I've been reading this book by the famous Portuguese author and his extensive travels around Portugal. In all honesty it's not the greatest book I've ever read but there is a extract that really sums up how I feel at the end of my travels.
'But that is not true. The journey is never over. Only travellers come to an end. But even then they can prolong their voyage in their memories, in recollections, in stories. When the traveller sat in the sand and declared: "There's nothing more to see" he knew it wasn't true. The end of one journey is simply the start of another. You have to see what you've missed the missed the first time, see again what you already saw, see in the springtime what you saw in the summer, in daylight what you saw at night, see the sun shining where you saw the rain falling, see the crops growing, the fruits ripen, the stone which has moved, the shadow that was not there before. You have to go back to the footsteps already taken, to go over again or add fresh ones alongside them. You have to start the journey anew. Always. The traveller sets out once more.'
20 Oct 2009
16 Oct 2009
Berlin
The world could learn a lot from Berlin, it certainly could take note of the beer and currywurst, it could copy the design of the Reichstag, it could learn a thing or two about making cars. Most of all though the world could learn about how to deal with some of the darker parts of it's history. I've never been to a city that has been so honest about it's gloomy past, it's refreshing. There is no shadowing over the atrocities of Nazi Germany or the divide of Berlin. Actually, it highlights what it is has learned from those times, the Reichstag design is solid proof of that.
I wish more cities and countries were like this. I'm British-Portuguese so I know full well how to gloss over the darker parts of our history and having spent time in Japan this must seem a completely novel concept to them.
Straight from the off there are reasons to appreciate Berlin. The Brandenburg gate masterpiece was built as a Prussian monument of peace and was taken by the invading Napoleon, only to be recaptured by Prussia in 1814. They added a Iron Cross and placed it back above the aptly named Paris Square (they later placed the French Embassey in the glare of the statute, who said Germans didn't have a sense of humour). I went on a free walking tour, which although isn't usually my thing was extremely good. I fully recommend it. We saw where Hitler killed himself (now a car park) and saw the main sights of Berlin.
We went to the Jewish memorial which is dead center in Berlin. It's very well designed and although no actual meaning was meant by the design I felt that each block represented a family that was unique it's own way but was systemically killed by the ruling Nazi party (hence the grid like way the blocks are situated). The museum below was although slightly depressing was a useful reminded of the history that took place not just in Berlin but all over central Europe.
We build up images in our mind of what certain things should like and sometimes are shocked by the reality. The Berlin Wall was one case in point. I was slightly underwhelmed by it. I think in my mind I had though up this giant impenetrable wall that was not only a curse but a feat of engineering. The truth though is that it was rather thin and with the help of a friend I could of gone over it. The reality does seem more logical than my imagination.
I could go on about the sights and history of Berlin but that would be unfair because Berlin was an awesome city to live in. There isn't the pretentious arty feel that Paris portrays or the Latin flair in Madrid. There was a slightly anarchist, who cares kind of feeling. The bars will win no style awards but yet you can feel comfortable and relaxed in them all. Germans are more like England than any other European nation is. There is a take it or leave it feel to the city that I like. I went drinking with Jeremy and Jessica almost every night and it was good to put the world to right over several beers. One beer in particular stuck in my memory for all the wrong reasons. I've never been tipsy after one pint but this was strong.
All in all Berlin was the kind of city I would like to live in for a while and will certainly go back to.
I wish more cities and countries were like this. I'm British-Portuguese so I know full well how to gloss over the darker parts of our history and having spent time in Japan this must seem a completely novel concept to them.
Straight from the off there are reasons to appreciate Berlin. The Brandenburg gate masterpiece was built as a Prussian monument of peace and was taken by the invading Napoleon, only to be recaptured by Prussia in 1814. They added a Iron Cross and placed it back above the aptly named Paris Square (they later placed the French Embassey in the glare of the statute, who said Germans didn't have a sense of humour). I went on a free walking tour, which although isn't usually my thing was extremely good. I fully recommend it. We saw where Hitler killed himself (now a car park) and saw the main sights of Berlin.
We went to the Jewish memorial which is dead center in Berlin. It's very well designed and although no actual meaning was meant by the design I felt that each block represented a family that was unique it's own way but was systemically killed by the ruling Nazi party (hence the grid like way the blocks are situated). The museum below was although slightly depressing was a useful reminded of the history that took place not just in Berlin but all over central Europe.
We build up images in our mind of what certain things should like and sometimes are shocked by the reality. The Berlin Wall was one case in point. I was slightly underwhelmed by it. I think in my mind I had though up this giant impenetrable wall that was not only a curse but a feat of engineering. The truth though is that it was rather thin and with the help of a friend I could of gone over it. The reality does seem more logical than my imagination.
I could go on about the sights and history of Berlin but that would be unfair because Berlin was an awesome city to live in. There isn't the pretentious arty feel that Paris portrays or the Latin flair in Madrid. There was a slightly anarchist, who cares kind of feeling. The bars will win no style awards but yet you can feel comfortable and relaxed in them all. Germans are more like England than any other European nation is. There is a take it or leave it feel to the city that I like. I went drinking with Jeremy and Jessica almost every night and it was good to put the world to right over several beers. One beer in particular stuck in my memory for all the wrong reasons. I've never been tipsy after one pint but this was strong.
All in all Berlin was the kind of city I would like to live in for a while and will certainly go back to.
15 Oct 2009
Olympic Stadion
Once a upon a time we had churches and castles. Places where people congregated on mass to support a cause, they were places of community and icons of the cities they resided in. Nowadays, we no longer require castles (we have missile defense systems instead) and churches are no longer places for the community but places for people to try and justify their faith. Stadiums have become the Mecca's of our time, they are our last hooray at building community spirit. Stadiums though have a second purpose, they provide us with moments of inspiration and everlasting history.
Over the course of the last few years I have been to some of the most dramatic and communal stadiums in the world. Few though have the symbolism and immense emotion that the Olympic Stadion in West Berlin has. The two iconic towers that preside over the entrance of the stadium automatically take you back 73 years to Nazi Germany and a feat by Jesse Owens that will stand in history as one of the most dramatic sprints of all time.
When you step into the stadium and look across the concrete mass you see where the Olympic flame once shone brightly and it does take you back in time. I love that ability stadiums and sport has, Jesse Owens race time that year was not groundbreaking by todays standards and neither is it surprising for an African-American to be the fastest man in the world. In 1936 though, the thought that Owens could go to Berlin whilst Hitler was building his perfect race and completely dominate the games and push racial equality so far forward in a sporting event is truly remarkable and the Olympic Stadion stills holds those moments strongly within it's stands.
The actual design and architecture of the stadium is nothing that spectacular, the running track like in most stadiums makes it seems unnecessarily big and the mass of grey dispel it of beauty but that doesn't matter and that is why stadiums are so important in the world. They don't have to be, because they create, hold and sustain moments of time that can't be achieved anywhere else in the world. The Olympic Stadion is up there with the Maracana, Birds Nest, Wembley, MCG, Rose Bowl, Nou Camp and many others.
Over the course of the last few years I have been to some of the most dramatic and communal stadiums in the world. Few though have the symbolism and immense emotion that the Olympic Stadion in West Berlin has. The two iconic towers that preside over the entrance of the stadium automatically take you back 73 years to Nazi Germany and a feat by Jesse Owens that will stand in history as one of the most dramatic sprints of all time.
When you step into the stadium and look across the concrete mass you see where the Olympic flame once shone brightly and it does take you back in time. I love that ability stadiums and sport has, Jesse Owens race time that year was not groundbreaking by todays standards and neither is it surprising for an African-American to be the fastest man in the world. In 1936 though, the thought that Owens could go to Berlin whilst Hitler was building his perfect race and completely dominate the games and push racial equality so far forward in a sporting event is truly remarkable and the Olympic Stadion stills holds those moments strongly within it's stands.
The actual design and architecture of the stadium is nothing that spectacular, the running track like in most stadiums makes it seems unnecessarily big and the mass of grey dispel it of beauty but that doesn't matter and that is why stadiums are so important in the world. They don't have to be, because they create, hold and sustain moments of time that can't be achieved anywhere else in the world. The Olympic Stadion is up there with the Maracana, Birds Nest, Wembley, MCG, Rose Bowl, Nou Camp and many others.
20 Sep 2009
I hate flying
I have a few entries to post of my travels but my internet is limited so you may have to wait for my return.
I hate flying, I'm not embarrassed to admit it. It's not natural , being propelled thousands of feet into the sky in a heap of metal is not normal. If it was I would have wings. Bradders and I didn't go around the world over land to save money!! It's the take off I particularly dislike, the readjusting of the gradient only tightens my grip of the seat (god know why, if i fall out the sky the seat is coming with me). I know it ridiculous, flying is actually extremely safe and although I'm usually a rational guy this is a complete irrational fear. I've been on about 50 flights so perhaps it's been bad luck that my flights have included; being struck by lightning (twice), a 9 hour flight of pure turbulence, dropping in the sky 4 times in one flight (on one occasion seeing a food trolley come off the ground) and over shooting the runway so much that we had to take off again and do a U turn. So for now my irrational fears remain, whilst I fly from London to Berlin, if only I was freer with money to get the train.
I hate flying, I'm not embarrassed to admit it. It's not natural , being propelled thousands of feet into the sky in a heap of metal is not normal. If it was I would have wings. Bradders and I didn't go around the world over land to save money!! It's the take off I particularly dislike, the readjusting of the gradient only tightens my grip of the seat (god know why, if i fall out the sky the seat is coming with me). I know it ridiculous, flying is actually extremely safe and although I'm usually a rational guy this is a complete irrational fear. I've been on about 50 flights so perhaps it's been bad luck that my flights have included; being struck by lightning (twice), a 9 hour flight of pure turbulence, dropping in the sky 4 times in one flight (on one occasion seeing a food trolley come off the ground) and over shooting the runway so much that we had to take off again and do a U turn. So for now my irrational fears remain, whilst I fly from London to Berlin, if only I was freer with money to get the train.
28 Aug 2009
The Champions League Draw
I always look forward to the Champions League draw, the prospect of months of mouth watering ties is just too much to resist. Having seen the draw I feel entirely comfortable that the English teams will qualify to the next stage. I don't think any can complain about an especially difficult draw when there were so many bigger teams they could of faced. The knock out rounds will be more difficult but I'm confident that the English teams will continue to dominate the tournament (6 of 10 finalists and 9 of 12 semi-finalists). I would of actually had preferred for them to have much tougher Pot 2 teams because then they would avoid them in the later rounds. This year I really fancy Chelsea. Barcelona will be favorites of cause but Chelsea had them beaten last year apart from the worst refereeing performance I've ever seen. Manchester United were poor in the final and never gave the Catalan giants a challenge.
Group A
Bayern, Juventus, Bordeaux, Maccabi Haifa
Bayern should breeze through this. Ribery and Robben now joining up they will cause teams problems. They also have the opportunity to get the tricky away trip to Israel out of the way early. Bordeaux were the French champions so shouldn't be overlooked but Laurent Blanc's team are new to this stage of the competition.
Group B
Man Utd, CSKA, Besiktas, Wolfsburg
I again fully expect United to go through. The main problem they have is the long away trips early in the group phase, this has the possibility of disrupting their progress in the league. I don't fancy them for the tournament this year though. They are not as strong as last year and Rooney is not in the same category as Messi or Ronaldo. I think their midfield will come up a bit short in the long run. Wolfsburg being the German champions will fight it out with CSKA for second.
Group C
AC Milan, Real Madrid, Marseilles, Zurich
This has the big names and talk of 16 titles will bring in spectators but neither AC or Real have achieved much in the last few years. Real have all the stars but there is no aurora surrounding them yet. Liverpool embarrassed them last year and I expect them to be better not I would still fancy all the English teams against them. Xabi Alonso is their most important player this year.
Group D
Chelsea, Porto, Athletico, Nicosia
I think this is a good draw for Chelsea. I do fancy them to win it this year. Drogba is playing again after missing the beginning of last year and they are the one side that have shown how to beat Barcelona. I love Porto but losing Lisandro and Lucho will be massive and I think they will struggle. Atletico will think that they should go through.
Group E
Liverpool, Lyon, Fiorentina, Debrecen
Liverpool have what Real need, a home where literally anything can happen. Some of the best games last season were at Anfield last season and although I think they are the weakest of the English teams I still think they can beat anyone at home. They are a 2 man team but it's an awesome two. Lyon are a shade of previous teams and Fiorentina are some what unknown at this level. Seeing Mutu and Gilardino could be interesting though.
Group F
Barcelona, Inter, Dinamo Kiev, Rubin Kazan
This is potentially difficult given the tough away trips to the east. Barcelona will win the champions league if they manage to avoid the English 4. I'm not a big fan of Imbrahimovic and think Inter got the better out of the deal. There are lots of Spanish - Italian match ups in the groups but I expect all the Spanish teams to come out on top. I don't think the Italian style is suitable the Champions League anymore. It cope well with the high tempo and emotional football that the knockout stages bring. Chelsea, Liverpool and even Arsenal are all likely to be in 7-8 goal chaotic matches and their style allows it. Italian need a game to be tight for them to control the midfield.
Group G
Sevilla, Rangers, Stuttgart, Unirea Urziceni
Comfortably the weakest group. I have mixed thoughts about clubs like Unirea being given an automatic place in the group. I can see how it develops the game but the gulf in class is vast. Unirea have a 7,000 home ground and will surely be beaten in every game. Is the Champions League purely to find the best in Europe or to develop the game in Europe. Surely the Europa cup is there to develop the game. If you look at the Russian and Ukrainian sides they have stepped up from being UEFA champions to the Champions League and will at least be competitive. I have no idea how this group will go I'd be surprised to see anything good from Rangers.
Group H
Arsenal, Alkmaar, Olympiakos, Standard Liege
I think this is the perfect draw for Arsenal. I don't think they are good enough to win it but with the right draw they could go to the final. The quality and experience is there but it all depends on confidence because they are likely to have 1 or 2 weeks where they lose it and go out of all the tournaments at once.
Overall I think the draw will determine this years champion. As long as the English teams are kept apart then I can't see anyone outside of Barca beating them.
Group A
Bayern, Juventus, Bordeaux, Maccabi Haifa
Bayern should breeze through this. Ribery and Robben now joining up they will cause teams problems. They also have the opportunity to get the tricky away trip to Israel out of the way early. Bordeaux were the French champions so shouldn't be overlooked but Laurent Blanc's team are new to this stage of the competition.
Group B
Man Utd, CSKA, Besiktas, Wolfsburg
I again fully expect United to go through. The main problem they have is the long away trips early in the group phase, this has the possibility of disrupting their progress in the league. I don't fancy them for the tournament this year though. They are not as strong as last year and Rooney is not in the same category as Messi or Ronaldo. I think their midfield will come up a bit short in the long run. Wolfsburg being the German champions will fight it out with CSKA for second.
Group C
AC Milan, Real Madrid, Marseilles, Zurich
This has the big names and talk of 16 titles will bring in spectators but neither AC or Real have achieved much in the last few years. Real have all the stars but there is no aurora surrounding them yet. Liverpool embarrassed them last year and I expect them to be better not I would still fancy all the English teams against them. Xabi Alonso is their most important player this year.
Group D
Chelsea, Porto, Athletico, Nicosia
I think this is a good draw for Chelsea. I do fancy them to win it this year. Drogba is playing again after missing the beginning of last year and they are the one side that have shown how to beat Barcelona. I love Porto but losing Lisandro and Lucho will be massive and I think they will struggle. Atletico will think that they should go through.
Group E
Liverpool, Lyon, Fiorentina, Debrecen
Liverpool have what Real need, a home where literally anything can happen. Some of the best games last season were at Anfield last season and although I think they are the weakest of the English teams I still think they can beat anyone at home. They are a 2 man team but it's an awesome two. Lyon are a shade of previous teams and Fiorentina are some what unknown at this level. Seeing Mutu and Gilardino could be interesting though.
Group F
Barcelona, Inter, Dinamo Kiev, Rubin Kazan
This is potentially difficult given the tough away trips to the east. Barcelona will win the champions league if they manage to avoid the English 4. I'm not a big fan of Imbrahimovic and think Inter got the better out of the deal. There are lots of Spanish - Italian match ups in the groups but I expect all the Spanish teams to come out on top. I don't think the Italian style is suitable the Champions League anymore. It cope well with the high tempo and emotional football that the knockout stages bring. Chelsea, Liverpool and even Arsenal are all likely to be in 7-8 goal chaotic matches and their style allows it. Italian need a game to be tight for them to control the midfield.
Group G
Sevilla, Rangers, Stuttgart, Unirea Urziceni
Comfortably the weakest group. I have mixed thoughts about clubs like Unirea being given an automatic place in the group. I can see how it develops the game but the gulf in class is vast. Unirea have a 7,000 home ground and will surely be beaten in every game. Is the Champions League purely to find the best in Europe or to develop the game in Europe. Surely the Europa cup is there to develop the game. If you look at the Russian and Ukrainian sides they have stepped up from being UEFA champions to the Champions League and will at least be competitive. I have no idea how this group will go I'd be surprised to see anything good from Rangers.
Group H
Arsenal, Alkmaar, Olympiakos, Standard Liege
I think this is the perfect draw for Arsenal. I don't think they are good enough to win it but with the right draw they could go to the final. The quality and experience is there but it all depends on confidence because they are likely to have 1 or 2 weeks where they lose it and go out of all the tournaments at once.
Overall I think the draw will determine this years champion. As long as the English teams are kept apart then I can't see anyone outside of Barca beating them.
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