I got up really early today, to make sure I would have enough time at Banca Intesa to arrange all I wanted to arrange. Unfortunately, the lady who normally helps me (Ms Fazio, but whats in a name?), lost the ability to speak English. So she had no idea what I was talking about when I asked about the possibilities of borrowing money, either as student or as normal person. A translating customer explained that I should simply have a look on a special site on the internet. So when I got to Uni, I did so. And, I know it sounds strange, it went really well. As far as I have understood it now, I am simply waiting for the confirmation that I am really who I claim to be (a PhD student at Bocconi etc) and then I will probably be eligible to get a 15 thousand euro loan. Under very favourable conditions, even... So maybe my money worries will soon be solved...
Tonight, we went out for dinner with all the 1st and most of the 2nd year PhDs, paid by the University. Great initiative, although I didnt actually stay long in the end... And finally, I received a present from Fedor today: Thank you, darling... Another one of those great Amazon features, the fact that you can simply order what a person wants and have it wrapped and delivered to them... And Fedor knew exactly what to get me, so I am very happy!!!!
ciao,
OJ
PS While enjoying my apparent success with Banca Intesa, I have a feeling that ABN AMRO is simply going mad. I now apparently have an account team, of which the manager called me yesterday to arrange some things with me. I didnt even know I had an account manager!!! The completely incompetent clerk that served me in Groningen in August apparently forgot to tell me that (just like he forgot to file all his paperwork that day, because none of the things I arranged with him, and of which I have the proof, actually came through...). Oh well, I will settle with an Italian bank instead...
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Monday, November 28, 2005
Great Weekend
Wow, I can tell you in advance: this is gonna be a loooong post. BarD arrived Friday with a 2 1/2 hour delay. This was not due to the shitty weather hitting Holland (snow) or Italy (rainy snow), but due to a freak Public Transport strike, which kept all airplanes grounded. For some reason, Italians do tend to strike kind of randomly (although it is not nearly as bad as it was in Athens.....). So he finally made it at 5.30PM. At night we simply stayed at my place, because BarD actually felt a bit ill. We couldnt really have gone anywhere anyway, because there were no trams or metros, so it wasnt really a problem. The next day, the weather turned even nastier, which was unlucky for BarD, because I have had Sun (and cold) for the entire previous week... But we still managed to do a number of sights and some shopping.
These were pictures from the Parco Sempione area, covered in snow...
At night, we met up with my friends from Uni. We were supposed to go to a winetasting, but some Italian planning made sure that we couldnt. Instead we went to a pizzeria and had dinner there. After that, we went to my local Centro Sociale, where my flatmate Michele was playing the music technician to some American bands. It was my first time at the Centro Sociale, and it was quite an experience. A semi-legal bar in an abandoned warehouse, occupied by communists and anarchists. Not the scene I normally hang out with, but it was interesting to experience (and the beers were only 2,50 euros: really cheap!!!)
On Sunday, the weather finally became the way it had been all week before. Sunny. We took this opportunity to go to the Cimitero Monumentale. An absolutely amazing monumental cemetery (hence the name), where we had a lovely stroll. Here are just a few pictures...
After the Cemetery, we went for a lovely walk from the Cimitero to the Duomo and after that to Porta Genova, from where we took the metro home. It was a lovely walk.
Last night, finally, we were going out for dinner. BarDs lovely parents decided that they felt sorry for my financial state and gave BarD money to give me a real treat for once. So we were planning to go to the luxurious Japanese restaurant next door... Unfortunately, when we got there, it turned out to be closed on Sunday. So instead we went to a slightly less luxurious Japanese restaurant nearby (I have 4 Japanese restaurants in close range) and we simply ordered the works. The Full Monty of Japanese food... And it was abolutely amazing!!!! Very, very, very lovely (and costly). Thinking about it now makes me feel full again! Well, after that we went home, as BarD still didnt really feel optimal. This morning we got up early so I coudl bring him to the station at 7.45AM. After waiving goodbye I went to Uni so I could get some studying in before 11, when my first class started.
During lunch, there was a seminar I wanted to go to, but the classroom was too hot to stand it for 5 consecutive hours (I had another class after it), so I missed out on a seminar by Mr. Mass-Collel (for the economists among you, I know I should be ashamed of missing out on a seminar by such a famous economist, but I really really couldnt be bothered)... Tonight I have been at home, watching Baraka. Definitely something everyone should have seen, btw. Very spiritual, but also very nice.
I finally want to ask you to pray for me, because I will visit my local bank tomorrow and ask them to lend me money... I was hoping for a University arrangement, but this unfortunately failed. So instead I will have to borrow directly from my bank here. Otherwise, well, I wouldnt know what to do. I dont have anything left at all and owe my flatmate 2400 euros right now. Hmmmm, something is going wrong, isnt there? Oh well, just cross your fingers for me tomorrow...
ciao,
OJ
These were pictures from the Parco Sempione area, covered in snow...
At night, we met up with my friends from Uni. We were supposed to go to a winetasting, but some Italian planning made sure that we couldnt. Instead we went to a pizzeria and had dinner there. After that, we went to my local Centro Sociale, where my flatmate Michele was playing the music technician to some American bands. It was my first time at the Centro Sociale, and it was quite an experience. A semi-legal bar in an abandoned warehouse, occupied by communists and anarchists. Not the scene I normally hang out with, but it was interesting to experience (and the beers were only 2,50 euros: really cheap!!!)
On Sunday, the weather finally became the way it had been all week before. Sunny. We took this opportunity to go to the Cimitero Monumentale. An absolutely amazing monumental cemetery (hence the name), where we had a lovely stroll. Here are just a few pictures...
After the Cemetery, we went for a lovely walk from the Cimitero to the Duomo and after that to Porta Genova, from where we took the metro home. It was a lovely walk.
Last night, finally, we were going out for dinner. BarDs lovely parents decided that they felt sorry for my financial state and gave BarD money to give me a real treat for once. So we were planning to go to the luxurious Japanese restaurant next door... Unfortunately, when we got there, it turned out to be closed on Sunday. So instead we went to a slightly less luxurious Japanese restaurant nearby (I have 4 Japanese restaurants in close range) and we simply ordered the works. The Full Monty of Japanese food... And it was abolutely amazing!!!! Very, very, very lovely (and costly). Thinking about it now makes me feel full again! Well, after that we went home, as BarD still didnt really feel optimal. This morning we got up early so I coudl bring him to the station at 7.45AM. After waiving goodbye I went to Uni so I could get some studying in before 11, when my first class started.
During lunch, there was a seminar I wanted to go to, but the classroom was too hot to stand it for 5 consecutive hours (I had another class after it), so I missed out on a seminar by Mr. Mass-Collel (for the economists among you, I know I should be ashamed of missing out on a seminar by such a famous economist, but I really really couldnt be bothered)... Tonight I have been at home, watching Baraka. Definitely something everyone should have seen, btw. Very spiritual, but also very nice.
I finally want to ask you to pray for me, because I will visit my local bank tomorrow and ask them to lend me money... I was hoping for a University arrangement, but this unfortunately failed. So instead I will have to borrow directly from my bank here. Otherwise, well, I wouldnt know what to do. I dont have anything left at all and owe my flatmate 2400 euros right now. Hmmmm, something is going wrong, isnt there? Oh well, just cross your fingers for me tomorrow...
ciao,
OJ
Friday, November 25, 2005
Tnx-giving
Well, our Thanksgiving very nearly got completely fucked.... An hour or so before we expected the first people to arrive, our fellow organisers called. They had just arrived at their flat to pick up some stuff before coming to us and they had had a burglary. Somewhere during the afternoon, someone came into the flat and took money, jewellery, 3 laptops, DVDs, personal stuff, etc, etc. (the same actually happened about a year ago at our flat, before I lived there). Obviously, this was quite a bummer for the Thanksgiving Dinner, but we started it anyway. In the end, we convinced the burglary victims to come over after the police left. After all, you should try and not worry for a night!!! And they came (at 11PM. And they Did not worry anymore that night. We had an absolutely awesome night. With great food, great drinks and lots of fun...
This morning, I decided to be wise and stay in bed late to make sure that I was copletely sobered up. So I got to Uni at 11.30, to start working on my assignments for Friday and Monday. I had to finish them today, because my friend BarD is arriving tomorrow, so I wont have time to study during the weekend. Well, I left Uni at 8PM and hadnt finished yet. I have been working until now (1AM) and will probably get a little bit of sleep and go to Uni really early tomorrow. After all, I have to finish it all, before my class from 9AM-2.30PM).
ciao tutti,
OJ
PS And all predictions say itll snow tomorrow.... Not looking forward to that!
This morning, I decided to be wise and stay in bed late to make sure that I was copletely sobered up. So I got to Uni at 11.30, to start working on my assignments for Friday and Monday. I had to finish them today, because my friend BarD is arriving tomorrow, so I wont have time to study during the weekend. Well, I left Uni at 8PM and hadnt finished yet. I have been working until now (1AM) and will probably get a little bit of sleep and go to Uni really early tomorrow. After all, I have to finish it all, before my class from 9AM-2.30PM).
ciao tutti,
OJ
PS And all predictions say itll snow tomorrow.... Not looking forward to that!
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
cazzo di freddo...
Yesterday, I spent my time at Uni going to classes and studying. Unfortuantely, some of the rooms have freaked out run-away Heating systems, which think that 40 degrees is probably the most appropriate temperature for studying, so it was quite tough...
Afterwards, I went home to make a dinner for my flatmates. We hade a huge Indonesian meal, with lots of different things, and everyone highly appreciated my cooking. So I am happy about that.
This morning, however, I did have to enter the bloody cold again. The max temperature is now real close to zero (at night its like -7) and snow is on its way. In fact, Milano is one of the few places in Italy not covered in snow yet. Throughout the South, there is already snow. And around Milan as well... Apparently, it snowed a little bit here last night, but it was gone this morning, thank god...
Today, I made a try at some University Organisation which might be able to help with arranging a bank loan, but the appropriate person wasnt available. So at the end of the afternoon, I will try again (with Silvia of course, because they obviously dont speak english). Hope itll work........ And then, I will go home to make stoofpeertjes. This will be my contribution to the thanksgiving dinner we are having at our house tonight (with like 10-15 people coming...). Its gonna be fun!!!
ciao, OJ
Afterwards, I went home to make a dinner for my flatmates. We hade a huge Indonesian meal, with lots of different things, and everyone highly appreciated my cooking. So I am happy about that.
This morning, however, I did have to enter the bloody cold again. The max temperature is now real close to zero (at night its like -7) and snow is on its way. In fact, Milano is one of the few places in Italy not covered in snow yet. Throughout the South, there is already snow. And around Milan as well... Apparently, it snowed a little bit here last night, but it was gone this morning, thank god...
Today, I made a try at some University Organisation which might be able to help with arranging a bank loan, but the appropriate person wasnt available. So at the end of the afternoon, I will try again (with Silvia of course, because they obviously dont speak english). Hope itll work........ And then, I will go home to make stoofpeertjes. This will be my contribution to the thanksgiving dinner we are having at our house tonight (with like 10-15 people coming...). Its gonna be fun!!!
ciao, OJ
Monday, November 21, 2005
My First Grade
It was nice to be able to go back to Uni again today and meet everyone... It was slightly unfortunate that I didnt do my compulsory exercises, but they shouldnt have been sent 3 days in advance, while I am in Holland.... Right?
I was also impressed once again by Ms La Ferrara's teaching ability. She is awesome. Most importantly, however, I received my first grade today!!! I received my grade for my income and inequality class, for which I wrote a paper on expected income inequality in the future of Latvia. I received an A (in a sort of American system). Mind you, for this class "all" students received high grades (all 5 of us), but it is still something like a 9 in the Dutch system... So that was nice.
I spent the rest of the day making my exercises and organising everything to get ready for the second quarter (which is already 1/3 past anyway). Making stacks that have to be read and stuff. Rather large stacks, I must say, because the teachers do not really seem to have a problem with asking you to read 500+ high-information-density pages for all the courses. But thats ok, itll give me something to do.
Finally, I have been thinking about the meal I am cooking for my flatmates tomorrow: Indonesian, that is!!!
Buone notte!
OJ
I was also impressed once again by Ms La Ferrara's teaching ability. She is awesome. Most importantly, however, I received my first grade today!!! I received my grade for my income and inequality class, for which I wrote a paper on expected income inequality in the future of Latvia. I received an A (in a sort of American system). Mind you, for this class "all" students received high grades (all 5 of us), but it is still something like a 9 in the Dutch system... So that was nice.
I spent the rest of the day making my exercises and organising everything to get ready for the second quarter (which is already 1/3 past anyway). Making stacks that have to be read and stuff. Rather large stacks, I must say, because the teachers do not really seem to have a problem with asking you to read 500+ high-information-density pages for all the courses. But thats ok, itll give me something to do.
Finally, I have been thinking about the meal I am cooking for my flatmates tomorrow: Indonesian, that is!!!
Buone notte!
OJ
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Back in da hood....
Well, that was certainly an enervating week... I know people think I drink a lot, but being in Holland for a week makes me realise I dont drink that much at all!!! Sitting in the pub for days in a row sorting starts to hit me by now... As does the lack of sleep.
Friday was another day of running around between people... But it was nice to see people again of course. At the end of the afternoon, Jorryt and I went to pick up the birthday present we selected for Esther... After this whole exercise, I waited for Fedor to arrive and together with the others we went to Esther, with our present:
Esther, unfortunately didnt particularly appreciate her present. Possibly, this is because the sofa is actually nearly the size of her entire room...
However, I just spoke to her on MSN and she finally agreed that it was a very nice present, and it made its way into the communal room of her house...
After Esthers, we went to town to start some heavy partying. With lots of alcohol involved, once again, of course!
The next morning, Fedor and I had to get up relatively early (too early, if you ask him), because we wanted to see the whole family before going to Nijmegen again. So we did. And at the same time, my Big Brother Lars (aka the Computer Doctor) repaired my laptop. This was highly necessary, because by now, it had slowed down to a near standstill. But he cured it very well and it is now working completely fine again!!! After all the family in Groningen, we went to Nijmegen to have dinner at Fedors fathers house. It was very nice, as always, although the evening took an interesting turn when Fedors little brother came home "ill".
This morning, we got up early again, because we were supposed to be at the airport in Eindhoven early. Unfortunately, Ryanair didnt feel like being on time... Which basically means that I spent 2 1/2 hours waiting for the airplane.
I was actually happy to come back to Milan (to come home), although I will obviously miss Fedor again, but it is simply nice to be home. The weather is also significantly better than it is in Holland. Until now at least. The weather forecast actually says that it will start snowing on Thursday and the maximum temperature will remain below 0.
I am NOT IMPRESSED.
ciao, OJ
Friday was another day of running around between people... But it was nice to see people again of course. At the end of the afternoon, Jorryt and I went to pick up the birthday present we selected for Esther... After this whole exercise, I waited for Fedor to arrive and together with the others we went to Esther, with our present:
Esther, unfortunately didnt particularly appreciate her present. Possibly, this is because the sofa is actually nearly the size of her entire room...
However, I just spoke to her on MSN and she finally agreed that it was a very nice present, and it made its way into the communal room of her house...
After Esthers, we went to town to start some heavy partying. With lots of alcohol involved, once again, of course!
The next morning, Fedor and I had to get up relatively early (too early, if you ask him), because we wanted to see the whole family before going to Nijmegen again. So we did. And at the same time, my Big Brother Lars (aka the Computer Doctor) repaired my laptop. This was highly necessary, because by now, it had slowed down to a near standstill. But he cured it very well and it is now working completely fine again!!! After all the family in Groningen, we went to Nijmegen to have dinner at Fedors fathers house. It was very nice, as always, although the evening took an interesting turn when Fedors little brother came home "ill".
This morning, we got up early again, because we were supposed to be at the airport in Eindhoven early. Unfortunately, Ryanair didnt feel like being on time... Which basically means that I spent 2 1/2 hours waiting for the airplane.
I was actually happy to come back to Milan (to come home), although I will obviously miss Fedor again, but it is simply nice to be home. The weather is also significantly better than it is in Holland. Until now at least. The weather forecast actually says that it will start snowing on Thursday and the maximum temperature will remain below 0.
I am NOT IMPRESSED.
ciao, OJ
Friday, November 18, 2005
News from da G-town
Should I feel bad if I didnt come with Fedor to Uni? Because thats what happened on Tuesday. The weather was so shitty that I told him that he should go by himself and I would wait for him at home, while he did his exam etc. Well, I dont feel bad... Te weather simply sucked too much. At night, we made a lovely meal and watched a movie. It was very nice. Unfortunately, we did have to get up quite early the next morning, as Fedor works on Wednesdays... For me, it was a good incentive to make an early start in going to Groningen. Btw, why are ains so fucking expensive in this country? As a student, you never have to pay of course, but you dont realise how expensive it actually is. The single journey (of 2hrs 15mns) cost me over 25 euros!!! Anyways, I got to Groningen and went to see my sister-in-law and my niece. Very adorable... After that, I continued straight to my other brother-and-wife and my nephew. Also very very sweet, in a different way. The kids are the same age, but are so very different... It is quite amazing to see the difference between them.
Afterwards, I went shopping for toiletries (which are half the Italian price overhere) with my friend BarD. Great to see him again. At night, I went to see my parents, before going back to da G-town to go drinking. Very nice... Thursday morning, it wasnt as nice, but I did manage to do my things. Hairdresser, coffee, talking to people, coffee, lunch, coffee, you know the drill... Last night, I had a lovely dinner at Marie's and we went to a bar afterwards (without Marie actually: te poor thing had to get up for work at 5AM-->Never work at IKEA).
Today I am dying my hair and have a last range of coffee dates set up... And tonight, Fedor will be here and we'll be going to a party!!!
ciao,
OJ
Afterwards, I went shopping for toiletries (which are half the Italian price overhere) with my friend BarD. Great to see him again. At night, I went to see my parents, before going back to da G-town to go drinking. Very nice... Thursday morning, it wasnt as nice, but I did manage to do my things. Hairdresser, coffee, talking to people, coffee, lunch, coffee, you know the drill... Last night, I had a lovely dinner at Marie's and we went to a bar afterwards (without Marie actually: te poor thing had to get up for work at 5AM-->Never work at IKEA).
Today I am dying my hair and have a last range of coffee dates set up... And tonight, Fedor will be here and we'll be going to a party!!!
ciao,
OJ
Monday, November 14, 2005
News from Nijmegen
Well, I am in Ollanda! In Nijmegen, that is. I left Milano Saturday morning in a dense fog. By the time I got to Bergamo, however, the weather was amazingly beautiful. I have now discovered that the weather difference between Milano and its surroundings is huge.... It had been lovely weather for days in Bergamo, while in Milano, it was shit.
Anyway, I was happy to arrive in Eindhoven and meet my soulmate. We travelled to Nijmegen together, sharing all the silly details one should share with your soulmate. I was very very very happy!!!
At night, we went for a quick dinner at Riva Restaurant, before going to the bar where Fedor was celebrating his Birthday. A huge turnup with all his friends. We had a great time and it was nice to see everyone again!!! (and Fedor got some really nice gifts, as well)
We ended up going to another bar (a formerly gay, now apparently very-straight bar... Very odd), which was of course a lot of fun, before we went home before 6. Sunday, we spent in bed, sleeping, enjoying champagne breakfast in bed etc etc, just the normal decadent things you do on a Sunday... At night, we went to check out the new room of Fedors little brother (it should be illegal for first-year students to have such great rooms: a 1st year should have a small room far away from the city centre: thats how everyone starts!!!), and had dinner at his mothers. Of course, lots of food and lots and lots of wine later, we went home.
This morning, we had to go to Uni, because Fedor has an exam tomorrow. So we had to study. We failed.
We arrived at 10 and studied from 11 until 1PM. Then we had lunch and coffee, and coffee, and coffee. And at 5PM, fedor had to do sports. Tonight is gaming night at a friends place, so studying is kinda out-of-the-question...
I also, shockingly, ran into my friend Kim from Highschool this morning at Uni, whom I have seen only thrice the past 5 years, every time at random... Amazing.
Well, I will finish my emailing now, and prepare for gaming night (last time, I had my ass kicked sooooo bad by this same bunch of girls, I really should review my tactics).
ciao ciao,
OJ
Anyway, I was happy to arrive in Eindhoven and meet my soulmate. We travelled to Nijmegen together, sharing all the silly details one should share with your soulmate. I was very very very happy!!!
At night, we went for a quick dinner at Riva Restaurant, before going to the bar where Fedor was celebrating his Birthday. A huge turnup with all his friends. We had a great time and it was nice to see everyone again!!! (and Fedor got some really nice gifts, as well)
We ended up going to another bar (a formerly gay, now apparently very-straight bar... Very odd), which was of course a lot of fun, before we went home before 6. Sunday, we spent in bed, sleeping, enjoying champagne breakfast in bed etc etc, just the normal decadent things you do on a Sunday... At night, we went to check out the new room of Fedors little brother (it should be illegal for first-year students to have such great rooms: a 1st year should have a small room far away from the city centre: thats how everyone starts!!!), and had dinner at his mothers. Of course, lots of food and lots and lots of wine later, we went home.
This morning, we had to go to Uni, because Fedor has an exam tomorrow. So we had to study. We failed.
We arrived at 10 and studied from 11 until 1PM. Then we had lunch and coffee, and coffee, and coffee. And at 5PM, fedor had to do sports. Tonight is gaming night at a friends place, so studying is kinda out-of-the-question...
I also, shockingly, ran into my friend Kim from Highschool this morning at Uni, whom I have seen only thrice the past 5 years, every time at random... Amazing.
Well, I will finish my emailing now, and prepare for gaming night (last time, I had my ass kicked sooooo bad by this same bunch of girls, I really should review my tactics).
ciao ciao,
OJ
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Gasoline!!!!
Wow! After that night of going out on Tuesday, when we ended up in an actual Birreria, I stayed in bed a little later than normal. Of course, at 11 I had to go to my first class in Development and Institutions. It is an absolutely great (very interesting) class and the teacher is awesome!!! A very pretty, young, Harvard graduate, who has worked with all top people and is also a mother of two! The most amazing feature, however, is the fact that she actually speaks understandable english too! At the end of the day, I had another class in Corporate Finance (fantastic, I am doing a PhD course at the level of Brealy, Marcus & Myers... So far: uber-easy!).
Last night, Cedric was going to DJ in Gasoline, a very famous club in Milan. So I made sure that there would be some of my PhD people. In fact, we were going to have a little pre-party at my place, because the club is 3 minutes away from here. Typically Italian, it is not possible to have a LITTLE pre-party, so we ended up with having about 15 people arriving here at midnight (sorry, neighbours on all sides.....) and we had a quick drinking session, before going to the club! The club was absolutely amazing!!! The sound system was astounding, the lighting very good and of course great music!!! At about 3.30 we left the club and Bjoern and I went back to my flat. He had taken his luggage to my place, because he needed to catch a plane this morning to Berlin. So we had some more drinks at home and then I walked him to Central Station (I dont know why I did that, I think it was the alcohol deciding that...) I came home at around 5AM and spoke to Cedric for some time. After that, I completely passed out until jumping out of my bed at 10, as I missed my alarm. And I did have to be in class at 11 again, until 4PM. Lets say, it wasnt fun. My physical state wasnt really capable of translating Battigalis Italinglish into something understandable, so that was quite useless to be there... Tonight, I have just been home, still feeling completely fucked.
ciao (37 hours until I see Fedor again!!!),
OJ
Last night, Cedric was going to DJ in Gasoline, a very famous club in Milan. So I made sure that there would be some of my PhD people. In fact, we were going to have a little pre-party at my place, because the club is 3 minutes away from here. Typically Italian, it is not possible to have a LITTLE pre-party, so we ended up with having about 15 people arriving here at midnight (sorry, neighbours on all sides.....) and we had a quick drinking session, before going to the club! The club was absolutely amazing!!! The sound system was astounding, the lighting very good and of course great music!!! At about 3.30 we left the club and Bjoern and I went back to my flat. He had taken his luggage to my place, because he needed to catch a plane this morning to Berlin. So we had some more drinks at home and then I walked him to Central Station (I dont know why I did that, I think it was the alcohol deciding that...) I came home at around 5AM and spoke to Cedric for some time. After that, I completely passed out until jumping out of my bed at 10, as I missed my alarm. And I did have to be in class at 11 again, until 4PM. Lets say, it wasnt fun. My physical state wasnt really capable of translating Battigalis Italinglish into something understandable, so that was quite useless to be there... Tonight, I have just been home, still feeling completely fucked.
ciao (37 hours until I see Fedor again!!!),
OJ
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Second Quarter...
Last night, it was a quiet, relaxing night at home, eating some leftovers I could find. My new way of saving money is to not buy anything and just try to combine anything I can find in my cupboard... (I inherited a filled cupboard from my predecessor in the house, with lots of random products).
Finally I was able to eat something, at least.
Today I went to Uni again, to start the second term. at 11AM, I had my first Game Theory class by Mr. Battigalli... He tried to scare us badly by saying how difficult everything was gonna be and how impossible it was to pass for the course. But in my opinion, the most difficult part of the course is understanding him! His english is probably good, just completely incomprehensible due to his Italinglish... Normally, I would supplement a lecture like this with reading whats on the whiteboard, but that is totally impossible as well!!! His handwriting is possibly even worse than his speaking!!! Well, after that it was time for lunch and then everybody had to go back to their takehome exams, whose deadline was today at 17.30... Total stress all over the place! At 14.30 I had my second class of the day. It was a class in Corporate Finance, which I only decided to follow a few days ago. I was told it was a ridiculously easy course, perfect for filling up empty space in you curriculum. So I (and 5 others) decided to do it anyway. The teach was quite shocked to see 10 students, instead of the expected 4, but taught a great class! It was very understandable and vaguely interesting... As well as very easy, as promised. Now, before people start calling me a slacker, I want to clarify this. Of course, as a PhD it is not my only goal in life to simply find the easiest courses, but the most interesting courses. But, as a lot of my favourite courses have been cancelled this year, I will actually have to do 3 or 4 courses i really DONT want to do... And I can then try to do difficult ones (like the NumMeth class I just dropped out of), or just do an easy one... Well, my choice is clear. If I dont want to do the course anyway, I prefer to do an easy course I dont want...
Tonight, we will go for aperitivo and some drinks in town, to celebrate the end of the exam period!
ciao,
OJ
Finally I was able to eat something, at least.
Today I went to Uni again, to start the second term. at 11AM, I had my first Game Theory class by Mr. Battigalli... He tried to scare us badly by saying how difficult everything was gonna be and how impossible it was to pass for the course. But in my opinion, the most difficult part of the course is understanding him! His english is probably good, just completely incomprehensible due to his Italinglish... Normally, I would supplement a lecture like this with reading whats on the whiteboard, but that is totally impossible as well!!! His handwriting is possibly even worse than his speaking!!! Well, after that it was time for lunch and then everybody had to go back to their takehome exams, whose deadline was today at 17.30... Total stress all over the place! At 14.30 I had my second class of the day. It was a class in Corporate Finance, which I only decided to follow a few days ago. I was told it was a ridiculously easy course, perfect for filling up empty space in you curriculum. So I (and 5 others) decided to do it anyway. The teach was quite shocked to see 10 students, instead of the expected 4, but taught a great class! It was very understandable and vaguely interesting... As well as very easy, as promised. Now, before people start calling me a slacker, I want to clarify this. Of course, as a PhD it is not my only goal in life to simply find the easiest courses, but the most interesting courses. But, as a lot of my favourite courses have been cancelled this year, I will actually have to do 3 or 4 courses i really DONT want to do... And I can then try to do difficult ones (like the NumMeth class I just dropped out of), or just do an easy one... Well, my choice is clear. If I dont want to do the course anyway, I prefer to do an easy course I dont want...
Tonight, we will go for aperitivo and some drinks in town, to celebrate the end of the exam period!
ciao,
OJ
Monday, November 07, 2005
Artichokes 2.0
We had so much fun yesterday, making a lovely late-lunch/early-dinner (it started as dinner, turned into lunch, but considering that we started eating at 7PM, I guess it would be closer to dinnertime than it is to lunch time). The artichokes actually came out very well, and the main course of stuffed peppers and turkey (not for me of course) was gorgeous!!! All this was finished of with a fig-port sorbet to make a divine meal!
And because we started so early, we were also able to finish relatively early, so I was actually able to get up this morning. And today I have simply had a day of work in Uni. A lot of people had their Numerical Methods exam today, and they are all relieved to have finished that. The last things for this term will be finished tomorrow and after that there will be some serious going out to celebrate the end of the exams. I am not going to participate too actively in this, because I do not have the money to do so... But that is a wholly different story.
Another reason is the fact that the classes are already starting again tomorrow (before the last papers and takehomes of this term are handed in, the next term is already starting). So I should focus on those first, before doing anyhing too crazy. Especially because I will actually miss an entire week next week, when I am going to HOLLAND... I am really looking forward to it!!!! (I think I have written this before, which shows that it really is true, I guess)
alora, ci vidiamo!
ciao,
OJ
And because we started so early, we were also able to finish relatively early, so I was actually able to get up this morning. And today I have simply had a day of work in Uni. A lot of people had their Numerical Methods exam today, and they are all relieved to have finished that. The last things for this term will be finished tomorrow and after that there will be some serious going out to celebrate the end of the exams. I am not going to participate too actively in this, because I do not have the money to do so... But that is a wholly different story.
Another reason is the fact that the classes are already starting again tomorrow (before the last papers and takehomes of this term are handed in, the next term is already starting). So I should focus on those first, before doing anyhing too crazy. Especially because I will actually miss an entire week next week, when I am going to HOLLAND... I am really looking forward to it!!!! (I think I have written this before, which shows that it really is true, I guess)
alora, ci vidiamo!
ciao,
OJ
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Artichokes.
After working all day yesterday (on some research from Holland) I went home reasonably early. At 6PM. On my way home I FINALLY finished reading Gianbattista Vicco's New Science... Oh My God, it was a horrible struggle. I think I spent about 5 weeks on those 490 pages. It was a serious struggle. Funnily enough, all the Italians that have seen me read it told me: "Are you nuts, I cant even read that in Italian... What the fuck do you think you're doing!!!" And they were mostly right... But I I read it anywyay, because I received it as a graduation present and I thought I should...
At home, it turned out that a Meghans friend Emma was coming over, and that Michele had cooked a lovely meal. This was all very lovely, of course, but I didnt stay too long, because I had downloaded some more things I wanted to watch.
Today was another day of muggy, depressive weather. But we sort of met with the entire house at around midday and agreed to make a house outing to the market. Michele finally didnt make it, so the 3 of us went together. Bought some lovely things for a great meal tomorrow (I am finally able to make my artichokes, something I have planned for each and every Xmas in the past years, but its always the wrong season). I am really looking forward to it. Tonight has just been a quiet real relaxing night, with finishing the laundry etc. (our washing machine has now broken down in such a way that it washes, but thats it. In other words: everything is soaking wet when it comes out. Extremely impractical when it is muggy and foggy all day long...)
Finally, here are a few more pictures from Halloween.
ciao,
OJ
At home, it turned out that a Meghans friend Emma was coming over, and that Michele had cooked a lovely meal. This was all very lovely, of course, but I didnt stay too long, because I had downloaded some more things I wanted to watch.
Today was another day of muggy, depressive weather. But we sort of met with the entire house at around midday and agreed to make a house outing to the market. Michele finally didnt make it, so the 3 of us went together. Bought some lovely things for a great meal tomorrow (I am finally able to make my artichokes, something I have planned for each and every Xmas in the past years, but its always the wrong season). I am really looking forward to it. Tonight has just been a quiet real relaxing night, with finishing the laundry etc. (our washing machine has now broken down in such a way that it washes, but thats it. In other words: everything is soaking wet when it comes out. Extremely impractical when it is muggy and foggy all day long...)
Finally, here are a few more pictures from Halloween.
ciao,
OJ
Friday, November 04, 2005
Ryanair
If anybody would consider coming over (or going on holiday in general): Ryanair now offers FREE tickets (+tax)
What does Olaf need?
Well, I will not reply to Fedors comment. I think that, if I am not under enormous pressure, 9 hours at Uni a day should be quite enough. And considering the amount of money I am getting paid, this would put me down for 4 euros an hour.... And trust me: It has been a very very very long time since I have worked for THAT kind a money...
Just a small thingie. Apparently, the newest Google-related rage is going to Google and typing in "yourname needs". Of course I did, and Holy Google told me what I need:
- Olaf needs your support
- Olaf needs to create within itself a population that mirrors actual society and a more welcoming community
- Olaf needs to be neutered, and get all his shots, and heartworm meds, and flea meds. WHAT?
- Olaf needs a detached trigger finger. Yes, that might indeed be very useful... ???
- Olaf needs about 2 hours to dig out the tent.
- Olaf needs to be talked to twice. No, it is actually allowed to talk about me more often, really
Well, I think they're quite funny. But then again, I am just a nerd who has just watched Batman Begins and actually liked it..... How pathetic.
ciao,
OJ
Just a small thingie. Apparently, the newest Google-related rage is going to Google and typing in "yourname needs". Of course I did, and Holy Google told me what I need:
- Olaf needs your support
- Olaf needs to create within itself a population that mirrors actual society and a more welcoming community
- Olaf needs to be neutered, and get all his shots, and heartworm meds, and flea meds. WHAT?
- Olaf needs a detached trigger finger. Yes, that might indeed be very useful... ???
- Olaf needs about 2 hours to dig out the tent.
- Olaf needs to be talked to twice. No, it is actually allowed to talk about me more often, really
Well, I think they're quite funny. But then again, I am just a nerd who has just watched Batman Begins and actually liked it..... How pathetic.
ciao,
OJ
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Leaving at 7PM isnt early!
Yesterday, I was at Uni once more all day. Working on Latvian inequality. When I left at 7PM, everybody looked at me as if I was crazy for leaving so early. It is interesting to see that people think you're lazy if you leave at 7PM, even though none of them arrive before 10.30AM... Most people sort of wander in around noon. It makes sense to continue working until 9PM then, but if you get to uni at 9 or 9.30, I do find it reasonable to leave at 7PM. Right? Anyways, I went home, enjoyed myself at home and watched a movie... It was very pleasant (not the movie though: Robots is a total rip-off of Monsters Inc.)
This morning, when I was making breakfast, I actually ran into Cedric, who had only just returned from going out... How depressing.
At least I have nearly finished my paper for my only class... Some others are going completely crazy. Like people who work until 6 or 7AM (which would explain why they dont come to uni at 9AM)... Oh well, after Tuesday, when the final takehomes have to be handed in, everybody will be able to get some rest again. Or, on the other hand, on Tuesday the next block starts already and our first classes will be taught.
ciao, OJ
This morning, when I was making breakfast, I actually ran into Cedric, who had only just returned from going out... How depressing.
At least I have nearly finished my paper for my only class... Some others are going completely crazy. Like people who work until 6 or 7AM (which would explain why they dont come to uni at 9AM)... Oh well, after Tuesday, when the final takehomes have to be handed in, everybody will be able to get some rest again. Or, on the other hand, on Tuesday the next block starts already and our first classes will be taught.
ciao, OJ
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Halloween and stuff
My stay at University on Sunday only accomplished one thing: I dropped out of a course. After looking at the Takehome exam for Numerical Methods, I decided not to do it. It would have been impossible for me to do well enough on that, and I am afraid it would have cost me my other course. So I wont do it. I felt great relief from this decision... At night, I didnt do much, but on Monday I went to uni again. Despite the fact that it was some sort of a holiday (Day of the Dead, if that means anything to anyone: closed shops, thats all I know). But I had to continue working on my paper for my other course. At 5PM I did actually go home, to start preparing for Halloween. We had some people over to our house while preparing, before going of to a friends house for the party. Meghans Tornado costume looked amazing!!! I will post a few pictures, but I didnt take a lot, hopefully Meghans are better...
Unfortunately, we went home rather early. Meghan did not feel well, and as Michele was DJing, he couldnt come home with her. So I did.
But I didnt really mind, because it enabled me to at least get out of the house at midday today to go to Uni again. And work on my paper, although I was not very productive today.
Tomorrow, I will do some real work again... Looking forward to doing so. For the rest, there is really not much to tell (apart from the PSV victory against AC Milan, which is gonna piss off my Italian friends so much.... But lets not mention that again).
Oh, for those who are interested. I will come to Holland on the 12th and leave again on the 20th. From the 16th until the 19th I will be in Groningen.
ciao,
OJ
Unfortunately, we went home rather early. Meghan did not feel well, and as Michele was DJing, he couldnt come home with her. So I did.
But I didnt really mind, because it enabled me to at least get out of the house at midday today to go to Uni again. And work on my paper, although I was not very productive today.
Tomorrow, I will do some real work again... Looking forward to doing so. For the rest, there is really not much to tell (apart from the PSV victory against AC Milan, which is gonna piss off my Italian friends so much.... But lets not mention that again).
Oh, for those who are interested. I will come to Holland on the 12th and leave again on the 20th. From the 16th until the 19th I will be in Groningen.
ciao,
OJ
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)