Monthly Archives: February 2012

Up to now my sitting room has been a pretty spartan place. A couple of hard-sprung-straight-backed chairs being the only suggestion of comfort. This has changed. The catalyst was my neighbor who suggested I buy his massive TV as he … Continue reading →

So, I am shortsighted. Not much and in fact my sight is getting better as I get older. However where I notice it most is underwater.Again this is not a major handicap as I am very happy squinting at coral … Continue reading →

Interesting day today – I have lunch with a professional flautist for a start. I bring my flute and he plays Bach. Amazing to hear someone who knows what they are doing playing your instrument. My flute has since left … Continue reading →

After a night of Free Drink, I get up early and after a standard breakfast set off into the morning streets of Naha. The main drag in Naha is Kokusai Street. It is not very interesting as 70% of the … Continue reading →

I have had a pair of Dr Martens sandals for about 7 years. I bought them second-hand from Ebay when they were already well used. I think I paid $12. I have a soft spot for Dr Martens shoes as … Continue reading →

So, I have never been convinced that the Muslim paradise is defined by virgins that you can disport with. I lived in a Muslim country for 2 years and indulged in lengthy, indeed interminable, discussions on religion. There was nothing … Continue reading →

I think I have mentioned before that the region of my birth has been of inestimable value in both my social and professional life. People want to talk to me because I was born in Campbeltown ergo Springbank and have … Continue reading →

Having been very pompous at the end of the last post about people confusing condescension  with sophistication, I will now indulge in exactly the same thing. Well, not really, as I actually find this er sort of art form, which … Continue reading →

There are certainly two things that I will retain from my Japanese experience no matter where fate should lead me. The first is the genkan and the second the chopstick The genkan is where you leave your shoes before coming … Continue reading →

So, lots of stuff I should be doing but as Albert Schweitzer remarked, “Do not let Sunday be taken from you. If your soul has no Sunday, it becomes an orphan.”  Not sure I understand exactly what he means but … Continue reading →