I feel as if we have travelled back in time to World War II or at least the middle of a war torn city. All around our apartment we can hear the sound of explosions every night. As we approach Guy Fawkes Day, there seem to me more and more idiots playing with fireworks in the center of the city. There doesn't seem to be the same level of concern here about setting off fireworks next to buildings and houses as I remember in the US. In fact there is a special fireworks counter at the supermarket this week, and a new fireworks store has opened in the city center. At least we can take solace in the fact that it won't last too much longer.