Remember, Remember, the 5th of November

Despite the fact that it is now currently the 6th of November, the timing of this post is in no way less diminished. This is for 2 reasons. Firstly, it's been at least 2 weeks since I last slapped myself into gear and updated this blog. Secondly, it may be the 6th of November, and some 24 hours after Guy Fawkes night, but that still hasn't stopped people from setting off fireworks in the nearby council reserve.

Those of you unfortunate enough to be on my msn list, and therefore tasked with entertaining me during my ever decreasing amount of downtime at work, will know that I've been using the subject line as my msn tag for some time now. Although this has more to do with an ongoing love for the movie V for Vendetta, as opposed to a genuine fascination with Guy Fawkes night, it hasn't stopped me shamelessly cribbing the line.

Moreover, I went to Battersea Park, and enjoyed the fireworks and bonfire there. The fireworks I have on movie, so I can't show them here, but I did get a few pictures as well. I actually took a lot more pictures than I actually ended up saving on my computer, but I must confess to being slightly inebriated at this point, primarily due to having been at the pub since 2pm to watch Australia draw with Wales in the rugby union. As penance, I'm having an alcohol free week for the next 7 days. I also grabbed a few videos - probably the best is one where I am filming the bonfire whilst speaking into the camera, and although I start reciting the verses of "Remember, Remember" in my normal voice, within 4 lines I have inexplicably changed my voice into a fairly accurate imitation of Winston Spencer Churchill.

Mind you, this is the same person who has been reliably informed to have walked off from the park afterwards and yelled "Jou Ma Se Pous" at various people, thankfully whom none of which from Cape Town, South Africa, otherwise I may not still be here.

(For those unaware, it's the most vile and terrible insult you can hurl at anyone in Afrikaans, particularly those from Cape Town. I blame Kim and Matthew for teaching it to me. Yes, you.)

Anyways, let's have some pictures.


Some of the crew from the Badger, who I went with to the fireworks display. Nick (another Aussie) is the guy with the glasses, while Dan the Canadian is crouched at his feet. Tania is standing on the far right, and considering she's from South Africa, may never speak to me again after the previously mentioned comments. Mind you, she put up with Anna for a time, so she's fairly forgiving. The other 2 girl's names are an indelible blank on my mind.


Dan wondering what the hell that flashy thing was that just exploded in his face.


Nick doing his patented "I'm looking over my glasses" expression, that makes him appear as though he is possibly the most drunken man alive.


We found a witch, may we burn her?


The fire gradually dies down.

In other news, I am gradually settling into my routine over here, and have just about hit my stride. I've stocked up on winter clothing - although I'll need another beanie after I lost mine on bonfire night - and work is proving more familiar. Lots of changes happening though, so I'll need to stay on my toes.

Pretty much the only thing that's giving me grief is the timing of sporting events over here. I'm a mad devotee of league, union, cricket - hell, anything where Australia takes to the field, and the timing of rugby games back in Oz means that I need to be at the pub by 8:30 am to catch them. And once you've had four pints by 10am, it kind of turns your day upside down.

God knows how I'll manage when the Ashes is on...12 pm start, for an 8am finish. Might have to limit viewing that except on the odd weekend.

Still, it's going to be a dead rubber after 3 games anyway, what with Australia winning the first three, so maybe it won't be so much of a commitment.

Well, I'll give it a rest at that, and I promise to change my msn tag in the near future.