Movie review - Blue Jasmine

Described as a modern updating of A Streetcar Named Desire, Blue Jasmine follows former Manhattan socialite Jasmine (Cate Blanchett) attempts to rebuild her life after the arrest and death of her financier husband Hal (Alec Baldwin). To do this, she has flown to San Francisco to stay with her sister Ginger (Sally Hawkins), and we see Jasmine's shock at having to adjust to Ginger's working-class life and struggle at retaining her sanity.  

The summary should make pretty clear the similarities between Streetcar and Jasmine but there are several big differences, the main one being that while both Blanche du Bois and Jasmine are brought down by the actions of men in their lives, *SPOILER* while Blanche's final breakdown is  due to her rape by Stanley, Jasmine's is due to having to accept that her downfall is due to being the one to report Hal's fraudulent dealings in a fit of pique after he tells her he intends to leave her for a teenage au pair, and that she will not be able to claw back her former position. *END SPOILER* This is interesting in that it creates a character with whom we are trying to sympathise with, despite being quite a despicably arrogant liar.

And I did find myself sympathising with Jasmine even though I didn't like her. This would be due to Blanchett's performance as we see the character struggle to hold onto her aristocratic and haughty air in greatly reduced circumstances, how it affects the people around her in her new and, but also her fear at having to deal with a world in which she has no idea what to do with herself. That said, I find it hard to believe that even a spoiled upper class wife wouldn't know how to use a computer.

Also, while Blanchett's performance is enjoyable, I doubt I would watch this film again because something about it left me cold. Probably because there was no one in the film who was truly sympathetic, which then meant I wasn't really moved emotionally. I found that as much as the film mocked Jasmine's pretensions to maintaining her former status, it also mocked Ginger's by showing her apologising for and being easily swayed by Jasmine. The other working class characters (e.g. Ginger's boyfriend and her former husband) are portrayed as coarse through the way the dress, speak, and present themselves. So exactly who are we supposed to be like? Probably the only truly sympathetic character is Danny, Hal's son and Jasmine's stepson.

Anyway, Blanchett is great and the movie is alright but...missing something.
6-7/10

And yet another animal video!

This week I had a meeting with my boss where we were supposed to discuss the things that I'm wrapping up before moving to my new position. But more than that, my boss wanted to share this video with me!

Yes, he did climb a tree to bother a WILD ANIMAL. Cute they may be, but he's lucky that koala didn't take a piece of his arm!

And he also waxed lyrical on how wonderful Australia is and why would I want to give it all up for Germany...

Keeping on animal videos...

This is a bit of an oldie but it's still so awesome.

hehehe @ being crushed by a seal pup :D

Dogs responding to magic

Seriously, this video of their responses to a magician making food disappear is too good.

Spring sprung!

After a very mild Winter (by Munich standards), signs of Spring are showing up all around my work campus.

Look! Daisies are out!!!

As are daffodils and other bulb flowers.

But the best and my favourite sign are the blossoms on this cherry tree. Also, check out that clear blue sky behind the tree!

The sad thing about these photos is that it's supposed to snow on Monday :(

Sushiya Sansaro

One day, Yvonne asked if anyone had tried out a particular sushi restaurant in Munich because she was having cravings. This naturally turned into a bunch of us saying that we hadn't but we'd all be willing to try it out! Cue a visit to Sushiya Sansaro!

Before the visit, I had a look at the menu online and asked Pooey for her opinion who thought the sushi platters sounded alright. To be honest, I really wanted to buy the chef's choice option but at €34 for 10 nigiri and a handroll, I was baulking a bit at the cost. Having said that, I'm willing to fork out for sushi if it's good, but decided to play it a bit safer for now. There's always plenty of time to return if I was satisfied. 

And so here's the platter I ended up choosing (muromachi, €22.50). Before you all think I must have been starving after finishing this, I also had a bowl of edamame. 

The verdict? We were all pretty happy with what we got. Happy enough that I would consider returning and shelling out for the chef's choice or even for some of the handrolls on the days I'm feeling poor because they looked pretty big.

And so Sushiya Sansaro gets two (faux-)asian peace signs! 

Yes but no but yes but no.

Towards the end of last year, I was informed by the Immigration Office that, due to a variety of reasons, I was eligible to become a permanent resident of Germany. This would mean that should I choose to quit my job and move to another city for another job, I wouldn't have to apply for a new visa. BUT it does not make me a permanent resident of the EU at large - if I were to quit to move to France, I would still need to apply for a French visa. "No worries," I said, "Tell me what kind of paperwork I'd need to apply and I'll do it." After all, it would be a lot easier than having to come back all the time, what with all these short science contracts, and have a stack of paperwork each time. One of the conditions to getting this was to prove that I could speak basic beginner (A1) level German. "But this shouldn't be a problem for you!" said my processor - and she would know because we were talking to each other in German.

Further examination of the paperwork I was given to get residency revealed that I required a certificate. This then raised questions for me - I had completed some levels at language schools but did I have to complete a specific official certificate (e.g the TELC, Goethe Institut, or DaF) and if so, which one, or was it enough to go to my language school/teacher and say that I had completed the levels? I sent an email back to the migration office to ask this specific question...and got a reply saying that they had made an official appointment to process me in a few weeks' time. Huh? Well that didn't answer my question but okay...given that our correspondence was in German, they decided that I didn't need that certificate? That didn't seem right, but I didn't have enough time to organise an appointment to do an exam so....

Yeah...going through my paperwork, my (different) processor asked me (in German) if I had any problems with anything. I honestly replied (in German) that I didn't have the A1 language certificate because I wasn't informed which exam I needed to complete but that, as she could tell, I could understand and speak German quite well. She immediately stopped and looked at me aghast, "No, you need a certificate! It's not enough that I can tell that you understand me - they want a record saying that I can also read and write! Noooooo, I'm so sorry!!!!" and then gave me a list of accredited schools from which they would accept certificates. Turns out my school wasn't on the list (!!!) but okay. I guess I'll go back to German school and complete and even higher level because I don't see the point in paying to complete a course/exam that means nothing on a professional level.

Movie review - 300: Rise of an Empire

Prior to, during, and following the events of the original movie, 300:Rise of an Empire follows Athenian general Themistocles (Sullivan Stapleton) as he tries to establish a coalition of the different Greek city-states against the invading Persian forces, particularly against the Persian navy headed by vengeful Greek commander Artemisia (Eva Green). We also see how Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) transformed from an ordinary Persian princeling into a God-King, and catch up with Spartan queen Gorgo (Lena Heady) who is coming to grips with Sparta's actions in the first movie.

As we left the cinema, someone actually said, "What the hell did I just watch?" To that, all I can say is that this film is no worse and no better than the first movie. Hugely stylised with lots of spurting blood, slo-mo, and improbable battles, if you're expecting historical accuracy, you're in the wrong place. Again. In fact, the following video is the best and most accurate review of 300:RoaE ever.

Review starts at 0:33. 

Ever.

So yes. I'd just also like to mention that there's a sex scene in the middle which is filmed at normal speed which was kinda funny. It's also notable for not being in slo-mo like the one in the first film.
7/10!

Nooooooo

I won't be attending Starkbier this weekend - turns out I'm sick.Or at least, I was during this week and I still have some lingering tonsillitis (hooray for basic medical knowledge for self-diagnosis!). And okay sure, alcohol kills everything, but penicillin also does a good job so I'm staying home eating blue cheese and sewing some hooks back onto my dirndl.

But this week hasn't been a complete bust - I got myself a new dirndl, my fourth!

Just the green dirndl - I already have a red apron.

Also, no fotos heh.

Upcoming Elections

I'm a strong advocate for voting in elections as I think it's important that everyone have a say in government. Now, I'm not allowed to vote in German/European elections for obvious reasons, and after seeing this, I'm a little bit glad...

THAT IS ONE BIG ASS BALLOT SHEET!!! 

Seriously, I could use that as a cape or a blanket!

Starkbierzeit

IT'S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR AGAIN!!!

Yes, regular readers, you'll know this this is the time of year when tracht gets pulled out of our closets and worn for the first time in about 5 months while we guzzle down strong beer during the first bierfest of the year.

As with previous years, Ruben got another table at the Augustiner Keller. It was later pointed out to me that entering the Keller is a bit like entering the gates of hell: down a small, tight spiral staircase which emerges into a warm, red cavern where schlager music is on repeat. :D

Also, song of the year - Atemlos durch die Nacht (Breathlessly through the night) by Helene Fischer! Revel in its cheesiness!

There were two tables, but here's mine - L-R: yours truly, David, Laura, Caro, Ele, Ruben, y Santi.

I really wanted to eat my first roast chicken of the bierfest season but alas, it was not to be. So here's my first schweinshaxn. With the knoedl and krautersalat, it was a pretty big serving and I offered to share with my fellow festers, but they turned it down. I ate my fill, and then went to say hello to party people on the other table and when I turned back, found them eating the rest of it!!! Funny times. 

Even more funny times! The band started playing Pretty Woman and Ele was singing along miming a microphone. I decided to make her one out of a couple of forks and a napkin.

Despite being Muenchen born and bred, Caro had never attended Starkbier at the Keller and never knew the joy of sitting in a giant barrel. That knowledge gap has now been filled.

Also filled is that part in her heart that stores her love for the strong brew. 

Laura loved it too and was very disappointed when her mass was finished :(

So yes, the first weekend was good and Nockherberg opens next weekend! Barring illness or injury, 5 more weeks of bierfest to follow!

Super geil, super geil.

Sehr, sehr geil...

Scotland - Edinburgh

Following Glasgow, Javi, Patri and I headed to Edinburgh to be tourists and to catch up with Suling and Mike. And since the cosmos knew that we were being tourists, it decided to turn on the weather for us! WOOHOO!!! Between the two cities, I can see why Edinburgh would be preferred over Glasgow by most people - it's located on the Firth of Forth so there's a seaside, it's got pretty buildings from different architectural eras, and it's got a bloody history that can be traced through the largely intact mediaeval city centre. Case in point, Edinburgh Castle. 

Fortress, prison, most visited attraction in Scotland, the castle looks like what you'd expect of a castle from some angles and not from others. Also, book your tickets online! We didn't and after looking at the queue, decided not to enter!

Despite not entering the castle proper, climbing the Royal Mile up to Castle Rock alone gives some pretty nice views over the city.

And tourist behaviour can be indulged!

Otherwise, there are lots of other things to see, such as this, the Walter Scott Memorial. I also visited the Scottish National Gallery - it has a pretty good collection with strong pieces from the Renaissance onward. It definitely served well for me to give Suling and Mike a quick rundown on the history of Western Art! Down side, Sargent's Lady Agnew of Lochnaw is a highlight of the collection (and the artist's oeuvre), AND THE PAINTING WASN'T THERE!!! When I asked an attendant as to where it was, just in case I had the wrong location, he told me it was on loan in PARIS!!! But that it would be back in June...from then it would go on loan in AMERICA!!! So, I'd better return in the Summer, eh?

After this and a stroll around town, Suling and Mike took me to dinner at Restaurant Mark Greenaway. We had the Market Menu which was a complete bargain of 3 courses for £20 (drinks not included). Featuring modern cuisine using locally sourced produce, I was in foodie heaven, the likes of which I don't think I've been in since...maybe Melbs. Or London. So like...one month.

First course - Pan fried duck egg with duck croquette, duck ham, and brioche. Not mentioned was the slight use of truffle somewhere (probably a drizzle of oil). I'm really glad I didn't eat all my bread so that I could use it wipe up that yolk. Yarmy. 

Main course - Oven-roasted salmon fillet with vanilla foam and there was supposed to be an oyster, which was changed to something I can't remember on request. I just remember the fish being so luscious and hitting the spot exactly.

Dessert - Peanut Caramel Cheesecake. This deconstructed cheesecake was recommended to me by the other two who also ordered this (in fact, they also ordered the egg as well). Damn, it was worth it. The warm toffee was poured over the thin wafers, gently melting everything into each other and it just...*food gargle*.

I was asked what German food was like and if I could get something equivalent in Munich. I cried on the inside at my reply of "No...but I don't know if it's because I don't know which places make such foods or if it simply doesn't exist." The really funny thing was that I didn't feel stuffed - I felt pleasantly satisfied. Then I stood up and I realised I had eaten a lot :D.

The weather had turned by the time we had finished the weather had turned crappy so we decided to head to Suling and Mike's local pub to get some whisky. This pub was full of character with years of accumulated knick-knacks, and signs saying that, yes, wifi was free, but mobiles phone use was not allowed on premises. They also told me the former landlord used to stop people from entering unless they were regulars. Upon being asked how one became a regular, his reply was that they had to come inside to drink. Heh.

*Enjoying* my whisky. Actually, it wasn't bad - a bit smoky, a bit turpy.

Scotland - Glasgow part 2

The weather in Glasgow remained a bit hit and miss so I picked another indoor activity over the Botanical Gardens - a visit to Glasgow Cathedral. Funny side story - I decided to take a bus there rather than walk and the bus driver had absolutely no idea what I was saying because he couldn't understand my accent. After saying, "Ahm soory lass, ah canna oonderstand ye!" a helpful commuter sprang up to say, "Eh, she woonts tah geh teh thar Cathedral!" Fun times indeed.

Interesting factoid - also known as St. Mungo's, Glasgow Cathedral was the only mediaeval Scottish church on the mainland to survive the Reformation with its roof. The church also used to be Catholic but is now Presbyterian.

Sweet. I don't appear to have photographed it, but St. Mungo's tomb is in the crypt beneath the church.

Maybe this says something about me, but I really liked the 19th century military memorials. 

Blackadder was a former bishop of Glasgow?!

The rain had decreased (a bit) by the time I was finished with my visit so I decided to cross over into the Glasgow Necropolis.

The cemetery is a pretty classic 19th century type (e.g. Pere Lachaise in Paris), that combines park with funerary memorials.

View from the cemetery towards the Cathedral and the bridge linking the two - the Bridge of Sighs.

Unfortunately, it started to rain while I was climbing the cemetery hill, so I decided to head back to Buchanan St. and wander around/shop.

See how slimy wet it was? Also, lovely peacock sculpture over the Princes Square building.

I can't remember the name of this arcade but it's another flashback to 19th century boomtimes. 

The South Portland St. Suspension bridge, a footbridge spanning the River Clyde. 

I eventually got tired of wandering around the rainy day and as Patri was finishing up her day, we met up at The Tea Rooms at the Butterfly and Pig. Very warm and welcoming.

For dinner, we decided to forgo spanish food, instead choosing to test a new place...that sold CHINESE MALAYSIAN FOOD!!! Here are my wonderful hosts, Javi and Patri.

The food was pretty good - I certainly wasn't complaining given that I hadn't eaten this stuff since leaving Australia. We had Char kway teo, nasi lemak, duck with aubergine, and roti canai. Javi and Patri confessed to loving roti canai after having previously eaten it in another Malaysian restaurant. There are multiple restaurants selling this type of food in Glasgow? Lucky people! 

Scotland - Glasgow part 1

I received two interesting pieces of news towards the end of last year - firstly, after many years in Melbs, Suling decided to give up a city she considered cold weather-wise to move to Edinburgh. HAH! Secondly, Patri also took up a position in Scotland - but in Glasgow. With the presence of two chums in a pair of cities which are less than an hour apart, I decided it was time to plan a trip to Scotland!

Due to the existence of an easyjet route that flies direct from Munich to Edinburgh - Lufthansa and BA would all stop in other cities - the first stop was Glasgow. 

Where my presence was celebrated by drinking a local beer!

Prior to my trip, people warned me that Glasgow was a super ugly city due to its industrial history which suffered due to Thatcherism, leading to a great deal of urban decay. What people don't mention is that since Glasgow was a boom city during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, there are still a lot of jewels from then scattered about.

Such as the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

Built during the age of International Exhibitions, the building is magnificent. 

I think this history can also be seen in its collection which was an interesting combination of paintings,

sculpture,

and mixed artifacts.

For example, this taxidermied elephant who had been the pet of a local.

Like many other places with similar histories, the decline in economic fortunes attracted artists and party people to Glasgow, leading to a revival in the 90s. 

They also host exhibits examining Scottish history, and a large collection of Scottish fine and applied arts, such as a tea room designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and lots of art nouveau pieces.

The gallery also has Dali's Christ of St. John on the Cross, which is worth seeing, and to Patri's amazement because apparently her parents had a print of this hanging in their apartment. She's looking forward to showing them the painting in person!

After the gallery, I walked out the back and got this wonderfully sinister view of the University, where upon I picked up Patri and we headed back for a warm Spanish meal, cooked by her bf Javier!

Given the inclement weather - it would alternately pour with rain or have blue skies, I decided to forego the Botanical Gardens and instead walk to the city, taking Sauchiehall to Buchanan.

See? Blue skies.

The Doctor has landed in Buchanan St! And he brought even more rain with him!

The University Main Building by night. Nice.

The Kelvingrove.

For dinner, Javier was going to make tortilla (and he taught me how to make it!), but before that happened, he asked if there was anything I wouldn't eat. My reply was that I would try anything at least once - and in that spirit, I wanted to try haggis! He got pretty excited when I said that because Patri and Javi had also tried haggis and thought it was a lot like morcilla, making it a perfect accompaniment to the tortilla!

Haggis. Not looking as horrendous as you're led to believe. Also, like weisswurst, you're not meant to eat the casing made out of stomach/intestine.

Also, I can confirm that it definitely does taste like morcilla, given the different spices used in it. Therefore, fans of blood sausages should be okay with this. 

Happy times indeed.