Following on from the earlier post, we have some more videos connected with ImprovEverywhere.
First we have another pre-arranged freeze, over at Waterloo Station (London). I could be wrong, but I think the British ones were organized via a Facebook group. I had a quick look and couldn’t find one for Kazakhstan yet. Can’t imagine there being many takers here, and flash mobs may not go down to well with the authorities…
Something a little different here - “Look Up More” - this is the extended version of the video, showing the arrangements and co-ordination planning before hand, intermixed with the final result. A lot of effort seems to have gone into this piece of performance art…
Finally, to ensure no claims of favouritism can be made, we have a ‘freeze’ video, taken from Canada’s CNBC news program, with a report on the shopping mall freeze.
Nothing at all concrete yet, but it looks as though Ira and I may be going to Amsterdam for my birthday, hopefully fitting in a short hop over to Britain as well. I need to start looking at the cost of apartments, canal houses and hotel rooms, as well as the flights. Last time I went to Amsterdam, it actually turned out cheaper to buy one return ticket to Amsterdam from Astana, and then a completely separate return flight from Amsterdam and back again to London. Dialaflight have many cheap flights on offer, and if we fly to Britain first, their site could help out with the flight to the netherlands. They also cover a lot of other destinations, with a flight to Cyprus easily discovered. Whilst some may find Cyprus exotic, I prefer Holland myself, and this time I’m hoping to actually make it to the sights I missed last time, such as the Anne Frank house, the Escher museum and maybe take in a canal boat trip.
OK, she actually got back on Monday, but we have been busy today sorting a new PC for her mum. Anyway, her trip to London seemed to go well, and in just 3.5 days, we will all be heading back to Heathrow again. Whilst she was away, I met up with David, his wife, and another Chris. David and Chris work for a western company here in Astana, and should be here for a while. Anyway, more on that later on. It is really good to have Ira back in my arms again
Ira will be driven to Astana airport, where she will fly to London, via Austria, for a meeting KMG has. The kittens have enough food in the cupboard, there is juice and water, the bills have been paid, and I’ve promised to not set fire to anything. Fingers crossed, all will be well Seriously, although my dearly beloved will be away, I have enough work to do, to keep me occupied, and I’ll be meeting up with David and another Chris this Friday, as David has arrived in Astana. (I say that, but the last I heard, his flight from Almaty was delayed. On a positive note, it turns out Almaty airport has free wi-fi available, so at least I know for the future that I can distract myself next time we fly through there.)
I hope Ira has a safe journey, a not too stressful time in London, a safe return, and that I manage to keep the flat in some semblance of tidiness…
Even earlier than we expected. As previously mentioned, we and her parents are already going to Britain just prior to Christmas. However Ira’s work have now decided to send her to a meeting in London, which means she will be on 8 different flights within 10 days. I hope her journey goes well, and that the meeting is not too draining. I have offered my services as her personal luggage handler, but she does not seem to think her company will pay for my ticket, as it is an ‘un-necessary expense’ or something LMAO
Anyone who has used the underground system in London will be familiar with a voice that comes over the tannoy and informs passengers to be careful of the gaps between the platform and the tube trains. Well the lady behind the voice has lost her job with London Underground! She recorded some joke recordings, and also apparently criticized the tube for being an unpleasant method of travel. However, she is arguing that she was mis-quoted, and has been given no chance to represent her version of events. Anyway, head on over to this article for more information. I’ve not yet checked, but I imagine there will be an on line petition or two to rehire her, at least if she is in contact with a good publicist (Max Clifford etc.) there will be
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Once again, this post is primarily for family and friends back in Britain. A few have asked when and where we will be this Christmas time, and rather than repeating ourselves umpteen times, I thought I would post it up here, and refer people to the blog instead. More visitors never hurt the Alexa rank either Leave Astana 22nd December : 07:25
Arrive Moscow : 08:00
Leave Moscow : 10:05
Arrive Heathrow : 11:15
At this point John is hopefully picking us up in the motor-home, and driving us back to Clydach
23rd December : Flying visit to, and tour of, Cheltenham, as Ira’s parents will be returning to Kazakhstan before New Year
25th December : Something major happened this day in history, anyone recall?
27th December : Mum and John get married. :) (note to myself, remember to update Outlook Contacts to Carol Kavanagh!)
29th December : The in-laws return to Kazakhstan, so following flight times are just for them…
New Years : At Mum & John’s place
Post-New Year : Spend some time in Clydach, Cheltenham (catching up with friends sober enough to move), Evesham (to see Dad), and hopefully London (to finally catch a glimpse of EmmaF’s new home, as well as other friends living there)
12th January : We leave Britain to return to Kazakhstan, with the following flight times
Leave Heathrow 12th January : 12:25
Arrive Moscow : 19:30
Leave Moscow 13th January : 00:10
Arrive Astana : 06:25
All flights are quoted with local times
Oh, and once again, a random two word phrase to make searching for this post, once it has slipped off the front page, a little easier. Hmm we had pink badger last time I think, so today’s phrase will be red dove.
[edit] Well, turns out there is a film called Red Dove. Involving amnesia, communism and water polo. I’m half tempted to try and source a torrent for that, it seems like an interesting mix of plot devices!
One thing I do miss here in Kazakhstan is going out to English language events. Although I was not a great theatre or gig attender, it was good to see something every now and then. The next time I am in Britain with some time to ’spare’, I am going to check what is available over at viagogo.co.uk . They obviously cover all the big sporting events, so whether you are in the market for buying/selling Cricket Tickets, Football Tickets or Rugby Tickets, it could well be worth checking out what is available.
The principle behind the site is simple - if you have tickets you no longer require, the site is a hub to connect you to others in the market for tickets. If you find that your event or show is sold out, do not despair, instead head on over to viagogo, and check if anyone has tickets they are willing to sell on.
I checked what is listed right now, and Bill Bailey immediately caught my eye within the comedy section. Assuming his show’s material is new, I think it would be great to see him in person, as his persona on the screen is impressive enough. I’ve seen his stand up routines, his performances in Spaced, cameos in various comedy series and films, as a contestant on various light-hearted TV quiz shows, and of course Black Books. Sadly I will not be back in Britain before his tour ends, but he is at least touring a few cities - Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Cardiff, Brighton, Manchester and of course London.
Seriously, although my dearly beloved will be away, I have enough work to do, to keep me occupied, and I’ll be meeting up with David and another Chris this Friday, as David has arrived in Astana. (I say that, but the last I heard, his flight from Almaty was delayed. On a positive note, it turns out Almaty airport has free wi-fi available, so at least I know for the future that I can distract myself next time we fly through there.)
LMAO
