Saturday 16 May 2009

Translations

We have recently returned from a week in Sicily - the largest island in Europe and home to so many ancient civilisations. Given that it suffers from both a volcano and earthquakes, it is amazing that its ancient history survives.



Landing in Catania, with the dramatic backdrop of Mount Etna dominating the skyline, we drove through the inevitable land of warehousing and dereliction, which seems to be the universal surround of all airports and onto an extremely bumpy motorway, which apparently was funded by the EC, but most of the cash found its way into Mafia pockets (allegedly) and hence the poor quality of the road.



Despite a monstrous oil refinery which resembled a futuristic space station, spewing out fumes and smoke, lighting up the sky, obliterating the plethora of stars, the landscape was remarkably beautiful and green, with a backdrop of rugged hills. The fields along the coast housed row upon row of orange and lemon trees, and heading inland, olive and almond groves, and, of course, vineyards. Five litres of very drinkable wine costs 10 euros from the local winery. They fill up your plastic container from huge tanks. Far too drinkable. There is still plenty of evidence of a once thriving tuna business; as well as carob trees peppering the landscape. Polytunnels house artichokes, aubergines, fennel (on steroids - they were HUGE) and all manner of vegetables.



Sicily, despite the monstrous structures indicating some manufacturing capacity, is very largely rural, and the people confirmed this. Straight talking, friendly, to the point types, with a good sense of humour. The men seemed to be short, and positively embraced the Don Corlioni look, black attire, smart shoes and Easy Rider style sun glasses. I was sad to see that Italy has finally succumbed to obesity. There were numerous examples of obese people, mainly women and young children. But the quality of the food in the supermarkets and markets is still wonderful.



Whilst on holiday, Rob ended up doing various jobs for his sister, who has just built a house there, creating endless DIY possibilities. We went to the local hardware shop and bought a piece of equipment we needed.

These were the instructions. Can you guess what it is? I'll give you a clue. It's not a nucleur weapon.

Spelification
This product can be send up laser beam. And it will be formed a beeline when used in the in door condition.
Warning: please use the product according to the process, or may caused some imperilments as the radiation leak out.
Precision: never preponderate over 0.5mm
Be applicable temperature: 30-104 degree in Fahrenheit and 1-40 in centigrade
Install batteries: circumrotate the wheel which at the rearward of the product, open the battery room, the put two AAA batteries according to the mark which on the laser level.
Mintain:
1. Must be careful when use the laser level as it's exact utensil;
2. Avoid shock it;
3. Put the laser level back the case when after use it;
4. Keep distence from dust and water;
5. Keep the product dry and clean;
6. Check the batteries frequently in order to avoid its degenerative.
Got it?

2 comments:

JW Blooms said...

Hmm - I'm thinking some kind of spirit level? I didn't know they did them with lasers, tho - if so, I want one!

sandra stopford (nee Hartley) said...

Correct! Next time we go to Sicily, we'll get you one!