blamebrampton: 15th century woodcut of a hound (Default)
blamebrampton ([personal profile] blamebrampton) wrote2008-07-23 07:54 pm
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Nun of that!

Back to punctuation in a moment, but first, a few 'we're not willing to finish being a pilgrim' moments. On Tuesday night there were hordes at Circular Quay station playing their tambourines and singing, I give them another four days before that sort of thing is met with an Offensive Behaviour charge.

This morning saw a large group of Argentine pilgrims on the train, all bound for the airport and thence New Zealand. Keep an eye out for those orange, yellow and red backpacks, Kiwis!

Then, at Central, I had a magical pilgrim moment.

There were three nuns, standing on a quiet part of the platform, dignified and graceful against the foggy clutter of the morning commuter traffic. Their white tunics and long white veils gave them an otherworldly air, blue scapulars fluttering lightly in the breeze, with elegant ropes of rosary beads across their left hips. They were young, smooth faces and joyful smiles, with clear complexions and perfect teeth. Where they French? I wondered. Scandinavian? I moved closer, until I could hear them speaking.

"So, you know, it was, like, really good!"

I managed not to giggle until I was at the other end of the platform, and wondered if it might not be worth suggesting to Californian orders that they work on that valleyspeak if they are committed to the whole dignity concept. But they were the sorts of nuns that would make schoolgirls consider vocations, even if they sounded like Buffy. Actually ... they could have been working a few weapons under those scapulars ...

People have been saying dumb things around me lately. Of a book: "It's really hard, the chapters are 10 pages long!" was wailed around the office yesterday. NB, this is the office of a publishing house. Of course, it doesn't beat last year's winning idiot comment:  "I still haven't read  the last three Harry Potters." "Well, you need to set aside some serious time to tackle big books like those." Heard in the office of what was then Australia's most prestigious magazine. Though I believe it was said by an ad rep.

Tonight's current affairs has brought a special moment, though. Joan Coates, an Australian member of the International Olympic Committee was on the 7.30 Report defending China, and expressing surprise at the pro-Tibet protests. "I mean, we could have had that here for our Olympics. We could have had people in Sydney protesting Iraq."

Yes. At the Sydney Olympics. In 2000. Moron.

[identity profile] emerald-dragon8.livejournal.com 2008-07-23 11:09 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah, I am, and no, you didn't hallucinate! I'm just slightly scared for my life.

[identity profile] blamebrampton.livejournal.com 2008-07-23 11:11 am (UTC)(link)
The Pacific will save us! They will be too tired to shoot straight by the time they reach our shores. Although I'm now not so sure I want to move back to England, it's a bit close ...

[identity profile] emerald-dragon8.livejournal.com 2008-07-23 11:16 am (UTC)(link)
Yay!! For once the ocean comes in handy. And to think, a year from now I'll be either in San Francisco or New York (or travelling between the two). Slightly alarming.

[identity profile] blamebrampton.livejournal.com 2008-07-23 11:25 am (UTC)(link)
I am contemplating San Francisco, too. But it isn't like the rest of America. And you can catch the BART to Berkley, which is like Melbourne with funny accents.

New York isn't like the rest of the world, so you should be fine there, too.

[identity profile] emerald-dragon8.livejournal.com 2008-07-23 11:28 am (UTC)(link)
In time for Azkatraz? 'Cause that would be wonderful. I'm so nervous that I'm not going to know anyone and will act like a total loser and not talk to anyone, considering my history of social ineptitude. New York is a must-see. I just can't travel without going to New York.

Are you still planning to come to Canberra sometime?

[identity profile] blamebrampton.livejournal.com 2008-07-23 11:38 am (UTC)(link)
Yes to Azkatraz! Though it will all be a matter of budget. My mother owes me so much money ...

It is possible we'll be down in a couple of weeks for the wood show, will confirm soon.

[identity profile] emerald-dragon8.livejournal.com 2008-07-23 11:42 am (UTC)(link)
Yay!! I'm going to be so broke after my trip, it's quite scary...

There's going to be a wood show? *feels completely ignorant*

[identity profile] blamebrampton.livejournal.com 2008-07-23 11:58 am (UTC)(link)
Oopsie, beginning of Sept, not Aug. http://www.workingwithwood.com/canberra/index.htm

It's a good show, if you like wood ...

[identity profile] emerald-dragon8.livejournal.com 2008-07-23 12:01 pm (UTC)(link)
I would if I was even remotely competent at any sort of wood working. :)