That is some battle-hardened vegetation you have.

Aah, the good old succulents. They're like children. Feed them once, and they keep going.

At least you own some plants who can survive your absences: desert plants (do not forget Sanseveria – our Flemish pride - can do as well).

Arnon

What's in the box behind your plant? A box of cookies? Is this how you feed yourself behind your desk? That is what I call realy unhealthy sweets.

Mieke

This is my fireplace darling and although I do tend to eat cookies from time to time I don't store these cookies in my fireplace.

Arnon

Did your plants receive water while you were away?

Batta

No, of course not. I don't allow people in my apartment while I
I'm in Iraq.

Arnon

Because they might.... do what? Are you this afraid to be kidnapped?

I'm glad I'm not the only one who is paranoid

Batta

I was joking about Iraq. I never allow strangers in my apartment while I'm not there, they might kidnap my apartment you know.
If I were "that afraid" I would stay home.
Are you making progress in Sudan?
How is the food?
Forgive me for this vulgar question, but food can be of the essence, even in places like Sudan.

Nice little plants who seems to say 'Welcome home .'

Arnon

I am making progress regarding all my mandates, accept my official one.
The food is alright. Lots of chicken. Nothing really enjoyable, though. To me, here, eating is mostly a problem that needs to be solved. Especially where I am now. There's just not much of it available.
(It wasn't meant like that ("are you this afraid"), by the way. I don't think I would go to Iraq. I am "that afraid")

Gouden Uil

Why is 'Onze Oom' not nominated?

That's being predictive. Buy highly independent, resistent plants if you know you might be absent during long periods. Predictiveness can save lifes.

Hello

hello plants ;-)

Veerle

What is the point of your question?

Oscar

I'm just wondering, at this moment I'm not so familiar with all the novels of Arnon Grunberg, I just read Tirza (and now I'm halfway 'Grunberg rond de wereld') and I couldn't belief there was anything better written (in the Benelux) in 2007 than this novel and I checked, and indeed, it got several awards , in that search I also discovered that Arnon Grunberg won the last years with all his novels all sorts of awards and now apparently not with 'Onze oom', so my question is, should I read if at first or keep it for the last or is it so that the organisations are tired of Arnon Grunberg and are searching for the next best thing, in other words is it once again all about the economy and the marketing or is it about the book, or is this a too naive question?

Arnon

I don't trust it when you call me darling. I prefer "my dear slut".
By the way I'm still looking for the male equivalent of slut.

Mieke

Regi?

Veerle

This seems to me a very different question.
You should read the book at your earliest convenience.

@Veerle
If you like “Grunberg rond de wereld”, please read also “Kamermeisjes en soldaten”. Grunberg at his best, if you ask me.
(And yes, I think, awards are mostly about economy and marketing and new faces.)