Hey there peoples,
I know that I told you in the last posting that I was planning to head up to Glasgow around this time. I would be there right now, taking impromptu lessons in Scottish pronounciation if it were not for certain choices that have forced me to abandon my original plan of action. Most of the people who read this little log of ours know me very well and will not be surprised by what they read next. However, for those of you who have been sparred that conditioned and unreasoning side of me that stems from my adolescent obsessions, be warned, my next statement may upset and disturb you. I have decided that visiting Scotland on this particular trip would not be as much of a life changing experience for me as seeing Patrick Stewart (a.k.a Jean Luc Picard from Star Trek TNG) perform in a play called 'The Master Builder', which Brian and I will be seeing tomorrow. I can almost feel the disapproval seeping through the monitor, but if you only knew how deeply this series and those characters have imbedded themselves into the the very fiber of my being then you would understand how helpless I am to fight against this choice. We all have our vices and little obsessions, and for me the combination of seeing my first bit of english theatre with one of my favourite actors of all time is just too good to pass up. After committing myself to this, the only way I could have stuck to seeing Scotland was if I was content to view it framed by the window of a bus. This is not a particularly enticing option, and so I have decided to stay in Dublin for a little while longer and will be flying to London tomorrow morning.
The last few days in Dublin have convinced me that the the Irish don't know how to have a bad time. It's simply a concept they have never been exposed to, and after visiting several local bars which have featured irish music and dancing, jazz, blues, techno all accompanied by that universal sport - drinking, I am convinced that staying here indefinitely would not be an unpleasant fate in the least. The attitude is one of simple relaxation here. If you don't feel like buying a drink, don't buy a drink. You can sit and chat, partaking in the musical entertainment and it doesn't have to cost you a thing. It's a refreshing concept that I haven't seen in many other places and I am only too happy to share the mindset for another night before scooting off to London.
Anyways, I'll let you people know how the play went, albeit I'm pretty confident that I'm going to enjoy it one way or another.
Take it easy,
Markus
P.S. The title to this posting is a little bit of an inside reference. Who can tell me what it's from?
Posted by Markus at July 29, 2003 12:50 PMWhen I'm surrounded I just can't stop ...
So ya, Markus, I get the title of this post, and did as soon as I read it, and knew it was by you after having seen only the title, so I win! I figured I'd not give it away for those others who want to play the guessing game though, so I'll just add another clue.
I don't disapprove of you. I agree about Patrick Stewart being a great actor, although I'm not nearly as obsessed as you are. I'm sure the play will be great. Once in Ottawa I saw Meagan Fallows (sp?) (aka. Anne of Green Gables) play the lead female role in Othello. That was very cool, and I'm sure this play you see will be equally so, if not more so. I do look forward to hearing about it. Maybe you could even get his autograph. If so, I'm sure the rest of us will never hear the end of it, but I think that'd be pretty cool. Anyway, enough rambling from me for now. Have a great time! Ooh ooh if you can, get something autographed for me too!
To Heather: I don't like Star Trek. I have never watched it. It is for geeks only, and I'm not geek!
Posted by: Shannon at July 29, 2003 06:23 PM* You can call me Pavlov's dog *
I don't disprove either, of hanging tight to see your favourite star. I mean... if it was me with Gwyneth, there would be no questions asked and guilt would have no room within my emotions to be considered. But leaving early and missing out on Spain? Now that's sort of a different story... Oh, and Markus, thanks for the post-card, I got it today!
Orv
(Proper message to follow shortly. Several events to update on.)
Posted by: Orvie at July 29, 2003 07:55 PMHmmmmm....Patrick Stewart, eh? I guess you can be forgiven for that one, but I do think Shannon had a great idea about getting something autographed. Think about it, you could hold that over Jill's head for YEARS!!!! And isn't that what life is all about? By the way, I got your title, as well, but Shannon beat me to it. :P Miserable harpie.....
Have fun!!
Christina
Posted by: Christina at July 29, 2003 10:15 PMHey Markus and Brian,
Sorry I haven't had a chance to either check out the website OR comment on any of your postings. I think this trip was actually a great idea for you two and if I had the opportunity and cash I would do the exact same thing! You learn so much about different cultures and styles of living that it really shapes your own personality and experiences. Well, I'm just glad that you two are having such a great time. Stay safe and don't get into too much trouble ok? LOL, YEAH RIGHT!! Can't wait to see you two again so you can share all of your adventures! Take care!
Crystal
Posted by: Crystal at July 29, 2003 10:16 PMThanks girls. I knew you'd understand, especially since I've never really been shy about my geeky star trek nature. I also wanted to congratulate you all on knowing the source of the title so effortlessly, but then again I never really had a doubt that you would get it. You see, I happen to know that you like your Barenaked Ladies just as much as I do. ;)
Posted by: Markus at July 31, 2003 01:52 PM