London Life Science and the Universe

Christmas in Prague 2011

2012-01-01T10:11:00.000-08:00

We arrived in style to the hotel. This is a fun luxury hotel,and our room was called the Casanova suite, but it had twin beds!

The whole trip was busy with meetings friends, both old andnew, and family members.

Some time was spent walking the cobbled streets of Prague,and visiting nice glass shops.

We were right in the middle of the funeral ceremonies forVaclav Havel. Hearing the church bells and the 21 Canon salute. It was sad, sosad.

Christmas eve we had dinner in the hotel, carp with potatosalad.

It was a nice four days in a beautiful city surrounded bywonderful people...

Is this sad year coming to an end?

2011-12-01T05:46:00.001-08:00

It is 1st of December, and Christmas time is coming nearer...and I realize I have never had a Christmas without my brother, Marek. How awfully lonely it will be.

I have finished the portrait of Marek, (shown here) it is okay.

My mother and I are going to spend Christmas in Prague - as long as we don't get snowed in...(or out?)

Good bye Michelle...

2011-10-04T02:06:00.000-07:00

Sometimes on line friends can be closer friends then those that you know face to face.

I have a few – can count them on one hand – online friends that I have never met but that I feel very very close to. I also have online friends that I enjoy as friends, and maybe we shall, in future, grow that close. Then I too have friends – very close friends that I met face-to-face and are also on line now. But here I am talking about those – that are close friends, yet we have never met.

One such friend I met through the Unitedcats (UC) page, and later we became Facebook friends as well. Her user name on UC was MichyD. Her real name was Michelle Dias.

She was always there. At first with advice on feline care for those that needed it – always compassionate but never hiding difficult truths. Then her humour came to the front, wicked, funny and yet never hurtful. Through her cat, Sophie, she showed her mastery of the writing art.

She became the one that I looked forward to seeing on UC or FB.

I was hoping to meet her on a trip to Canada, maybe next year. To change that online friendship to a face-to-face friendship.

I know she touched so many many people and helped so many many feline friends.

Her last words personally to me, was to stay safe during the London riots. She was half a year younger than me.

She has left this world, suddenly and quietly. Leaving a hole that will never be filled, because she was the only one that could fill it.

One of her most recent contribution to a online UC story was a pirate song that Sophie in the guise of Sophomerta sang – here it is.

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate cat am I.
I pillage your toy box, I rifle and loot.
Drink your cream, me 'earties, yo ho.
We savage your pillows and don't give a hoot.
Drink your cream me 'earties, yo ho.

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate cat am I.
We extort all your prawns and we filch and we snack.
Drink your cream, me 'earties, yo ho.
Maraud your stuff while you’re watching and even highjack.
Drink your cream, me 'earties, yo ho.

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate cat am I.
We steal all your bedding and even the bed.
Drink your cream, me 'earties, yo ho.
We snarl in your faces and fill you with dread,
Drink your cream, me 'earties, yo ho.

We're rascals and stray cats, we're fierce as a lion.
Drink your cream, me 'earties, yo ho.
With nine lives to live on, we've no fear of dyin'.
Drink your cream, me 'earties, yo ho.

We're demons and fighters and ne'er do-well beasts,
Drink your cream, me 'earties, yo ho.
Aye, and we steal all your kibble and your Fancy Feasts,
Drink your cream, me 'earties, yo ho.
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate cat am I.

Michelle, you are so so missed by so so many people all over the world, your family, your many many friends and all those felines that you helped and all those that will never know you and lastly but not in the least, by Sophie. Love you my on-line friend.

Sailing on the Pelikaan – 25/07/11 to 39/07/11

2011-08-02T03:24:00.000-07:00

Day one:

I was met at Schiphol by Ellis and Gus. We went via their flat to pick up all their luggage and food to the harbour at Monnickendam. We arrived a bit early, but soon the good ship Pelikaan was ready. Pelikaan is a Dehler 36 (10.95m long), built in 2007. It is an old friend, though last year we had the Ijsvogel.

Anyway, the same day, at about 4pm we departed to go to Enkhuizen, Compagnies haven near the Houtribdijk between Markenmeer and Ijselmeer. For me it was the perfect start to get used to the sailing ship as we had no wind! I took her out of the port and motored her all the way there. That was about 20 nautical miles in day one. We arrived about 7.30pm. We also went and had supper at “The Mastenbar”. They have a good collection of whiskeys.

Day two:

First thing after breakfast that I did was to go and buy a good sailing jacket and trousers as I was sooooo cold the day before. One of the best buys I have done. But at 11am we took off again to go to Den Oever just below the Afsluitdijk. So we crossed the Ijselmeer from bottom to the top. Again we had no wind, and though we tried to sail for a while it didn’t get us anywhere. So we motored, and this time I was warm. We also managed to escape any rain! We arrived in good time, but this time we stayed aboard to eat, and Gus cooked a great tasting supper.

Day three:

This day started with blue skies and a soft breeze. It was an exciting day. We went through the Afsluitdijk and a bridge and found ourselves on the Waddenzee. Real sea! And straight away we saw a seal. So, selfishly, I gave Gus the steering wheel and took my camera and kept a look out for interesting things. This was a short crossing, only about 13 NMs, but the sun shone, the sea was calm, but there was enough wind to use the sail. First and last day I had my shorts on! Absolutely perfect. In the afternoon we arrived at Oudeschild on Texel. Got a great berthing place. Then went and had a shower and we went for a stroll around the place. Found a good supermarket and a fresh fish market. So did some shopping and later Gus cooked another wonderful meal. But first we also sat at a coffee bar and sampled some of the local produce. Overall a perfect day.

Day four:

We debated about staying for a day on Texel, but with the weather forecast in mind I voted for going on. This was supposed to be the last really sunny day (and so it was) and the wind force was increasing. Though Gus said we should leave later in the day to avoid the high currents in the morning, I pushed through that we should leave early, before the wind became too much. In the end we left early and after leaving the harbour, we stayed, more or less, in the same place for over an hour due to the currents! At last, after another hour of very slows sailing, we escaped the “Texel-triangle”, and made good speed towards Makkum at the other end of the Afsluitdijk. This was by far the longest journey we did, well over 35NMs. Most of it was very good and we did get some good speeds. But it was quite wavy and totally different from the day before, though the sun still shone. In fact for some time there was a good wind force 4 wind. In Makkum we got an okay berth. We decided to eat out, after a long day no one wants to cook. Had pizza at a nice place.

Day Five:

Windforce 3 to 4, with some 5. Gray day. Rain in the air. Cold. We get out of the harbour with the idea that we will go to Lelystad. It is also Gus’s birthday. The sailing starts ok. First we only have the fore-sail. The wind is considerable, but as it is from, more or less, behind us, we don’t lean over too much. But the waves! Oh the waves! They are large(ish) and come from the side. The ship skids and slides and you have the feeling that it is being carried wherever the waves decides. But she does slide through and when we add the large sail to it – she settles better into the water. I was quite nervous for some time, and not enjoying this part, so Ellis decides what we should go to Enkhuizen again, rather than Lelystad as it is 15NM closer. In the end the waves get a bit smaller and I am starting to enjoy the trip again. We do 25NM that day from Makkum to Enkhuizen with a peak at 9knots speed. I will never get to Lelystad it seems. Not last year, not this year.....

In Enkhuizen we go back to the “The Mastenbar” to celebrate Gus’s birthday with a 3 course meal and some good wine.

Day Six:

The forecast is even worse, wind force 3-4 with occasional 5. But we decided to sail on. And in the end it is not as bad as day four. The waves are smaller and we make record time from Enkhuizen to Monnickendam. It takes us 4:20 minutes at average speed of 5 knots. Well sailed, great day. In Monnickendam we get the toilet repaired (it was starting to overflow – Yurch!) and go and eat in the "De Ouwe Blauwe" restaurant.

Day Seven:

I pack first as this is my last day. Ellis and Gus have another week, but I must go home to my dear felines. Then Gus gives me a test day. I and Ellis have to do everything. Thankfully there is very little wind. We do a short sail (just over 4 hours) to the light house and back. Then I have to dock the ship myself. I do ask a lot of questions still, but in the end all goes well. Gus says I have passed....Quick change of cloths and of to Schiphol. At the airport I want to eat something, so we get a pizza, only to find bits of glass in mine. We get our money back and opt for a salad for me and a burger for Gus from Burger King. Then I fly home. Sad to be leaving, though looking forward to seeing Vitia and Vali (my cats).

Marek

2011-07-24T02:31:00.000-07:00

I have lost my brother.

And he was the best there is.

We had so much fun together.

He was MY big brother.

I remember when still in Czechoslovakia, a five year old child playing outside with my friends. There was a group of us, and we were talking about our brothers. Each one of us shouting that theirs was the largest, strongest, biggest and best.

Mine was!

Marek was eight years older than I. But at the same time as being my “big” brother, he loved to play, and boy did we play. We used to play with my collection of Matchbox cars, making a road all the way from the second floor of our house in Holland to the ground floor. No wonder the cars are all chipped! We used to play practical jokes on each other; it just wasn’t safe to put a spoon full of sugar into your tea, without tasting it first.

He was also my teacher. Even at a very early age, when we were forced to leave our homeland, my parents asked him to teach me Czech grammar. I wasn’t too keen and it didn’t last long. But well into my adulthood, when I send him a letter or a post card, it would come back with corrections in red pen! But I never did mind, as the comments with the corrections would have me in fits of laugher. He also taught me about cooking, how to make various drinks, English bears, punting photography and a load of other things

He was also my big brother, with all that entails. There for me when things went wrong. He plucked me out of the sea when a large wave was going to throw me onto some rocks. He was there to pick me up when I fell of my table and cracked my chin open. He was there when I broke my leg skiing, making me laugh all the way to the hospital.

He was also my intellectual stimulation. We never fought, but we did have heated discussions about all kinds of things, such as religion, politics, archaeology and science. The fists would bang the table because we wanted to put our point across. Passionate for what we both stood for or believed, each not wanting to give an inch. But it was all fun. And FUN was what he understood so well.

And even though we did not see eye to eye on many worldly things we also loved many the same things. Apart from good food and wine, we both loved nature and history and he would take me on interesting walks. I loved archaeology and could indulge though him in this interest. He loved science and through me we would explore many possibilities. We loved to tease each other and others as well.

He was MY big brother, and a piece of me is gone with him. I am incomplete. We were three, my brother, my sister and I. That trinity is no more. The Ying and Yang of that relationship is broken. There is nothing that can replace that very empty space that his passing leaves within me.

He lived life to the full; some have written to me that he lived more than any mere mortal could. He burned brightly, too brightly and burned out his life far too soon. The bright candle that was my brother has been extinguished, but he will live on in all of us.

Goodbye Marek, I love you.

Portrait of my father

2011-06-02T06:50:00.000-07:00

Well, it took me some time, but I have now made an oil-on-canvas portrait of my father;

Prof. Dr. Kamil Vaclav Zvelebil (1927-2009).

Death of a colleague and a friend

2010-11-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

On Thursday last week I drove to my Synagogue. On the way there I cross a very busy intersection. At the lights, there was a yellow board you see a lot on London. It said “19^th October, Fatal accident, phone – number – if you have any information”. My thought was poor soul, who ever it was that died. Then thought no more of it. What an irony. This weekend, I go to hear that the person who did die in that accident, was someone I knew, and knew quite well.

Judit Nagy a very good scientist at Imperial College. I knew her from the days that she was still a student. I and other people at the Ludwig Institute taught her proteomics, and these techniques she improved so much more later on. As a scientist she was very good, as so many articles state. But she was so much more than that. She was one of the nicest people I had the opportunity to know. Always smiling and always full of humour. And even though we haven’t been in touch for a couple of years, I was just thinking I should e-mail her to meet up for lunch, considering I now work so much closer…wish I had done it a bit earlier.

She also leaves behind a husband and four children. My thoughts go out to them.

Sailing Holiday 2010

2010-08-04T04:17:00.000-07:00

Monday morning, really early, I left to go to Holland for my sailing holiday. The journey there was unremarkable, and at Schiphol I was picked up by Ellis, Guus and Melani. When we arrived at the harbour there was a nice surprise for me – the boat – the Pelikaan – was all decorated in flags. This was done because of my significant birthday a few weeks earlier. It looked really pretty. We didn’t sail that day, as the wind was a bit strong.

Tuesday morning we left at 09:00 hours with almost no wind and some sunshine. I had the steering wheel. Once on the open water it was still not easy to find enough wind to move forward. However, the wind did increase later on. Most of that day I steered at an angle to the wind. That was a great experience. We arrived near Enkhuizen via the Naviduct and entered Ijselmeer. There the wind force increased to Bf 4 and some larger waves. I wasn’t too sure about steering in this so I gave Guus the wheel and we initially reefed the mainsail and jib but later we lowered the mainsail completely to have a smoother voyage. We sailed all the way to Medemblik (31 miles) and docked in the old Pekelharinghaven in the middle of the town. Then we went shopping and had supper cooked by Guus on board, followed by a few whiskeys. Then discussions ranging from cows, calves, politics and religion.

Wednesday 28th of July. Even though a wind force of 6 was predicted for today, when we woke up it was very quiet outside. Ellis and I went for a walk first to Castle Radboud and then we decided to set sail towards Stavoren. A crossing of about 11 miles with wind from the Northwest. I steered for the first part, but then the waves become too much for me and I gave it to Guus. The boat rocked too hard and the wind was just a wee bit too strong for my liking, but I did get used to it – although I was glad when we reached harbour. During the voyage a bumblebee landed on the sail and stayed with us all the way. I fed him a piece of apple. After three and half hours of sailing we docked in the outer Stavoren Marina. We had dinner at the harbour restaurant. Later in the evening Ellis took the bumble bee to a nice flower and we hope he recovered from the journey.

The next day the weather was still nasty, so we decided to stay in Stavoren for this day. We explored Stavoren and found a restaurant that serves Scottish food and lots of different whiskeys. As it was Guus’s birthday – I took Ellis and Guus out to eat there in the evening. We also passed the place where only on Sunday a train went through the end of it’s tracks and middle through a shop. Stavoren is a very nice little place.

Thankfully the next day (Friday 30th of July) we could leave and set sail to Enkhuizen. At first the waves and wind was a bit scary. But very soon with the small and large sail the boat settled in nicely (and with a glass of champs) and I really enjoyed that trip. So much so that when we neared Enkhuizen I asked to stay on the open water and had some lessons in sailing from Guus. Upwind sailing, tacking and so on. In the Compagnieshaven of Enkhuizen we got a spot under the boat hoist, close to all amenities. We did some washing and decorated the ship with the results (see photo). After that bit of work, Ellis and I went for a stroll in the very pretty town. We even ate an ice-lolly that we used to eat as kids. In the evening we ate out again, then spent the evening sitting on deck watching the passers by.

Saturday. We had an appointment with a friend of Guus and Ellis; Dolf and his daughter Dominique. The weather was really terrible. Wind shocks of 5 to 6, completely cloudy and occasional rain showers. So Ellis and I took Dolf’s car and drove the scenic route along the Ijselmeer to the south, while Guus, Dolf and Dominique sailed to Monnickendam. While we drove slowly they sped to the harbour. We went to Marken to see if we could spot them when Dolf called to say that they were nearly there. We ran / raced (me in a wheelchair) through Marken and came just in time at the harbour entrance to see the Pelikaan in the distance . We drove back to the Monnickendam harbour and there was the Pelikaan already neatly docked. Inside the ship, Ellis noticed quickly that there had been heavy weather. Things were everywhere on the floor and the worst was that the roof hatch of my cabin was slightly open. As the weather was so rough, the waves had come over the front of the boat and my bed, pillows and some things, including the iPAD had become wet. The iPAD was still working and all the other stuff we've thrown into the dryer.

Then Ellis put on her wetsuit to dive under the boat, to remove some plants and stuff from the boat. Guus had to help, and jumped into the water in his underpants, but even he could not find the propeller under the boat. Mission not accomplished. So we all went to out eat at the “Old Blue” restaurant at the port. What a day ....

Last day of my holiday. Sunday. The morning was sunny and calm. And we took out the Pelikaan for a short sale. Again I took her out of the harbour – this time on sail. Then we just had a bit of fun in the sun, before having to go back. Quick change from my sailing clothes to my flying clothes and on we went to Schiphol. There, with the usual small annoyances I got my BA flight and landed back in Heathrow on time. Sadly when I go home there was no welcome from Vali (my male cat) only Vitia came. This is so unusual. I found Vali sitting on the chair in the bathroom. Eyes closed and generally unwell. He didn’t want to eat or anything. In the night he came and purred for a bit. But the next day I took him to the vet. He seems to have a few infections (lets hope that this is all it is) and suffered a bit from patting and love neglect. So a bit of a sad ending to a great holiday.

Will a 20mile speed limit help? - I don't think so.

2010-07-09T02:21:00.000-07:00

There is talk of putting the speed limit down to 20 miles per hour in all build up areas. The powers that are think that it will lower the number of death. But yesterday, while driving to the synagogue, I was nearly crashed in to twice, not because the drivers were going too fast, but because they were on the phone!

I see it so often, drivers of cars, vans and even buses! One hand on the steering wheel, the other holding a mobile to their ear and a kind of glazed look. They drive forward not even aware that they are coming up to a crossing, lights or a roundabout.

I would say that 1/3 of drivers are on the phone, and I don't mean a hands free one!

In my opinion, lowering the speed limit without really clamping down on people who talk on their mobile stuck to their ear, will result in maybe less deaths but an increase in disabled people from traffic accidents.

And also cyclists and pedestrians have to take responsibility for their safety on the roads. I see people crossing the road, chatting to each other and stepping into the road without even a look if a car is coming! Where do these people think they are?

More rules and lower speed limits is not the answer. Keeping the current laws and catching the lawbreakers as well as all of us taking responsibility whether we drive, cycle or walk is the only way to be safe on our overpopulated roads.

Letter to investors of Unitedogs and Unitedcats.com

2010-06-29T02:15:00.001-07:00

We are writing on behalf of the users of Uniteddogs.com and Unitedcats.com (UDC) that we understand has been one of

Estonia

’s top new business enterprises but is now failing.

We are aware from an article in an Estonian newspaper that the site is up for sale and the site's founder, Mr. Ragnar Sass, no longer controls the site's future as it is in the hands of a group of investors. Mr. Sass or any of the previous administrative staff are not aware that we are sending this letter.

For a long time no one made us aware that our beloved site might shut down. We believe this is unacceptable business procedure, considering that many users have purchased champion memberships, points, etc. However, more importantly is the viability of this unique network for lovers of cats and dogs. There has been total silence from anyone connected with the site and the site's Community Manager was even forbidden to communicate to us the great difficulty the site was in.

Since the launch of the Estonian version of UDC four years ago, users have been meeting and getting to know people all over the world through their pets. Unlike other sites for pet owners, UDC encourages pet owners to interact with each other regarding all aspects of their pets' care, including the death of a pet and adoption of a new one. Many people on the site have disabilities. Some are housebound and alone except for their pets. Some run shelters and some are busy professionals whose pets provide love, continuity and a sense of reality away from their hectic business lives. There simply is no other site to compare to this one (and we have investigated almost all the other pet sites available), partly because of our own emotional and creative involvement with each other and the site itself. It is one of those deeply human things, even though it is about animals, that should be preserved and not reduced to rubble simply because it isn’t lining someone’s pockets deeply enough.

We are asking for an explanation as to why we were not told the site was in trouble. It is very likely some of us could have helped. It was not only pointless to try to deceive us, it was and remains unethical.
We would appreciate being kept informed about this situation. For example, why did UDC stop selling advertising? Surely this would have helped keep it solvent as the pet food industry is big business and with all the site's users, the companies had a ready-made niche-audience for their products as well as free advertising from the testimonies of pet owners themselves.
We would also like to know why the site cannot be sold back to its founders or to another interested party.
We would like to know what is being done to keep the site alive. The site had about 350,000 users. Often over 150 would be logged in at one time just on one language site! That is not a failing site. Why then was financial support withdrawn? There are petitions to keep the site alive currently being signed with large numbers of signatures.

Our main concern as loyal users is how our beloved UDC can be saved. If it could be saved by being purchased, we plead with any interested party to look into that possibility. If there is something that we as users can do, tell us.

On behalf of UDC users:

Dr. Marketa J Zvelebil (

)

Marsha Samaya Whelan (

Canada

)

Elizabeth Ann Scarborough (

USA

)

2010-06-19T14:26:00.000-07:00

Saturday

Woke up late, V&V let me sleep.
Found out that during the night some b£&!?d has damaged my new car. No point in repairing it, as that side will only get bashed in again. People drive too fast here, and the council refuses to make it a one way street, even though only one car can pass through. And the police use it as a short cut to Harlesden - one day there is going to be a death.

As some of those that drive through this road so fast would say; some one disrespected my car. And I hate that word. Especially when so often it is misused, in my opinion, by people who don't seem to realise that respect has to be earned, that it isn't a god given right. At least not in the way I take it to mean.

Read P. Morgans book " a big mouth Brit" makes you realise that celebs don't live anything that resembles a normal life. Why do they get payed so much and are so revered when what they do is so...can't find the right word.

Fathers day tomorrow...I do miss him so.

Half a century birthday

2010-06-14T02:51:00.000-07:00

23rd of May 2010

So, it is here at last. I have reached that age – that “middle-age” of, yes of 50!

I don’t feel 50 – however, one is supposed to feel. I only don’t feel like I thought I should feel when I was a teenager and discussing being half-a-century old with my dear friend, Ellis. Well, she has a few years to go yet. I still feel the same, like a little kid trying to find my way in this world of ours.

Sure things have changed, and yes I am more “grown-up” since then. I have a job, a house, and a feline family to look after. One of my parents is no more and the other one is much older. And a lot of things have become clearer. But…other things continue to confuse and I continue to seek answers. I still like to do “naughty” things, still get pleasure from small fun things, from seeing my friends, from having fun, from playing games. Still get sad from sad things, big and small.

So what has changed? My physical appearance – yes (although most people think I have just reached 40 when I mention significant birthday). I have more aches and pains. I am a bit less fit. I need glasses to read! So those are the changes. But otherwise I am the same as when I was 20, 30, 40 and now 50.

No, there is a change. A bit of sadness that time is passing and I haven’t done all the things I wanted to do yet. And there is less of that feeling that “I can change the world”. Those two things are different.

But otherwise I am still 21 years old at heart and mind.

I had a good party in any case – need to celebrate it – not commiserate it. Here are some photos from this do! Loved the cake.

The Elephants in London

2010-05-12T05:54:00.000-07:00

The Elephants in London:

These are all over London, and I am trying to get as many photographed as possible. They are here to raise awareness of the plight of the Asian Elephants. If you want to help go to:

http://www.elephantparadelondon.org/

Marketa and the Crazy Canucks

2010-03-01T08:14:00.001-08:00

It being the end of the winter Olympics held in Canada where Julia Murray participated I though it would be appropriate to dig out this old photo and fondly remember the first skiing trip we took in Austria. I think it was in 1974. In Zell am See. There were some world skiing championships going on. And in our hotel a young skiing team from Canada was staying. I and another youngster became friends during the few weeks we all were there. We and the boys were somewhat crazy – playing tricks on each other and such. Afterwards I followed the team’s ups and downs with interest and I am so glad to see that Dave Murray’s daughter is following her father’s ski-steps.

Here is the photo. It was the first time I skied again after becoming disabled.

India Part II - Ruminations

2010-02-01T03:16:00.001-08:00

Sitting here in Bangalore’s Taj West End Hotel in south India, my father is once more very often in my thoughts. He, of course, knew India inside out and saw her in all her different guises. I am mainly seeing the India of the well to do and the rich, with only glimpses of the less well off and the really poor. I see the colours of the rain-forest gardens with its vocal bird life and only from the comfort of a taxi do I see the crumbling dusty houses and pavements where people sleep, squat and eat.

If only all of India could be like the small protected paradise that my hotel is. It would be a true parades then – and Eden on earth. I never imagined I would come here. Even when father promised to take me here. It seemed so far away. Yet it is nearer (in flight hours) than San Francisco. It seemed so exotic, yet isn’t Japan as exotic and I have been there.

Is this the kind of India that my father fell in love with? Even before he ever came here? The India from books. Are these the people that he liked so much? I do know that here they speak one of the languages that he spoke fluently. How I wish I had gone to India while he was still alive, so I could speak to him about her. Yet this trip and the invitation to come here I only accepted, initially, because it came at the time of this years anniversary of his death and I thought it would be a fitting tribute to come and visit the place that stole his heart and mind. Sadly my mother, who was supposed to accompany me, didn’t get her visa on time and never made it on this trip. The woman, who shared her husband with India, who knew Jawaharlal Nehru and other VIPs was in the end denied this visit by some pencil-pushing clerk in the Indian consulate.

Do I have the arrogance to list what I love about India and what I don’t after only a few days here and living in a protective glass bowl? Yes I do. I love the people who are generally so friendly and generous, the sound of the birds, the vivid colours and the dignity yet easy going nature of the people. I dislike that there seem to be hardly any cats, that all the animals are very thin, the real poverty, that the women are afraid to go out alone after dark, the toilets.

But I hope to visit her again and this time with my mother.

India Trip part 1

2010-02-01T03:14:00.001-08:00

I survived the flight - but landing was really bumpy! Thought the plane would shake apart.

So no I am sitting in my hotel, here it is 9:30 for me it’s 4:00am. I have the door open to the balcony and a cacophony of bird and animal sounds nearly deafens me. There are vultures flying around the hotel grounds....wonder if they are eating the remains of the hotel’s past guests!

Second day has dawned to the cacophony of the birds. I had a cup to tea on the balcony watching “my” pair of vultures/buzzards. Then I was picked up to go to the morning sessions of the conference. They were interesting.

Back at the hotel I went for lunch at the Masals Klub. Really nice real Indian meal. At this hotel, the rooms are spread out in a large garden complex. So there are buggies to take the guests to and fro. There are also various types of guards all around, some are very serious – they are those that make sure that the hotel terrorism that happened in Bombay does not happen here. Others are more to help. Every time I set foot out of my door someone appears and a buggy arrives and there is help everywhere, so much so that it is getting annoying. I managed to convince the people at the restaurant that I wanted to walk to my room. On this short walk, I was asked about 20 times if I wanted a buggy, and the last 20 meters or so I was accompanied by one of the guards, who made sure I went into my room (although I actually wanted to wander more around the gardens), opened the door and got the whole family history out of me (they are all very curious!). I think I will have to climb from my balcony to escape!

Otherwise the contrast between the haves and have-nots is incredible and it lives side by side (see next blog). For a westerner like me it is difficult to see - even though I haven’t seen the worst.

Third day is here and I am still alive and kicking, though tired, cause we had the conference buffet last night. The really nice part of that was South Indian Classical Dancing and singing. The food I didn’t dare to try and got bitten by mosquitoes.

Today I had to chair the session; it went more or less okay. The only mistake I made was saying that the penultimate talk was the final when...LOL I think it was my (and a lot of other people’s) wishful thinking.

So what about the city, Bangalore? There isn’t much for tourists here, not much nice stuff to see – and the interesting poor stuff – the taxi goes very fast past it. The best bit was the Bull temple, but it still is rather small and in the middle of a very noisy city. Saw a few cows on the streets and some bulls. But the poor bulls do get eaten here (unlike the cows which are holy).

People tried to sell me everything from memory sticks in the middle of a busy road, to drums near the temple. I desisted. Then the taxi driver took me to a lovely set of shops, called the Cottage Industries, where much to my horror I fell in love with a hand woven carpet and suffice to say that my credit card bill is larger. I also brought a few presents. Now the carpet is in the suitcase and I am wondering what to do with my other stuff!!

I was hoping India would somehow help me reconnect – if that is the right word – with my father, but the only thing happening is that I miss him more and am more angry that he is dead, because I so would like to share this trip with him.

Well today I visited a place where they treat certain cancers and cartilage problems, with low level MRI (magnetic resonance) radiation. It seems to give some extremely good results.

Then I met family of family for lunch. Now I am packing.

I love India, and it drives me crazy. The people are very nice, extremely friendly, but they don’t want to see any problems. They have totally built up Bangalore, with cheep concrete buildings, destroying villages and farming in the process, for example. And I am not going to talk about the underclass of people one sees here existing side by side with the very rich. Also saw a starving horse on the street - it broke my heart. Enormous amount of dogs. Some cows. Lots of dust and pollution. And this is the garden city

Memorial trip to India for Kamil Zvelebil

2010-01-08T10:43:00.000-08:00

is not to be - at least for my mother. Her passport expires 2 weeks before a 6 months limit to obtain an Indian Visa.

We have the tickets, we have the hotel. The whole journey had been arranged. And then at the last minute the Indian Consulate send her passport back saying that they will not issue a visa because it would be 2 weeks short of 6 months on the date of her return. We were going only for one week! To see the country my father spend so much time studying the languages of, writing them down, deciphering the ancient texts, bringing their knowledge and beauty to the world. We were going on the 18th of January - a day to the year of his death. Now I have to go alone.

This is such a sad postscript to his devotion to the Dravidian culture...

Vaclav Michal’s 2nd world war

2009-11-13T01:53:00.000-08:00

My Great Uncle, the favourite uncle of my father as well as the favourite brother of my grandmother, Vaclav Michal was a born adventurer.

He was born in Pisek, (Czechoslovakia) in 1910. At that time this part of Central Europe was in the hands of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire. Only after the First World War did Czechoslovakia become a free democracy – at least till the Second World War. At the age of 19, in 1929, my great uncle joined the French Foreign Legion. He was in the Foreign Legion till 1934 where he achieved the rank of a Sergeant. At the start of the Second World War, although Czech, he had Austrian nationality (as well as the Czech one) and therefore was conscripted to fight at the German side. Both his two brothers had to join as well. None of them wanted to stay in the German army. One of his brothers escaped and joined the Russian army to fight the Germans, where he died, the other, died on the German side before he could leave.

Vaclav fought in the German army for three years, first at the Russian Front, where he was wounded and then in Africa, before he saw his chance to abscond. As a NCO (of the 44th Division) he tried to subvert his men and was jailed. The prisoners were taken to Tunis for labour. At this point there are at least two different accounts of how he got to Britain. One (from an UK Interrogation report) he surrendered to the British army and via a POW camp was send to Edinburgh. From another report Vaclav made his way to his former Foreign Legion colleagues after escaping and asked to be transferred to the UK. What is documented is that he arrived in the UK at the end of 1943 on the ship Alcazar.

He was also in touch with the Czech underground while on leave in early 1943. During his leave he of course came home, and my father remembers the shock if seeing his favourite uncle in a Whermacht uniform.

In any case, once in the UK there was great interest in my Great Uncle from the SOE (Special Operation Executive). He knew France well and spoke French, German, Russian and Czech. After the establishment of SOE, the Czechoslovak intelligence officers founded a special department responsible for the training of men for special operations – Special Group D. SOE formed its own Czech Section, called MY, for operations in the Protectorate in the summer of 1940-41. (Therefore all the documents are from “MY” to x)

Eventually Vaclav joined the SOE (12.2.44) and was trained in Scotland, Arisaig (see Czech Memorial (see also first photo) unveiled 12th Nov 2009). SOE allocated special schools for Czechoslovaks near Loch Morar – namely, a hunting lodge; Traigh House and Camusdarrach and Garramor Farms, known as STS 25 (Special Training School 25).

After training, the Czechoslovaks, bound by an oath of silence, returned to their units and awaited to see if they would be selected for further training. It was only an elite few that progressed to the next stage. Vaclav was one of these. The final stage of training – the Finishing Course – was only for individuals selected for specific operations. The last stage of training involved a period of complete isolation of an individual or a group; briefing on specific tasks, maps, contact addresses in the area of activity, material equipment and the group’s drop on Protectorate territory ( number of documents that I have deal with these issues).

His undercover name changed from “Bartenfels”, to eventually “Josef Barta”

(This is Traigh House today)

His operation was code named OCHRE. He was to be the sole operator to be parachuted into France and the travel to Prague. There he was to carry out reconnaissance and gather intelligence before boarding a train back to France, near Lons Le Saunier, where he would be helped by the SOE to return to the UK.

Waiting to be send abroad he was residing in London in Bayswater (134 Piccadilly) and later at 47 Pentonville road in a lodging house of Mrs Willington under the name of “Franz Felsner”.

Sadly for him, the operation was cancelled, by the Czech command and I get the impression against the English desire. Subsequently, Vaclav Michal wanted to join the RAF, if not to fly as an air-gunner, then as a mechanic. To this end he was supported by his English Section Officer F.E.Keary. However, again this did not happen and somehow he ended up in an anti tank division.

(Francis Edward Keary became the longest serving ally of the Czechoslovaks. He had worked as an intelligence officer in Czechoslovakia before the war, under cover as a private English tutor and spoke Czech very fluently. In January 1943 he took command of the entire Czech Section.)

On 1st of September 1944 he was sent to France with the Czechoslovak Independent Armoured Brigade to Dunkerque. On the 4th of April 1945, age 35, he was killed. The last battles in this area – to capture the fort of Dunkerque, were fought in April. In the night of the 4th to 5th of April, there was a German attempt to re-capture the western part of the allied parameter. My great uncle fell in battle on the 4th of April 1945 – so I assume he was killed in this battle. He left a wife behind. Whether he had any children is not know.

He was awarded the Czech Memorial medal and was allowed to wear the French War Cross (Croix de Guerre) and colonial medal while in the Czech Brigade.

He is buried at Longuenesse (St Omer) cemetery in France

Beware when booking a ticket on line with British Airways.

2009-10-02T09:47:00.000-07:00

If you make the smallest mistake and have booked a non-refundable ticket you cannot change it even if you phone them (BA) immediately.
I was booking a ticket for myself and my mother, I have to travel Business class for various reasons, and my mother asked to go economy for financial reasons. So I was booking her ticket. There was a question on the website asking if the person paying for this was travelling as well...I was...so I clicked yes. Doing that meant, I learned later, that my name was put on the ticket automatically. Booked it – paid for it...and then I saw that the ticket was in my name. So I immediately phoned my membership BA club. Explaining what happened. Could they possibly change the name to my mother’s? No! I had to buy a new ticket. All that was refunded was the airport tax. I lost £250 pounds.
This is not the first time it has happened to me with BA. When it happened last time, I wrote a letter to BA, and didn’t even get an answer back.
So beware and check and check again before paying anything to this airline.
Apart from that I love flying BA. But their online ticket sale is dangerous business.

The Search for my great uncle, Vaclav Michal, who fell in the battle of Dunkerque on the 4.4.1945.

2009-09-21T02:02:00.001-07:00

The photo shows the part that we missed!!

Part 1 – The trip to Calais (first trip)

This all started innocently enough, when I was trying to put together our family tree, for me, my nieces and nephews. I have always heard about the favourite uncle of my father and the favourite and youngest brother of my grandmother. The adventurer, who went off and joined the Foreign Legion, who escaped from the German army to which he was conscripted (us originating from the Czech lands) to the UK and dying in the 2nd WW.

Well, as I was searching through the web, as you do nowadays, I found that he came up in the National Archive, UK, in the Special Operations Executive, personnel files. (Vaclav MICHAL - born 1910 . Special Operations Executive personnel files. Information on individual subjects and access conditions is available at item level. Vaclav MICHAL - born 1910 Date range: 1939 - 1946.). Interest peeked. But the files are closed unless I can prove that he died!

We have no death certificate!

More in detail searching of the internet revealed some more interesting information (see later) and from my aunt I heard that he was buried in Grave 37 row 1 in a cemetery whose name started with St and was near Calais. A photo of his grave would be prove enough I was told, so I decided to go and take one.

I persuaded a friend of mine and a work colleague, (AG) to come with me and we set out on a day of travel.

Now, the border crossings at Dover and Calais are turned round, so there is a French border on the Dover side and a British border on the Calais side. So once you have passed those borders you are, in fact, already in France or Britain without having left the country. Well, we drive past the empty French border check points in Dover as I say that we need the passports. AG then says “(*%&)!, I forgot my passport!”. I try and drive out of the area – back to the UK, but can’t and so am forced to continue to the ferry, where we ask if there is anything we can do. “Nope, take your chance in France”. On to the Ferry. We come up with the idea that her daughter can cross into Calais and give AG her passport on the French side before our return. All that is arranged and I take AG to France without any form of identification. On out way back we have daughter and all passports. Which is good because we come under close scrutiny by the British border patrol – I forgot to mention that AG is Chinese in origin!!!.

Back to grave searching.
From my searching on the web, I had decided that the best possibility was St Omer military cemetery. We found it, and looked at the Check section, looking for grave 37 row 1. Nothing. We did find a whole section of Chinese Labour corps from WWI.
So on to the next place, which is the Czech cemetery 70 km further south. Interesting, but nothing. I phone my aunt in the Czech Republic. “He is in Dunkerque” she says.
We decide to take a later ferry and go to Dunkerque communal cemetery. There I get a lot of help from a very nice lady who looks after the graves. We go through names, look at far too many graves, and I have a long conversation in French, but not a trace of my uncle. Disappointed I return to the UK and text my aunt.

The next day I get a message that my uncle is in St Omer, row 1 grave 37. But that’s where we where!!! I can’t believe it. I decide to phone the Common Wealth Grave Commission who looks after these areas. “He is in St Omer” I am told, “Plot 4, Row AA, Grave 46”. Looks like we have walked so near but did not see – now I will have to go back. At least I know he does exist!!!

The last resting place

2009-08-26T12:13:00.001-07:00

This holiday in France we put the ashes of my father into his final resting place. It is a nice spot, with beautiful views of the village and mountains.

We played Amazing Grace (bagpipe version) and Don't stand at my grave and cry on a very hot an sunny day as the ashes were placed into the grave by my brother. Then the top stone was sealed and it was all over. It was a very final act. And that made it more painful. But it was also beautiful and had to be done.

Sailing in Holland

2009-08-10T03:45:00.000-07:00

July 24 very early in the morning.
I wake up with a start – look at my watch and horror of horrors the alarm hasn’t gone off. It is 03.35. I was supposed to get up at 03.00am. Still, not all is lost, I will just have to forgo the cup of tea. I rush out of bed, do all the needed stuff and get my cats ready and am just in time for the taxi, which is outside my door at 04.15am.

The journey to Heathrow and the flight are uneventful – which is nothing to complain about. And on arrival I am fast tracked though and there is Ellis waiting for me. We spend about 30minutes trying to get out the right way – funnily no one, who works at Schiphol, know the way either. In the end we find the car and via Ellis’s house we arrive in Monnickendam to “our” boat, the Ijsvogel.

After settling in we decided to take the Ijsvoge for a spin. With only the small headsail. It was wind force 5 to 6. We left the “haven” and all was ok – although I was nervous – till we got out quite far and had to turn the ship. Then it got all very busy and nerve-racking, so to spare my heart we went back. In the evening after supper, Ad played the guitar and Ellis and I sang. We also had a lesson in navigation. At about 2am we went to bed. And after a rather noisy and impressive thunder storm I fell asleep at last.

Saturday 25th.
After a very relaxed morning we put everything away and tightened everything and went on our merry way. All the way to Enkhuizen. That’s about 18 miles. With an average speed of 4.5 knots we estimated 5 hours of sailing – especially as we also had to go through a lock.

After initial nervousness, mainly due to the high waves – as we were still only using the headsail and making good speed with 5 to 6 knots, I relaxed. It was nice sailing and the coastline was smaller and smaller. There was a week sun with a few clouds. Then a dark, black cloud appeared. We all put our rain-clothes on. Suddenly it was upon us. Now, rain would be ok – but with rain comes more wind and more waves! I did not enjoy that bit at all – and wondered why I was on the ship at all. Thankfully, the rain, clouds and wind passed and after a bit my fear passed too. Especially as we were nearing the land again and the lock so the waters calmed down a bit. I found a really nice place to sit as we slowly motored though the lock.

It was then decided to visit Ellis’s friend Etty & Han, who were moored nearby on their very large ship (where they live all year round in Amsterdam). So we came next to them and used their ship as a mooring place. We spend a very nice hour chatting, drinking beer and bobbing on the waves. After we said our goodbyes Han accompanied us to the harbour on his small sailing dinghy.

We moored at Enkhuizen. This was a very busy place, but we got good mooring. In the evening we went out for a meal and spend the rest of the time again singing and deciding on the next day.

Sunday the 26th
Early start this day. We had a time limit as I had to catch the plane back to London.
So before 9am we left and had breakfast while sailing. Again we started with the head sail only, although the wind force was only 3-4. But there were still pretty big waves.

We sailed to the harbour of Hoorn, where we stopped for lunch. This is a very very pretty place and we cracked open a bottle of champagne to accompany our lunch. At 13.00 we left Hoorn and made our way back to Monnickendam. The wind had died down a bit and the waves had died down a lot. So I felt much more relaxed (it may have also been an after-effect of the Champs). I dared to take the wheel. I also dared to go to the front of the ship – I think this has become my favourite place (apart from when it’s too windy). It is very comfy and you are quite high above the water. Then to my great surprise I even asked that the Main sail would be used. And so up it went – all the way. And we went a bit faster but not too much leaning with the ship. I was allowed to have the rope that would release the sail if I found that we leaned too much. But instead of releasing it, I would ask Gus to sail into the wind a bit, and then the ship straightens up. So we sailed happily like this till the entrance to the harbour.

There a few things started to get a bit messy. There was a problem with the motor rotor and the keel. Something seemed to hold it back. So I panicked a bit, and the sails went down. We made our chugging way back to the berth place. We found a whole salad of seaweed around the motor and keel. No wonder that it was difficult to steer.

After a change, quick supper- whipped up by Gus. Ellis and Gus took me to Schiphol. I checked in, had a drink brought some chocolates and went through the gate. The plane was late of course (some problem plane in Heathrow). Flight was ok – a bit bumpy. We arrived at Heathrow and there was no assistance for me. BA forgot to book it. So we had to wait. In the end one of the stewards found a wheelchair and the captain of the plane wheeled me half way out till we found the appropriate personnel to take me through to my taxi which had already waited for 50 minutes – so that will cost a nice amount! Got home at midnight.

Wimbledon

2009-07-06T03:59:00.001-07:00

Today I went to Wimbledon. This was my first time and we had tickets for centre court for all the games. The first was the ladies final, and this was between the Williams sisters. It was a short but exiting game. To be in Centre court and be a part of the whole experience was wonderful. In the end Serina won.

After a break of strawberries and cream we went back to watch the men’s double finals. This was incredibly exciting. What a game. We staid to watch the lady’s double final and welcomed the Williams sisters back on court. They won.

The whole thing was a wonderful experience.

Year 2009 - the year of death

2009-06-26T00:17:00.000-07:00

Ok - I too will write this down as so many people will today. Michael Jackson has died at the age of 50 of a suspected sudden cardiac arrest. I was not a fan of MJ, but it just never occurred to me that he would die, and so young. Everyone in the UK was looking forward to his forthcoming concerts. Some did think he would cancel, but not in this way.

Another death occurred but was overshadowed by MJ's. That is the death at only 62 of Farrah Fawcet, one of the original Charlie's Angles (CA). Now her I liked, I liked them all in CA, and they became, to some extent my role models when I was a kid. So I mourn her death. Mainly I hope that all the children of these two people can find some peace and comfort.

Just here

2009-06-22T05:34:00.001-07:00

5 months. And it gets more painful, the loss the empty feeling. It hurts, yet I cannot cry.

A song - need some music. For my dad and Mama-Hensen

2009-03-26T04:57:00.001-07:00

I don’t want to seem rude
But I am in a crying mood
I don’t know what to say
Please do go away.

I am in a crying mood

The tears burn behind my eyes
I cannot cope with telling lies
I want you to come back
I want you to be un-dead

I am in a crying mood

I do go on and try
I don’t go around all the time and cry
But sometimes I miss you so
Why did you have to go - I feel so low

I am in a crying mood

Sometimes crying’s good
It lightens your mood
And life is lighter for it
At least for some time for a bit

I am in a crying mood

So actually I am wrong
Please stay, don’t go, give me a song
That I can sing
And hope to the world it will bring

I am in a crying mood
Crying mood
Mood

That is good.

DO NOT GO GENTLE INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT - for my father too

2009-03-16T05:45:00.001-07:00

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Dylan Thomas

To my father

2009-03-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

I am still angry that you left us, that you allowed death to take you. Even though our moments in the last few years of your life were so few. Moments, when you didn’t suffer so much that you could not talk. Moments that you enjoyed my company. I am angry at death and at the existence of cancer.

But I am also relieved, in my rational self, that you are not suffering any more, that you have freed us all from continuous fear of the worst to come, for it has come at last.

I put a tape on where you read a story for me, your voice is so strong, the story is a funny one and there is laughter in your voice. It was you as I remember you at your best. Full of humour, compassion, laughter and a love of life, learning, languages, food and good wine. A teacher always, but a student as well. Your intellect scared some, and delighted others.

You were there, always for me to talk to – however difficult the issues were. I love you for that. You were there to always walk with me up that hill/mountain, for you loved them as much as I did. We made up a new language together, when I was ill at home with a broken leg. I introduced you to StarTrek and you were brave enough to change you mind about SciFi. You welcomed my friends with open arms into your home. You played host to them and spend time with them. There are so many good memories; they far outweigh the few bad ones that exist between any father-daughter relationship. They are the memories that will now walk beside me as I go through life without you. I miss you so much and I will always miss you – but you are still alive in me, and those who knew you and even those who you only touched through your work. Goodbye father (tati) and friend.

In Memoriam

2009-03-04T01:55:00.000-08:00

The mother of my best (soul-mate) friend has passed away. It was expected, but I had hoped that there would be a little bit more time for her and her daughter. Only 3 months ago we were at her house for St Nicholas. She was playing tennis on the new Wii, although very ill already. We were all laughing – giggling like small children, we stayed up late having a good time. That is and will be the last most recent memory of her for me. She was so brave, throughout her long-term illness. She had a zest for life and she knew how to laugh. Laughter with her is what I will remember most, as well as the feeling of cosiness when we – as children and later teenagers – would be at my friend’s house, drinking tea (hot chocolate) with cookies, chatting away. She also always had good advice on things, sometimes it was easer to talk to her than to my mum, because she wasn’t my mum. She was also the one who had the patience to teach me to ride a bike. Thank you.

B – You will always be in my mind, your laughing face, your understanding of silly jokes, your patience and kindness and your very brave fight and will to live.

Loosing a parent

2009-02-10T05:41:00.000-08:00

It is just over a year since I last wrote. And a lot has happened, but the most difficult and traumatic is the death of my father on the 17th of January 2009.

Why am I writing about this? Because I searched the web so see if other people had the same emotional experiences as I did so far. But, although there is some information on children loosing a parent, there is nothing (or very little) on adults loosing a parent. So here goes, and this is just personal ramblings.

At first is a sense of shock, even if the news was not unexpected as in my case. Yet you never quite believe it is going to happen. In the immediate time after being told, my mind and body went into an adrenalin overdrive; sorting things out, letting other people know, getting tickets so I and other family could get to France in time for the funeral etc. Basically I was keeping my self busy and the first day I hardly cried.

The next day, I had some emotional relief when I listed to Mozart’s requiem. That set the sobs going. But that was all. The day after that (a Monday) I went to work, as I had to organize leave etc. Again I was doing things, and this type of avoidance continued right through to the funeral.

The funeral forced me to acknowledge the finality of what has occurred and allowed me to show some emotion. But then again I had to organise a few things for my mum, catch the plane back to the UK, etc kept me busy. When I got back I was kept busy with getting my flat ready for when my mum comes to visit me for longer periods of time. Again I was keeping myself busy – and I marvelled at how well I coped. Apart that is, from feeling really really tired. As well as the fact that my concentration on any one thing didn’t last long.

Now, just over 3 weeks after the death, I have nothing left to organise, there is quiet time, and the inner grieving is taking place. It hurts. I know I will not see my dad again, never speak to him, never hear him say how much he loves me; never have heated discussions with him. I keep wishing I had spent more time with him, embraced him more, and told him how much I love him. All these “I wish” now keep coming and it is difficult to keep tears away.

So, although initially you may think that you are okay – and that the grieving process is not as painful as others say. You may be mistaken, and like me the grieving may take place a bit later. I am sure it too will pass. And I am sure it is normal and I am not the only one feeling this way.

I hope these few lines may help someone who is also going or going to go through this process.

First Day at work 2008 - Fire

2008-01-07T02:22:00.000-08:00

So, the year 2008 has started - it’s the 3rd and we (or some of us) are all back at work. We work near the Royal Marsden Hospital. At around 1:50pm we were told that there is a fire near by – but not to worry. I had smelled a burning smell, but didn’t think much of it. At 2:00pm we were asked to evacuate our building, the police asked all nearby buildings to evacuate – near to the RMH. Not too bothered we all went out side and… there was black ash flying everywhere, large dark gray cloud covering most of the weak winter sun, blue lights flashing, the road cordoned off. As I crossed over to get to my car, I looked back at the fire. Tried to take a photo on my phone and was already coughing. Even when I got home, my eyes hurt and I smelled of smoke. That was from just a few minutes outside! I am glad that no one got seriously hurt. It could have been so much worse. Today, the 7th, the hospital is starting to see patients again. What a great place it is.

New job

2007-10-26T01:49:00.000-07:00

It has been sooo long since I last wrote, but then I have been ever so busy. So many things have changed. I have a new job, http://www.breakthroughcentre.org.uk/, and have been kept busy there, including traveling to many conferences. One of these was to Amsterdam, so I had the chance to visit my soulmate Ellis and her menagerie.

As a holiday this year - I visited Le Manoir aux Quater Saisons'; Raymond Blanc's 2 Michelin starred restaurant for lunch. Sadly, I was a bit disappointed. Have eaten better in France in restaurants that only have 1 star or even none from Michelin. Maybe, and I hope, it was just a bad day. Now I have to see what Gordon Ramsay's is like.

Although I had no holiday in the summer, I did go to Israel in the spring. That was an emotional, educational and beautiful week.

Zoo

2007-05-03T12:22:00.000-07:00

Went to London Zoo today - it was really good, actually. Here is one of the many photos I took.

Car Crash

2007-02-09T11:28:00.000-08:00

I had a momentary loss of concentration this Monday – now I put it down to the fact that I was coming down with flu – and managed to crash my car into a tree – badly.

As I was parking, a man was working on the nurses home in front of my work, and I just could not stop looking at what he was up to. The car, being an automatic, continued slowly to roll on. I wanted to step on the break and instead … yea, you guessed it – stepped on the accelerator. Then I panicked and could not find the break and stepped again on the accelerator. Scrunch. The front of the car was very badly damaged. My pride was damaged, the tree was damages and my bank account was terribly damaged.

New Year Snow

2007-01-24T05:02:00.000-08:00

Well it is the New Year and we have had our first snow - what excitement! After the tornadoes and more recent hurricanes, I woke up to utter stillness and quiet. Outside it was pristinely white. Pity that it has nearly all disappeared now. The cats could not quite believe what has happened to their outside world. But they both samples walking in the snow, although their expedition did not last long.

Kensal Rise Tornado 07-12-06

2006-12-07T13:07:00.000-08:00

It is about 10:30 am and I am working at home (my car is in the garage). Suddenly the sky turns dark gray from a sunny blue. A bright flash – lightning! An almighty storm hits, with high wind and hail. Well, that’s not so unusual. After the storm passes, I hear a lot of sirens, but take no notice. Twenty minutes or so later my neighbour phones in distress – a tornado has hit just about 100 meters from us. There is severe damage! I can’t believe it – here I am working peacefully while just up the road havoc has been created. Six people injured, thankfully no one dead. But as the news unfolds the damage to property and trees is becoming apparent – it is extensive. As I write this J is waiting to hear if his flat has survived. His road is closed off – too much damage. I won’t post this till I know. When I phoned him up this morning to tell him that “there was a tornado in Kensal Rise” he laughed – he wouldn’t believe it at first.

Up to 150 houses are known to be damaged. Unbelievable. A few people phone to see if I am okay. The girls who live above me come rushing home from work to see if this house is still standing.

Just spoke to J. His house has “minor” damage. Two windows blown out and some roof tiles gone, the extent of which he won’t know till daylight returns.

Childhood - gettin old

2006-11-24T09:33:00.000-08:00

Had some time to spare today – so first I looked up my old schools in Holland that I visited, found some old photos from there of me and my class mates – I am talking 30 years ago! Got all maudlin, wishing for my childhood again. Looked at other old photos; of my best-friend and myself, more than 30 years ago. Those were the days – sure it wasn’t all fun – but generally I had a good time as a kid (especially after getting better from my illness) and even as a teenager.

Someone asked me if I would want to go back to that time and would I change anything:

Sure I would like to go back – all those years to live again, and times were less nasty then – ok we had the cold war, I was a refugee from the Soviet block. But, maybe through my child’s eyes, thing looked more hopeful than they do now. Would I change something – Yes – I would not go into the Academic world. I would still do science but then go into Industry. At least, even though you are not appreciated (just as in Academia) you get better paid.

Monday the 13th

2006-11-13T10:36:00.000-08:00

Well for me it an unlucky day is not Friday the 13th but Monday the 13th.
First one of my cats is so allergic to a flea treatment that she now has an open wound. And I get all distressed when one of my dear cats is suffering or ill. Then I heard today that my consultancy of two years is not going to be renewed. I will miss the money from that very much and also the interesting work. They want a permanent person now, sadly for me. And then even sadder one of my friends is leaving London for other lands. Argh what a day!

NICE is not nice!

2006-10-11T00:22:00.000-07:00

Just a NICE picture I took.
But on a more serious note - how can NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) refuse drugs that have been proven to decrease Alzheimer's when given early, to NHS patients. It only works when given at the early stages! Apart from the humanitarian aspect - what a short term view. The cost of the drugs is far less than the cost of looking after people with Alzheimers. I do wonder who sits on the NICE decision board!

The Book

2006-10-10T04:50:00.000-07:00

Tuesday - am at work, and trying to finish Chapter 17 of our text book. We are already two weeks late for the publisher's deadline. Some of my "friends" would say we are 6 years too late. Yes - that's about how long it takes to write a science text book, especially as the field is developing so fast. After we finish this review circle - it goes to an editor (again) we get it all back again and only after that does it go to type-setting. Phew - can't wait.

New New New

2006-10-09T13:14:00.000-07:00

This is my first UK blog. Although based in London, I have, up to now, had a Dutch blog - which I will continue to have for my Dutch friends. But now I have set up an English blog.
Why blog - why bother?
I suppose to air my ideas, my frustrations, and views, for what they are worth. Some friends will log on - and I hope some strangers too.
Now I am going to continue with the design of the thing.
Bye