Feeling a bit more brighter, but with a sleepless night, anyway robbie collected me at 9 a.m. and we went and opened up the Sportsmans, bearing in mind it was a race day.
Fairly steady from the word go, despite the weather and a bit of a turn afterwards. Usual team were in plus some well kent faces from the town who appear just on race days. Nothing out of the ususaul happened, Big George got drunk again and was annoyed when someone said he had farted (it was Robbie that done it), PQ was wrapped in a Saltire X and drank whisky as this is St Andrew's day; Chick was practicing his German with a female ex Military Police person, but got stuck on his days of the week - so much for being locked up in a German jail !!
Anyway, Robbie was asking about the blue Police Boxes up the town which are now run as coffee shops, as he did not realise that they had been used as bases for the City beat policemen. In the "olden " days that was where they started and finished their shift, by phoning in, used it as poit to meet the public, have meal breaks, use the sink as a "urinal", and if they were luck they had a small heater for the winter. One of my ex bosses, before he came out to the county worked a beat near to the brewery which used to be at the foot of the High Street near Hollyrood. he and his made used to climb over the wall into the brewery and fill up a bucket of beer from one of the vats and take it back to their box and drink it on the nightshift. Anyway, one night they were disturbed by the brewery security and ran off leaing their bucket under the tap which had not turned off - in the morning the next shift got a report of thieves in the brewery who had caused the brewery to lose a couple of hundred gallons of beer!! No culprits were ever traced.
Friday 30 November 2007
Thursday 29 November 2007
True Police stories
On a roll, thats 3 for the night, so although I am not 100% yet i am feeling a bit brighter.
Many years ago I worked with a fellow cop who had a wonderful way with words. in the days before Police had hand held PDA's, etc, we had to sit down and write or type our own work and we had bosses who were sticklers with grammer, spelling, etc.
We went to a local hotel one night to repond to an ambulance call and found that one of the guests had died during a family party.
My collegue wrote the sudden death report and said "quote" " up untill the moment of his death the now deceased was the life and soul of the party"
Same officer attended another sudden death when a one armed man was found dead, huddled in the doorway of a local garage on a very cold night. He wrote " the now deceased was easily identified as he had lost a limb during a confrontation between nations " " it was so cold it took your breath away".
Same officer, on a warm summer day was out in a police car with a young female officer - both in shirt sleeve officer. The young lady was particularly well endowed, breast wise, and while parked he kept staring at her and eventually said " are these real" and grabbed her breasts !!! She returned to the Office in hysterics, but refused to make a complaint about him, how times have changed, his feet would never have touched the ground if that happened now.
Many years ago I worked with a fellow cop who had a wonderful way with words. in the days before Police had hand held PDA's, etc, we had to sit down and write or type our own work and we had bosses who were sticklers with grammer, spelling, etc.
We went to a local hotel one night to repond to an ambulance call and found that one of the guests had died during a family party.
My collegue wrote the sudden death report and said "quote" " up untill the moment of his death the now deceased was the life and soul of the party"
Same officer attended another sudden death when a one armed man was found dead, huddled in the doorway of a local garage on a very cold night. He wrote " the now deceased was easily identified as he had lost a limb during a confrontation between nations " " it was so cold it took your breath away".
Same officer, on a warm summer day was out in a police car with a young female officer - both in shirt sleeve officer. The young lady was particularly well endowed, breast wise, and while parked he kept staring at her and eventually said " are these real" and grabbed her breasts !!! She returned to the Office in hysterics, but refused to make a complaint about him, how times have changed, his feet would never have touched the ground if that happened now.
Drunken clients / or just the staff
The Home office have just published guidelines to the Police so that they can tell who is drunk in a pub and should not be served. I was reading through the list and I am sure it might fit me during one of my male menopausel moments. Certainly fits some of our lot even when sober.
Noticeable change in behaviour ( during the football and racing) ;
Bad tempered, aggressive; ( normal) ;
Offensive language; (normal);
Becoming loud, boisterous or disorderly; ( Cod on a good day);
Becoming physically violent; ( Old willie - normal);
Becoming incoherent; (normal);
Slurring, or making mistakes in speech; and ;
becoming argumentative. (routine);
A lack of judgment (me at times);
Being careless with money; (all the staff);;
Annoying other persons, employees etc; (me);
Exhibiting inappropriate sexual behaviour; (most men);
Drinking quickly or competitively (‘down in one’) ( thirsty george);
Clumsiness & loss of co ordination ( me);
Swaying; (all the staff to the music);
Staggering; (me);
Difficulty with walking; (wee George - with his sticks);
Falling down; (wee George plus others);
Bumping into furniture; (paul and Chick with the hoover);
Spilling drinks; (most of the staff and customers);
Difficulty in picking up change; and (few);
Fumbling for cigarettes, or other items ( no smoking inside);
Decreased alertness ( me during karaoke);
Drowsiness, dozing or sleeping; (PQ);
Rambling conversation; (Chick);
Loss of train of thought; (Chick);
Difficulty in paying attention; (Me);
Not understanding what is said; ( Definately me);
Glassy eyes and lack of focus. ( me during karaoke);
Appearance - Unkempt/ Dishevelled ( bit like Dreever was);
Source: Home Office guidelines
Noticeable change in behaviour ( during the football and racing) ;
Bad tempered, aggressive; ( normal) ;
Offensive language; (normal);
Becoming loud, boisterous or disorderly; ( Cod on a good day);
Becoming physically violent; ( Old willie - normal);
Becoming incoherent; (normal);
Slurring, or making mistakes in speech; and ;
becoming argumentative. (routine);
A lack of judgment (me at times);
Being careless with money; (all the staff);;
Annoying other persons, employees etc; (me);
Exhibiting inappropriate sexual behaviour; (most men);
Drinking quickly or competitively (‘down in one’) ( thirsty george);
Clumsiness & loss of co ordination ( me);
Swaying; (all the staff to the music);
Staggering; (me);
Difficulty with walking; (wee George - with his sticks);
Falling down; (wee George plus others);
Bumping into furniture; (paul and Chick with the hoover);
Spilling drinks; (most of the staff and customers);
Difficulty in picking up change; and (few);
Fumbling for cigarettes, or other items ( no smoking inside);
Decreased alertness ( me during karaoke);
Drowsiness, dozing or sleeping; (PQ);
Rambling conversation; (Chick);
Loss of train of thought; (Chick);
Difficulty in paying attention; (Me);
Not understanding what is said; ( Definately me);
Glassy eyes and lack of focus. ( me during karaoke);
Appearance - Unkempt/ Dishevelled ( bit like Dreever was);
Source: Home Office guidelines
Scambusters
Weeks ago I wrote that I had "apparantly" won a prize in a big draw, but knowing nothing about this I wrote , rather than spend £1.50 p per minute asking for details, suggested it was a scam but in return I received a piece of paper saying I had won a camera but had to sent £6.50p
Did nothing, then received another three letters from a similar company - all based in Ross on Wye, Herefordshire, so today contacted Trading Standards who asked me to send all the paperwork to a national Scambuster team based in Solihul, Birmingham.
Shred and ignore any of these offers or do what I have done.
Did nothing, then received another three letters from a similar company - all based in Ross on Wye, Herefordshire, so today contacted Trading Standards who asked me to send all the paperwork to a national Scambuster team based in Solihul, Birmingham.
Shred and ignore any of these offers or do what I have done.
No joke " old age" !!
Up, not quite so ealry, but have been awake for four hours or so, obviously still jetlagged.
System still in an an uproar and causing discomfort - BUT - by taking things seady yesterday we were out and about for most of the day.
Dentist was kind, no holes, but be did coat a tooth with some protective laquer, but during the day I felt it peeling off so that was a waste of time and effort.
Made it to Livingston where McArthur Glen was very busy - or it seemed that way from the car parks, did not get what I went for, then into town.
At "Imarni", I had a wonderful hydrotherm massage, where I ended up almost ready to sleep but as I had lots of knotted muscles the girl took great delight in going in deep to try and loosen them - bit sore on the bum !!, (next session is already booked). Normally I would have followed this by steak and wine at The Mercat, but all my stomach could cope with was more scrambled egg.
Anyway, home, and quick turn about to go to a Committee meeting at 720 Dalhousie, and after I sat doing paper work while Alex McBeth and his team did a rehearsal for next weeks meeting. Alex's installation on Saturday is a sell out so it should be a good evening.
Photos from India are good, but Grant has the CD's so once they are back I can add pics.
Have been neglecting my duties at The Sportsmans Bar, but will need to be back there, come hell or high water on Friday as there is a race meeting at Musselburgh
System still in an an uproar and causing discomfort - BUT - by taking things seady yesterday we were out and about for most of the day.
Dentist was kind, no holes, but be did coat a tooth with some protective laquer, but during the day I felt it peeling off so that was a waste of time and effort.
Made it to Livingston where McArthur Glen was very busy - or it seemed that way from the car parks, did not get what I went for, then into town.
At "Imarni", I had a wonderful hydrotherm massage, where I ended up almost ready to sleep but as I had lots of knotted muscles the girl took great delight in going in deep to try and loosen them - bit sore on the bum !!, (next session is already booked). Normally I would have followed this by steak and wine at The Mercat, but all my stomach could cope with was more scrambled egg.
Anyway, home, and quick turn about to go to a Committee meeting at 720 Dalhousie, and after I sat doing paper work while Alex McBeth and his team did a rehearsal for next weeks meeting. Alex's installation on Saturday is a sell out so it should be a good evening.
Photos from India are good, but Grant has the CD's so once they are back I can add pics.
Have been neglecting my duties at The Sportsmans Bar, but will need to be back there, come hell or high water on Friday as there is a race meeting at Musselburgh
Wednesday 28 November 2007
What a difference a day makes.
Bloody hell, yesterday I eventually thought I was dying, wracked with pains from every bit of my body, chest, stomach, etc, and never off the "loo". Took me all the time to stagger down stairs and later on when i had to go to town I nded up sleeping in the car for an hour or so.
Thought I woould not get out to the RA last night, my first night in the Chair, however I felt just well enough to go.
Spoke to the Doctor before I left and she said there was a hellish 24 hour bug on the go and lots of folk around here were suffering badly.
Got to Bonnyrigg where I literally just poured with sweat all through the evening, steaming up my specs, several claimed it was fear, but it was certainly not. Good meeting, team worked very well and I was able to give a wee resume of the trip to India.
Grant (of Photogenix fame) was there and he had worked like a wee trojan to get all my photos ready, so the guys went through them after the meeting, that worked a treat./
Means I can now start to dress up the blogs again with this batch, and probably edit back the way a few entries.
Nice wee buffet for the boys prepared by Claire from the Mercat, assisted by Ann ( Claire made brilliant haggis balls).
OK , must go - Dentist wants a look at my shiny teeth this morning - fingers crossed no work needs done, dont want to pass out in the chair again!!
Thought I woould not get out to the RA last night, my first night in the Chair, however I felt just well enough to go.
Spoke to the Doctor before I left and she said there was a hellish 24 hour bug on the go and lots of folk around here were suffering badly.
Got to Bonnyrigg where I literally just poured with sweat all through the evening, steaming up my specs, several claimed it was fear, but it was certainly not. Good meeting, team worked very well and I was able to give a wee resume of the trip to India.
Grant (of Photogenix fame) was there and he had worked like a wee trojan to get all my photos ready, so the guys went through them after the meeting, that worked a treat./
Means I can now start to dress up the blogs again with this batch, and probably edit back the way a few entries.
Nice wee buffet for the boys prepared by Claire from the Mercat, assisted by Ann ( Claire made brilliant haggis balls).
OK , must go - Dentist wants a look at my shiny teeth this morning - fingers crossed no work needs done, dont want to pass out in the chair again!!
Tuesday 27 November 2007
What's in an E mail?
Up very early again this morning and feeling really terrible. In ths first instance I am obviously still five hours ahead of time here, which will be OK for Thursday morning when I am up early and away down south. BUT , whole body in pain, somach, chest , head, ears, back - the lot . I suspect that it was the Indian meal I had LAST NIGHT at home which has given me a mild (or otherwise) dose of food poisoning. I manage to survive the week with little or no discomfort and was ill with food on plane and at home.
Sent a couple of E mails over to India yesterday, and found one on the box this morning - which I refuse to open. I do not recognise the name and it looks like one of those gobbledygook addresses which the Viagra spammers blitz the system with. So if there is someone out there with a very strange name, trying to get me, sorry - go find another E mail address.
Looks like it is back to bed again to try and recover.
Sent a couple of E mails over to India yesterday, and found one on the box this morning - which I refuse to open. I do not recognise the name and it looks like one of those gobbledygook addresses which the Viagra spammers blitz the system with. So if there is someone out there with a very strange name, trying to get me, sorry - go find another E mail address.
Looks like it is back to bed again to try and recover.
Monday 26 November 2007
Monday a.m. - Scotland
Well, home in one piece afer an 18 hour trip back. But having said that only 9 hours were in flying and the rest sitting about and transferring.
We were collected at the hotel early, about 9 a.m., but for some reason the roads out the Citywere very quiet and we made it to the airport quick time, walked in and there was no one waiting at either the check in or immigration where just breezed through. Then had to sit for three hours.
Plane which was full to the gunnells left on time and made up time getting abck to London. The flight was good, but the in flight meal was appalling so I sufferred from a bad stomach en route.
Fun began at London, where having rushed from T4 to T1 found it jam packed with bodies who had been delayed for up to three hours due to air traffic centre computer problems. BUT we managed to get onto the plane on time, when the inevitable happened and the gantry broke down which would not release from the plane.
Home now, next to no washing due to it all being done while away.
Now going to try and correct the terrible grammer and spelling mistakes from the previous notes, written under the influence !!
We were collected at the hotel early, about 9 a.m., but for some reason the roads out the Citywere very quiet and we made it to the airport quick time, walked in and there was no one waiting at either the check in or immigration where just breezed through. Then had to sit for three hours.
Plane which was full to the gunnells left on time and made up time getting abck to London. The flight was good, but the in flight meal was appalling so I sufferred from a bad stomach en route.
Fun began at London, where having rushed from T4 to T1 found it jam packed with bodies who had been delayed for up to three hours due to air traffic centre computer problems. BUT we managed to get onto the plane on time, when the inevitable happened and the gantry broke down which would not release from the plane.
Home now, next to no washing due to it all being done while away.
Now going to try and correct the terrible grammer and spelling mistakes from the previous notes, written under the influence !!
Saturday 24 November 2007
India - saturday night Sunday a.m.
Now 1 a.m. Sunday, which is 9 p.m. at home.
Odd day today, once I sobered up I hit the trail with Andy McKean, and we went to the shops, at one point I ended up un an office on their computer whichwas better than the Hotels.
Came back, had tea, and sat for ages waiting for Mr Richard Head @ Dick to get off the one computer in the hotel, but as he was no doubt talking to his boyfriend who was sitting on a wi fi lap top opposite him I eventually left and went to a wee Cyber cafe where I got my flights and ticketc confirmed in minutes.
Took a walk and ended up in a hairdressers, ( photo later) got a hir cut, shave, head, face and then back and shoulder massage - over an hour , for about three pound, boys were great, spoke very little English but end result was good.
Asked Police where there was a bar, they sent me to a hotel, but I went to a "permit house", a bit like the Mercat ( NOT NOT NOT) where I had a pint bottle of Kingfisher Lager plus a two egg omelette with two fresh warm rolls for about one pound twenty pence - and had a Tv to watch India being hammered by Pakistan.
Picked up at 6 p.m all in our full kit, kilts, etc for another RA meeting attended by about 25 members and guests (considering who the guest of honour was !!) anyway, the meeting was good and the meal was excellent.
Back at Hotel, caused a bit of a stir as I would not move from lounge while cleaners were in, was not a problem to me to have hoovers and carpet cleaners running , but they wanted me to go to my room - but as Mr R. Head (@ Dick) was back on the PC I would not move and "instructed - under threat" the Managers to get the carpet cleaners back.
Anyway, one of the young ladies from the USA now wants on the box so I am heading off to take a bit more Jura.
Not sure if I will be back on before home- so Grant ahd better get his form ready for Tuesday, etc.
Cheers
Odd day today, once I sobered up I hit the trail with Andy McKean, and we went to the shops, at one point I ended up un an office on their computer whichwas better than the Hotels.
Came back, had tea, and sat for ages waiting for Mr Richard Head @ Dick to get off the one computer in the hotel, but as he was no doubt talking to his boyfriend who was sitting on a wi fi lap top opposite him I eventually left and went to a wee Cyber cafe where I got my flights and ticketc confirmed in minutes.
Took a walk and ended up in a hairdressers, ( photo later) got a hir cut, shave, head, face and then back and shoulder massage - over an hour , for about three pound, boys were great, spoke very little English but end result was good.
Asked Police where there was a bar, they sent me to a hotel, but I went to a "permit house", a bit like the Mercat ( NOT NOT NOT) where I had a pint bottle of Kingfisher Lager plus a two egg omelette with two fresh warm rolls for about one pound twenty pence - and had a Tv to watch India being hammered by Pakistan.
Picked up at 6 p.m all in our full kit, kilts, etc for another RA meeting attended by about 25 members and guests (considering who the guest of honour was !!) anyway, the meeting was good and the meal was excellent.
Back at Hotel, caused a bit of a stir as I would not move from lounge while cleaners were in, was not a problem to me to have hoovers and carpet cleaners running , but they wanted me to go to my room - but as Mr R. Head (@ Dick) was back on the PC I would not move and "instructed - under threat" the Managers to get the carpet cleaners back.
Anyway, one of the young ladies from the USA now wants on the box so I am heading off to take a bit more Jura.
Not sure if I will be back on before home- so Grant ahd better get his form ready for Tuesday, etc.
Cheers
India - Saturday
Well, what can I say - just trying to get over a big hangover after last night.
We were all dressed up in kilts, etc at 3.30 p.m. picked up and driven to the Lodge, where we had to wit till 6.45 before we went in, the Installation took till 9 p.m. during which we three from Midlothian all took part with the Supreme officers.
Atendance was quite poor, although there were senior officers there who had travelled for 12 hours by train to get there.
Meal was different!! started with a plate of nibbles, nuts, crisps and bombay mix, then airline type dishes, in foil, but it was tasty, and washed down with whisky, and more whisky, and more
At about 10.45 everyone just upped and left quickly so we got a lift back to the hotel and took beers and real whisky, so at 3.30 a.m. life was "just a bowl of cherries", as Forrest Gump would say.
Have been out this morning for a walk and to take in the local ambience, but you cannot go to far for fear of falling into holes in the road and pavements, etc,
Now off, the being colected at 6 p.m for another meeting and drinks tonight, which hopefully will not be too late as we leave Sunday lunchtime -
We were all dressed up in kilts, etc at 3.30 p.m. picked up and driven to the Lodge, where we had to wit till 6.45 before we went in, the Installation took till 9 p.m. during which we three from Midlothian all took part with the Supreme officers.
Atendance was quite poor, although there were senior officers there who had travelled for 12 hours by train to get there.
Meal was different!! started with a plate of nibbles, nuts, crisps and bombay mix, then airline type dishes, in foil, but it was tasty, and washed down with whisky, and more whisky, and more
At about 10.45 everyone just upped and left quickly so we got a lift back to the hotel and took beers and real whisky, so at 3.30 a.m. life was "just a bowl of cherries", as Forrest Gump would say.
Have been out this morning for a walk and to take in the local ambience, but you cannot go to far for fear of falling into holes in the road and pavements, etc,
Now off, the being colected at 6 p.m for another meeting and drinks tonight, which hopefully will not be too late as we leave Sunday lunchtime -
Friday 23 November 2007
India - Friday
Made it here after flight up from Bangalore.
Hotel said they had no rooms for us as the Manger had apparantly miss read our boking letter. This caused a bit of a fuss !! as he was a serious "jobsworth" who came very close to getting a smacking. However he gave us all double rooms at single rates, so my room is about 40 feet long - just a bit OTT.
Have heard that he wants to move us later on - but only if he can find us.
We were then collected and taken to the Royal Bombay Yacht Club, which sounds a bit posh, in reality, pleasant as it was it was a bit dated and folks there seem to revel in living in the past - however, putting it in context with the place it is certainly a haven to retreat from the constant hurly burly. Napkins were distributed only after a couple of the company had spilt food down their shirts ! and the cutlery lay out was incorrect ! ( just a casual observation)
The roads are a nightmare, just dug up all over, left lying, and makes Edinburgh look brilliant. Cars double and treble park, stop anywhere, etc.
The electric train runs with bodies in and on it, last week four youths were killed when sitting on the roof and as the train ran from one power source to another they were blown up in the air and "fried".
Late last night, or 1 a.m. I was outside the hotel, and within a radius of about 30 yards from the front gate there were at least 20 people sleeping on the pavements. Across the road was a family of four with a new baby, they eat, cook and sleep under the tree. The luckier ones round the corner beside the railway line have pieces of tarpaulin to make their houses. Every so often the Police come along and pull down their huts , but they just pick up the bits and build them somewhere else.
At the Yacht Club, the off duty staff were sleeping in the car park at the back yard, while round the corner the biggest Hotel was going like a funfare with the rich and pretentious just totally ignoring what was going on. BUT if you did take it to heart you could not get by !!1
Another long day ahead of us, out in the town, all day then collected at 4.30 p.m. for the "big" meeting and another dinner. Seems that we will all be taking an active part in the installation.
Breakfast time now.
Hotel said they had no rooms for us as the Manger had apparantly miss read our boking letter. This caused a bit of a fuss !! as he was a serious "jobsworth" who came very close to getting a smacking. However he gave us all double rooms at single rates, so my room is about 40 feet long - just a bit OTT.
Have heard that he wants to move us later on - but only if he can find us.
We were then collected and taken to the Royal Bombay Yacht Club, which sounds a bit posh, in reality, pleasant as it was it was a bit dated and folks there seem to revel in living in the past - however, putting it in context with the place it is certainly a haven to retreat from the constant hurly burly. Napkins were distributed only after a couple of the company had spilt food down their shirts ! and the cutlery lay out was incorrect ! ( just a casual observation)
The roads are a nightmare, just dug up all over, left lying, and makes Edinburgh look brilliant. Cars double and treble park, stop anywhere, etc.
The electric train runs with bodies in and on it, last week four youths were killed when sitting on the roof and as the train ran from one power source to another they were blown up in the air and "fried".
Late last night, or 1 a.m. I was outside the hotel, and within a radius of about 30 yards from the front gate there were at least 20 people sleeping on the pavements. Across the road was a family of four with a new baby, they eat, cook and sleep under the tree. The luckier ones round the corner beside the railway line have pieces of tarpaulin to make their houses. Every so often the Police come along and pull down their huts , but they just pick up the bits and build them somewhere else.
At the Yacht Club, the off duty staff were sleeping in the car park at the back yard, while round the corner the biggest Hotel was going like a funfare with the rich and pretentious just totally ignoring what was going on. BUT if you did take it to heart you could not get by !!1
Another long day ahead of us, out in the town, all day then collected at 4.30 p.m. for the "big" meeting and another dinner. Seems that we will all be taking an active part in the installation.
Breakfast time now.
Thursday 22 November 2007
Day 3 India
Now morning of day 4, but I did write a blog last nigth which dissapeared when the time expired.
Currently experiencing even more tooting in my ears due to the bloddy cars outside.
Anyway, Wednesday we spent 14 hours on the road in a coach , so called luxury ( NOT) but I suppose it was by local standards, at one stage the driver stopped, got out a long stick and dipped the petrol tank then went and bought 5 ltrs of fuel for three pound so that we could carry on.
We went to a city north of Bangalore, called Mysore (bum - after the trip), about 80 to 90 miles , which took about 4 hours each way and that was by dual carriage way. However, , every so often o the dual carriageway they place barriers to form chichanes to slow you down, also speed bumps, so one minute you are belting along, next, the emengency brakes come on and you weave or bump past these obstructions.
Rules of the road ,
1. drive flat out, foot to the board,
2. keep hand on horn to let people know you want to pass, are passing, or just to annoy folks,
3. do not give a shit about anyone else
4. brake at last minute only and terrify everyone else.
If on a motorbike, carry at least one passenger, and rear one must be using a phone.
At one point we were passing a bike, an ox cart, and there was a car coming at us on the wrong side of the road with headlights on !! Quite a few near misses, and in one of the towns on the way, someone had lit a fire in the middle of the main junction and it caused chaos, just a local demonstration by the disgruntled natives.
Anyway we went to four palaces at Mysore, then for lunch in one of the colonial clubs, bit snobby, stopped twice at a super roadside cafe, which did lovely latte for 40 p a cup.
Everyone has been great, so last night we went back to the lodge for more drinks and a meal, everyone sat around and told jokes !! some badly, then we had a meal, so it was very late when we got home.
Got the first sts of photos put onto CD.
Ready now to go to airport and back to Bombay for next part of adventure.
Currently experiencing even more tooting in my ears due to the bloddy cars outside.
Anyway, Wednesday we spent 14 hours on the road in a coach , so called luxury ( NOT) but I suppose it was by local standards, at one stage the driver stopped, got out a long stick and dipped the petrol tank then went and bought 5 ltrs of fuel for three pound so that we could carry on.
We went to a city north of Bangalore, called Mysore (bum - after the trip), about 80 to 90 miles , which took about 4 hours each way and that was by dual carriage way. However, , every so often o the dual carriageway they place barriers to form chichanes to slow you down, also speed bumps, so one minute you are belting along, next, the emengency brakes come on and you weave or bump past these obstructions.
Rules of the road ,
1. drive flat out, foot to the board,
2. keep hand on horn to let people know you want to pass, are passing, or just to annoy folks,
3. do not give a shit about anyone else
4. brake at last minute only and terrify everyone else.
If on a motorbike, carry at least one passenger, and rear one must be using a phone.
At one point we were passing a bike, an ox cart, and there was a car coming at us on the wrong side of the road with headlights on !! Quite a few near misses, and in one of the towns on the way, someone had lit a fire in the middle of the main junction and it caused chaos, just a local demonstration by the disgruntled natives.
Anyway we went to four palaces at Mysore, then for lunch in one of the colonial clubs, bit snobby, stopped twice at a super roadside cafe, which did lovely latte for 40 p a cup.
Everyone has been great, so last night we went back to the lodge for more drinks and a meal, everyone sat around and told jokes !! some badly, then we had a meal, so it was very late when we got home.
Got the first sts of photos put onto CD.
Ready now to go to airport and back to Bombay for next part of adventure.
Wednesday 21 November 2007
Tuesday 20 November 2007
Day 2 India
Out last night at the Gymkhana club in Bombay but had to run the gauntlet of the the beggers sleeping on the pavement outside the hospital next to the hotel.
Here, folks just die during the night and they pick up the bodies in the morning. Last week a young student was knocked over by a guy on a scooter and as she lay on the ground a bus just ran over her head and killed her.
Latest thing in Bombay is groups out killing the stray dogs, they have web site and suggest pouring petrol on them and "setting fire to their bums" or shooting them "in the testicles with an air gun" which is apparantly a bit painful and fatal. The local papers have a very colourful ay of writing English.
Anyway, with a bit of a delay at Bombay, ( coffee in the airport was lovely and only cost 50 p) we had a great flight to Banglaore. Photo of two nice stewardesses for later use.
Picked up and taken to the "elite Banglaore club", very colonial, where we met the locals for lunch and drinks ( good quality Seagrams 100 Pipers and Smirnoff) then a wee tour before going to the guest house when we had 90 minutes to get ready for this evenings formal doo at the Royal Arch.
Again a super night when they let me do a wee speech !!! and I thought we were about to go home when they served dinner - that was because they had been serving all sorts of Indian starters and drinks for 2 hours.
Anyway, everyone was getting a bit pie eyed, so we called a halt and headed back at 1140 p.m. as we have to be up again at 6.45 to head up country for a full day tour - with lunch of course, before we come back for another dinner and drinks. Staying off the Indian whisky and rum which would send rocket into space.
Thats my day so far.
Here, folks just die during the night and they pick up the bodies in the morning. Last week a young student was knocked over by a guy on a scooter and as she lay on the ground a bus just ran over her head and killed her.
Latest thing in Bombay is groups out killing the stray dogs, they have web site and suggest pouring petrol on them and "setting fire to their bums" or shooting them "in the testicles with an air gun" which is apparantly a bit painful and fatal. The local papers have a very colourful ay of writing English.
Anyway, with a bit of a delay at Bombay, ( coffee in the airport was lovely and only cost 50 p) we had a great flight to Banglaore. Photo of two nice stewardesses for later use.
Picked up and taken to the "elite Banglaore club", very colonial, where we met the locals for lunch and drinks ( good quality Seagrams 100 Pipers and Smirnoff) then a wee tour before going to the guest house when we had 90 minutes to get ready for this evenings formal doo at the Royal Arch.
Again a super night when they let me do a wee speech !!! and I thought we were about to go home when they served dinner - that was because they had been serving all sorts of Indian starters and drinks for 2 hours.
Anyway, everyone was getting a bit pie eyed, so we called a halt and headed back at 1140 p.m. as we have to be up again at 6.45 to head up country for a full day tour - with lunch of course, before we come back for another dinner and drinks. Staying off the Indian whisky and rum which would send rocket into space.
Thats my day so far.
Monday 19 November 2007
Sunshine and chaos
Long flight from London with a 70 minute delay sitting on the plane before take off. Flight was a bit turbulant and wee girl in front of me kept throwing up . However we made it in one piece, but only just with a good heavy landing. We were met by a driver at the airport, which was very fast to get through immigration and colect outr baggage but chaos outside. The run from the airport to hotel took over an hour and was like the whacky races with put puts, thousands of black taxis, and four on motorbikes, etc, all trying to get four cars wide into thre lanes.
Got to the hotel at 9.30 a.m. UK time so that was a long days travelling.
Hotel said they had no rooms for us but it turned out they had writen down Andrew William Stuart and the staff thought it was one person rather than three. Hotel looks a bit old fashioned but clean and tidy - everyone and their aunty wants a tip.
At the airport we were surronded by porters and had no local cash, so gave them about four pound which is bloody fortune to them.
We have met one of our hosts so tonight we meet at 5.30 for a wee wander and then are being picked up to go to a cocktail party at the Wodehouse Gymkhana, to meet the Office bearers of the Grand Chapter, dress casual.
Leaving at 7.15 a.m. on Tuesday to fly south again to Bangalhore where we have a big formal doo on Tuesday night.
Right , making a few spelling mistakes so need a break - till next time.
.
Got to the hotel at 9.30 a.m. UK time so that was a long days travelling.
Hotel said they had no rooms for us but it turned out they had writen down Andrew William Stuart and the staff thought it was one person rather than three. Hotel looks a bit old fashioned but clean and tidy - everyone and their aunty wants a tip.
At the airport we were surronded by porters and had no local cash, so gave them about four pound which is bloody fortune to them.
We have met one of our hosts so tonight we meet at 5.30 for a wee wander and then are being picked up to go to a cocktail party at the Wodehouse Gymkhana, to meet the Office bearers of the Grand Chapter, dress casual.
Leaving at 7.15 a.m. on Tuesday to fly south again to Bangalhore where we have a big formal doo on Tuesday night.
Right , making a few spelling mistakes so need a break - till next time.
.
Sunday 18 November 2007
The adventure begins
Started off with a bad night, little sleep, and was wandering about.
Anyway, aided by the kangaroo kid, his henchman RGB Jnr, and the mud wrestling Andrea we made it to the airport at Edinburgh.
At the check in i was told that my travelling companions Bill and Andy had arrived.
Anyway, took a wrong turn, as there was no point in looking for Ray (Grandad) Lyden, as he was in Austria watching some English football team. BUT I met Shuggie and Pippa who had been up for the Scotland game, soas their plane to Nottingham was delayed I sat and caught up with all their news.
?? they wanted to knowif The SODS / MODS were having a x-mas doo.
Plane was a few minutes late which meant we had a hold over north london for 10 mins but got down with no stotting along the runway.
By the time we got off Bill was gasping for a fag, so he and Andy exited the terminal and made it from T1 to T4 the long slow way round, while I wandered, carefree, unexcited and not even swearing through the building, on the bus and into T4 .
There I found a nice gentleman who was letting folks sample malt whiskey so when the other two arrived, having to go back through secuirty - Bill being searched from head to toe as his hearing aid nearly destroyed the x-ray.,
Now in the Priority Pass lounge, having a picnic of cheese, whisky, etc, with another while to wait.
Watch this space.
Anyway, aided by the kangaroo kid, his henchman RGB Jnr, and the mud wrestling Andrea we made it to the airport at Edinburgh.
At the check in i was told that my travelling companions Bill and Andy had arrived.
Anyway, took a wrong turn, as there was no point in looking for Ray (Grandad) Lyden, as he was in Austria watching some English football team. BUT I met Shuggie and Pippa who had been up for the Scotland game, soas their plane to Nottingham was delayed I sat and caught up with all their news.
?? they wanted to knowif The SODS / MODS were having a x-mas doo.
Plane was a few minutes late which meant we had a hold over north london for 10 mins but got down with no stotting along the runway.
By the time we got off Bill was gasping for a fag, so he and Andy exited the terminal and made it from T1 to T4 the long slow way round, while I wandered, carefree, unexcited and not even swearing through the building, on the bus and into T4 .
There I found a nice gentleman who was letting folks sample malt whiskey so when the other two arrived, having to go back through secuirty - Bill being searched from head to toe as his hearing aid nearly destroyed the x-ray.,
Now in the Priority Pass lounge, having a picnic of cheese, whisky, etc, with another while to wait.
Watch this space.
Saturday 17 November 2007
Bitter sweet
Well, sadly swe lost, and it had to be in the last minute of the game when it was going either way.
The pub was bouncing up till that point - when it could have gone either way , som it is now back to the drawing board.
Girls were back from Benidorm, tired, had not quite had trhe "ball" they had hoped for, but never the less, mad it home in one piece.
early in the day Robbie and self were kind of hammered, what a man, he is worth his weight in gold - especially when i am still not 100%.
good news was that John ackroyd called from London, now with the BBC and heading off to the middle east tomorrow for two weeks, doing well in his post and quite happy with life.
had a letter from the police regarding my motor cycle being parked on the pavement, enquiry officer has been very good and now taken matter to the council for their decision and matter is still pending.
BUT IF YOU ARE IN A POSITION TO PHOTOGRAPH A MOTOR BIKE PARKED ON A PAVEMENT ANYWHERE IN THE LOTHIAN AREA LET ME GET A COPY AS I AM BUILDING UP A FILE. ESPECIALLY WHERE THEY ARE NOT CAUSING ANY KIND OF OBSTRUCTION.
The pub was bouncing up till that point - when it could have gone either way , som it is now back to the drawing board.
Girls were back from Benidorm, tired, had not quite had trhe "ball" they had hoped for, but never the less, mad it home in one piece.
early in the day Robbie and self were kind of hammered, what a man, he is worth his weight in gold - especially when i am still not 100%.
good news was that John ackroyd called from London, now with the BBC and heading off to the middle east tomorrow for two weeks, doing well in his post and quite happy with life.
had a letter from the police regarding my motor cycle being parked on the pavement, enquiry officer has been very good and now taken matter to the council for their decision and matter is still pending.
BUT IF YOU ARE IN A POSITION TO PHOTOGRAPH A MOTOR BIKE PARKED ON A PAVEMENT ANYWHERE IN THE LOTHIAN AREA LET ME GET A COPY AS I AM BUILDING UP A FILE. ESPECIALLY WHERE THEY ARE NOT CAUSING ANY KIND OF OBSTRUCTION.
Friday 16 November 2007
The night before
One night to go before the big game, Scotland / Italy, and everyone is getting a bit excited. On top of that its Children in Need night on the Tv and money is rolling in. the Sportsmans crowd, generous as ever have done their bit and sent in a good few pound. No matter what i will be working there on Saturday, even if just till tea time.
Tam Finlay managed to get a ticket so he will be at the game - good one.
Case now nearly packed for India, so not so much of a rush on Sunday morning.
Tracked down missing friend, John Ackroyd, now working with the BBC in London and all over the world, anyway message left for him to contact us.
I hear that Stuart Walker, late of Mercat kitchens had left the country and thought to be in Sheffield.
Tam Finlay managed to get a ticket so he will be at the game - good one.
Case now nearly packed for India, so not so much of a rush on Sunday morning.
Tracked down missing friend, John Ackroyd, now working with the BBC in London and all over the world, anyway message left for him to contact us.
I hear that Stuart Walker, late of Mercat kitchens had left the country and thought to be in Sheffield.
Thursday 15 November 2007
Getting seriously hacked off
Has been a sort of bad couple of weeks, what with double vision, things going wrong, and just not getting on with things before I head off on Sunday.
There does seem to be some kind of positive reaction taking place now and eyesight is slowly correcting, but not fast enough for me to be able to drive normally at night, and as the day progresses I get tired and eyes go wonky.
Anyway, have not even started looking out things for the case yet, but have just been looking at flight times for the return and we have only 70 mins to get from T4 to T1, and BA say it takes a minimum of 75 minutes. Another problem to solve - unless we get in early.
Robbie and Caitlin are doing us proud at the moment - he has been keeping things together at the Sportmans while I have been "in absentia", and Caitlin is passing her time at the Mercat, while yet another problem with their visas is being sorted out. Been a bit of a bind down at Musselburgh with the three "divas" away causing havoc in Benidorm, but word coming back is that they are enjoying themselves.
Graham gets a bit older on Saturday, but with the Scotland game on at 5 p.m. it will be all hands on deck with little likleyhood of him getting much free time.
Anyway, sparky Marky is arriving for his dinner tonight as a thank you for his recent driving duties, so i will be able to get some lessons in chilling out .
Using desktop at the moment, for some reason I keep getting "interupted service" on the lap top, which is all fine when you are not in a hurry to do things.
OK. - not heard from Mr Furneval for some time - please note.
There does seem to be some kind of positive reaction taking place now and eyesight is slowly correcting, but not fast enough for me to be able to drive normally at night, and as the day progresses I get tired and eyes go wonky.
Anyway, have not even started looking out things for the case yet, but have just been looking at flight times for the return and we have only 70 mins to get from T4 to T1, and BA say it takes a minimum of 75 minutes. Another problem to solve - unless we get in early.
Robbie and Caitlin are doing us proud at the moment - he has been keeping things together at the Sportmans while I have been "in absentia", and Caitlin is passing her time at the Mercat, while yet another problem with their visas is being sorted out. Been a bit of a bind down at Musselburgh with the three "divas" away causing havoc in Benidorm, but word coming back is that they are enjoying themselves.
Graham gets a bit older on Saturday, but with the Scotland game on at 5 p.m. it will be all hands on deck with little likleyhood of him getting much free time.
Anyway, sparky Marky is arriving for his dinner tonight as a thank you for his recent driving duties, so i will be able to get some lessons in chilling out .
Using desktop at the moment, for some reason I keep getting "interupted service" on the lap top, which is all fine when you are not in a hurry to do things.
OK. - not heard from Mr Furneval for some time - please note.
Tuesday 13 November 2007
The older the fiddle
Between us, 120 years of experience (in tea drinking) but we still managed to get the job done !! Two days with a wee bit effort and just by pacing ourselves.
I have never drank so much tea for ages.
Snow, yes - it is.
Made it home safely last night, good flight with BMI which came in on time and as Graham was waiting we were home at the toot
We missed the snow which fell early evening but then turned to rain, but not before some poor soul shot off the A702 and ended up on his roof. William called to say that the hard frost experienced in London around the same time also turned to rain, and while we have had a nice day it was wet down south.
Managed to get into town to do some work, but had to stop early and go to Livingston with Ann to buy stuff for Graham. The lads I am working with are very good but I have to keep waving a big stick at them to get things done.
Have sourced a new baker for the Mercat so we all had a taste of some lovely fresh breads which are going on the menu.
The good news for once is that the Chinese whispers in Musselburgh were all wrong, the so called fatal accident involving a child and fire engine, turned out to be a Glaswegian visitor to Musselburgh - over for the races , now in hospital recovering, who walked out in front of a fire engine on an emergency call. It obviously must have been bad initially as the Police did carry out a full fatal accident scenario.
Still not back to normal yet so having a night in. Anyway I have no driver either as Sparky has disappeared !! on his days off.
We missed the snow which fell early evening but then turned to rain, but not before some poor soul shot off the A702 and ended up on his roof. William called to say that the hard frost experienced in London around the same time also turned to rain, and while we have had a nice day it was wet down south.
Managed to get into town to do some work, but had to stop early and go to Livingston with Ann to buy stuff for Graham. The lads I am working with are very good but I have to keep waving a big stick at them to get things done.
Have sourced a new baker for the Mercat so we all had a taste of some lovely fresh breads which are going on the menu.
The good news for once is that the Chinese whispers in Musselburgh were all wrong, the so called fatal accident involving a child and fire engine, turned out to be a Glaswegian visitor to Musselburgh - over for the races , now in hospital recovering, who walked out in front of a fire engine on an emergency call. It obviously must have been bad initially as the Police did carry out a full fatal accident scenario.
Still not back to normal yet so having a night in. Anyway I have no driver either as Sparky has disappeared !! on his days off.
Monday 12 November 2007
brickies labourer
Well, another lovely day here in London. So with William taking a day off we got stuck in to start on another of the walls to his extension, and at the end of play had managed to get 600 bricks laid, very satisfying to see the wall going up and pointed neatly, but as he has plenty of work to do it will be some time before he gets back to do a bit more.
Saw the parrots this morning, there are quite a number here and they fly in each morning and back again during the day - bit noisy though.
House is near to Heathrow flight path so we had plenty of planes to watch during the day as they took off and headed to all corners of the globe.
Anyway, home on the 20.50 BMI flight and will doubtless sleep well tonight.
Saw the parrots this morning, there are quite a number here and they fly in each morning and back again during the day - bit noisy though.
House is near to Heathrow flight path so we had plenty of planes to watch during the day as they took off and headed to all corners of the globe.
Anyway, home on the 20.50 BMI flight and will doubtless sleep well tonight.
Wednesday 7 November 2007
Happy smile club
Missing out days here there and everywhere, however, I have not been 100% for the past ten days or so. Combination of old age!!! so they say and doing too much, however given a fair wind ( not the strong wind blowing this morning) I will hopefully be back to sorts in a week or so.
Have been depending on Sparky Marky to drive me to meetings at night, so it is a disappointment for him to have to cancel his planned rub down ( by a young lady) on Thursday night, to take me to Dalkeith. I missed out on Monday night at Newtongrange due to having no pilot.
We were at Bonnyrigg, 720, last night where we had a superb lecture by Davy McMillan on the public perception of Freemasons, it was fascinating and well worth listening to.
Heading for the Hilton Hotel tonight to the Licensed trade ball, although in my current state I could well do with staying at home and resting, but needs must.
Anyway, off to see my wonderfull dentist lady this morning - so I will have nice shiny teeth tonight - just like the wolf in Little red riding hood.
Have been depending on Sparky Marky to drive me to meetings at night, so it is a disappointment for him to have to cancel his planned rub down ( by a young lady) on Thursday night, to take me to Dalkeith. I missed out on Monday night at Newtongrange due to having no pilot.
We were at Bonnyrigg, 720, last night where we had a superb lecture by Davy McMillan on the public perception of Freemasons, it was fascinating and well worth listening to.
Heading for the Hilton Hotel tonight to the Licensed trade ball, although in my current state I could well do with staying at home and resting, but needs must.
Anyway, off to see my wonderfull dentist lady this morning - so I will have nice shiny teeth tonight - just like the wolf in Little red riding hood.
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