Former Head of government in Sweden, Göran Persson, is attracting some attention in the country for acting against his ideology, or rather, to completely shed the image of a proud working man's son, which may or may not have been more appropriate for his role as party leader of the Social democrats, for that of an entrepreneur in the private sector. He is now travelling the country as a rent-a-speaker à 100,000 SEK per speech, excluding attendance at the usually subsequent dinner (à 5,000 SEK per hour extra, allegedly). Riding high on his social network and personal fame, he is truly making the most of post-party life. Certain editorial comments suggest it was all to be expected from someone who has had a first-degree contact with power. And looking at other countries, we might consider us lucky.
In Peru, no one would probably bat an eyelid at the dealings of the Swedish ex-prime minister. However, they have finally had some good news: the decision to send Fujimori home has finally been taken in Chile. And no, we are not talking about Japan, where he long enjoyed a very enviable favour with the powers that be, the man is going back to Lima, where he will face at least 7 different charges for involvment in massacres.
Yesterday on Travel and living, I also spotted someone who, in some people's view, was one of the meakest presidents Peru has ever had; Alejandro Toledo. The man who came to power thanks to the fall of Fujimori and himself playing on his Andean origins, was guiding an American around Machu Pichu. I was thoroughly disgusted as he, as an ex-president, took the liberty of climbing under the string barrier protecting I think it's a sun-dial from the eroding touch of every tourist ever to set his foot there, taking the American with him.
Presidential prerogatives - if it's not one thing, it's the other.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Friday, September 21, 2007
Hieronymus Day in Lund
Of course, there was a fatigue-induced crack in the rails, and my train to Lund was delayed by half an hour, so I missed the first speaker at the afternoon of "non-academic lectures" organised by SFÖ, the Swedish Association of Professional Translators. Although I paid my membership fees as early as July, I've yet to receive any proof of my membership, however, the Secretary for the south region assures me that the Board approved my membership last Sunday (!) and so it should be arriving by post any day now. In a way, it's comforting to know that they do not accept just anyone, which is why you have to provide two references for each language combination that you'd like to be displayed next to your name in their online translator database. On the other hand, for the next four years or so, I'll still be an Associated member. Only then can I apply to be a Member and have a posh stamp made with my name on it.
Anyway, back to the Hieronymus Day in Lund - Hieronymus is the patron saint of all translators, and is most famous for translating the bible from Greek and Hebrew into Latin. The main speaker in Lund showed us two paintings of Hieronymus - one where he is clearly agonizing about something (a translator such as myself can only too well imagine all the linguistic difficulties at hand), and one which is more "representative" with iconic symbols of wisdom etc. also included in the picture.
Unfortunately, the first thought that struck me after I'd sat down for the second speaker, was not a new one: "translators really make for awful public speakers!". I realised this the first time when I was listening to presentations at Heriot-Watt university by the local ITI branch in Edinburgh, and I absolutely include myself in the group of people who cannot deliver an impromptu speech to save their lives, sometimes hardly even string a coherent spoken sentence together. But there is a very plain and simple solution to this problem: preparation. Therefore I always feel slightly insulted when a speaker gets up and mumbles, repeats him/herself lots and generally doesn't have a plan, although he/she has had plenty of notice.
The keynote speaker was an Americanised Swede who gave a very inspiring speech on the subject "Translating - a job or a way of life?". After that we shuffled out into the foyer, where crisps, peanuts, wine and juice was served, and we were encouraged to "network". I spoke to two girls with German connections, and one of the speakers, who represented the "young, newly established freelance translators". I wanted to ask him about pricing and dodgy terms and conditions, and came out of the ensuing chat with one firm conviction: the main thing is to learn to appraise your skills, your worth and then your price. And to be confident.
I guess that should be my motto for the first year of my company; "don't sell your self too cheaply".
Anyway, back to the Hieronymus Day in Lund - Hieronymus is the patron saint of all translators, and is most famous for translating the bible from Greek and Hebrew into Latin. The main speaker in Lund showed us two paintings of Hieronymus - one where he is clearly agonizing about something (a translator such as myself can only too well imagine all the linguistic difficulties at hand), and one which is more "representative" with iconic symbols of wisdom etc. also included in the picture.
Unfortunately, the first thought that struck me after I'd sat down for the second speaker, was not a new one: "translators really make for awful public speakers!". I realised this the first time when I was listening to presentations at Heriot-Watt university by the local ITI branch in Edinburgh, and I absolutely include myself in the group of people who cannot deliver an impromptu speech to save their lives, sometimes hardly even string a coherent spoken sentence together. But there is a very plain and simple solution to this problem: preparation. Therefore I always feel slightly insulted when a speaker gets up and mumbles, repeats him/herself lots and generally doesn't have a plan, although he/she has had plenty of notice.
The keynote speaker was an Americanised Swede who gave a very inspiring speech on the subject "Translating - a job or a way of life?". After that we shuffled out into the foyer, where crisps, peanuts, wine and juice was served, and we were encouraged to "network". I spoke to two girls with German connections, and one of the speakers, who represented the "young, newly established freelance translators". I wanted to ask him about pricing and dodgy terms and conditions, and came out of the ensuing chat with one firm conviction: the main thing is to learn to appraise your skills, your worth and then your price. And to be confident.
I guess that should be my motto for the first year of my company; "don't sell your self too cheaply".
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Indian summer
After nearly two months in Ängelholm, I am finally sitting in the garden on a reclining chair, my favourite toy (Toshiba) on my lap. The afternoon sun is doing it's best from a clear blue sky with feathery airline tracks. Hopefully the last figs in the greenhouse will ripen this week, after some weeks of cold and rain. The ajíes/chilis dont mind either weather, it seems.
After spending last week in Hamburg, saying goodbye to my favourite expats-to-be, and in Bremen, watching probably the only two rugby games I will get to see what with Sweden's lack of interest in the Rugby WC...unfortunately, athletism is rated higher here, with the indirect effect this may or may not have on the number of anorectic cases in the sports elite...hmm
As I have gathered from the surprised questions of friends and family, people are expecting that I move to France this autumn, T'is not so. Michael is still in Lima, struggling with zooplankton algoritms and whatnot. I applied to go through the lengthy procedure of examination for translators aspiring to work in-house for the EU, and the first exams will probably take place in October. My environmental conscience and (existing, although deeply buried) sense of economy will not allow me to commute Peru-Sweden, which is why I'll stay for another 45 days or so in Sweden. The advantage of this, is that I'll have the chance to take care of my newly established company - I got my VAT number on Monday. Oh the joys of accounts and declarations!
After spending last week in Hamburg, saying goodbye to my favourite expats-to-be, and in Bremen, watching probably the only two rugby games I will get to see what with Sweden's lack of interest in the Rugby WC...unfortunately, athletism is rated higher here, with the indirect effect this may or may not have on the number of anorectic cases in the sports elite...hmm
As I have gathered from the surprised questions of friends and family, people are expecting that I move to France this autumn, T'is not so. Michael is still in Lima, struggling with zooplankton algoritms and whatnot. I applied to go through the lengthy procedure of examination for translators aspiring to work in-house for the EU, and the first exams will probably take place in October. My environmental conscience and (existing, although deeply buried) sense of economy will not allow me to commute Peru-Sweden, which is why I'll stay for another 45 days or so in Sweden. The advantage of this, is that I'll have the chance to take care of my newly established company - I got my VAT number on Monday. Oh the joys of accounts and declarations!
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