Month: July 2006

9 days off, 7 countries to visit…


I’m off on the wander again. Only, this time it’s speed-wandering!

Not even road runner and Wiley Coyote will be able to catch Eddy next week as I attempt to conquer (in the nicest possible way) Spain, Andorra, France, Monaco, Italy, San Marino and the sprawling metropolis that is – Vatican City.

The vague wobbly red line shown is the sum total of my extensive research and planning.

If you know how to get from Andorra to Monaco in a day can you email me?

Big up respect
Eddy

PS, It’s gonna be hotter than a Finnish Sauna tomorrow – time to get the Speedo’s out.

Posted from: www.bearder.com

As the Massi would say…

“In order to find the route to happiness you should have something to
do, someone to love and something to look forward to.”

I look forward to having something to do and someone to love. Does that
make me happy?

Posted from: www.bearder.com

How many?

When I mention that I am trying to visit every country in Europe people always ask ‘How many are there?’

Err, Well, a recent article by Timothy Garton Ash starts by considering the same question. It ain’t easy…

“How many countries are there in Europe? Your answer depends on what you mean by Europe – and what you mean by a country. The European Union currently has 25 member states. The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has 55 “participating states”, but they include Andorra, the Holy See, Liechtenstein, Monaco and San Marino, which are all within the bounds of the EU without being member states, and Russia, Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Canada and the United States – some or all of which would not be considered by some or most Europeans to be in Europe. When the central Asian “stans” joined the OSCE in 1992, someone quipped that its Europe now resembled Nicholas of Cusa’s definition of God – His centre being everywhere and His circumference nowhere.

The Council of Europe, which claims on its website to represent 800 million Europeans, has 46 member states, including Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco and Turkey. The Eurovision Song Contest has a variable line-up, but this year’s 24 entries included hopeful crooners from Turkey, Armenia, Moldova and Israel. The Miss Europe beauty pageant has had contestants from Turkey, Israel and Lebanon. The Union of European Football Associations (Uefa), which describes itself as “the governing body of football on the European continent” and, interestingly, “an association of associations based on representative democracy”, has 52 members, including Andorra, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Israel, but also England, Scotland and Wales as separate national teams. (We are so used to this, we forget how odd it is.)
However you draw up the tally, there’s no question that Europe has more countries per head of population than any other continent. China is one country for 1.3 billion people, Europe is between 45 and 55 countries for, at most, 800 million people. On a generous estimate, we have an eighth of the world’s people but a quarter of the world’s states. This week, we’ll get one more. Step forward, Miss Montenegro!”

The more authoritative and Internationally recognised ‘List according to Eddy’ has 46 member states including Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco and NOT Turkey.

Posted from: www.bearder.com

My true colours

The following personal summary was drawn from my choice of, err – colour!

“PROBLEM UNDERLYING THE PRESENT STRESS — Works to strengthen his position and bolster his self-esteem by examining his own accomplishments — and those of others — with critical appraisal and scientific discrimination. Insists on having things clear-cut and unequivocal.

DESIRED OBJECTIVE — Seeks affectionate, satisfying and harmonious relationships. Desires an intimate union in which there is love, self-sacrifice and mutual trust.

CURRENT INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR — Circumstances are such that he feels forced to compromise for the time being if he is to avoid being cut off from affection or from full participation.”

It’s not my fault that I feel forced to compromise for the time being to avoid being cut off from affection or from full participation.

Posted from: www.bearder.com

What noise does an excited Italian make?

I just got the following email – I think it’s somthing to do with the football…

“ALEE HOO ALEE HOOOOOO

2-0….2-0……2-0….2-0…..2-0…..2-0…..

ALEEE HOOOO HOOOO ALEEEE HOOO HOOO

2-0….2-0….2-0….2-0000!!!!!!!!!!

CIAUUUUUUUUU
VALENTINA…”

Posted from: www.bearder.com

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