tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26536379556579796952012-01-25T23:05:25.402ZBritt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.comBlogger501100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-13947323792896151962012-01-19T11:04:00.000Z2012-01-19T12:47:44.284Z

They were lying there, blatantly open for anyone to see, in the glass counter at our local baker's. During the first day of my recent Christmas holiday in Arvika, Sweden, I had popped in to get a quick something for our coffee. I hadn't expected this, though. I hadn't expected semlor in December! "Oh but they are made with saffron" said the lady behind the counter. As if

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-29972094553605607522012-01-15T22:53:00.001Z2012-01-15T23:43:01.436Z

Whenever I walk around an IKEA shop in the UK, I find it amusing that I understand what the product names really mean, whereas the English speaking IKEA staff probably don't. (Or maybe they have done a course – I don't know.) I have always wondered what it would be like if the names weren't so... perfect. And nice. Therefore, I made my own, cynic list of products. Swedes will

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-6051463451153780162011-11-17T22:46:00.001Z2011-11-17T23:27:13.650Z

To any newcomers to my blog: What you are about to read is another post in my series "Cab Poetry". As an honorary London black cabbie (true!) and first ever punter of the excellent @tweetalondoncab I collect random, authentical cabbie tweets and arrange them artistically in... well, poems. Enjoy. "I'm at Padders. I don't know why. At oxo on me own Playing EC5 lottery That was quick

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-59586061885278562552011-10-25T22:58:00.011+01:002011-10-26T09:26:20.832+01:00

I had the privilege to attend an excellent event this week, at the Frontline Club in London – an inspiring meeting place, not just for journalists but for everyone who takes an interest in journalism and current affairs. And I do.There are so many stories to tell out there, so many atrocities which need to be revealed, that normal news broadcasting time just isn't enough. Typically, news

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-50889092577383558622011-10-16T12:19:00.006+01:002011-10-16T12:40:37.928+01:00

This comparison will only make sense if you know English and Swedish. My (Swedish) daughter told me about a text having been translated into various languages, on a falafel mix package she had bought. One of the translations was Swedish. Well, sort of. Here you go:ENGLISHIngredients: chick pea, beans, salt, special Meshwar spicesDirections:-Mix each 1 sacks with 125 ml (half glass) of warm

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-22148037170170492012011-08-14T21:13:00.013+01:002011-08-16T08:25:57.396+01:00

Last week, the MP for Corby and Northamptonshire, Louise Mensch, said blackouts of Twitter and Facebook would have helped the police during the recent riots. As rumours spread fast via social media, the police wasted valuable time responding to false alarms. Louise Mensch also said BBMs (BlackBerry Messenger), with which help riots and looting were being coordinated, could have been dealt with

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-44736200793932436022011-08-13T11:59:00.017+01:002011-08-13T20:22:07.783+01:00

There is no easy fix and no easy answer as to why the recent riots in England kicked off the way they did. The riots brought out the worst - and the best - in people. What is it, that makes an individual give up his or her social responsibility and respect for others? Why did people throw away all their moral scruples for a pair of designer trainers, a box of mobile phones or even a pack of

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-88766694052873351132011-06-25T21:30:00.005+01:002011-06-25T22:19:46.315+01:00

Nationalism. I don't like that word. Too many negative connotations throughout history, too much egoism, greed and intolerance. And still, when it comes to Midsummer, I feel very Swedish.I feel proud of our Swedish Midsummer traditions, the way we celebrate the height of the summer, the light, the long summer nights. I mean... can you blame us? After what seems like an eternal, dark, cold winter

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-64440897202476056822011-05-21T22:49:00.004+01:002011-05-21T23:01:01.789+01:00

I went to our local shop the other day and spotted a Goat's cheese, wrapped in a big label, saying "reduced"! Win win - it ended up in my shopping basket... It enjoyed a few days in the fridge - I don't eat Goat's cheese every day, you know! Anyway, a few days ago I removed the dark blue wrapping and... The cheese had gone all brown!! Damn. Ok, I know it had been reduced but still - it wasn't

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-90321066947383166032011-05-16T22:52:00.043+01:002011-06-03T00:51:37.989+01:00

If you're on Twitter, you know what I mean:The constant: "Oh yes, Twitter. That's when you talk about what you had for breakfast and chat to celebs all day, isn't it? Not my cup of tea, sorry."And even if you're not on Twitter, I think I need to tell you a little incredible story. Are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin:The background is also part of the serendipity:My home town of Arvika in

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-33815974643212368082011-04-24T08:25:00.006+01:002011-04-24T22:30:09.417+01:00

"Can I help you wipe the board please, Miss?" I was impressed by the kindness and the politeness of this girl, in her early teens. It was one of my first days as a teacher in the UK, where I had taken on the challenge of teaching French to a great mix of 30 or so English pupils, at a Community College. It hadn't been easy to find a teaching job and as a Swede, I was lucky to having been accepted

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-51517305697632400092011-03-08T22:21:00.014Z2011-03-08T22:28:38.493Z

In my series "Observations by a Britt-ish Swede" I have now come to the subject of tea and coffee. When Swedes ask someone around for coffee, it usually means coffee cups or mugs placed on the table, with buns, a cake or something similar. Then sugar, milk or cream are being placed on the table. Or you just go and help yourself to milk from the fridge... Note - it is not taken for granted that

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-44397587112037073792011-03-07T11:29:00.009Z2011-03-07T17:07:27.509Z

Hello UK bathroom designers! Ever heard of mixed water taps in bathrooms? They do exist, so why are they not more widespread? As it is now, you either burn your hands under the hot tap or get frozen fingers under the cold. Admittedly, after more than 12 years here, I have turned the fast moving between the two into an art form, thus escaping minor injuries. However, I still wonder why this

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-65673648531818273382011-02-20T09:37:00.009Z2011-02-20T09:50:37.022Z

At Oxo on me ownPlaying EC5 LotteryThat was a quick hot a hailGrv hse buzzinDid 2 min at grov & got a cityOn me lonesome at SmithsWork mcliverHavin a go at the grosvenorOff to zuma to the liverI'm at Padders. I don't know why. padds moving ok

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-13404091051662810012011-02-19T10:44:00.019Z2011-02-20T22:45:18.606Z

I suspect BBC News Channel readers and reporters go through the same briefing on their first day of work. Please correct me if I'm wrong. (And - forgive me, Simon McCoy. You're the exception.)FIRST RULE:All questions must start with the word: "How? Examples:How worried should we be...?How important is this to us...?How prepared are we...?How disastrous is this...?How embarrassing is this...?Well,

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-24151314384198381312010-12-15T20:45:00.001Z2010-12-15T20:45:44.065Z

...as you've never heard it before.

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-63825326964666696642010-11-01T16:08:00.010Z2011-02-09T12:55:01.339Z

PROBLEM: Limited funding for permanent flood alleviation schemes means we will either have to wait many years for them to be implemented or they might not ever happen. Consequently - people / businesses / infrastructure will be flooded. SOLUTION: Make use of BSI Kitemarked, long proven, innovative, temporary flood barriers with a long lifespan / low life cost instead of: sandbags permanent

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-90672367056080472052010-08-09T11:56:00.018+01:002010-08-10T10:07:19.714+01:00

Having lived in England since 1998, I have got used to most things English. I thank the bus driver when getting off the bus, I have increased my tea consumption, I queue in an orderly manner - you know the things I mean. However, one thing this extremely adaptable and broad-minded Swede find it hard to accept is the way British people eat cheese.It would be unfair to put the blame solely on the

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-71023650315651461902010-07-19T11:57:00.024+01:002010-08-03T12:59:24.404+01:00

There a many things one can say about Cameron's Big Society. But this blog post is only going to focus on one aspect of it, namely: community flood protection. Whereas I feel more dubious about other ideas, flood protection is the one I think might work very well.Many previously planned flood alleviation schemes are now facing the axe. Communities across the country will not get the relief they

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-84089319509831777362010-04-05T09:35:00.003+01:002010-04-05T09:47:46.929+01:00

On my way. Looking for fjotd.Abacus FULL of scabs.Hardly any cabs at the liver.Lol zuma. V&A has just burst big time.Zuma banged out.Off Q - to padders then maida vale.Is pic circus still bad?Nobu running well.Dropped one sitting at the X.Fjotd tott ct rd to portman sq.Euston to Blackheath. Blimey.Boo is nobu.Nobu moving well.Strand popped.Dilly V slow circus.Point loo. Fuckin starving.Etap

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-87418307397747248182010-03-16T00:13:00.012Z2010-03-16T09:50:58.529Z

This year, I spent International Women's Day with 23 men from up Middlesbrough way. I can think of worse ways of spending it. First of all, can I just make one thing clear. I am not a fan of "Special Days"- full stop. I appreciate they have their purposes in that they focus people's minds on certain aspects, on charities, good causes etc. But, I feel Mother's & Father's Day, Valentine's Day - are

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-38873036290255985072009-12-28T00:19:00.016Z2010-07-28T11:42:27.806+01:00

Mum always used to say: "Whatever happens, be happy for me if I die suddenly, just like that. I don't want to end up in a home, with a lot of old, 'gaga' people."The thing is - she has now. She is in a dementure home - which, luckily, she loves. And I cannot quite explain why I'm writing about her in the past tense. Alzheimer's is a cruel disease. For the individual sufferer, it is initially

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-52216099155501439492009-11-04T21:34:00.009Z2010-07-28T11:41:12.886+01:00

I have been collecting @tweetalondoncab tweets for some time. Call me weird, but to me, this sounds like poetry... in motion. Here it goes:I'm 5th at zuma.Still pob St Pauls.Shoreditch hse. Anyone know where?Can't rank Nobu - too many minicabs.Sjob T5 off McLiver.Pob Kings x.Padders is very busy.Euro it's moving ok.Jeeeeesus the ramp at Padders stinks of piss tonight. Delightful.No cabs

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-31570959209157845132009-08-13T00:27:00.021+01:002009-08-14T00:51:06.740+01:00

British films are rare on British TV. Foreign films even more so - unless you count the ones from Hollywood Country. I find that very sad.This might come as a surprise to readers of this blog who live in Sweden - a country whose television has a long tradition of showing British productions. We were brought up on Upstairs & Downstairs, the Onedin Line, Family At War, the Forsyth Saga and Morse...

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-81979093385075769522009-08-09T22:12:00.019+01:002009-08-10T15:31:38.641+01:00

The problem with writing about your friends is you might accidentally leave some of them out. After writing my latest blog post, I realised I had forgotten to mention a very important person. Here it goes:I went to college at the age of 16. My new French teacher - Ragnar - was a very keen, modern and... different teacher. My dream destination of all times had been Paris. Well, this teacher

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-85664310539303869152009-08-09T14:59:00.014+01:002009-08-13T00:19:39.881+01:00

"Now then, where were we?" Some friends are forever. You don't meet that many of this kind, but the ones you do meet are worth their weight in gold. During last week, I have been thinking about the different types of friendship there are in this world. At least in my world - I might not speak for everybody. As a little girl, I used to play with the boy across the street. We were the same age and

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-38589780875051841672009-07-29T23:28:00.009+01:002009-07-30T01:42:30.497+01:00

Old is bad. Young is good. In our western world, we are constantly told that the ageing process is something unnatural, worth avoiding at all costs.It upsets me to hear about how old people have been objected to ageism. A TV presenter finds himself sacked, because fresher and trendier shoots want to enter the studio. An old lady - somebody's Nan - is put at the back of the hip operation queue,

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-7494640569577190262009-07-25T20:51:00.021+01:002010-11-20T00:28:47.037Z

Why is it, we never listen to people who know better?A strange thing happened to me this morning. I was watching a repeat programme, featuring the "Last Tommy" - Harry Patch, 111 years old. As the last living British person ever to have served in the First World War, he was one of a kind. I had seen this programme before and it had a great impact on me then, as well. You follow this old man back

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-42878322682363928412009-07-19T11:30:00.013+01:002009-07-31T10:59:18.573+01:00

After having spent quite a few years in the UK, I have had plenty of time to ponder about cultural and social differences between my native Sweden and this country. One phenomenon that strikes me as occuring more than others, is the way family life is being described in media. The recent reports on swineflu have reiterated this. Whenever the word 'children' is mentioned, you can guarantee the

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-22942921043190955592009-07-07T21:36:00.012+01:002009-07-08T15:39:46.519+01:00

Sometimes in life, feelings come back to you.Back in the 70s, in my home town of Arvika, Sweden, some clever friends of mine started an alternative music festival. Festivals were the 'in thing' then - as they indeed still are. In the 70s, they were even more so, if they were anti commercial and alternative. ABBA was not an option, as it were.The Viksholmen festival was just about as alternative

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-88965613680824169932009-07-04T12:49:00.013+01:002009-07-05T23:01:05.923+01:00

I have been neglecting this blog long enough now. Time for another post - long overdue! Aware of the repetition, I feel I once again have to praise the social media revolution called Twitter. I wasn't quite sure what to make of this phenomenon in the beginning, but on the recommendation of my son, thought I'd give it a go.And - boy, am I glad I did. It has given me material enough to write a book

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-50776797256474256542009-06-14T21:09:00.010+01:002009-06-19T02:04:14.941+01:00

I recently got back from Normandy, where I was lucky enough to take part in the 65th Anniversary of the D-Day landings. I always enjoy being in France, but this was something different - and a very unique opportunity which I am grateful to have taken.The whole event was like stepping back in time, back to the 40s. Everywhere you looked were vintage - mainly military - vehicles and people of all

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-3061355518442867902009-05-26T10:41:00.017+01:002009-05-26T20:11:10.992+01:00

My (almost daily) walk through our village has become part of what I need to relax and wind down. As this blog has described earlier, it takes me through the 'urban' part of this little quaint village, past charming old Dutch merchant houses with hidden garden gems, which you are sometimes lucky to get a glimpse of, provided the garden doors have been kept open. As I continue, it leads me out on

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-75669793887399317542009-05-17T21:00:00.013+01:002009-05-17T22:40:32.452+01:00

Sometimes, things just feel so uplifting. These last few days in London have certainly added to my feeling of elevation - in more ways than one.First, I had the unique opportunity to visit the BT Tower in London - a kind favour from one of the many contacts I have made through work. This now rather dated tele communication tower (built in the 60s) has become an iconic building in the very centre

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-53244835594771728992009-05-10T12:32:00.009+01:002009-05-10T14:02:26.904+01:00

I started writing this blog post with the aim to show my anger and disappointment over MPs outrageous claims. But I am struggling to find words strong enough. Every single one of the MPs - the ones who have been brave enough to face political reporters and news presenters - have defended themselves with the same mantra: "I did what was within the rules." Followed by: "We really need to change

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-42896718266072560282009-04-25T15:58:00.009+01:002009-04-25T17:07:01.718+01:00

During my local walk today, there was a local shower in amongst the sunshine. On my way back, I stopped off at my local fishmonger to buy local fish. Continued to my local Village Hall, to buy local veg and probably not quite so local olives. Well, they have been locally marinated anyway.I like shopping locally. You know what you're getting and less travelled food makes a lot of sense to me. It

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-77819951280807743172009-04-18T15:32:00.009+01:002009-04-18T16:23:40.035+01:00

I find new technology rather fascinating. Twitter has definitely added another, previously unexperienced quality to my life - actually without interfering with any of the 'old' qualities. I must admit I was somewhat reluctant initially, but now I am totally sold.The scary aspect of social networks will forever be there, but - as with most things, it all depends on what you make of things. See it

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-19791684799393191412009-04-18T14:45:00.005+01:002009-04-18T15:31:25.546+01:00

Another trip to Sweden has come to an end. Doing the last leg of my journey now, on a train from London Waterloo to Exeter St Davids, taking me through the green and pleasant land. It's fascinating to follow the "spread of Spring". I left England just over a week ago and most things were green and in flower - equivalent to late May in Sweden.The no frills airline Ryan Air brought me to a Sweden

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-39278323153348458862009-03-28T17:09:00.016Z2009-04-07T12:25:05.007+01:00

Just got back from another short visit to London. Another conference and exhibition. I had a moment or two, to stroll around in Westminster - camera in hand.I also took some pics from the Chelsea embankment, whilst waiting at red lights...I could walk around London all day and take photos. My motives are whatever I see, which tickles my fancy. It usually ends up being buildings and details

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-61016054090384007372009-03-23T22:28:00.010Z2009-04-07T14:09:35.408+01:00

Last week, I was fortunate enough to be in Edinburgh. The reason for my visit was an invitation to speak at a SEPA conference on flood defence issues for businesses across Scotland. Everytime I go to Edinburgh I am struck by the sheer beauty of the city. The castle, high above the rest, seems to be carved out of the mountain. In fact - just about everything seems to be coming out of the granite.

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-40471147172212424712009-03-08T12:37:00.028Z2009-03-23T00:09:27.931Z

It might be the International Women's Day today, but that is just a mere coincidence. I was going to write this blog post in any case. And, as for the 8 March, I think every day should be a women's day. And men's day!In this 9th year of the 21st century, Barbie throws her 50th birthday bash. I find it lamentable that she is still around, to be honest. She might just be a doll, but to me, she

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-75297279327529119962009-02-28T17:24:00.011Z2009-03-01T19:56:19.454Z

This morning, I was out merrily rowing my little boat, on the quiet river.The warming sunrise gave new hope and made the birds twitter away, ready for a new day's struggle to find food. I felt the rhythm from the rowing through every muscle and got into an automated, 'second breathing' which allowed me to forget about time and just...exist, as my vessel floated along. I was one with nature.Then I

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-19535989917253085202009-02-22T15:36:00.007Z2009-03-24T12:52:17.412Z

I often find myself travelling around the country. Although I try to travel by train, the very nature of my work means this is not always possible. Unfortunate as it is, I have become quite an expert on road numbers, motorways, their junctions and where they lead. Sad, really. Knowledge fitting for a pub quiz, I guess.During my ten years in this country, I have definitely noticed an increase in

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-44927169836583079322009-02-15T21:40:00.007Z2009-02-15T22:24:35.010Z

Bankers' bonuses...There is no end to the frustration you feel when you hear the astonishingly high figures being repeated on the news.Has there ever been a clearer illustration of the inequalities in life? Pensioners lose their life savings, struggle to keep warm and to pay their council taxes - whilst the creme de la creme-people enjoy the good life. And - the best bit is they are the ones who

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-18998926816825646342009-02-15T20:40:00.017Z2009-03-01T19:57:03.030Z

A strange social phenomenon occurs every time I go for a walk where I live.My picturesque village is situated on the outskirts of a major town - in an estuary, close to the sea. The walk takes me from the centre of the village out to the countryside, along a field with cows, followed by a bird sanctuary with views over the sea. Finally, it leads back into the village, with its many shops, ten

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-42770880770693807072009-02-14T21:43:00.003Z2009-02-14T23:47:05.216Z

I do not consider myself to be of a particularly superstitious nature. However, I must admit I was a tad concerned when booking a flight on Friday the 13th. I finally came to my logical, rational senses and so clicked the Submit button. After all, that was the date I needed to travel. Why would a date – really just another categorising of the environment we live in – rule me in my decision-making

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-82045939934016927602009-02-10T23:33:00.016Z2009-04-18T13:01:51.381+01:00

I met an old teaching colleague yesterday, whilst strolling around in my wintry, Christmas cardy home town in Sweden. We had been working together in the 80s and 90s and had not seen each others for donkeys years.He came to talk about how it is living in two 'homes', never really feeling at home in any of them. He asked me how I felt about living in the UK and if I was missing Sweden a lot.

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-5136273515538516372009-02-08T23:37:00.015Z2009-03-01T19:57:40.213Z

Travelling can, at times, be rather tedious and boring. But every time I pass my time in train stations, in checking-in queues, in airports, I get very excited about observing people. Everyone has a story to tell, a journey to make and reasons for being where they are. Some are sad, others happy. One has won the lottery, another learnt her auntie has just died.I find myself guessing who they are,

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-27779842571929934442009-02-03T12:01:00.009Z2009-03-01T19:58:00.315Z

There's snow - and then there's snow. Inuits have 40 words for snow, or so I thought until I learnt it is nothing but a modern-day myth. Maybe it is just that Inuits don't bother to talk so much about it - they just live with it?In the UK, snow has caused a lot of disruption, and still does. I just heard on the news, there have been around 80 complaints by police about snow ball throwing. Sounds

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653637955657979695.post-43046037958700873962009-02-02T23:36:00.000Z2009-02-02T23:45:46.231Z

I have started a blog.Here, you will find observations and thoughts about anything which I feel like commenting on - society, politics, environment, media, arts, culture, people, travel, music....What you will not find are notes about what I had for breakfast or what toothpaste I use.

Britt Warghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644298171629760348noreply@blogger.com0