Music

My minidisc player is a permanent attachment to my body. A very nice one too, because it's all shiny and silvery.

I'm always listening to music. It's small so it can fit into my pocket.

Sometimes the music is just so appropriate.

I was walking home last night. It was dark and crisp and the whole downtown was light up. Everything was so beautiful: the cathedral, the little bistros, the dark turretted buildings. Then I realised what I was listening to: Andain - Beautiful Things.

"I forgot that I might see
So many beautiful things
I forgot that I might need
To find out what life could bring"

In the morning, I was walking by the overpass and I saw the same woman who's there everyday. I was listening to Mad World by Gay Jules (ok, Tears for Tears and re-recorded by Gary Jules. I'll give credit where credit is due). The lyrics really hit home for me.

"All around me are familiar faces Worn out places, Worn out faces
Bright and early for the daily races Going no where, Going no where
Their tears are filling up their glasses No expression , No expression
Hide my head I wanna drown my sorrow No tomorrow , No tomorrow

And I find it kind of funny, I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I’m dying are the best I’ve ever had
I find it hard to tell you , I find it hard to take
When people run in circles its a very very
Mad world
Mad world"

A couple of years ago, an online Romanian friend of mine sent me Talisman - Atat de Singur. It basically translates to "So lonely". I assume it's the equivalent of any Bryan Adams ballad in the sentimentality department. I had no idea when I listened to it at home that I would one day listen to it in Romania.

I was at the market, feeling a bit alone and then the song came on. I was lonely and listening to a song about loneliness. It also put my life almost in a full circle. I was listening to a song in Romanian that I've loved for the past two years in Romania.

"Singur, atat de singur
Simt dureri pe care nu mai pot sa le-ndur
Lacrimi, nopti in lacrimi
Si-n inima mea doar lacrimi"

Incidentally, I have not heard the Cheeky Girls since arriving here. I'm disappointed. I expected odes and shrines to the duo. I was looking forward to mocking the horrible music and lyrics. I don't even think the Romanians know about them.