Why do I do this to myself?

I swear I try and keep away from book shops, but the internet is right here, Amazon is right here and, sure enough, my credit card is right here. There you are, I bought 2 new books. Not at the same time, though. Not that addicted - yet!

The first book is one I've been reading things about for a long time, but always thought it was too much on the technical side. Last recommendation I read got me, and now I find myself struggling to read "Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance". It's worth every effort I make, including carrying the dictionary around. The vocabulary is not dificult (except for the technical bits, but I just pretend I understand everything about bikes), but I cannot say the same about the theme. It's tough. Period. Probably the toughest book I've ever read. I hope I survive, so I can write something about it when it's finished.

The second book was bought in a whim. I've been struggling (it seems it's probably the only thing I've been doing lately...) with the wine translation, and the vocabulary's been a pain in the neck. Not that I don't like it, it's one of my passions actually, but go and try to translate all the poetic words oenologists come up with to describe their wonderful creations.* So I just said "ok, I'll buy it now", got my fabulous piece of plastic money and ask Amazon to send me "The Oxford Companion to Wine". Wonderful book.

Now I just need to wait for the credit card bill and ask again "why do I do this to myself?".

* Some examples: "Polished but assertive, this wine delivers its delicious impact in a velvet glove"; "black fruits and hints of cedar, black licorice and spicy nutmeg and clove"; "dense flavors of blackberry and black plum"; "this is a refreshing yet rich combination of ripe tropical fruit and herbaceous notes". I wish someone spoke of me like that...

PS - last but not least, the quote of the day. Not about wine, as I'm still thinking of poetry words... About beer, which is what I'm going to drink as soon as I leave this computer. Too bloody hot!

"I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts, and beer."
Abraham Lincoln