I start to see how this works now: we are meant to say things and the more we write the greater the chance of a reply. Anyway, Birmingham is going well at the moment: a touchaof international crisis or two, and much more imporatntly, we have jsaut finished the Masters [the students did well which they should have done with mary sorting them] and tommoorrow we have the exciting trip to London.......................................................... Crickey, what will there be there?

Tom - i won't even try and bother to tell you what's going on in birmingham because you won't believe me - although people no longer think i'm paranoid - there were grey vans with yellow stripes down the side saying SIS (secret intelligence agencies) - honest - anyway on a more serious note johnny wilkinson, andy farrell and jason robinson are all starting on saturday. also frank lampard has moved to barcelona for 50 million euros. take care chap and i'm glad you've got the dean on your side. has he shot that guy who fcuk it all up. remember to get your photo in the paper. got to go as they are just showing the richard hammond crash on top gear. from nick

Hey Tom, So pleased that you got their ok, and appear to be settling in with the locals. At least you have the international languages of football and beer at your disposal. Is it what you expected so far? And, on a more important note, were they expecting you?! I'm sure you will get loads out of it and get to see some cool places too, I'm very jealous. It's been quite quiet here with Lise away alot too but we are all working hard as always (!) and are still smiing. Enjoy it and take care of yourself, Nina x x

Hey guys thanks for your messages - they really perked me up when I first got here (and everything felt a bit like Bulgaria)... but now everything is going well - hopefully sorted my accomodation for the carnival (priorities!) which is very basic accomodation but safe!!!!!! (apparently accordcing to the carioca (locals)) So, write more messages when you get the chance and i´ll try to update things as soon as possible XXX Thomas - which is what I´m called here because it sounds better, and has no doubting connotations. PS Mum I think driving will be quicker - get dad to hire a supercar, it´ll be cheaper!! ***MUM Warning - Do NOT read below*** PPS Jane - I wrote that to ease mums fears - I´m hemmed in by some of the most violent areas in rio - so no messing!! but didn´t want mum to stress (do you think she´ll obey the above warning?!?!??) Snoop - with my reputation. PPPS Andy if you´re out there look out for your plug coming soon PPPPS Amelie sort out your phobias PPPPPS thank you lise for all the Bond villans (odd jobs - the jokes get better & better) you´re doing. Byeeeeee

think my last message was blank sorry about that - you know me and technology. i think Andy must take after me he couldn't seem to get that i had forwarded your texts to him and kept sending me rude messages!! you know how inocent I am, I was shocked. I've been in touch with Granny and let her know you've arrived safely and as usual she is full of amazement that you are there on your own - did she expect me to take you there? on a plane?? At present I'm trying to persuade dad that it may be nearly as quick to drive to Glasglw in March - he sounds a bit confused but hasn't disbelieved me yet. Take care and looking forward to hearing your news. Love M

& it does work!

Hi Tommy, So glad to hear you arrived safely and they eventually sorted you out with a room and food. Don't envy you going through all that travelling to then have to face 3hrs of negotiations ... I would have been in floods of tears! Whats the food like? Hope your first day went Ok, can't wait to hear all about it. Do you have to go through the 'botancial gardens' on the bus?? Anyway, we are all fine. Took Amelie to the snowdome on Saturday ... she hated it and has possibly developed a phobia of snow(chionophobia!) Love Jxx

Hi baby! Sounds like the Americans loooooved you! At least you came out the other end with your luggage...! Have been having a fairly uneventful time in Barnstaple, but things are heating up as have been asked to put a cannula in this afternoon - woo hoo...I love district hospitals! Hope to hear all about Rio soon. Hope accommodation etc...is all good. Lots of love Lise x P.S. Done any bum implants yet?!

Tom - glad u got there safely. Rooney lit up the 4th round with a perfect chip - leicester lost again and dad's on calpol. from nick ps - seeing the son of god tomorrow - if u need any miracles.

I love you man... Let us know how things are going Toight