Chemical infusion

Ok, so I know I resolved with myself to take a step back from the mosh pits, but I couldn’t stop myself from re-entering the chaos within this evening.

The Chemical brothers were doing this cd launch gig at Trafalgar square tonight but you couldn’t buy tickets – you had to win them. As it turns out I won a competition that I entered hours earlier to for one of the last 20 double tickets. As roger was busy and couldn’t make it in time, I scalped the 2nd ticket for £20.00, then I quickly made it to the front of the stage where I remained somewhat unbothered by other ravers.

Bit of a lucky day hey. And what can I say, they rocked! But now I’m going to have to listen to my body complain as I drag it onto a plane for 24hrs. Think a little of the ol’ bailies will go a long way!

Did someone say work?

Icmc rocked. The papers and presentations ranged from exceedingly good to astoundingly dodgy, but I think the most fun was in catching up with friends and making new ones. Copenhagen is such a beautiful city. Everything is designed to be aesthetically pleasing as well as innovative. Before I left I also got to spend some time in the rebel sector of Christiania – a hippie community that segregated itself from Copenhagen in the 70’s, refusing to pay taxes. Whilst losing myself in the city I also joined a very large and noisy group of punks and metal heads marching through the streets. After about an hour and wandering quite far I decided I’d had enough and stopped to ask someone what the purpose of the march was. Their response - ‘I’m sorry I don’t speak danish’. Well I’d better start speaking english thinks me. Apparently the march was anti police in response to a home for youth that had been recently closed and left a lot of kids homeless.
So now I’m in London for my last few days in London before I’m deported to the colonies. I had to go buy an extra suitcase to put the heavy items in (the proceedings are like phone books), I’m really interested to see how heavy my luggage actually is as I will be struggling to carry it – im guessing around 40kgs for the backpack, then a couple of kgs for my hand luggage (laptop etc).

Just a spoon full of sugar...

So i've been doing a rather good mary poppins impersonation lately as its been raining everyday here in london! But the wintery weather has provided perfect oppertunities to spend the entire day hiding in the galleries and museums without feeling too guilty! Of course then the huge number of people also flooding the galleries start to drive me nuts and in effort to escape them i end up exploring the depths of the galleries looking at bizarre exhibitions and artifacts. But its been so wonderful to absorb so much art and culture.

Am leaving london for copenhagen tomorrow (sat). I'm really looking forward to it as will attending the icmc conference!!! woohoo!!! Whew their is a massive list of papers and gigs! I can see i'm going to be freaking out at the thought of having to decided which of the dual presentations i can attend!

Barbara who was at marcs at the start of the year (and also at montreal) is one of the keynoters, so it will be great to see her presentation! Plus it'll be great to catch up with the usual folk! Whew, i think its going to be a big week of partying, Oops i mean work.

OzzFest

Ahh a return to the devil of metal's mecca that is birmingham. Thats right the dark lord Ozzy Osbourne (well LOTR sauron as well) is a born and bread brummy. Actually one of his sons still lives in b'ham and was doing dj gigs when i was last there, but i didnt see any advertised gigs this time round. It was so nice to be back in b'ham, even though it was only a few days - although i had forgotten how much of a hard core city it is! I went and checked out my old house and the uni! Nothings changed!

I'm now bouncing around london, spending my days in galleries and cafes, catching up with a few folk, nick tomorrow, roger (who is working in london for 2 months - quite looking forward to our masters meetings in funky cafes), then when im back in london after copenhagen, will be catching up with rick and carole, and lastly kelly, lianne and jason before im deported :OS ho hum!

Hey hey back in the UK!

I’ve stepped out of the tardis into 21st century Coventry and Lady Godiva is still roaming the streets almost 1k later.

It’s been a relaxing part of my trip and great being able to chill out with my mates Jas, Kelly + Lianne doing quite a bit of site-seeing, going up to monkey world (!), tobogganing and seeing some great live comedy.

About to head up to Birmingham for a couple of days where I will check out the uni and old stomping grounds before heading back to London for a week.

Where the bloody hell am i ?

Ok so quickly posting now as the next few days are going to be quite busy.

The last few days have been fantastic. I was lucky enough to have opportunity to meet and discuss stream segregation with Prof Bregman as part of my mentorship, although due to unforeseen circumstances we did not get to spend as much time in discussions as planned. But its not too bad as we are going to continue our meetings using skype :o)

Also got to party down with the marmuts (v cute beasties) at Piknic Electronik on Parc Jean Depard Sunday, and just generally immersing in the plentiful art and culture Montreal offers! But unfortunately I have to bid Montreal au revoir for now. I'm rather sad as its such a beautiful city. Hopefully it wont take me so many years to return next time.

So tomorrow I’ll be catching the Adirondack back to NY to catch my flight to the UK. I’m pretty nervous about going back through customs but fingers crossed my next words will be from somewhere in the UK and not Aus!. I’m due to arrive in NY 10pm-ish, then catch thurs 8.45am flight to Heathrow. Since their are only a few hours between the two trips, I’m not planning on booking into a hotel (I don’t do mornings well and would definitely have trouble waking up and getting to the airport in time!) so I’ll be looking for some luggage storage, then hit downtown for the night! Most likely head back to the village!.

Once I'm aboard my flight to the UK, I arrive at heathrow 8.30pm and will book in for the night, before heading up to Coventry on Friday to stay with my mate Jason and fam :o)

So the next few days will be rather dizzy….