colder than a penguins pocket and with more snow than usual it was a dificult couple of days getting around but worth it.
The views on the bus/train trip from the Czech mountains to M were chocka with snow, and it just kept faling. Everywhere looks great dressed in natures Gucci white, especially the castles of the old city.
London too fails to disapoint at this time of year with its expected grey and weaping skies. But nice to be back, and fun to play tourist for once, going to the theatre, filming pigeons and all that crap.
10.3.06
4.3.06
Czech holiday
[revised]
Just so you know Czech IS a crazy place and not for the faint-hearted. Weirder than I ever thought possible. The shear amount of snow is almost unreal, as is the cold and the coldness of the people. They are indeed an angry bunch, and they probably have good reason for it. After all, if you drop you keys in a 2m drift outside your car you're bound to be a little upset (or cellphone). Despite social differences we are all still alive - just about.
Our initial introduction to our 'chalet' was bizare to say the least. 6 of us, having been bundled into a Skoda with our gear were left in the middle of nowhere on the side of the road with broken instructions not to lake our bags with us, but instead to walk up this snowy track into the forest, leaving the only signs of life far behind. After 20 minutes of slipping and sliding in the deep snow and growing feelings of unease we did see our house but I imagine that in parallel lives it could have gone the other way.
With promised free ski-busses not existing and local shops not being that local(6km through the forest is still 6km) it took a day or two and some Einsteinian travel plans to feed ourselves. But isn't that what adventures are all about?
The house was shortly nicknamed 'CripVille' as the number of injuries grew. A broken elbow, a busted shoulder, two twisted backs (I claimed one of them) and some of the most toxic footwear you have ever witnessed. However the -12C temperatures and quite regular snowfalls kept our spirits up and as far as I can tell we are all recovering well.
After a mission back to civilization we are about to hit Prague. Got a 1000 krona in my pocket and its no use to us anywhere else. Stand back...
Just so you know Czech IS a crazy place and not for the faint-hearted. Weirder than I ever thought possible. The shear amount of snow is almost unreal, as is the cold and the coldness of the people. They are indeed an angry bunch, and they probably have good reason for it. After all, if you drop you keys in a 2m drift outside your car you're bound to be a little upset (or cellphone). Despite social differences we are all still alive - just about.
Our initial introduction to our 'chalet' was bizare to say the least. 6 of us, having been bundled into a Skoda with our gear were left in the middle of nowhere on the side of the road with broken instructions not to lake our bags with us, but instead to walk up this snowy track into the forest, leaving the only signs of life far behind. After 20 minutes of slipping and sliding in the deep snow and growing feelings of unease we did see our house but I imagine that in parallel lives it could have gone the other way.
With promised free ski-busses not existing and local shops not being that local(6km through the forest is still 6km) it took a day or two and some Einsteinian travel plans to feed ourselves. But isn't that what adventures are all about?
The house was shortly nicknamed 'CripVille' as the number of injuries grew. A broken elbow, a busted shoulder, two twisted backs (I claimed one of them) and some of the most toxic footwear you have ever witnessed. However the -12C temperatures and quite regular snowfalls kept our spirits up and as far as I can tell we are all recovering well.
After a mission back to civilization we are about to hit Prague. Got a 1000 krona in my pocket and its no use to us anywhere else. Stand back...
24.2.06
coldest place on earth
F-f-f-freezing. It's official. Munich is the coldest place on the surface of the earth. Nice though. The massive marathon 28 hours flight was pretty uneventful. The usual being pulled to one side and having my boots checked, and the like. Tomorrow we head to Praque to gather forces before decending on the slopes of the Czech Rebublic. Luckily this trip I haven't suffered any jetlag at all so raring to get those fat 5-40s on. Impressions of Munich: Beautiful women, and smelly. The women that is.
Just so you know.
Just so you know.
9.2.06
2 Weekends
No two weekends could be so different. One, a 24 hour marathon photography assignment (true, I slipped away from 11pm - 5am to shut my eyes) and the other a 14 hour music marathon. Rippon has to be one of the best festivals out there. 100% homegrown music set in the most fantastics setting you can imagine... (if you have an idea what it might look like believe me you are wrong). Wanaka. Always fun. And with a great bunch of players too, and a birthday, and wine, and guns, and bows and arrows. Fat Freddys, Shapeshifter, Kora... I will put some photos up one day but don't hold your breath.
18.1.06
The Compendium
I've just received my copy of The Compendium from Switzerland.
It's always nice to be published, espeically in Europe.
Check them out at www.onthecamper.com if you can work out the navigation let me know.
It's always nice to be published, espeically in Europe.
Check them out at www.onthecamper.com if you can work out the navigation let me know.
17.1.06
Faith in humanity (2)
Anyone who knows me well will recall an occasion or two when I have 'misplaced' something, usually my keys or wallet. Once more I have been overwhelmed by the good nature of the people that share this wonderful world. Warren, you are a legend!
After giving Ken a few surf pointers in the morning and a spot of fine dining over in Charteris Bay (thanks Jane) I sped to Arthurs Pass for the night. It was wildly windy so I didn't get as much sleep as I could but what the hell, you are in the mountains, there is a rainbow encapsulating the valley and the promise of sunshine is just around the corner.
The Hawden Valley tramp is a great stroll; a chance to stretch legs that have been cooped up under a desk for too long. It is also a great opportunity to drop your wallet on the banks of the river and wander off without a clue. Imagine my frustration, having torn Heathrow apart (twice) and just about unstitched my pack in an effort to find it. All the stupid places that you check - just in case. As if.
Returning to Chch I canceled my cards and the next day, after work, borrowed some money, filled the car and sped back to the mountains. My plan was to walk the first 20 mins of the track again with my fingers crossed. 2 minutes before cellphone coverage vanishes and the heady peaks tower down on you I get a call saying that a chap found it and is in Chch. So once again Warren, thank you, you little ripper!
After giving Ken a few surf pointers in the morning and a spot of fine dining over in Charteris Bay (thanks Jane) I sped to Arthurs Pass for the night. It was wildly windy so I didn't get as much sleep as I could but what the hell, you are in the mountains, there is a rainbow encapsulating the valley and the promise of sunshine is just around the corner.
The Hawden Valley tramp is a great stroll; a chance to stretch legs that have been cooped up under a desk for too long. It is also a great opportunity to drop your wallet on the banks of the river and wander off without a clue. Imagine my frustration, having torn Heathrow apart (twice) and just about unstitched my pack in an effort to find it. All the stupid places that you check - just in case. As if.
Returning to Chch I canceled my cards and the next day, after work, borrowed some money, filled the car and sped back to the mountains. My plan was to walk the first 20 mins of the track again with my fingers crossed. 2 minutes before cellphone coverage vanishes and the heady peaks tower down on you I get a call saying that a chap found it and is in Chch. So once again Warren, thank you, you little ripper!
10.1.06
True Story
I have seen a man
riding a bike
naked with a metal crucifix
tied to his back.
Strapped to the cross
was a naked doll.
True story.
No need to mention the New Year really. It happened as usual. Welcome to oh-six. Anyone want to own up to any New Year resolutions? Anybody? Thought not. This complete overhall of Smoothfluid should not be mistaken for a misguided resolution that comes to you late one night on the way home from a party where the drinks all began with the letter K. Rather it is an attempt to bring everything back into focus. This is what I do. And having done so (OK there might be a link of two that still needs attention, but I do have to sleep you know) I feel more at ease. New projects can be added to the database (and old removed) more easily (thank you Todd Dominey for posting your code, it saved me hours, if not months www.whatdoiknow.org). Mind you, if this is your first visit, and I know there are a few, "Hello." You're going to have to belive me that this version is much better than the last, OK?
So here we are on the staight and narrow, I just hope no one falls off to the side.
riding a bike
naked with a metal crucifix
tied to his back.
Strapped to the cross
was a naked doll.
True story.
No need to mention the New Year really. It happened as usual. Welcome to oh-six. Anyone want to own up to any New Year resolutions? Anybody? Thought not. This complete overhall of Smoothfluid should not be mistaken for a misguided resolution that comes to you late one night on the way home from a party where the drinks all began with the letter K. Rather it is an attempt to bring everything back into focus. This is what I do. And having done so (OK there might be a link of two that still needs attention, but I do have to sleep you know) I feel more at ease. New projects can be added to the database (and old removed) more easily (thank you Todd Dominey for posting your code, it saved me hours, if not months www.whatdoiknow.org). Mind you, if this is your first visit, and I know there are a few, "Hello." You're going to have to belive me that this version is much better than the last, OK?
So here we are on the staight and narrow, I just hope no one falls off to the side.
27.9.05
Thanks
To everyone involved in the surprise party: THANK YOU. Didn't see that one coming. Felt like I was 6!
26.9.05
Your vote counts
Did my bit as an honary Kiwi, and voted. Hard to tell if it was for the right person, as I wasn't really folowing all the policies drifing left and right. But duty is duty. The mild winter persisted allowing outdoor persuits and the start of my development as one of the great cinematographers of the modern age. Or not. Time will tell, but so far Sany and I are gettng alon fine. Once I gather my time together I might just update this place and share.
Ronja and I have just returned from a weekend in Dunedin which was pretty cool. Quite laid back, meandering, but that is all I wanted. If you happen to get the chance duck into the museam and head up to the top floor; there's an attic with the craziest collection of animals like a giant down-the-back-of-the-sofa collection.
30 tomorrow. Thirty whats, am still not sure…
Ronja and I have just returned from a weekend in Dunedin which was pretty cool. Quite laid back, meandering, but that is all I wanted. If you happen to get the chance duck into the museam and head up to the top floor; there's an attic with the craziest collection of animals like a giant down-the-back-of-the-sofa collection.
30 tomorrow. Thirty whats, am still not sure…
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