I am resigned to remaining incompetent in my pianoforte rendition of Debussey’s Clare De Lune. Despite lessons earlier this year, with a very nice girl called Tessa (trained in ‘The Suzuki Method’), and despite taking my upright piano to Brittany where opportunities to practise nonetheless eluded me), I am now turning my attention instead to the very melodious ‘Try A Little Tenderness’ by Harry Woods. The tones are rich and deep on my piano (pictured).
Meanwhile, preparations are in hand for our imminent travels to Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and back to Vietnam for Tet in February. Archie will be joining us. He may, in fact, be there alone, as Alan and I have yet to actually book anything.
So much to do and so little time! How did I ever fit in everything before?!! Top of the list is socialising and seeing family. Alastair has been around, which has been great but messy as ever. I had thought my days of picking up rotting banana skins from the floor and matching smelly socks were over. Still as “Mummy Claws” will be on holiday this year, such indulgences prevail.
On the practical side, I am organising the updating of our Wills and Last Wishes so that should anything untoward happen, everything will be in order. Not that simple a task, it turns out, when you have to consider paying out for someone legal to assist you. I am also researching online into places to see/avoid. There is so much available material but much of it is aimed at 20-something backpackers in search of “The Beach” experience. However, I have posted a comment on the Thorn Tree Forum, the older travellers’ section of The Lonely Planet Guide which is yielding some interesting responses.
Well, mustn’t grumble about lack of time – we are packing quite a lot in and tonight it’s the Hackney Empire organised by Alastair, who returns to Warwick Uni tomorrow. Last week, he entreated us to see the less-than-cheerful ‘Children of Men’. He was disappointed that I didn’t rate it as highly as one of my Top Ten - ‘Soylent Green’ starring Charlton Heston and Edward G Robinson – a prescient and chiling sci-fi triumph IMHO! 'Children of Men' has a strong cast (especially if one is a Clive Owen or Michael Caine fan) and was a good film but despite the somewhat relentless grime and crime, it's action overpowered its potential substance. Tonight’s gig is a No2ID Benefit with standups. However, we are still trying to convert Eric to the cause. His loyalty to the Party unquestionable, but his perception of the threat to Civil Liberties is another thing.
On the subject of politics, following on from the successful Garden Party held here in the summer, I now find myself hosting a "Pizza & Politics" Evening. The theme is Green so it should be interesting. I may persuade AB to participate, although I've actually yet to tell him we're hosting!
I am attempting to finish reading "Attention All Shipping", a light and funny 'travelogue' which, as it indicates, follows the Radio 4 shipping stations and contains smatterings and musings of humour and interest. I am also reading a fairly ancient Herman Wouk but am finding it difficult to relate to the US Naval officer and his dysfunctional family. I may feel disposed to give up. I wonder when I will find time to get fit. There will be alot of 'squatting' on our travels. As someone who took until my early twenties before I could consider the possibility of not being near a decent loo, I have come far!
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