End of an ECS era

August 30th, 2006

I was sad to read in the latest issue of the newsletter for the Society of Oxford University Engineers that, from next year, they are ceasing to take applications for my undergradute degree in Engineering and Computer Science. As a limited resource, does that increase the value of my qualification, or does it decrease on the grounds that it is no longer sought after (at least by students)?!

Best Western Bären

August 29th, 2006

Our stay at the Best Western Bären started well enough (although I did try to check-in to the Best Western Bristol next door first!): they were able to accommodate my last minute request for a double room, allowed us in to our room before midday, and even provided vouchers for a free glass of champagne each. I should, however, have become suspicious when the room came complete with ear plugs as, at some ungodly hour this morning, a series of loud delivery vehicles came and went. Not much use being 2 minutes from the bus stop if I can’t enjoy the extra time in bed! Perhaps this is why the hotel offers those eating lunch the chance of a free afternoon nap?

Back to Bern

August 28th, 2006

147We returned to Bern yesterday and, making the most of a UK public holiday, whiled away a few hours wandering around the old town. As is traditional when visiting any city, we included a trip to the botanic gardens which, although providing a pleasant green space for lunch, were a little past their best. More colourful was the rose garden which, if I was ever more than half awake at the time, I would have realised were on my bus route to and from the customer each day. They also offered good view across the city although, as often seems to be my want, somewhat marred by scaffolding on the cathedral and parliament buildings.

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Clouds, sun and … more rain

August 27th, 2006

144It was overcast again this morning but at least dry. Having negotiated the hordes of girl guides at the local shop, we set off up to Kaiseregg (2185m) via Salzmatt The top was in cloud but it broke briefly to allow us to see down to the valley floor. Unfortunately there was still no chance of being able to see across to the Alps.

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Wet Schwarzsee

August 26th, 2006

141As the weather forecast didn’t look too good for the weekend we abandoned our plans for going to Grindelwald and headed out to Schwarzsee in the Pre-Alps instead, just an hour’s bus ride from Fribourg.

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Fribourg Festival

August 26th, 2006

135I haven’t seen much of Fribourg the past week other than the walk from the station to the hotel which includes a section through the pedestrianised medieval high street. The Hotel de la Rose is also quite nice: the 17th century exterior houses some modern looking rooms complete with free wireless access.

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Canon 400D announced

August 25th, 2006

As Andy reports, my “new” camera has already been trumped by the recently announced Canon 400D. Improvements include a 10MP self-cleaning sensor and a larger LCD. You can’t win with electronic gadgets though: there is always something better just round the corner. Just think how much I’m saving on disk space though.

Sedbergh Hills Race

August 21st, 2006

There’s nothing like a good fell race to remind you how unfit you are! We attended a misty Sedbergh Hills Race yesterday. With over 350 starters (it was a British and English Champs race) navigation was never really going to be a problem but the 14 miles and 6000ft of ascent/descent certainly took it out of me physically.
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