Having gone on Sunday to the "family day" and had a few beers, enjoyed it all and scouted the lie of the land I returned Sunday to the "drugies and murderers day" and took some photos.
http://sussex.facebook.com/album.php?aid=1031&l=de89d&id=286300570
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Friday, August 25, 2006
Friday!
The morning/afternoon/when I awoke started well as a DVD I had ordered arrived.
A short while later happiness turned to dismay as it had gotten scratched in the post.
This ultimately led to me having to go down to the Post Office as the new postage costings are incomprehensibel, 15minutes later and having got out both my digital scales and a pair of digital calipers I was still non-the-wiser.
My main issue was: with jiffy bags you can squish them into a variety of shapes... so... and price system didnt seem easy. If it was a large letter then it said 44p but I have a book of "large letter 1st class stamps" which do not have price on them just "Large first" My package was in the second weight bracket ie 90p but if i were to put 2 "large first" on surely thats only 88p so I'd be 2p short... I couldn't find a 2p stamp... if it even works like that.
Confused? Me too, so I went down and had it sent recorded delivery... a couple of quid, I ws wrong all along, It was a package as yr not allowed to squish jiffy bags... and thats the law...
A short while later happiness turned to dismay as it had gotten scratched in the post.
This ultimately led to me having to go down to the Post Office as the new postage costings are incomprehensibel, 15minutes later and having got out both my digital scales and a pair of digital calipers I was still non-the-wiser.
My main issue was: with jiffy bags you can squish them into a variety of shapes... so... and price system didnt seem easy. If it was a large letter then it said 44p but I have a book of "large letter 1st class stamps" which do not have price on them just "Large first" My package was in the second weight bracket ie 90p but if i were to put 2 "large first" on surely thats only 88p so I'd be 2p short... I couldn't find a 2p stamp... if it even works like that.
Confused? Me too, so I went down and had it sent recorded delivery... a couple of quid, I ws wrong all along, It was a package as yr not allowed to squish jiffy bags... and thats the law...
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Thursday surprise
Having done nothing all day except watch TV, feel unemployed and check my Internet I went to the pub.
The Idea was just to have one or two but fate was against us and we won £20, YES £20, on the Quiz machine so we stayed for (we're not entirely sure) 5 or 6 pints and then departed.
We didn't get particularly drunk, however, we did find it hard to pin down exactly how many we'd drunk. I then went home and made myself a saladIcebergrg lettuce, tomato, Dolcelatte, Roast duck. Roast potato and a small amount of leftover pork.
It was truly sensational, with the roast duck still being rather warm. Overall I spent only a few pounds this evening and I feel I got my moneysworth.
Below: Success!
The Idea was just to have one or two but fate was against us and we won £20, YES £20, on the Quiz machine so we stayed for (we're not entirely sure) 5 or 6 pints and then departed.
We didn't get particularly drunk, however, we did find it hard to pin down exactly how many we'd drunk. I then went home and made myself a saladIcebergrg lettuce, tomato, Dolcelatte, Roast duck. Roast potato and a small amount of leftover pork.
It was truly sensational, with the roast duck still being rather warm. Overall I spent only a few pounds this evening and I feel I got my moneysworth.
Below: Success!
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Quotation
"Nearly ever englishman of working-class origins considers it effeminate to prounouce a single foreign word correctly. During the War of 1914-18 the English working class were in contact with foreigners to an extent that is rarely possible. The sole result was that they brought back a hatred of all Europeans, except the Germans, whose courage they admired."
- George Orwell "England your England" in Inside the Whale and other Essays
- George Orwell "England your England" in Inside the Whale and other Essays
Drinks in No Man's Land
Went for a drink with Dave. Dagenham being a long way out of London we met half way at Tower Hill.
Had a Pint of Staropramen in Pitcher and Piano before going round the corner and finding the cheapest pub in the area. Had 2 more pints there and then 2 bottles of wine. Kathryn joined us as we were making moves on the second bottle and we all left when the 3rd had gone.
I got a kebab on my way home...
Had a Pint of Staropramen in Pitcher and Piano before going round the corner and finding the cheapest pub in the area. Had 2 more pints there and then 2 bottles of wine. Kathryn joined us as we were making moves on the second bottle and we all left when the 3rd had gone.
I got a kebab on my way home...
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Begin the week...
Monday I woke lateish and after picking some figs from the garden for later (house out of food) I went to Hampstead. Ate pizza and watched a film Orange County - never bother to see this film, it's bad.
Then we wandered into Hampstead proper had a drink and went home. Someone had taken all the figs... But a lasagne had appeared so all was ok. I ate a monumental amount of lasagne.
Then we wandered into Hampstead proper had a drink and went home. Someone had taken all the figs... But a lasagne had appeared so all was ok. I ate a monumental amount of lasagne.
Monday, August 21, 2006
ITV
ITV interview with the Archbishop of Canterbury... How can someone put themselves on TV and pretend to be a spokesman for God? If I somehow got the Job I'd hide myself away in the knowing shame of a fraudster... still...
Noticed the theme music for the interview (cutting to advertisements etc) was the same as for Alan B'stard / The New Statesman. Maybe it's the universal themetune for fraudsters and 2faced comedy. Night!
Big shout out to Tom Pullin! Hope RG stops pestering us all/ the world.
Noticed the theme music for the interview (cutting to advertisements etc) was the same as for Alan B'stard / The New Statesman. Maybe it's the universal themetune for fraudsters and 2faced comedy. Night!
Big shout out to Tom Pullin! Hope RG stops pestering us all/ the world.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
A £100 fine and the Regulars
I received a £100 fine for being stationary in one of those traffic boxes you're not supposed to enter unless you can exit... I was just a few foot in and so on... those bastards.
Then I had a salad and went to a friend's band's gig, I took a camera to get more practise at low light stuff. It was good fun.
http://sussex.facebook.com/album.php?aid=756&l=a69e7&id=286300570
http://sussex.facebook.com/album.php?aid=760&l=6f43f&id=286300570
for more photos...
When I got home I could find no food... Out of desperation I had Branston Pickle on a rice cake - never again - then I opened a tin of sardines.
Then I had a salad and went to a friend's band's gig, I took a camera to get more practise at low light stuff. It was good fun.
http://sussex.facebook.com/album.php?aid=756&l=a69e7&id=286300570http://sussex.facebook.com/album.php?aid=760&l=6f43f&id=286300570
for more photos...
When I got home I could find no food... Out of desperation I had Branston Pickle on a rice cake - never again - then I opened a tin of sardines.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Thursday drinks and a run in with the law
Went into Westminster for a drink or 2 before seeing a friend in Leicester sq.
Whilst I was waiting In Westminster I was paid a visit by 2 community support officers, Westminster is a designated non-drinking area. My tin of Fosters was confiscated, and details taken (apparently i'm not in trouble, all the paperwork was simply to record the confiscated property). I was trying to kill time so I had quite a long chat with the 2 officers.
There are no signs up to identify the non-drinking area, they are not entirely sure of the boundaries of the area. They have to take action against me because they had just taken action against a tramp - and they have to be fair. The area does include Leicester sq. but it is enforced much more leniently there, so so much for the rule of law...
I asked If I would get a receipt for my confiscated property and the man pulled out a folded booklet of a long form he would have to fill out if I really wanted - I relented and relief washed over them both.
I then had a few pints in the pub before going onto see another friend. Popped into the Montagu Pike and had a chat with Roberto who works there (still... he remembered me from over a year ago) then we went to Frevd and then the Cornish ale place in Covent Garden which has the pies downstairs.
Went home and microwaved a chicken caserole thing, tasty.
Whilst I was waiting In Westminster I was paid a visit by 2 community support officers, Westminster is a designated non-drinking area. My tin of Fosters was confiscated, and details taken (apparently i'm not in trouble, all the paperwork was simply to record the confiscated property). I was trying to kill time so I had quite a long chat with the 2 officers.
There are no signs up to identify the non-drinking area, they are not entirely sure of the boundaries of the area. They have to take action against me because they had just taken action against a tramp - and they have to be fair. The area does include Leicester sq. but it is enforced much more leniently there, so so much for the rule of law...
I asked If I would get a receipt for my confiscated property and the man pulled out a folded booklet of a long form he would have to fill out if I really wanted - I relented and relief washed over them both.
I then had a few pints in the pub before going onto see another friend. Popped into the Montagu Pike and had a chat with Roberto who works there (still... he remembered me from over a year ago) then we went to Frevd and then the Cornish ale place in Covent Garden which has the pies downstairs.
Went home and microwaved a chicken caserole thing, tasty.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Asia de Cuba
We went to Asia de Cuba for an early lunch as the place tends to get busy at peak times. Wednesday early lunch almost guarantees superb service as the place is somewhat empty. It’s a most wonderful place to eat when someone else is paying.
Asian fusion restaurants tend to provide portions to share, and me and my dinning companion shared the Palomillo of Lamb and the Cuban Spiced Chicken.
We both agreed the lamb was the superior dish, though I was indeed torn between it and the chicken which had a much more subtle flavour. Certainly in retrospect the meal was about the lamb - It made a real impact and in a most positive way. Brushed with Mojito and pan seared with sofrito peppers and chinese eggplant the dish is almost perfect - taking you away from the normal fare you would expect to eat at lunch. As delicately as the lamb had been brushed with Mojito we both brushed aside the watercress part of the salad to the edge of the plate.
The Cuban Spiced Chicken had the highlight of Coconut Rice in Banana Leaf which I also put along side the lamb. The chicken itself was in a Tamarind Sauce and with 4 or so spoonfuls of an avocado fruit salad. It was truly delightful but lacked the (unique) punch of the lamb. Whilst no one could complain and most would compliment its flavour it had the poor fortune of having to compete with a truly wonderful lamb dish.
The wine, a Lacua Reserve Chilian Sauvignon Blanc, was delightful to drink.
Asian fusion restaurants tend to provide portions to share, and me and my dinning companion shared the Palomillo of Lamb and the Cuban Spiced Chicken.
We both agreed the lamb was the superior dish, though I was indeed torn between it and the chicken which had a much more subtle flavour. Certainly in retrospect the meal was about the lamb - It made a real impact and in a most positive way. Brushed with Mojito and pan seared with sofrito peppers and chinese eggplant the dish is almost perfect - taking you away from the normal fare you would expect to eat at lunch. As delicately as the lamb had been brushed with Mojito we both brushed aside the watercress part of the salad to the edge of the plate.
The Cuban Spiced Chicken had the highlight of Coconut Rice in Banana Leaf which I also put along side the lamb. The chicken itself was in a Tamarind Sauce and with 4 or so spoonfuls of an avocado fruit salad. It was truly delightful but lacked the (unique) punch of the lamb. Whilst no one could complain and most would compliment its flavour it had the poor fortune of having to compete with a truly wonderful lamb dish.
The wine, a Lacua Reserve Chilian Sauvignon Blanc, was delightful to drink.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Thursday eve
Had dinner at the National Liberal Club with Pip.
Pea soup, cold mixed meat salad and the cheese plate. Usual club burgundy to wash it all down.
Pea soup, cold mixed meat salad and the cheese plate. Usual club burgundy to wash it all down.
Tuesday Lunch
Dinned with Anna and Lauren, Cafe Rouge near Kew Bridge.
Walked there from hammersmith to build up an appetite but just had a bottle of wine and some bread.
Walked there from hammersmith to build up an appetite but just had a bottle of wine and some bread.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Lunch with charlie
We had lunch at Patogh and ate Kabooteh... drank a couple of bottles of wine.
We were just mulling over business problems. Examining opportunities...Exchanging rumors...Spreading gossip.
All in all a lovely way to waste the day.
We were just mulling over business problems. Examining opportunities...Exchanging rumors...Spreading gossip.
All in all a lovely way to waste the day.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Plitsvice, Croatia. There is a biological process that goes on here which is unique. It was scientific and badly translated, but I gather what happens is the trees fall into the water and get encrusted by stone (calcium I suppose). Its not quite like fossilisation where the rotting wood is replaced by mineral deposits etc. Just develops a stone casing.(perhaps, I may have it totally wrong).
Saturday
Went to meet Dave for a picnic in Green park.
Thanks to my sheer genius I brought to the picnic nothing but myself... I'm still a little disorganised.
Waited for Dave in The Wolseley, had a pot of lapsang as I waited.
We then pottered off to Maison Blanc but It was closed so we grabbed a few chocolates from Prestat and then went sat in the park.
Again I see to be "cat-nip-for-tramps" and soon enough one was joining in our conversation. I particularly liked his subtle "is that champagne?" he had some and some hoola-hoops. I forget what he had to say - It wasn't very important.
Went home and an hour or so later people were arriving at Chez Moi for some tedious garden party. It ended a few hours after it got dark...
Thanks to my sheer genius I brought to the picnic nothing but myself... I'm still a little disorganised.
Waited for Dave in The Wolseley, had a pot of lapsang as I waited.
We then pottered off to Maison Blanc but It was closed so we grabbed a few chocolates from Prestat and then went sat in the park.
Again I see to be "cat-nip-for-tramps" and soon enough one was joining in our conversation. I particularly liked his subtle "is that champagne?" he had some and some hoola-hoops. I forget what he had to say - It wasn't very important.
Went home and an hour or so later people were arriving at Chez Moi for some tedious garden party. It ended a few hours after it got dark...
Friday
Had a massive joint (4 fore ribs worth) of roast beef, scottish. Very nice.
And about 3/4s left for sandwiches!
I spent most of the day cleaning out the garden as saturday we're having a party there.
And about 3/4s left for sandwiches!
I spent most of the day cleaning out the garden as saturday we're having a party there.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
A night out...
Having had early nights all weekend I chose monday night to go out.
I drank 2 large Gin and Tonics whilst I ate my 3rd salad of the day (dinner) then I popped across the road and sat in the Cafe, spoke to Ah-Me-Dooh (thats clearly a phonetical representation of his name) the man who runs the cafe - he is from Cairo. I had a G&T there aswell then I bimbled along the front past a street performance and headed to Stars N' Bars the American style sports cafe. I had another G&T and spoke to some American girls, an Italian called Anthonio from Modena and a French chap called Gawain.
Gawain works on one of the yachts, we couldn't descide what size it was as "everything is relative" we moved onto Long Island Iced teas. Gawain was getting drunk as he thinks he might be in trouble as he just shouted at the owner of the yacht "ok , give me a break, just give me a fucking break". We eventually dragged him over to the rascasse club where he wasn't let in because he was in shorts... He said he would go to the boat and change but by the way he almost swam to the boat we reckoned he wouldn't be back.
In the Rascasse we had some more drinks, not sure what, and I met the American girls I had met earlier that day on the beach - It was nice they remembered me... eventually I stumbled home. Declining the offer to go play blackjack in the Casino as A) I was a little tipsy B) I have no money and C) I'm not getting in a drunk Italians Alfa Romeo with 6 people equally as drunk as I. Italians are not the most reassuring drivers even when sober.
I drank 2 large Gin and Tonics whilst I ate my 3rd salad of the day (dinner) then I popped across the road and sat in the Cafe, spoke to Ah-Me-Dooh (thats clearly a phonetical representation of his name) the man who runs the cafe - he is from Cairo. I had a G&T there aswell then I bimbled along the front past a street performance and headed to Stars N' Bars the American style sports cafe. I had another G&T and spoke to some American girls, an Italian called Anthonio from Modena and a French chap called Gawain.
Gawain works on one of the yachts, we couldn't descide what size it was as "everything is relative" we moved onto Long Island Iced teas. Gawain was getting drunk as he thinks he might be in trouble as he just shouted at the owner of the yacht "ok , give me a break, just give me a fucking break". We eventually dragged him over to the rascasse club where he wasn't let in because he was in shorts... He said he would go to the boat and change but by the way he almost swam to the boat we reckoned he wouldn't be back.
In the Rascasse we had some more drinks, not sure what, and I met the American girls I had met earlier that day on the beach - It was nice they remembered me... eventually I stumbled home. Declining the offer to go play blackjack in the Casino as A) I was a little tipsy B) I have no money and C) I'm not getting in a drunk Italians Alfa Romeo with 6 people equally as drunk as I. Italians are not the most reassuring drivers even when sober.
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