The Pun of the Year 2008

"it seems to me that you can already maintain your stroke well over the length"

adding to that,

"Also you're receptive to learning new skills"

said my swimming instructor to me this morning, and in so doing put a smile on my face. The funniest thing about it is that I don't think the instructor meant to sound so ruthlessly carry-on. This is just normal swimming talk.

I signed up for tutored swimming classes run by the University's Swimming Club this semester in order to "improve my technique and stamina" in the pool.

I was allocated a place in the middle group which has meant quite a wide variety of skills amongst us. A very wide spectrum indeed. I've enjoyed it nevertheless although I've missed a good few sessions due to being in various locations in the world, frankly, anywhere but Manchester. There's only one final session left and we received an email about enrolling to the continuation classes over the Spring term.

Yes please, I thought, but I could do with a challenge. Should I suggest moving up to the advanced class?

The answer lies in the stroke - maintained over the length, mind, one is not to stall or slow down half way up the length, that does not earn you a place in the advanced group.

From there on you build your stamina to maintain the stroke over longer sessions (or greater lengths). Can't wait.

Pause for thought

I should start this post by wishing Finland a very happy 91st birthday. The Finnish Independence Day is a big deal at home, and to prove the point I, too, gathered with a number of compatriots at the Ambassador's Independence Day reception at his official residence last night. To my defence I would have had to make a trip to the Embassy anyway to pick up a certificate which the Finnish authorities require in dealing with my father's estate. Today, the President of the Republic hosts her own (televised) reception which the entire nation follows with interest: who's been invited, who wears what (the fashionistas making live commentary online, such this one from 2007), who's on their own and who launches a new partner by their side on the red carpet. The sombre and serious cause of our nation's independence has been turned into one of the biggest showbiz extravaganzas of the year. Go figure.

It's been a bit quiet on this blog since my trip to Australia, from where I continued to Shanghai and Nanjing for a quick look around. China was a real eye-opener, but Sydney impressed me most (pictured left). Beautiful city, great weather, food to die for at reasonable prices. Perfect for a holiday. The only problem is of course the hideously long journey to get there from almost anywhere in the world, bar New Zealand perhaps.


That having said, Shanghai was intriguing to say the least, it was at the Urban Planning Exhibition opposite to the People's Square where I saw this gigantic model of Shanghai (pictured right). I reckon it's the only way to get a proper grip of the city - once you're in it the high rises, complex motorway flyovers and little narrow alleys merge into this one giant bowl of noodles. An enourmous pulsating beast of a city. Only by looking at the city physically at your feet you understand what's where and the scale of it. Particularly if you only have three days as in my case. In 2010 Shanghai will host the World Expo, and having looked at the displays of the various Pavilions, and the plans for huge redevelopment of the river side where the Exhibition Village is going to be built, one is almost tempted to go back to have a look at it in 2 years time. As a peculiar little detail, the authorities have launched a "better city, better life" campaign as part of which for example the extent of spitting that happens in the city will be curtailed. Yep, that's right, spitting.

The day before I was due to leave Manchester for Melbourne I received a phone call from home - it was mum saying dad had been taken into hospital. 16 days later when I came back I had a hectic 5 days in Manchester before dashing off to Finland for a surprise visit on Father's Day. I was supposed to come back straight away and crack on with my PhD but that was not going to happen. Dad's condition deteriorated suddenly, so I decided it would be a bad move to return to England. Only four days later he passed away. Even the nurses were shocked at the speed of his decline. They assured us it was actually a good thing, in the case of a combined liver and heart failure it's not a nice experience for anyone to hang around for a prolonged period of time.

So my research was put on the back burner. I have officially "interrupted" my studies for 3 months, starting from 1st November until 31st January 09. This is to give me more time to spend at home over the Christmas period and generally to take stock.

2008 has been a very, very hectic year. I have contemplated on my carbon footprint - in the space of 11 months I have been to Madrid, Amsterdam, Florence, Helsinki (7 weeks), Cinque Terra, Nice, Marseille, Melbourne, Sydney, Shanghai and Nanjing. Oh, and then Helsinki again.

Things will be different next year.