Berlin, 9.07.00 And another six weeks... Really, really sorry about that. I haven't been sending much email, either. I've been meaning to write for a while now but between working and various other things, it just hasn't been a priority. Things were pretty bad for a while - okay, they were bad for the last three months - but now they're getting better. I'll try to write about it soon, sparing you (or me, rather) the gory details but not leaving too much to the imagination. I think I'll ditch the old U9 site and try to make a fresh start. Too many bad memories associated with this period in my life. Meanwhile, here's an email: Just a quick note to let you know that we're back from three cold days on the rainy Rhine - our weekend escape (from the damnable Love Parade) in Cologne. Annette's talk went well, we explored the city a little, shopped, and had some very long and enjoyable naps in our friend's apartment. The train ride back this afternoon was the usual Sunday afternoon trip from hell - a rolling kindergarten, crawling with screaming kids. God. The only mishap was when I stepped out into the landing to listen for Annette's footsteps after buzzing her in. A gust of wind blew the door shut behind me, and of course the only set of keys was inside. No choice but to call the locksmith. (We love German door locks.) One hour and 360 marks later, we were back inside (it's double the price after six o'clock). Happily, we'll be able to claim this against our halbpflichtversicherung (liability insurance) because it was someone else's apartment, so in the end it should be pretty painless. Otherwise, Vita's well, having survived three days in Carla's care. Annette is looking forward to stress-free week without papers and deadlines, and will deal with many administrative tasks and plan her next few research trips and possibly also some vacation time as well. As for me, it's back to the usual tour guide and bike mechanic thing, plus I have some nibbles for some more interesting computer work. And training. If my back holds together I'm going to race again next weekend. It's time. That's all for now.