Today

Remember, remember
the 5th of November
the Gunpowder treason and plot!
I see no reason
why Gunpowder treason
should ever be forgot!

OK. So today is Bonfire night aka Guy Fawkes Day. We were really curious about this, and really looking forward to seeing it. And honestly, we were a bit disappointed.

There was a funfair, a bonfire and a firework show in one of the parks close to the place we currently live. So we decided to go there, and have a look. Yes, there was a funfair, with lots of kids' stuff. They were selling lightsabers there! And some burgers, and hot dogs, and things. There was also bonfire, that's right. And loads of people.

But we were missing one of the most important things: the beer stall. There was none! No one was selling anything at least mildly alcoholic, it was only coke etc. everywhere. Like, seriously? How about 0.5 l of beer in a plastic disposable cup? No? How can you ever have a celebration (or a funfair, or whatever) without beer? Incredible. This sucks.

Funny consequence of this 'prohibition': we have seen some skinheads drinking... mineral water. (!!!)

(And there's no way around. They just do not allow any alcohol there. There were some security people there at the entrance and they wanted to see everyone's backpack and/or insides of a jacket (or coat), just to check if people are not trying to sneak in (i) bombs (illegal), (ii) guns (illegal), (iii) knives (also illegal), (iv) alcohol (illegal in public, and illegal to carry in open containers), (v) own fireworks (probably illegal, and very much forbidden in the park), (vi) any glass container (forbidden in the park), (vii) porn (??), (viii) drugs (this is the only ok item). So: no way to bring your own beer and drink it in the dark!)

But OK, there was bonfire, and it was nice... ish.

Yesterday

Nothing very interesting, but: there was a dustbin action!

Every other Thursday, the dustbin collection people come, but there's a but (of course). Every house in our street has a small backyard. Every house in the neighbouring street has also a backyard. There is a small gap between these backyards, like a tiny street. Closed by some bars at each end, just for sure. There is basically nothing there, just some bins, because the alley (not even street...) is too narrow.

And now for the but: you have to take the bin out of the backyard (where it is stored in order not to be stolen), and bring it in front of the bars. Which seems easy, but doing it in the darkness of the night, when there are other bins all over the alley etc., that is just funny.

Of course, when the bin is emptied, the bin has to be taken back to the backyard. Through the alley, which is now full of empty bins, because the neighbors are quicker than us.

However, husband has shown his potential: mission accomplished, bin's empty! :-)