Volcanoes
When asked to give a list of my favourite hobbies or interests, for some website or another, I named the following: music, computers, volcanoes, knitting. Appended to the list were the words "one of these is a lie." I was somewhat offended when somebody suggested it was "volcanoes" that was the made up interest (the true answer is computers, obviously!)
Although I had a vague interest in the workings of the planet as a youngster, as I have got older this has developed into something of a fascination about volcanoes. Not of course that I have actually visited one: this is a purely desk based interest, and one which the internet is made for.
Much like sports fans have their favourite team who they follow, I have my favourite volcano, which is Etna on Sicily in Italy. This is the volcanic equivalent of supporting Manchester United. Although sometimes it splutters a bit, it usually produces the goods. Kilauea in Hawaii is the Arsenal. Totally consistent for the last few years, so much so it's a bit boring.
In the last few days, Etna has just decided to wake up again after spending nearly 2 years dormant. Nothing too spectacular as yet, but I'll be following it's progress daily. And here's where a simple internet interest becomes self-improving. The best site for up to date news about Etna is in French. Which I have a very, very basic smattering of. The rest of the useful sites are in Italian. About which I know nothing. So two years ago, last time Etna erupted, I went out and bought a pocket French dictionary and a pocket Italian dictionary. The Italian is very slow going, but I can get the gist. The French I am finding easier, and apart from messing up some of the tenses, I can pretty much understand it.
Now if I can just learn to speak Italian I can actually go and visit Etna in person...
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