I spent some time out today, I had a training then went to get my hair cut; in 5 p.m. I had a coffee with a friend in one of the pubs on river Danube. Even though it was warm during the day - over 10C/50F - suddenly it dropped to 3C/37.4F Later, we had a short walk by the river then I escorted her to a bus station and went home. My hands were cold and nose started running - a sure sign that winter is behind the corner Had plans to go out tonight, my friend invited me to photography exhibition, but felt tired and that special feeling of weariness when spending too much time out in the cold. Took a hot shower then sat in my warm and safe place.... Took this photo the other day when I was changing batteries in my camera. Somehow it felt warm just looking at it. Hope you are all at safe and warm place... somewhere...
This made me think about all the airports I have been at and to try to compare them.
Belgrade airport "Nikola Tesla" Too small to be compared with the others, it is Serbian most important airport. And I could describe it with only one word: boring. As long as you stay out of checked passports area, you may find yourself some kind of fun. Looking at stewardesses, for instance or sitting in some of the crowded bars (during summer, at least). Inside the boarding area there is nothing interesting to catch your mind with, only thing you may do is reading newspapers and waiting for your flight. And police officers are too serious, like they are expecting some terrorist activity after every corner (there is only one, by the way ). Big airport museum could be interesting point to visit but it is too far away for walking and there is no organized transport. In Arrivals, there are taxi drivers that will peel your skin off if you are foreigner and don`t know what to do, their prices are insane. If you decide to come to Belgrade and take a cab to the city, it would probably cost you about 50 eur but if you go upstairs to Departures level you may get a cab for about 10-15 eur to the city center. Or you may go by bus but I am not sure what the prices are, probably much cheaper than taxi.
Zurich Airport
I was there in 1992. having connecting flight to Barcelona. Airport is pretty big and crowded but somehow everything is just "there". I liked it. All of the shops and restaurants, employees very kind and helpful. Then, it is no wonder they have gotten Travel Industry Awards (by World Travel Award) six times in a row for being Europe's Leading Airport for its user-friendliness and general quality standards.
Barcelona Airport
Can`t remember almost anything about that airport Good thing I remember is that you can reach a center of city in about 20 minutes by train. I was there about a month before Summer Olympic games started in 1992. and airport was crowded with police, there was even an armoured vehicle on the parking. It felt like a war zone I guess it is different now
Rome airport "Leonardo da Vinci" Fiumicino
A new Terminal C building with its shuttle train looks nice and handy, also the main building, with lots of cafes where you can have excellent espresso. But, informations on monitors are incomplete sometimes, showing only flights about 1 hour ahead. I was a bit confused because there was no information on my ticket whether my flight is on terminal B or C (they were for intercontinental flights as I remember, now they have moved USA flights to newly opened terminal 5). You would probably ask why I haven`t tried at Information desk? Well I did but the answer was so... unrecognisable... that I gave up and just waited for anything to appear on monitors. Luckily, I have found and interesting Alitalia stewardess who spoke excellent English and she told me where and how to reach Terminal C. Also, I was advised to check about my sword (yes I was going to Japan) upon boarding to the plane. The information I got was of the same level of understanding as with one I got on Information desk, like they had the same English teacher. We were well over the Austria when I decided not to torture myself with trying to decode it. Overall, it would be the biggest minus for this airport. One interesting thing: it is hard to see that airport is named after Leonardo da Vinci, but you can see Emporio Armani sign from the air
Narita International Airport, Tokyo
The most impressive airport I have ever been. And probably the biggest one. The international Terminal 2 is actually a 5 levels building big enough to manage all of the incoming and outgoing flights. Personel are very well organized and even if there are passengers from a two or three arriving flights, passport control would be finished in about 20 minutes. Everyone speak excellent and fluent English and can help you about everything. Once I asked where I could buy adapter for my cell phone charger and girl at Informations told me even the floor and the name of the shop where I should try to find it My favourite way to go to or from the airport is by Narita Express JR line (train), but shuttle busses are very suitable and not much more expensive than train. The only thing that was a bit annoying is a security, they have checked my sword two times upon arrival and 4 times on departure But this is how it is supposed to be. Too many people around And safety regulations are different than in Europe`s airports. If you, say, buy a bottle of whisky in a duty free shop in Europe, it will be packed in a sealed plastic bag and you are not supposed to open it until you arrive to a destination. In Narita, they don`t do that, you can take it in your hand luggage with yourself in airplane, but they are polite enough to warn you that, if you have connecting flight somewhere in Europe, you will have to prove what you have there and why it is not in sealed bag
Milan Malpensa Airport
In future I will try to avoid that airport. On my return from Japan in 2006. a flight from Milan to Belgrade was cancelled. I was tired because of jet lag and 11 hours of flying so it was a bad news. Alitalia clerk really tried to help me, she told me they have organized a hotel for us to stay during the night but remained silent when I asked her if they will guarantee for me because I don`t have Schengen visa. She asked her superintendant what to do but that ass just looked at me like he is giving a shit and told her to give me dinner voucher and get rid of me. So she did. When I realised I would have to stay in the airport during the night, I went to restaurant with that voucher in my hand but waiter had no problem to slam the door in front of my face with a shitty excuse that they are closing. I tried to explain what happened and insisted to talk to his superior but he told me if I don`t step out he will call the police All I managed to do is to buy a sandwich (with my own money) and ice tea. Later I got myself a cup of espresso (even there a waitress was grumpy and whole area was full of garbage) and it was all I put in my stomack for next 17 hours. One of the passengers on a flight to Belgrade advised me to sue Alitalia for that but I was too lazy and wanted to forget the whole thing.
Frankfurt Airport I must admit I was surprised to see it on the list of 20 worse airports in that Telegraph`s article. I spent there 5 hours waiting for flight to Tokyo last year and it was completely pleasant for me. Enough places to eat or for shopping but you may just sit and watch at the airplanes through a window in waiting rooms. Despite its significance, it was not too crowded and everything worked with German efficiency - so for people who worked there, it was probably a good day
Munich Airport On my way back from Japan last year, I decided to go via Munich because I could have a flight to Belgrade in about 50 minutes. Everyone of you who knows how big pain in the ass jet lag could be, may appreciate that opportunity. When I stepped out of the plane, I decided to walk around for a while - I always do that - and have found a small restaurant with few sorts of German beer. Of course, I was in Bavaria having a glass of Paulaner was a must. Cute waitress suggested me to eat something before drinking beer but I explained her I don`t have enough time for that. Beer would be enough. After all, it is a liquid bread, right?
Vienna International Airport I was there 4 times and it felt OK to be there. Only thing, if you have to wait for a flight somewhere on a gates B and it is a rainy day, you might consider avoiding waiting rooms, it is too cold for sitting there. But I may suggest you to go and have a beer or lunch (or both) in Johann Strauss restaurant near gate A - prices are ok and food is good. Do I have to say that beer is excellent? Also, in Arrivals, it could be confusing to find a conveyor belt to collect luggage, but only if you arrived with a small plane like I did
Oh, I didn`t think this post will be so long, now when I read it again it looks like tourist guide But I like to travel and I like to fly. Therefore, spending time at the airports is as exciting for me as the journey itself. I like to feel like a part of all the people walking around; all the nations and races, faces, clothes, baggage, kids running around, pilots and stewardesses, handy men in ther working suits - they all give that unique feeling of life at the airport In Frankfurt airport I met a man from Ecuador, he was travelling to Japan too, he is a captain of a cargo ship and his boat was waiting for him in Chiba port. He was tired from a jet lag but willing to talk to someone while waiting for a flight. He said, `Who knows, we met now and we will probably never meet again. This is the same thing with ship ports and airports. And, one day, you may be in a plane that I will look from a deck of a ship. This is the life of travellers...`
After reading an excellent post made by Mik Furie, I decided to develop an idea of the post that was in my mind for some time.
TV. Tely. Television.
Upon my humble opinion, invention of television is, among electricity, phone, PC and burek with yoghurt, one of the most important things that happened in 20th century. It literally changed the way of life. And it was is the most mercilessly obused device ever. Long time ago, when I was still a kid, we, in former Yugoslavia lived in informatic and communication Heaven. We had only 2 channels of official government-led television, only the rare owned video players, no signs of PCs or mobile devices. Even the phone line was a luxury for some. But we had a TV. And radio, too, BUT we had a TV!!! During parts of the day when I was not in school or learning, I spent free time in reading or watching TV program. During that time, it consisted of mostly boring political "Big-Brother-will-tell-you-what-to-think" shows (that no one watched), some sports, news and movies. My father was interested mostly in football (soccer, for my USA friends) and basketball, and it was broadcasted usually during afternoon so mornings were mine (when I was not at school). I spent my time watching "The World of Survival" (does anyone remember David Bellamy?) and some of the movies when they made them from a heart. First time I felt bored from it, was during 90s. Great economic crisses, the World`s biggest monetary inflation plus wars in our former country made a TV program obused by a leading party for spreading their political views - something similar to "Big-Brother-will-tell-you-what-to-think" but much more aggressive. We didn`t have money to buy a proper food but there was a lady on the news telling us how great our life is and that everyone else are wrong in everything; we were the most beautiful, most intelligent, magnificent nation and all the others are thinking evil thoughts. Suddenly, all the beautiful shows about nature disappeared, instead we got more political and quasi-political shows - some of them included half dressed women from show business. They still talked about how beautiful our life is, especially that part when they explained how easy it is to drive brand new Mercedes they bought; and about "material for their new project" which, more or less sounded like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQxeWzJcUnI Need any comment? We didn`t have to wait for too long before soap operas came and after that Big Brother, Farm, Changing a Wife, Moment of Truth, etc, etc. I am not sure if the last two came from abroad, they could be "projects" of some ingenious mind from here - Serbia or some other Balkan country. In first one there are two families, and father of families exchange wives - for a week or so - and then we can all see how a new wife/mom is adapted to a new family At the end, they all return to their original families, share impressions, and someone pick a family who will get some money for displaying all of their stupidity in public. Moment of Truth is even worse (I think I saw something similar in one USA TV), for a certain amount of money participant need to answer questions that reveal all of the personal trash he/she hided for a whole life - using of alcohol and drugs and cheating on husband/wife are the top of that pile of shit - and the most wanted Where "The World of Survival" has gone? Suddenly it was transformed into survival of watching so called pre-election political marketing, another pile of shit that no one wants to see but we all have to pay for. All of this represents collective state of mind in Serbia and some of the consequences are described in Mik Furie`s post. So I stopped watching TV. Anyway, there was, and still is, nothing interesting to see. At the beginning of 21st century we finaly got another miracle of developed world, a cable TV So, one day a company dedicated to cover cable TV broadcast in my part of town, offered to make free of charge connection to all new users; so I applied. A friend told me there are some great programs to watch, like Animal Planet, History Channel, National Geographic and I got myself hooked. Representative from a company came to my home, offered me some application form to fill and on his way out, told me they will send someone to connect me. After 15 days I got a bill for a first month Being without service I refused to pay and called them to sort things out. They apologised and told me someone will come soon to connect me. After a month, I called again and they told me they have a big "project" (that word again) on the other part of the town, but my neighbourhood is the next. After another month I called again and the excuse was: "Sorry, we don`t have cables, we need to wait for next shipment..." So, I tore contract to pieces and forgot about whole thing. It was in 2002. and I think they are still waiting for that shipment to come *** Few days ago, I was buying a new fridge, and used that opportunity to take a look at some of the TVs in a shop. Flat screen, plasma, big with beautiful colours, they all look like from a Star Trek comparing to my 19 years old Kamacrown TV I have at home. Since my grandma broke a hip last year, my grandpa must stay at home to help her. She is mostly sleeping now so he spends a day watching TV, and I thought it would be nice to buy a newer one, not plasma or flat, they are too expensive for us, but anything that will ease his eyesight. So I asked him about the idea. I would pay for it anyway. "Why?, he asked, "It would be a waste of money".
As some of you know, I am spending days at home this week because I hurt my right foot in Aikido training in monday evening. During practicing of one technique, my friend pushed me with all his weight down to mat and ligaments on my foot couldn`t hold us both. A nasty sound I could feel more than hear, let me know I am done with aikido training for a while. Pain came right after, luckily not as hard as I expected. Being bored at home, between changing cold compresses, I was thinking about what has happened. This is the first serious injure I had in about 12 years now - the one that will prevent me from training Battodo about a week, and from training Aikido and Iaido for about a month. Maybe even more. Well, some of my friends would say not to take it too seriously, injuries happen, especially in martial arts. But what concerns me more is a fact that situation just few seconds before was under control. To be precise, under my control and it should stay that way. What happened? Long time ago, in medieval Japan, there was a swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi. A long after he died, a historical novelist Eiji Yoshikawa wrote a book about his life and there was an event described there, event that helped Musashi to realise that times of learning has not come to an end. He was walking over the bridge and while thinking about something else, failed to notice a rusty nail peaking from a board; he stepped on it and it entered deep in his foot, causing him much trouble. What was most important, that put him in possible danger for he could not be able to defend himself if he was attacked. For someone who was shugyōsha, medieval Japan was not a safe place. While he was thinking about what happened (and why!!!) he came to conclusion that his mind was too occupied with not so important things, preventing him to be aware of danger. He then understood that he could be attacked as well, without being aware attack started. Being reserved as if the story was a fiction or true, this was a nice example of things in everyday life that could be understood in different levels. For the most it was just accident; for someone, it presented a difference between life and death. I don`t want to compare myself with a great swordsman Miyamoto Musashi was; I would not dare. What I wanted to say is that situations like that one happens everyday. Mind is like a butterfly, flying from one flower to another, enjoying life. Then car arrives and butterfly finds itself stuck in a cooler... So, I was not careful enough. Despite the years of training my mind was bound to a certain situation, failing to see whole picture. And to predict things that could happen. It was all my mistake. Another great swordsman of the same time (16th and 17th century), Yagyu Munenori, wrote a book Heiho Kadensho - Book about martial arts and military strategy of Yagyu family. The following is a part that is the goal of many martial arts practitioners. As with a lot of martial arts books, this excerpt could be applied to everything else in life.
Once you have trained yourself well, your body and limbs would move automatically without any conscious effort. Your mind will not be overwhelmed by your physical movements. You will employ techniques unconsciously without having to think. Once you have attained this state of mind, not single doubt nor a hesitation will arise. No opponent, not even the devil, will find the opportunity to attack. Train yourself thoroughly and then forget about it. Throw away your mind. You will follow the way without being aware of it. This is the mistery of the way.
I wanted to make a post about airports, but while I was strolling through a You Tube recordings, in a darkness of some concerts and loud music, I stumbled over a song that I have almost forgot. Here are the lyrics:
They ask me how I knew My true love was true I of course reply Something inside Cannot be denied They said some day you'll find All who love are blind When your heart's on fire You must realise Smoke gets in your eyes So I chaffed them And I gayly laughed To think they could doubt To think they could doubt my love But today My love has flown away I am without my love Now laughing friends deride Tears I cannot hide So I smile and say When a lovely flame dies Smoke gets in your eyes But today my love has flown away I am without I'm without my love And now laughing friends deride Tears I cannot hide So I smile and say When a lovely flame dies Smoke gets in your eyes
Made in 1933. for operetta "Roberta" by American composer Jerome Kern (lyrics by Otto Harbach), the song itself had more than thirty covers by now. From Billie Holiday to Jason Donovan, from Glenn Miller to Zoot (Muppet Show character). Probably the most succesfull cover was made by The Platters in 1958. It was used in several movies, American Graffiti, for instance. The version I like the most is the one I have stumbled upon. Brian Ferry, year 2000, concert in Paris
Does anyone recognize this one? It was small at the beginning but in less than 2 months it grew up to about 2cm - almost an inch.
Another interesting thing: I tried to touch it with a straw and it didn`t react. It doesn`t matter what I tried, it remained as dead. But when I touched one of its legs with my finger it started to move, swinging on the net. Treid it several times with same result. When photographing, two time (once with a flash) it didn`t react but third time it ran away
Later, we had a short walk by the river then I escorted her to a bus station and went home. My hands were cold and nose started running - a sure sign that winter is behind the corner 
Had plans to go out tonight, my friend invited me to photography exhibition, but felt tired and that special feeling of weariness when spending too much time out in the cold. Took a hot shower then sat in my warm and safe place.... 
or sitting in some of the crowded bars (during summer, at least). Inside the boarding area there is nothing interesting to catch your mind with, only thing you may do is reading newspapers and waiting for your flight. And police officers are too serious, like they are expecting some terrorist activity after every corner (there is only one, by the way 
). Big airport museum could be interesting point to visit but it is too far away for walking and there is no organized transport. In Arrivals, there are taxi drivers that will peel your skin off if you are foreigner and don`t know what to do, their prices are insane. If you decide to come to Belgrade and take a cab to the city, it would probably cost you about 50 eur but if you go upstairs to Departures level you may get a cab for about 10-15 eur to the city center. Or you may go by bus but I am not sure what the prices are, probably much cheaper than taxi.
My favourite way to go to or from the airport is by Narita Express JR line (train), but shuttle busses are very suitable and not much more expensive than train. The only thing that was a bit annoying is a security, they have checked my sword two times upon arrival and 4 times on departure 
All I managed to do is to buy a sandwich (with my own money) and ice tea. Later I got myself a cup of espresso (even there a waitress was grumpy and whole area was full of garbage) and it was all I put in my stomack for next 17 hours. One of the passengers on a flight to Belgrade advised me to sue Alitalia for that but I was too lazy and wanted to forget the whole thing.
having a glass of Paulaner was a must. Cute waitress suggested me to eat something before drinking beer but I explained her I don`t have enough time for that. Beer would be enough. After all, it is a liquid bread, right? 
So, one day a company dedicated to cover cable TV broadcast in my part of town, offered to make free of charge connection to all new users; so I applied. A friend told me there are some great programs to watch, like Animal Planet, History Channel, National Geographic and I got myself hooked. Representative from a company came to my home, offered me some application form to fill and on his way out, told me they will send someone to connect me. After 15 days I got a bill for a first month 
Being without service I refused to pay and called them to sort things out. They apologised and told me someone will come soon to connect me. After a month, I called again and they told me they have a big "project" (that word again) on the other part of the town, but my neighbourhood is the next. After another month I called again and the excuse was: "Sorry, we don`t have cables, we need to wait for next shipment..." So, I tore contract to pieces and forgot about whole thing. It was in 2002. and I think they are still waiting for that shipment to come 
WIDGETIZE