Monthly Archives: September 2008

We finally received our 'list' for our eldest's first year at school. It seems that 3 year olds don't have much need for stationery: exercise book 320mm x 240mm with protective plastic cover (and name on) portfolio booklet with at least 40 sleeves (and name on) daps (with name on the in-sole) two boxes of tissues two rolls of absorbent kitchen roll one bar of soap and some plastic bags a cheque for 45 Euro to cover tea breaks a cheque for 30 Euro to cover school trips school insurance certificate One can only assume that by the time he's sixteen that things like soap, tissues and kitchen roll will no longer be a requirement?

[This article was written for 'What England Means to me' in November 2007. To read more article on the subject of 'Englishness' please visit www.whatenglandmeanstome.co.uk]   I first discovered I was English the day I met a Scottish Nationalist (in Darjeeling of all places, but I digress) and while I am sure beneath her sour veneer she was genuinely a nice person, she seemed to take great pleasure out of telling me just how ashamed I should be of my race - given what my forefathers had done to her forefathers. It seemed there was little doubt in her mind that one of my ancestors had been complicit in the butchering of Scottish innocents and the eradication of much of Scotland's native language and customs. Quite an accusation I thought, and hardly something I should be expected to agree with; but even so I felt it would be easy enough to distance myself from the macabre events of yore; for I, like her, was British rather than English; and to that end we were united fellow-countrymen (or countrypersons) - [...]

That's it. I'm now in the system for good. When the cops type my name into their central database - bang - back it will come. Hulley, Barth; one speeding ticket, 3rd August 2008, travelling at 11km over the speed limit on the northbound A35 at Geispolsheim in a rented Fiat Bravo. Speed cameras eh - doncha love em? 11km for goodness sake. I have sent off my cheque and now await the judiciary's decision as to how many points they will opt to put on my license. Though luckily it should be zero - as I still have my UK permit!

The first time we visited Strasbourg, way back in 2004, we stumbled across Baggersee beach and, along with many other things here, we listed it as yet another good reason to move to Strasbourg. So move we did. Baggersee Plage is a well hidden, white sandy beach set beside a small lake not far from Central Strasbourg. Easily accessible by tram, it is free to use, a short walk from the Auchan hypermarket at Ilkirch, and therefore, understandably, a popular destination during hot weather. Contrary to popular belief, the water is crystal clear and clean enough to support the hundreds of little fish that swim in the shallows (and that have thus far refused to nibble at my toes whenever I go for a paddle). During the summer season there is a permanent lifeguard, a beach patrol, a café, open-air showers (v. cold), volleyball nets and plenty of space to spread out. So although Strasbourg might be as far from the seaside as you can get, just about everything you get at the coast is here. Except of course [...]