This and that whilst sipping a fine malt.
2019, the significant anniversary year of so much. Auspicious things happened in years ending in 9. For instance, we will commemorate the great Depression of 1929 with our own depression after the end of March. All hell broke loose in 1939. “1984” was published in 1949. 1969 - wow, what a year. Led Zeppelin, Woodstock… Continue reading Auspicious Number 9s Part One
I count myself very lucky to have lived in a varied and open society for the last forty years. It was something I took for granted and honestly believed that this was the only way for the future. But there are talks of walls going up all over the place - real ones with bricks… Continue reading A Cabal of the Talentless
Time for reflection as we sit down between buffets. 2018 was a momentous year in several respects, but more on that in later posts. Here, I delve into my “world culture” explorations to, hopefully, give you some inspiration as an alternative to the Happy Holidays fodder. First up - the Movies I haven’t watched many… Continue reading A feast of World treats for the end of the year
Floating on our backs in the hotel pool, staring up at the night sky to the sound of raucous crickets, a solitary firefly hovered above us and danced its way towards the bushes. It was a moment of peace and beauty in the middle of what was a fast paced, all-in, full frontal blast of… Continue reading Sometimes, it tastes different…
A number of unusual things have happened since Mrs. Monkey quit her job. I always used to rise at 6.30 and then wake her up for work. This has reversed. She is up hours before me, sometimes as early as 5.00 am, to work on our new venture Corky and Prince. Me? I sleep till… Continue reading I want my own pc…
2018 is the year that Mrs. Monkey finally hung up her work suits and court shoes and cried, “Enough is enough”. As the sun bore down upon us during a seemingly unending summer we contemplated our futures. Now, both of us were out of work. What can we do - what do we have -… Continue reading It’s the future…
Dear Diary, I have been wondering lately what role you might play in bringing things back to normal. Seems to me right now that after the craziest three months this summer replenishing my energy levels is proving elusive. I know they will come back. I’m hoping for sooner rather than later. Mrs. Monkey quit her… Continue reading Dear Diary, better to burn out…
Deal or no deal, if the fanatical Leavers get their way, and it looks as though they will, the UK will exit the EU soon enough. The impact will be far reaching for a generation, not just in trade, the current favourite topic, but across our society, in actuality and perception. Consider - do you… Continue reading Helicopters on the roof.
Bilbao had been a blast. I must admit, though, I was surprised by the obvious presence of the regional Euskadi language. All signs were in Spanish and Euskadi with English included sometimes. On occasion, Euskadi took preference. I’m aware of the campaign to save Euskadi as a language and if nothing else, certainly the campaign… Continue reading Days 17 and 18 – Bilbao – Laredo – Santander
There are essentially two routes to Vitoria G from Logroño. The city is due north and after Laguardia, ringed by bodegas and vineyards, you can go around the Herrera peak, 55 miles, or over it, 45 miles. I had decided to go over it! As I dug into a constant 14% gradient I seriously did… Continue reading Days 15/16 Logroño to Vitoria-Gasteiz to Bilbao
