Sunday, 23 August 2009
Friday, 3 April 2009
Time at home
1st stop was home to see my brother and sister, and Spot! And then on to my Mum's place in Castleford, to see her and fiancee - Dave. Can't believe it's 2 years since I was last home. Had a lovely time visiting various sights around Castleford... ate far too much...and also had one or two local beers. Seems that there is a LOT of places offering 2 for 1 meals at the moment...not sure whether that is a sign of the recession, or just the way that things are heading generally? Shame near enough everything comes with chips!
Monday, 23 March 2009
Post-MBA US Tour

I have quickly realised that it is not possible to travel on a budget in the US....outside of the major cities, very few hostels exist, and whilst train travel can be relatively inexpensive way of getting around (at least with an ISIC card), the stations are often located in hard-to-get-to places, with no linking public transport and so you have to pay $20 each way to get to the station! Very annoying! However, my frustration at this led to one of the highlights so far....I decided to walk the 5 miles to the Amtrak station, out into the countryside, and a large owl flew right past my head – wing-span as wide as my arm-span....beautiful. Seconds after, the owl was chasing a hare...superb to watch.

Interesting facts I have learnt on the trip: A mammal is defined as an animal with hair, mothers producing milk, and (this one I did not know) they all have a bone in the middle ear. The term 'green room' (back room in a TV studio / theatre) originates from Shakespearean times.... they used to fill the room with shrubs, plants, etc as it was thought that moisture was helpful to the actor's voices.
Monday, 16 March 2009
Bye Chicago
Friday, 6 March 2009
Chicago - a dwindling light....
The panel discussion on the financial crisis was another highlight. Present were Charlie Evans (Chicago Fed), John Cochrane (Finance prof. not the lawyer in the OJ case), Leo Melamed (CME Chairman), some Economics professor who looked like Dr. Death, and an Asia lady as mediator who was both pointless and tedious. Things got off to a slow start with the 'mediator' droning on, and on... almost like a senator trying to get their time in the lime-light during Senate debates. However, once the panel started ignoring her, and getting on with a real discussion it really came to life (apart from when Dr. Death slurped his way into the conversation). Favourite comments came from Cochrane: "Let em Fail!! There I'm done with GM", and Leo: "the previous administration saw the light at the end of the tunnel..... it was a locomotive coming toward them!".
Now back in Chicago...want to avoid getting in a car for a while as tired of that! Got a few more lectures, one exam, and one take-home to do and I'll be finished. Looking forward to the travelling...and of course to getting back to Oz to see Lucy.
Friday, 27 February 2009
Almost done...
So pleased that I've spent my final session in Chicago. The school has surpassed even the high expectation I had prior to arrival, and the learning experience has been top class. In addition, the city of Chicago - whilst damn cold temperature wise - has proved to be a great place to spend some time. Whilst there isn't an awful lot of the standard tourist attractions to visit - the 'blob' remains my favourite - the live music, and bar scene is really good....and it's so easy to get talking to people.
This weekend I have the Winter Formal to attend on Saturday - so I get to wear a tux - and then I'm hoping to power through my remaining assignments so that I can enjoy the final week. Here's hoping!
Have a good one!
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Sweet Home Chicago
How's it going? Well, the business school is really first class. The facilities are superb (although with so many students they still get stretched), the lecturers engaging, and the courses I am studying are interesting. Additionally, the other exchange students are cool too. Couldn't really ask for any more - apart from maybe some warmer weather!? Since I arrived on Jan 1st it hasn't been above 0c!?! The lowest was something around -30c... not comfortable! Unfortunately, this has meant that I haven't got to see as much of the city as I would have like - it's no fun walking around in sub-zero weather. However, what I have seen has really impressed me. There's lots of museums and galleries, plenty of sport to watch, and the nightlife is excellent - with a lot of live music to choose from.
Amazing that I'm almost through the 4th week (of a 10 week term), and whilst it's been a good experience so far, I really am missing Lucy. It's fun experiencing new things, heading to concerts, etc... but it would be much better if Lucy was here, and I'm sure she'd appreciate Chicago.
Guess I'll leave it on that bitter-sweet note and hope to update again soon.
It's been a while....
....almost a year in fact since I last updated my blog. A variety of things have prevented me from keeping it up to date - school work, looking for a job, arranging my international exchange, chilling in the sun....and most of all spending time with Lucy.
I'm going to attempt to update sporadically from now......so hopefully I think of something interesting to write.
Wish me luck!
I'm going to attempt to update sporadically from now......so hopefully I think of something interesting to write.
Wish me luck!
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