I'm off to hunt a snark, tra-la

Edinburgh Fringe Festival

2006-08-21T14:37:39Z

I went up to Edinburgh for a couple of days last week, sandwiched in between a lesson down in London with Ian on Wednesday and Bella needing to be back for the Secret Garden music festival (in Ramsey, that well known cultural centre) this weekend. Attempted to pack in as many shows as possible, with a decent level of success: 6 shows in just over 24hrs isn't bad going for those of us that value our 10hrs sleep a day :)

We managed to find last minute discount accommodation in one of the hotels on the North Bridge. Our room was on the 4th floor, with a beautiful view across to the sea and Arthur's seat. I think I've fallen in love with Edinburgh: there's something magical about the stonework of the buildings and the rolling hills that it's built upon. Although I can imagine that causing stress in Winter when the streets get icy. Perhaps I'd better squash itchy house-moving feet right there...

After dumping my belongings in the hotel and grabbing a bite to eat from a good ol' northern chippy, the first port of call was 'Neville's Island'. Four London businessmen on a team-building exercise in the Lake District manage to get ship-wrecked on a small rocky island in the middle of Lake Windermere. As night falls and the mist closes in, things degenerate into bitter recriminations and increasing hostility. Very funny - a superb, almost constant, stream of sarcastic comments from one of the characters delivered with perfect comic timing - but there's a dark edge with quite a few issues raised about religion, death, relationships.... My only criticism is that they occasionally veered off at a tangent (in particular a rant about the problems of being middle class) with sufficient disconnection from, and indeed inconsistency with, the main plot to feel unsatifactory.

The following morning was time for 'Hysteria'. No not literally.... The venue was a bit further out from the centre but well worth the 40min walk - erm, dash - clutching sandwiches and mocha from Pret by way of breakfast. Fairly straightforward plot: couple go on a first date to a restaurant where the waiter is having visions of the apocalypse. It's really exciting physical theatre, with a clever script: I haven't found a play that good since seeing the Beckett Shorts. (Which being a theatre newbie is about the only exposure to physical theatre that I've had...) What I realise I dislike about conventional theatre is how it reinforces a mundane 'realistic' view of the world - I think I experience, and prefer, my reality a bit more edgy than that. Behind the social construct lies uncertainty and madness... Well, at least, disjointedness. 8-)

As a change from the theatre, we dropped in to see a Zimbabwean dance group. Lots of drums, gumboot dancing, singing, etc. Attempted not to feel homesick...

'Hamlet: The Gloomy Prince.' Now this was probably my own personal favourite. I haven't laughed so much in ages. We were packed into a tiny 'theatre' with three rows of seats and the stage almost on top of you (I would recommend sitting on the front row if you want to be flirted with by the actors ;) ) We have Daniel and Mark, one primary and one secondary school teacher, attempting to stage a version of Hamlet 'for kids'. And trying to convince the audience that it really will teach their little angels the joys of Shakespeare. However it becomes a nightmare as their production, relationship and set collapse around their ears. Although it was hysterically funny, I think the essence of why the play worked was that the actors flipped in and out of a perfectly serious performance of Hamlet. And that their roles as primary and secondary teachers were so convincingly done without being caricatured. All gloriously subversive.

I was really looking forward to seeing the Argentine tango group, fresh from Buenos Aires - they're also visiting the Cambridge Corn Exchange on 16th September - but it was actually rather disappointing. The music played by the band wasn't great and the dancing was virtuoso without any real passion or interaction. I had the impression that the dancers were on the edge of their physical capabilities and the male dancers just seemed to be there as props for the gymnastics rather than expressing any personality. It was still enjoyable and impressive, but it did seem to have lost the essence of Argentine tango, and was a bit of a let down compared to the tango show I'd seen while in BA.

Final play for the day was A Midsummer Night's Dream from Puck's point of view. Quite an interesting idea I thought, but it was frankly a disaster. And given the cast outnumbered the audience, it seems everyone else thought so too!

Then headed off to the nearby Pizza Express for a light snack at 11.30pm, with an excellent veggie menu! Sadly no interesting shows on the Friday morning, so caught the train back to Cambridge, and arrived home (slightly later than planned thanks to GNER - Grrr) just in time for GD.

chaos_natsci @ 2006-07-23T23:07:00

2006-07-23T23:50:32Z

Have finally dried off after getting thoroughly drenched trying to race across the paddling pool at Sheep's Green. Note to self: Don't wear jeans that take ages to dry next time. Getting soaked seems to be the running theme of this weekend. On Saturday felyjade and I joined Gunde's punting trip to Granchester which then got caught in the torrential downpour - accompanied by reassuring comments about the lightning conductivity of punt poles... While battling against the elements we were attacked by a marauding bunch of Pirates that tried to board our boat, but we were too quick for them... Hahaa... Made them walk the plank we did... Hahaha... With our trusty black sail (Fely's umbrella) and a ready supply of rum, we easily outstripped the lot of them. (Hmph. How do you draw pirate skull and cross-bones? 8-X Do we think that's suitable?)

(For those of you that require this in plain English: there was a group of guys, seriously drunk, with two punts strapped together yelling abuse at all the passing punts and flinging themselves onto any that came near - I think watching Pirates of the Caribbean has gone a bit to my head... Maybe you had to be there.)

Anyway, after a hot shower, I headed over to kadia's Cake and Cocktails party with it's truly delicious supply of cakes. A wonderfully decadent end to the day :-)

As far as today goes, I went for a session of Alexander technique this afternoon. It's advertised as helping posture in ballroom dancing, so I thought I'd give it a go. Hmm, interesting. I rather embarrassingly managed to black-out half way through the session. Water had to be fetched and I was made to lie down on the floor. Oops! Blame it on the heat... Actually, fainting is meant to be quite common in Alexander due to a change in the blood pressure in the head. A significant portion of the technique seems to be about my nervous system responding to his, but the idea of a heightened sense of awareness and finger-tingling due to expression of the subconscious, seems a bit more like hypnotherapy to me. Is this just an alternative medicine crack-brained idea, or does it really help? I could persuade myself that I was somehow cleansing and releasing my emotions by having the fainting fit, but at the same time when that happens after spending too much time in a hot shower, I just think it's unpleasant! The one interesting point the therapist made was that my breathing is shallow. Not high in the chest, just shallow. His reasoning was that all the muscles around the base of my spine are tense and that's preventing my lower ribs from expanding properly and allowing me to breathe deeply. Interesting idea, and I do find myself getting out of breath very quickly. But... (and this is a big BUT!) I've been told just to think about relaxing my muscles. Would be easier if there was something concrete to practise.

The good thing is that everything's starting to pull together about the dancing. I just need to RELAX, (and build up a little fitness and strength on the side ;-) ) but most importantly, just ease out the tension in my body, because otherwise I block my partner and cause us to be off balance.

Rounded off the day with a picnic on Sheep's Green, with a group of CDC people (Megan, Alex S, Edwin...) This culminated with the aforementioned race across the paddling pool, after being challenged by Alex. He won, but only by a whisker! Which brings us, gentle reader, back to where we started.

Dancing!

2006-07-20T22:59:50Z

Well, in response to an email from LJ to get my act together and write something, since I last updated 41 weeks ago, let's see what's been happening with my life... (Don't worry, this was triggered by a nudge from a friend - LJ doesn't really have a life of its own *suitable Jaws-esque music starts*)

... Had another lesson with Ian Waite down in London today, which was really useful! It was a 2 lesson slot and so had a chance to get into the swing of our Quickstep routine - to which his first reaction was 'Oh my god, it's impossible', but that improved :-) It's now been modified so that it can fit in halls other than Blackpool ;-) After repeated adjustments to my hold over the last couple of lessons, it is actually starting to feel rather comfortable to keep a decent connection and dance at the same time. (Have decided that I must have been a bloody nightmare to dance with these last few years now I realise how comfortable it can feel...)

In other news, had a barbeque at the weekend which was lots of fun - my first ever! Thank you very much to everyone that helped out - incompetent vegetarians get confused by these things... ;-) Most people have probably already discovered the photos that unoriginal1729 took, but for those that haven't, they're here. erica_freak: it's a shame you'd already left by the time the juggling started...

I picked up a catalogue with the listings for the Edinburgh Fringe festival (6th - 28th Aug) on my way back from London. Anyone else thinking of going? I missed the Scarborough student festival due to bloody exam revision, but I'm determined to get up to Edinburgh for a few days :-) As well as the drama there seem to be some exciting dance workshops that could be fun - will retire to bed with said catalogue and pour over the listings...

chaos_natsci @ 2005-09-19T15:01:00

2005-09-19T14:07:51Z

Definitely approve of this meme - Hobbes is my favourite feline!

You're Hobbes. First of all, the makers of this
quiz would like to congratulate you. You have
our seal of approval. You are kind,
intelligent, loving, and good-humoredly
practical. You're proud of who you are. At the
same time, you're tolerant of those who lack
your clearsightedness. You're always playful,
but never annoying. For these traits, you are
well-loved, and with good cause.

Which famous feline are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

I know I ought to be working... but I was waiting for my program to finish running!

chaos_natsci @ 2005-08-25T13:43:00

2005-08-25T12:43:20Z

Morpheus

?? Which Of The Greek Gods Are You ??
brought to you by Quizilla

Belated post on Birthday Party

2005-08-21T13:49:22Z

I know this is rather a long time after the event... Please forgive. Am still learning how to get to grips with technology and uploading pictures on the web takes a while... So for anyone who's interested here are some of the photos that were taken at my birthday party last Saturday!

Greetings from South America

2004-12-23T23:45:50Z

Well, hellooo there! To any one who happens to look at this blog :) After a significant absence I thought I might suprise you all by popping up again on livejournal. Hahaha. And from an internet cafe in Argentina of all places. Let's see where do I start: After a horrid busy term I have now left miserable cold England behind for the warmth of the southern hemisphere. I arrived out here on the 9th Dec to join H after his 3 month Rayleigh international expedition (complete with Yeti beard and unwashed hair :0) and we're travelling around South America together until the 28th. So, yes, that would be me spending three weeks, including Christmas, with my ex. Well, sort of ex. We'll be properly broken up as soon as we step off the plane at Heathrow, I promise ;) Nice to know it's possible to stay really good friends with someone you've been going out with...

South America is wonderful - I can't believe it's actually me out here!!! Flew into Santiago. Spent a few days there recovering from the flight. That was the idea at any rate. In fact spent a significant proportion of the time going out in the evening with H's friends from Raleigh. Then across the Andes to Mendoza. They are quite unlike any mountain range I've ever seen before! Then to BA for dancing the Tango and at the moment we're in Bariloche exploring the national parks. I'll be back home for New Year so won't entirely miss out on the celebrations back home. Life is good.

chaos_natsci @ 2004-08-31T23:49:00

2004-08-31T22:56:34Z

Oof - this is the first time I've had a chance to properly sit down at the computer in the last two weeks. So I hope, dear reader, that you appreciate this time now being spent updating you on it...

Got back from big adventure in France last Wednesday! I don't think it would be fair to say that my French has improved since all difficult negotiations were either left to Henry, or else battled through in English. It's nice to know I can still say 'une crepes' with exactly the same appalling accent as when I started ;-)

Oh, but the adventures we have had!! Set off canoing down the Ardeche for two days. Only, ahem, we forgot to take a tent. Or sleeping bags. Or sufficient food. (Due to _somebody_ not being entirely clear on the provisions of a French bivouac.) And of course, it would be that night that it decided to absolutely pour down. I mean really pour down in a major thunderstorm (accompanied by loud drunken singing from the neighboring tent) And guess who forgot to take sufficient warm clothing and ended up snaffling my only jumper, leaving me to freeze!

Anyway, the following day the river was so high and fast-flowing that it wasn't safe to continue. So, we had to drag the canoe up from the beach to the campsite (I tell you those things are bloody heavy!), and then walk 1 mile up the side of the gorge carrying two large watertight containers to be met by the minibus. All of this with really aching shoulders after sleeping on a slatted wooden floor with a buoyancy aid as a pillow! T'was a wonderful holiday!!

But it was rather fun... despite managing to fall in at the first rapid we reached and feeling somewhat apprehensive at each subsequent rapid (for which I was ridiculed as being a wimp *sniff*)

Also went exploring the caves down there and scaled the Puy de Dome (absolutely fantastic views from up there!) Hotel was gorgeous, although I don't think my expectations were very high after 4 days camping...

Got back and had friends up for the Bank holiday weekend, which was predominantly spent dancing and playing bridge. Went down to London for Ballroom Blitz on the Monday, which was good fun. Poor Michelle was ~~groped~~ asked to dance by seedy old men (I think you need to train David to be more possessive).

But I am now trying catch up on lost sleep, so had better head off to bed!
TTFN

chaos_natsci @ 2004-07-28T15:21:00

2004-07-28T15:16:04Z

You wouldn't think 'doing nothing' could be so stressful and tiring! I feel worn out. Not helped by the work I'm supposed to be doing for my A-level Geology teacher, which is going rather slowly and is all too reminiscent of bad school coursework. *sniff* Still, I think I may start reading some of the maths textbooks for next year to try and cheer myself up.

Hmm, what else have been up to? (since I've been rather a bad natsci and haven't updated for ages)

Holiday to France with H is now booked (Yay!): We're going to spend four nights camping while canoing along the Ardeche; and then three nights ~~recovering~~ in a gorgeous chateau near the Puy de Dome. I can't wait! Fortunately, H ~~assures me he~~ can speak French. I really can't (It all went horribly wrong pre-GCSE!)

Off to see a production of Hamlet down in London on Thursday, which I'm looking forward to. I feel to have been an uncultured, illiterate scientist for too long... Also plans to cycle out to March at the weekend, stopping for lunch in Ely, that is if I haven't died beforehand!

Have had two private dancing lessons with Erin which were very helpful - my posture has definitely improved. Oh! but those dratted heel turns! I still can't manage them however hard I try; and now I learn that its not only foxtrot where you use them, but even nice, gentle waltz. Argh!! I haven't even the excuse that my partner isn't leading properly, because H has managed to master that perfectly. Grrr! Still, he says I'm improving, which is encouraging :-) Am thinking that I may try out for team next year.

I also started bell-ringing a few weeks ago - a completely new and unexplored hobby. It's always fun and rewarding when you're learning something for the first time, so that's all good. (Except when it goes wrong and the bell rope attacks you and so you have a plaster on your finger for the whole next week!)

Weather is wonderful and life's starting to feel a little more optimistic. I'm even looking forward to term starting!

chaos_natsci @ 2004-06-23T15:55:00

2004-06-23T15:28:20Z

Look! I've finally got round to updating my journal after the hype of may week! It's so wonderful having the whole summer ahead with no obligatory work to do - I've decided to try and become very domestic and actually learn to cook (shock! horror! Is this really me?) And of course lots and LOTS of dancing!

Both St Johns and Pembroke mayballs were thoroughly enjoyable. Pincushions - we shall have to go to Trinity next year :-) Although I agree stuffing self on chocolate and watching the fireworks from castle mound is a fairly close second ;-)

Argentine Tango workshop starts on Sunday which I'm really looking forward to - much inspired by watching artsy black and white film "The Tango Lesson" (whole family is now envious!) Also, planning to see SHREK 2 as soon as it comes out - yippee for Prince Charming!!

Hope everyone's enjoying their summer and finding vac work stimulating/not-too-nauseatingly dull :-) Am off for pre-graduation dinner this evening with H's parents which involves driving to Ely (Having a car is a mixed blessing...) but so far have stoutly refused to use A14 after incident in driving test...

Exam results out tomorrow! Will email/phone F and E as soon as I find them. Good luck all!

chaos_natsci @ 2004-04-24T17:52:00

2004-04-24T17:07:31Z

Well, I think I'm starting to get the hang of this whole live journal thing, but its going to be a while... so don't expect any miracles overnight! What really amazes me is quite how many (I thought perfectly "normal") people that I recognise have one of these journals(this was discovered after a rather embarrissingly long time being lost - I'm not cut out to be a computer geek). Do they really not have anything better to do with their time?? (I, of course, am exempt since Fionn press-ganged me into doing this to try and cheer me up!)
Hmm... famous last words, I can see it coming, I'm going to be spending my whole bloody life staring at this computer soon.

I think I had better go before I am pounced upon to help my sister get ready for her Birthday party. The excuse of having Physics Qs to do is going to start wearing a bit thin after a while. (3 down and one to go. Should be finished by tomorrow:)

First entry

2004-04-23T20:04:49Z

Testing, testing... Update Bold Italic, Underline ~~strike~~.