Cooking Club weekend

Among other things, our life in Munich includes membership to a cooking club. What was a suggestion to have more girlie bonding between a few friends (all women I assure you) birthed the idea of a cooking club, modeled along the very male Basque tradition of Txoko. Since it basis was male bonding and the activity's membership only criteria was gender, in this case, the spouses muscled themselves into the club too. Somewhere along our friends figured that I could cut vegetables and the designer could cook and so extended an invitation for us to join them. I do admit, its one of the things that I look forward to. We do it approximately every 6-8 weeks. The menu is a suprise for all except the hosts and everything is bought in advance. Costs are added and then shared between all. It usually lasts 5-6 hours and we usually end up doing atleast a 3-4 course meal. The picture is the exploits from our last cooking adventure at our place this time. We made a fairly complicated chicken dish, carrot salad, stuffed Okra, chappatis and payasam. We admit we had a little pressure to cook something Indian but usually its a complete suprise to all who attend. The next session is in early January. We have been trying to bolster the flagging consumer by ratcheting up capital goods spending, some of which was quite silly to not to have done so far like buying a washing machine. I have ordered boatload of christmas presents for myself (I love spoiling myself). Most significant is the move to an Mac, never owned one and I have sparingly used. The line drawer uses it at work so in the name ensuring that I stay ahead in the domestic technological curve, I took the plunge. Secretly counting the days to laying my hands on it. She can stay ahead by learning how to get a washing machine to work. Off to the Cape again this sunday.

The blue man Group and me home alone

Effectively trying to make up for the lost years of artistic immersion whilst living a city with a regular schedule for such activity, we overpaid for front row seats of Blue Man group hoping that my business trip gods would be kind as we picked a date 2 months in advance. However this time around, it was my car showroom building partner who had doubts about making it. After much drama and several expletives, she was able to confirm that she oblige me with her company for the show. So was it worth it, do I feel enlighted? Here a few comments from my facebook post 'I fell asleep after 30 mins' - Doctor from New Jersey 'It was our first annuiversary do, it sucked' - Leading Economist in the London Metropolitan area I enjoyed it very much though, its certainly worth seeing it once however twice (like some architects I am acquainted with) could be taxing. They seem to mix it up a bit, however the theme is fairly constant which is anything goes.I took a video of the opening but reluctant to post as there maybe issues with rights etc. Post monday night entertainment left me home alone for the rest of the week. The Business trip gods were kind to me, however the wife was the sacrificial lamb as she was off to the dunes in the middle east. I suspect she was thoroughly pleased to dump me at home and let me taste a bit of my own medicine. I had a busy week in any case. Its suddenly winter in Munich, hard to step out of the house without mits, glove and several layers of clothing. Not nice.

Its November already

Come you for jobbing? So asked my cabbie Yup, will be here for 2 days. Answered I in my pseudo american twang Not long. Where from? Buzzed my chubby driver as proceed to take out a cigarette and light it (after he offered me one). Munich, Germany.  'Sprechen sie deutsche?' in a flawless accent and thus continued my ignominy for the lack of german communication inspite of being in Greece. So far Athens seems like a calculus class gone really bad. My language classes are progressing to an extent where I think my hearing and understanding have progressed however I still sound retarded when barking my germanic litany. Its interesting though, its really does feel like learning something new especially when you are struggling with homework (which I refer to as Hausaufgabe). Lets see how long I put up with it before I give up. They have started showing some real news again on TV instead of the indepth analysis of Bradley effect and why the world does not need another republican. Economy and the new doom and gloom story seem to be the new mantra. We had an action packed weekend, on TV. 6 episodes of 24 and Quantum of Solace left my better half stir crazy. The movie was outstanding for its graphics and stunts but very poor on storyline and perhaps even light on hot women. Mr. Bond continues to be enigmatic. The name sucks though. Sunday was great weatherwise, picnicked in the Engligh Garten and walked around town.

New President

We have a new black President and its not in Africa. Time to change. Popular sentiment was for change however the last 2 elections did not reflect my popular sentiment so I must say there was always a nagging doubt till I saw confirmation this morning. Howevert the big question is if God will continue to bless America? Comments that I have heard so far in Germany Secretary - ' Its a speacial day, I am very happy.' Colleague - 'Is he really black or just partially black' Colleague - 'Congratulations America' Friend - 'Can he deliver?' Family member - 'Not bad dude' I made my first porcini risotto last night, it was a halfway success. The flavouring was more or less spot on however I had trouble timing the dish, as is always with my italian dishes, so final show was not upto to the mark. Next time. Though I did enjoy the complimenting bottle of Casalferro. Its risotto for rest of the week till I get it right :)