Good TV. Bad TV

6 weeks ago I had a daily TV intake of almost zero. My intake usually consisted of one dose of Newsnight per week plus a bit of sport when it was on and an occasional documentary about some war-torn ex-Soviet republic, or the continuing economic development of China.

After a couple of weeks in Mark’s place this has increased about 600% to quite worrying levels. I find myself gawping at the TV nearly every night. I’m grateful for being introduced to ‘Life on Mars’ a truly hilarious police comedy set in 1973. But the rest of it is a diet of junk. I never thought I’d be watching these property/home improvement shows. And I really don’t understand how I’ve developed a taste for Hollyoaks - I thought I’d be immune. I'm not sure if go to the Czech Republic, I'd miss too many episodes. What has Taylor done to me?!

Interesting places

create your own visited country map
or check our Venice travel guide

John - to answer your question - that's where I've been. Though it isn't representative at all - I've only been to a tiny corner of North-west Russia. Been to Pskov, though (If anyone was watching BB2 tonight re the vodka poisonings that was actually chemicals, not vodka). 36 countries, 16% though I've only spent a few days in some, or only been to 1 city. Or just blatently cheated (i.e. the airport - Denmark, Holland!).

I would like to go back to Bosnia again this summer, but go to some of the lesser known parts in Republika Srpska. I suppose the only downside is that Sarajevo and Mostar are probably bursting with tourists now whereas even as late as 2001 Me and Mr T didn't see any other tourists. Here's an interesting video from some italian musicians who went to sarajevo in October 1996 - a pretty interesting time to visit. It's changed beyond recognition since then. Watch for the guy riding on the back of the tram!

3 March 1985 - the beginning of the end?

Just a slightly political post again. 3rd March 1985 was when the 1984/85 Miners Strike - the longest and bitterest strike in recorded history - was lost. Thatcher could now do pretty much anything she wanted. Trade Unionism and Socialism were dead and the UK would never be the same again.

A different night in Reddish on Friday. Few pubs, mediocre beer and low-level anarchy that got worse as the night progressed. Still, the UK is in for interesting times ahead so sit back and enjoy the show...

New start

Finally got Czech Republic booked after much procrastination. Should be a good few days. First point of call is Budjovice, home of Budweiser then Cesky Krumlov - only a few kms away. Then we're pretty much spoilt for choice...Telc and Brno....Hradec Kralove and Olomouc...or to head north-west up to the German border to check out Cheb and Karlovy Vary (where a fair amount of the lastest bond film was set).

Moved in to Mark's pad this week - I intend to give it a go for while, it's certainly nicer than living in a Sheffield bedsit. Not had a chance to properly check out the bargain basement stores of The Edge yet, but that'll come.