16 - 22 January 2012

Here is something Simon translated; 'It is said that the fragrance of stone pine is very special. No other wood has such a distinctive aroma. So mild and rounded, like incense and vanilla. It is also said that it has a comforting effect and calms the heart. This fragrant gift comes to you from the Eder hotel, providing you with some special moments of peace and we wish you many more special times in the coming year 2012.' This translation was put on a tag for a gift of soap for all the VIP guests at the hotel. As an afterthought the hotel decided to add its own translation to the tag, promoting the gift shop in the hotel; 'More souvenirs, like Polo-Shirts, Caps, pocket flasks, books, handy-pjama, Schnaps and a lot more, are offered in our small and beautiful shop! Cool, usefull, casual and ... fucking awesome!'

9 - 15 January 2012

Taking time off from school can seriously affect forthcoming GCSE results, which is why schools will often refuse permission for a term time jolly, and Josh and Aisling chose to surreptitiously visit us for a week. It's not easy to say if the week of study missed had negative effects, but Josh can confirm that not being present at a GCSE exam does seriously affect results, as a huge dump of snow prevented them getting home on time.

2 - 8 January 2012

Just over one month in the job and new Mesner Simon, has already achieved some firsts in the 505 year history of Maria Alm church; the first time that one bell accidentally tolled for a whole hour so that villagers believed that the Pope himself must have died, and the first time the Ewigeslicht (Eternal light) stopped being eternal and went out.

26 December 2011 - 1 January 2012

Simon celebrated his 42nd birthday this morning by clearing up dead pigeons in the church tower. A moment when one wonders, how did I get here?