Motivational Techniques

I laughed at the quote I found yesterday, I hope you had a giggle too. The irony of the situation was that I quite simply far too busy to not do the things required. It's kind of scary how much you can fit into a day to try when you have to organise your life.

Couple of quick updates before I have to skedaddle. Firstly, I've got a meeting on Thursday to send off my application for internships to Lovells in Hamburg and Munich. Putting together a cover letter for a German firm is not as easy as it sounds. More so when I reproduce it in German, an effort I'm quite proud of considering I'm using official and posh German. It's really draining actually. I feel like sleeping now. But more news awaits!

Secondly, I've gotten up and started emailing round some stuff to law firms in Wellington to try and get some discussion going. Hopefully it'll result in work, ideally paid. But the worst case scenario is that I get my CV out there and my name known. This process raised another little interesting situation - turns out that one big law firm in New Zealand is actually advertising for a graduate position now. Funny really. So I jumped at the chance. Here's hoping something comes of it.

Thirdly, the moot is progressing nicely. I've got some work to do for both Bucerius and VUW. I'm trying to maintain Chinese Walls between the two, which is kind of difficult really. The good news is that no trade secrets are being passed between them and it's only really my ideas that are being shared. Hopefully no one protests.

And finally. The Christmas markets are here and my god they are good! Mulled wine, roasted food, treats, candies, everything a small child and myself could wish for.

Sadly, I must dash now. More work calls. Enjoy the day, and hopefully I'll post some pics of the markets shortly.

And now a word from our sponsor

"There is no pleasure in having nothing to do; the fun is in having lots to do and not doing it."

Exciting Updates

Well, not really, but it got your attention now didn't it?

Things are progressing here in Hamburg. The absence of an adjective there is intentional, somethings are moving along nicely, with more certainty, thought, and the accompanying pleasant emotions thus associated. Needless to say I was staggering under the smile I had.

Others however, are simply moving towards an undeniable end. Namely the exchange. There's three weeks left until the end of the exchange and the multitude of people become less numerous. It looks as though everyone is heading home for Christmas bar myself and a few stragglers. I wouldn't nor should I complain, except for the fact I'm hearing stories about people's plans for Christmas. Needless to say they involve large gatherings, fireplaces, and lots of cheer. Something people tend to remind me that I'll be missing here. I might try to organise some kind of get together for all the internationals staying in Hamburg so we can have our own little celebration. Otherwise, I may just come-a-knocking on friends' doors in Europe.

As for other things on the move, I'm reminded on a daily basis of the impending arrival of adulthood - completion of degrees and the entering into the work force. Something I thought I'd have more control over at a sooner time. I'm working on it, the results will be there, it's just a matter of patience. And chocolate, the ultimate conciliator.

Another thing I have to work on is a place to live next year. Made all the more complicated by the fact I have no clue as to exactly when I'll be in New Zealand. I know for sure I'm out of the country around the end of March until the start of April. There might be some adventures overseas before, after, or heaven forbid, during that time. It's just a miasma of possibilities no closer to clarity even if you asked directed questions.

As always, comments, suggestions, and care packages are more than welcome.

But before you embark, I leave you this little departing gift. The Northen Lights, or as the American's call it: The Golden Compass, by Philip Pullman, is finally being adapted for the big screen and under production. For the heathens that have no idea what this is about, I suggest you visit here.

Also, the Christmas market opens tomorrow and I plan on gorging myself on Glühwein, Stollen, and anything else I can find. Any requests for European Christmas decorations, goodies, or trinkets can be sent along for consideration.

Bondt, Jamez Bondt

You'd think Casino Royale would have a slightly different name in German. Sadly, they're not that original. And James Bond is simply James Bond, but with a German accent.

The reason I divulge this information is because I'm off to see The Premiere of Casino Royale tonight. It looks damn good. And before you ask, it is in English, just with German subtitles. I think. I hope. Desperately.

Study is still going strong. Hence the slighlty shorter posts you've seen of late. When I get more of a break, and more incentive to procrastinate I'll post something more substantial. Most likely on the Christmas markets that are springing up. They open on Monday, and so far it looks like it'll be a truly magical affair. I'm serious. It looks amazing.

Sweet

Just got my last grade back from the first half of the semester, and I'm proud to say I've gotten my first ever A+ for Comparative Tort Law.

This just tops off an amazing time here at Bucerius.

Horizon Draws Near

Currently I'm attempting to study for my German Law exam. I say attempting to because I've found numerous methods of procrastination. It is such an ugly word: procrastination. It has connotations that are unfavourable, unwholesome. Evil. Which is why I've temporised with doing other vital things, such as my paper on Alternative Dispute Resolution, organising applications to jobs and exchanges. You know, the usual.

One of these active diversions has been looking for work in Europe. And on that front, I've just returned from a small meeting with the career lady, bearing good and bad news no less. There's no long term employment available. There is, however, over 200 internships available for something like 100 students. I like those odds.

We have been asked to try and apply for internships in Germany if possible, that way the German students have the better opportunity to work abroad in New York, Chicago, Brussells, and so forth. Admittedly I was a little annoyed at this at first, but I've come to reason it out: I wouldn't have this opportunity without Bucerius. Moreover the German firms provide allowances during the internships. Sweet, this looks promising. Only downfall is German language skills - I might be able to scrape by as I currently stand, but being fluent would be far more beneficial.

So there's some hope for my international career yet. This could prove a brilliant opportunity. Only downfall is that the process is due to happen over the next week. Talk about shotgun application processes. Well, it works for me anyways, so I don't think there's grounds for complaint on my part.

Complete Randomness

In between my flusters of work today I'll give you guys some completely random news, ideas, and advice.

I'll start with an update on stuff. Stuff is good, in fact, it's feeling alot better now. A huge public thanks to Meredith, by listening and being there you made my night and upon reflection, everything so much better. Damn it I have some good friends.

As for the mood swings of activity I've found myself in - it's partly borne of necessity, one part stimulation, and one part peer pressure. I'm working away on studying for my German Law exam in two weeks, getting to grips with my Alternative Dispute Resolution paper on the risks verus the potential, as well as organising my life for next year. No simple feat.

Amongst all of this I'll extol some vital information:

• Canada is going a little too far with it's human rights in my opinion. A scary thought, seeing as the New Zealand system and Canada tend to react to each other.
• Pain killers from salivia? I take it this is from other people's saliva, not our own. It doesn't take a scientist to recognise that friendly exchange of saliva can feel good and can reduce depression. Nonetheless, this sounds interesting. I wonder how it'll be harvested in the future.

And on a much different note: I've got some excellent music for you. Death Cab for Cutie. Weird name, but my god their latest album is a completely realised piece. Go load up a Station in Pandora with them and hear some of their stuff. Otherwise just go listen to their latest offering Plans, or the previous album Transaltanticism. Do it. The audiohpile in you will love you for it.

With that, I should hunt down some lunch.

Wintery Blasts

The end of Summer is definitely upon us. The trees have shed most of their summer coats, and the vivid Autumn hues are distinctly visible. The Planten un Bloomen looks like a completly different landscape now, many bright colours have been replaced by the subtle tones of a muted season. Though there's a breath of life with the remaining trees and their scarlet red leaves. It really is quite stunning and I should probably take a photo one of these days.

But with the falling of the leaves, so falls the temperature. It's pretty cold here these days. Well the temperature itself is not that low, mind you, single digits are pretty cold nonetheless. It's really the artic winds that freeze you. I'm so glad I have a long, thick, warm jacket and a cushy, soft, woollen scarf. Elaine's claimed possession of my possum wool gloves though, but it's something I'm happy to live with.

The real problem with this weather is that it's neither cold enough nor dry enough to snow. It's on the brink of that cheery threshold, but somehow Hamburg manages to completely dash my spirits. Snow would be cool. A crisp clean sting to the air would be nice. Much more so than the cold damp rain we seem to have experienced and will no doubt see more of.

All this talk of cold weather has gotten a number of people to ask me what my plans are for Christmas. And frankly, I have no idea. Well, that's not entirely true. I would like to visit the Chrsitmas markets around Germany. These markets are in operation from the end of November and the weekends are supposed to be the best, so that leaves plenty of time to actually do something. There's talk of going to Budapest or Dublin after the exams and coming back just before Christmas. Something which sounds very inviting. The dead line of coming back before Christmas is vital as that's when Elaine flies out. Poor me has to fend on my lonesome until December 31.

As for Christmas day itself, I think I might end up spending it with the Aussies. Some of them are staying in Hamburg during that time so we might have little Downunder celebration.

But before I get to carried away over Christmas, there's Thanksgiving to think of. Studying with Americans is a huge perk in that there's plenty more holidays to celebrate. A huge turkey meal with lots of warm comfort food sounds ideal in this weather. I'm keen to get to know the holiday more intimately.

Alas, time draws to a close. Before I leave you, I give you a photo of the opening ceremony at the Euromasters 2006. Bucerius is the school in red and white at the back in the middle.

The Internationals can drink

So I've returned from Koblenz and the Euromasters 2006 competition. It was a killer time. As things turned out, we only played Volleyball twice. Sounds disappointing and you'd be right - travelling 7 hours by bus, paying €35, only to play twice. But we can take heart from the fact we won one game and lost the other, and interestingly enough the loss was to the team that eventually won the Volleyball trophy.

The whole thing took place in a giant sports hall, so there was enough to keep us busy and entertained while we waited. The free food and drinks was also a good distraction. And it wasn't just junk either. There was fruit, muffins, soup, sandwiches, water, apple juice, freshly made juice cocktails, shakes, and muesli bars. I ate my fill and more.

In terms of the sport going on, we saw indoor soccer matches, volleyball, basketball, relay races, relay indoor rowing races, and cheerleading.

The cheerleading needs special mention because it was everything you'd imagine in a bad American movie - the cheerleaders were doing their best to look skanky and completely into themselves. Well, the team who came first didn't achieve that, they did look really good. However, for the most part, Elaine's prediction of teams floor-humping turned out to be bang on. It was most fascinating and verging on embarrasing.

There was also huge parties. With free beer. And not just free beer for one hour, or only three beers. You had unlimited free beer. It was danger embodied. One of the guys we were staying with drank himself stupid and fell asleep in his clothes when we walked in the door. Come to think of it, both Moritz and Henny did that.

The final night was good fun too. Another party. Which we found out just before we'd be leaving for home straight after. I was confused at first too, so I'll give you a better idea. The party was scheduled to finish at 4:30 am or so. We were catching our bus home at 4:30 am. Simple plan of staying drunk enough to keep going while being sober enough to get onto the bus, and being drunk enough to put yourself into a deep sleep on the bus. It was a fine balance. Which we met perfectly. I feel asleep on the bus fully dressed up - huge coat and all, and wrapped in a blanket.

It was a fantastic weekend, though I didn't meet many people from other universities, I did get to know more people from Bucerius. It was completely worth it.

University Games - German Styles

That's right folks, I'm going to the University Games. It's not restricted to German universities, as it includes some from all over Europe. Which is great as everything is conducted in English, making my life a little easier.

"What am I representing Bucerius in?" you ask. Simple. Volleyball. Having never played it before in my life, I was a shoe in for the team. It also helps that I'm going out with Elaine, who played Volleyball in College on scholarship, and that my buddy Wiebke is organising the team. The lack of people able to go is also a factor. But I get to play. That's the important part.

This is due to take place in Koblenz, which is just outside of Mainz. No idea exactly what the schedule is. All I know is that there's a bus going down there Thursday, we have games Friday and maybe Saturday, we come back on Sunday, and socialising will be involved. Excellent, sounds like a plan to me.

Currently I'm hanging out between classes, what with one this morning at 9:15 am, and the other at 6:30 pm I'm stretched to either end of the day. What's worse is that the morning class is completely voluntary for me - I needn't do it to complete my degree, nor was I orginally enrolled in it. It just sounded good and so far Comparative Products Liability is more attractive than the course title suggests.

Plus it means I have something to do during the week.

Photos of Berlin and Dresden

Here we have one of the reconstructed palaces in Dresden, it is a serene and beautiful spot. Before WWII, Dresden was called the Florence of Germany. You can see why when you're there. It looks so run down until you hit the bridge to the Old City. Stunning.
This is Dresden by night, as seen from the top of the Frauenkirche. It was simply gorgeous. Sadly this is only half of Dresden, as the other side of the panorama contains costruction sites.
Here we have, on the far left, one of the Prussian Kings' getaways, complete with Italian style garden. In the centre is the Brandenburg gate, followed by the Glass Dome on the Reichstag.


And here we have on the left, Elaine and myself at the top of the Fraunkirche in Dresden. The church can be seen on the right. Notice how it has grey flecks in its stucture. Those are the orginal sandstone bricks placed back in their orignal position. The church looks clean because of the new sandstone, but it's estimated that the whole building will be stained black by nature in 60 years.


I have heaps more photos, too many to post. You'll all get a chance to see them sometime though, I'll always have them with me on my travels.