A Premature Eulogy to the Covid-19 Pandemic - A Birthday Reflection.

Today, I am 47 years old.  This time last year, the proverbial crap was hitting the fan but oh so slowly.  I physically wasn't feeling that great (not Covid) and I was off work.  As the days slowly passed, all of my cultural interests were closing around me.  I managed to get to the Andy Warhol exhibition on the Sunday before the Tate Modern and every other gallery closed in March.  I saw my interests imploding around me essentially within a week.  My last outing was to a pub where they wiped the tables between guests and also wiped the menus.  It was a very quiet pub lunch with my Mum and sister, a small bottle of prosecco and a gradual sense that everything was changing.  

Now, a year later, I am sitting and writing this piece.  I know what I am hoping to do with this blog but whether I achieve it, only I will know.

The Covid-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed everything.  Society has fortunately evolved from post apocalyptic scenes of people fighting over toilet rolls in crowded shops.  One of the most shocking scenes of the last year was in March last year when I went shopping with Mum to see the skeletal remains of the consumer culture, we are all hopelessly attached to.  A single can of pilchards on the shelf and isolated oddities that no-one wanted.  After all, who can live without three types of tomato ketchup and a bag of crisps?

I went to work as ever.  I was redeployed to a Wellbeing Hub where I met some lovely people.  Many of whom, I now count as friends.  Every hospital needs a Wellbeing Hub and more importantly, needs to focus on the mental health and physical wellbeing of staff.  It has been given lip service by a number of organisations for years but now, it is finally being given the focus it deserves.

Fundamentally, my experience of the Covid-19 pandemic has embraced the five stages of grief as identified by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross in her book, 'On Death and Dying', denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.  Apparently, these can be experienced in any order and usefully, they regularly also apply to all forms of separation.  I think in my case, the denial side of the equation hasn't really materialised as when you see lots of seriously ill people and learn of the suffering of friends, you can't turn a blind eye to an invisible enemy that seriously works over your immunity system.

I think for lots of people, anger has been the prevailing emotion at various points.  This has been as much to do with the inept and quite frankly, horrific handling of the pandemic by the state.  The non-stop empty platitudes and reassurances that everything would be fine by September then December then May 2021.  The contradictory advice, wear masks but don't wear them if you don't have to or feel that you have a reasonable excuse for not wearing them.  Above all, the never-ending press conferences perpetuating non-sensical figures in the form of graphs and pie charts that even the people presenting them didn't understand.  The figures you relay to a scared public represent lives lost and loved ones who just last month were sitting laughing and drinking tea with you!  I think when this pandemic is under control, some lessons will need to be learnt.  My faith in the government has gone.

At one point during the pandemic, I sought therapeutic support via Workplace Options (I was lucky enough to be able to talk through some of my issues with clinical staff who came into the Wellbeing Hub).  My problems were (and I guess) are no different to lots of other people.  I have had mental health issues at various points and the pandemic enabled certain aspects of my life to reemerge.  The main thing was this constant sense of being at a crossroads and not going anywhere.  The pandemic was (and is) giving me a proverbial kick up the rear end.  I need to future proof.  I have used that phrase so much in the last seven months or so.  I need to feel that I have goals, things to look forward to and hopefully, someone to share them with.  Depression etc often leaves the sufferer focusing intently on the present.  Once you have explored the past and dug through the wreckage of the events that have helped to inform the present you, one piece of constant advice is to take each day as it comes.  The only trouble with focusing on now all the time is this niggling sense at the back of your head, that tomorrow isn't coming quickly enough.  Indeed, you forget what tomorrow has the potential of becoming.

The most significant conclusion that I reached with the therapist (on the phone) was the fact that the pandemic could not be controlled by anyone and will go on for as long as it does.  It is a relief when you return to the things that you can face.  You can help people on a more localised level.  It helps when there are no time limits attached to things.  Your expectations cannot be shattered.  Yes, the pandemic will pass and may or may not keep returning, but hey, yes you, you are breathing, smiling in the mirror and offering comfort and support to others.  You are doing okay.

I have learnt the most interesting things about myself this year and also met the loveliest people in so many different contexts.  My suggestion to everyone is that they explore the good things that they have encountered or picked up during the pandemic.

I like trees.  I like how they look.  Their varying appearances.  How they relate to the environment around them.  They age, they decay, they change.  They are my role models.  I will try to be more tree if that is possible.  Trees may appear static but they are constantly moving.  Their roots stretching to obtain new space, more nutrients and more friends of the insect variety.

My cultural interests have continued to be nourished.  Theatre and performance haven't disappeared, they have just gone online.  Also books remain a seamless comfort when things feel hopeless.

I have met some important cultural role models and participated in a show.  I am going to mention you here, Juliette Burton as I tremendously respect your work around mental health and your sense of humour.  You offer your experiences as catharsis or at least, openings for others.  Little avenues into shared feelings.  Talking about feelings is the most important feature of my year to date.  If I feel it, I say it.  

The people in the Wellbeing Hub and my other team at work have also offered many valuable lessons.  I have learnt the importance of spontaneity and random play.  I can sing and dance badly.  I can be inspired to create in an improvisational style.  You throw me a line and I can mould it for your pleasure and delectation.  I have marveled at the beauty of my friends' creativity (Emily with her photography and Richard with his art forms and writing etc).  Project Wingman has also been inspirational within hospital Trusts and healthcare organisations around the country.  For me, another major contributor to the positive energies counterbalancing the negative aspects of the pandemic.  I have had the pleasure of working with them too within the Wellbeing Hub.  Basically, they came together as a result of lots of airline crew being furloughed and have actively continued to promote wellbeing within health organisations.  Their sheer vitality and skills at sourcing donations are second to none.

Significantly, my foray with online dating continues and I am communicating with someone who knows that soft matters.  

My one message to you all is to metaphorically touch the people around you, let them know you care, listen to them and please remember that when all is said and done, you are human.  The mistakes you perceive as dreadful may be a blip.  Be there for yourself.  You are loved.  Also and most importantly, it is not selfish to want change.

                                                                          Barry Watt - Thursday 18th March 2021. 

Afterword.

The Tate Modern is based in London and has some wonderful exhibitions when it is open:

https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern

Elizabeth Kubler-Ross' book 'On Death and Dying' is published by Scribner books amongst others.

Workplace Options is an organisation that essentially provides outsourced therapeutic support to the staff of certain organisations such as many hospitals:

https://www.workplaceoptions.co.uk/

Juliette Burton is a very talented individual who is a comedian and genuinely nice person.  Please support her shows and work:

https://www.julietteburton.co.uk/

Emily Rose Hamilton is a wedding photographer who laughs at my dolphin impersonations.  If I were getting married, I would hire her:

http://emilyrosephotography.co.uk/

Project Wingman is a truly miraculous ensemble of airline staff using their furlough to volunteer in the creation and maintenance of Wellbeing Hubs around the country:

https://www.projectwingman.co.uk/

The King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust recently won an award in the HSJ Awards 2020 for 'Workplace Initiative of the Year'.  I look forward to seeing how the wellbeing programme continues to develop in the years to come (the Wellbeing Hubs are part of the overall programme):

https://www.hsj.co.uk/the-hsj-awards/hsj-awards-2020-workforce-initiative-of-the-year/7029674.article

If you need support or advice on mental health issues, there are a number of organisations that can help you.  I have listed two below:

https://www.samaritans.org/

https://www.mind.org.uk/                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                    BW.

Photos.

This parakeet has a message for you, 'Be Kind!'

This squirrel has a message too, 'Smiling at the camera is soooo last year!'

                                                                                                                                 BW

York: By Fair Means or Foul - Day 3 - Thursday 26th September 2019 - When honesty achieved very little at all (A Lesson in Timing).

Back in my hotel room for the final kip, prior to my journey back to London tomorrow.  Today has been busy and eventful.

I got up for breakfast, opted for the Rice Krispies, in addition to the same fare as yesterday with the addition of a Cumberland sausage.  I still avoided the black pudding as did everyone else it appeared owing to the hard black mound that lay on the tray.

After breakfast, I went upstairs to read.  My inclination to leave early to find Dick Turpin's Grave, which was apparently near my hotel was delayed a bit, but I finally went searching for the grave and couldn't find it.

Owing to my self-induced tight schedule, I postponed the hunt and headed for the Jorvik Vikings Centre arriving shortly after it opened.  I was stunned to discover, although deep down I knew this to be the case, that two thirds of the visitor attraction is the slowest theme park ride in history, although it's still well done.  A bit like being part of a C grade 'Westworld', looking at the automatons as they simulate the day to day routines of the Vikings.  I did learn several interesting facts such as most food production occurred outside of people's homes and they brought it in.  Also nice to know that storytelling played an important role in the Viking culture.  Once the ride was over, there was a small exhibition inhabited by people dressed as Vikings to whom you could ask questions and a lady who for a price could mark or brand coins.  I remember leaving the exhibition feeling a little shortchanged.  I am still not one hundred percent sure I saw everything.

Anyhow, I went round the corner to St Mary's Church to partake in the 'Van Gogh' immersive experience.  Now this was good, despite the fact that we were all sitting in deckchairs advertising the Monet immersive experience.  It was mesmerising seeing images merge and change and to head the voice over accompaniment of someone familiar (I am torn between Alan Rickman and Jeremy Irons.  I guess it depends when the voice over was recorded).  There was also an additional option, which would have cost an extra three quid.  The expression get stuffed springs to mind.  I did enjoy the main performance though. It felt like 'Fantasia' for the Noughties.

After leaving the church, I decided to head to the York Castle Museum, which was literally only a five minute walk away.  This museum was built on the site of either one or two prisons.  It provides something of an overview of the everyday lives of ordinary people over time etc.  It included such notable features as perfectly reconstructed streets.

My personal favourite feature of the museum was the temporary exhibition, 'Museum of Broken Relationships'.  Apparently, this is a museum in Zagreb.  Essentially, objects have been donated that bring to mind strong emotional or symbolic connections for the donor.  Each object tells a story of a lost or failed relationship.  Basically, it is the saddest exhibition you will ever see.  The objects either shock, a ripped 'Winnie the Pooh' nightdress, telling the story of an abusive relationship fortunately ended or amaze, the story of a playing card.  Basically, the couple kept finding single playing cards everywhere and resolved to use them as a means of determining their choice of leisure activity.  If they ever found a Joker card, they resolved to travel abroad immediately for a break.  They split but the card still packs an emotional punch for the donor.

I spent ages in the York Castle Museum.  It's probably the most involving location I have seen yet in York.

After leaving, I headed off to find lunch and located an empty cafe.  I ordered a tuna sandwich and a Mocha (oh yes, tuna again).  The cafe was a lovely little place.  I think I arrived during a quiet period as within five minutes the place had got busy.  It helps that it is opposite the Clifford Tower.  In an act of altruism, I asked if I would help the cafe staff if I gave them my cup and plate, only to be told that I didn't have to do that, but I did it anyway.  It's odd how minor gestures can make you feel better in yourself.

Then I went off in hunt of the York Dungeon.  I killed a bit of time before my entry slot by walking around. 

The York Dungeon was actually a bit of a laugh.  The highlight being when I was told to lead everyone out through a door I couldn't see, so someone else ended up leading.  In its semi-humourous fashion, it actually revealed quite a bit about York and its history.  It was particularly informative about Margaret Clitherow (who became a Saint) who harboured Catholics in her husband's butchers shop before she was executed for her sins (Catholicism was frowned upon during her lifetime).  Also nice to jump from time to time, although most of the scares are caused by removing the light and shifting the position of the performer.  However many times it happened, it still made me jump.

I headed back to the hotel and resolved to find Dick Turpin's Grave, only to learn that the grave is the solitary feature of a small square.  I thought that it was supposed to be near to a church.  I then dropped off my stuff at the hotel, partially packed my case for tomorrow then headed back out.

I had a curious meal in a restaurant where I asked for a non-alcoholic beer and was given the alcoholic version.  Most normal, rational people would have brought it to the attention of the waiter at the beginning of the meal.  I mentioned it at the end.  I wasn't even sure if I should have mentioned it but on reflection, if I had been an alcoholic or recovering alcoholic, giving me alcohol would not have been a good deed (and the chain do make a big deal about checking for allergies prior to taking your order.  A happy customer is better than an ill one or a law suit I guess).  I felt that I unintentionally embarrassed the waiter, although he appreciated that I wasn't bringing it up for any malicious or mercenary reason.  I just brought it up to make sure that they check the bottles.  Anyhow, the calamari, steak and Eton Mess were nice.

From here I headed off to the National Theatre Live Encore recording of 'One Man Two Guvnors' in the cinema.  I missed this when it was on in the theatre and also missed previous screenings.  It is absolute genius.  One of the funniest plays I have ever seen.  I had the overwhelming feeling that I had seen it before but I may have seen a film version of the play it was originally based on.  The original premise was very familiar.  Alternatively, I have seen an amateur version of it.  Whatever, it's amazingly well done.  Also makes me want to learn more about the Commedia dell'arte.

I am now getting ready for bed.  York has been an eye opener for me.  It is a laid back city, not entirely without a sense of apprehension underpinning the nightlife.  My return back to the hotel this evening was a bit unnerving.  The fact that most places are closed or closing by 10pm could have something to do with that feeling (the sense of isolation and silence).  Homelessness is a factor but it doesn't seem as prevalent as some other cities.  I feel as though there is lots more to see but time will always be a precious entity when pretty much every tourist attraction shuts at 5pm.  The usage of a one day York Pass (gives money off entrance to tourist attractions etc) would require a strategy of military precision to ensure that you could maximise its cost saving properties.

I have learnt a lot this holiday.  I still don't know where I am going or what I am doing but somehow, that matters now more than ever.  I can't pretend anymore as time is fleeting.

As as aside, why is the Ouse so unclean.  It's like a parsley factory has exploded and fallen into the river?  York is worth a visit but don't swim in the River Ouse!

                                                                Barry Watt - Thursday 26th September 2019. 

Photos.

Jorvik Viking Centre - Experience your inner Viking.  There's a Viking in everyone!

Inside the Van Gogh experience.  I have a thing for Cupids (But not like that).

Insider the Van Gogh experience.  Projections, animation and sound.

York Castle Museum - The best museum in York.

James Bond Rubber Bands.  'Q, what have you got for me?'

Useful lessons for children.

A lesson for you all.  Leave that frog alone.

You know when people moan about being cold?

Lovely 60s exhibition at the York Castle Museum,

Saddest exhibition I have ever seen at the York Castle Museum.

Playing card exhibit in the 'Museum of Broken Relationships' exhibition at the York Castle Museum.

The York Dungeon - So scary and that's just the sign!

Richard the Third on a pub sign.  People either love or hate the king.

Nature grabs me in its untempered magnificence.

Dick Turpin's Grave - If you find it, you deserve a medal.

Afterword.

Rice Krispies are a popular brand of breakfast cereal made by Kellogg's.  

 https://www.kelloggs.co.uk/en_GB/brands/rice-krispies-.html

Jorvik Viking Centre is worth a visit if you feel like a short history lesson.  They also have a lump of excrement from the Viking period for some reason, which you can see:

https://www.jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk/

'Westworld' was originally conceived by Michael Crichton and started out as a wonderful film and was later made into two separate TV series.  Basically, imagine a theme park of types where people get to experience their fantasies with life like robots that malfunction and become sentient:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westworld_(film)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westworld_(TV_series)

The 'Van Gogh Immersive Experience' is still on and is well worth a trip.  It's quite a relaxing way to spend an hour, slowly being enveloped in imagery and sound:

https://www.visityork.org/explore/van-gogh-the-immersive-experience-p1110971

'Fantasia' was a Disney film that is still very influential:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantasia_(1940_film)

York Castle Museum was very involving and I would not hesitate to visit the museum if you are in York:

https://www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk/

The Museum of Broken Relationships was established in Zagreb but seems to be growing and/or touring:

https://brokenships.com/

The York Dungeon is just a laugh.  Also very informative about York's history:

https://www.thedungeons.com/york/en/

Saint Margaret Clitherow had a tragic life but she fought for what she believed in:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Clitherow

Dick Turpin was quite a well known highwayman:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Turpin

National Theatre Live basically record and exhibit many productions, not only the National Theatre's productions and they then exhibit them in cinemas.  'One Man, Two Guvnors' has been screened a lot in cinemas:

http://ntlive.nationaltheatre.org.uk/

Commedia dell'arte was an early form of theatre, which originated in Italy.  It dealt a lot with masks and led to the development of several notable character types:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commedia_dell%27arte

James Bond and Q were created by Ian Fleming:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Fleming

The York Pass could be a good way to save money on seeing various attractions etc:

https://yorkpass.com/

                                                                                                                   BW.

York: By Fair Means or Foul - Day 2 - Wednesday 25th September 2019 - Death by Chocolate... Really.

I am back in my hotel room for a short period, prior to heading out to the theatre this evening for a production at the Grand Opera House, 'Halfway to Paradise - The Billy Fury Story'.

Today, I kidded myself that I would get down to breakfast at the beginning (7am) but in reality I got there for 7.20am.  It was already quite busy.  The usual hot and cold breakfast buffet with the toasting machine that I leave to its own devices (I will eat my bread raw and naked as nature intended, not burnt and marred by the faint seasoning of human flesh).  I had a fairly big breakfast by my standards, cereal, orange juice, tea and two sausages, bacon, potato thing, scrambled egg and bit of bread.  I was pretty full by the end.

I then decided to go to York Minster after spending an hour or so in my room reading my book, which has proven to be a somewhat regular ritual in my holiday routine. Sustain your stomach, feed your brain then get your legs into gear, Senor Watt!

After wandering the streets of York, I found York Minster and went in.  Fortunately, I arrived just in time for a guided tour, which ended up lasting about ninety minutes.  I learnt a lot about the Minster.  Most notably, the three fires it has endured, one caused through arson, one through carelessness and one as the result of being hit by lightening.  The arsonist apparently ended up in Bethlem and the guide seemed surprised but happy that this was the case (I think she feared that they could have executed him).  As ever, walking around religious buildings forces me to contemplate human mortality.  Death is brought into vivid focus when you find yourself walking over the graves of the previous denizens of this universe.

I was interested to learn about the pagan symbolism incorporated into the design of the Minster such as the Green Man.

Amusingly, if you want to visit the crypts or ascend the stairs of the tower to the top of the building, both trips command an extra fee.  I was happy on terra firma.  There was a neat little exhibition under the main Minster that explored the changes that the building has undergone.

I am gradually getting the sense that York has a very gory history.  I learnt about Clifford's Tower and the persecution and death of the Jews who were trapped there in 1190, yesterday.  Today I learnt about William the Conqueror and the Harrowing (think mass genocide including the destruction of animals and you are on the right lines).

After leaving the Minster, I wandered around awhile admiring the shops, hair salons, nail bars, more hair salons.  Yes, York is basically the home of hair lacquer.

I eventually headed for the York Art Gallery.  The staff member advised me that part of the venue was closed as they were creating a new exhibition.  As such, I just get to see the upstairs and a student exhibition downstairs,  Most impressively, there was a student working on a project as I entered.  Something, involving acetate or acrylic, I can't remember which but it looked like she was creating screen prints of some kind.

Upon leaving the Gallery, I found a cafe to eat in.  It was a nice little place situated on the first floor of a nearby building.  Expensive but very nice.  Mocha, tuna baguette and a slice of lemon and orange cake.

I then proceeded to wander around some more killing time until my entry into the York Chocolate Story at 3.30pm.

Upon entering the interactive exhibition, a guide explained about the history of chocolate and forced us to eat and drink samples of cocoa based stuff.

We also got to make a chocolate lolly, which I ate after leaving.  The exhibition taught me a lot including the fact that you can die from eating too much chocolate in a day, owing to a chemical that helps to release the serotonin in our brains (apparently, it is this chemical or ingredient that makes chocolate fatal to cats and dogs).

Also I learnt that there are lots of varieties of Kit Kats and that they are most popular in China or Japan (?), where salmon and Green Tea flavoured Kits Kats are well liked.  Kit Kats are apparently used as good luck gifts in the Far East and are much smaller than we are used too in the Western market.

I left the exhibition feeling really stuffed but still needed to eat properly, so I went to a fish restaurant, where I listened to a couple of students discussing university and whether or not, you could eat what you had killed.  The man had apparently gone fishing, caught a fish, which he was given but then he didn't know what to do with it, so he threw it away.  He still feels guilty about his act.

I have returned to my hotel to unwind for a short while.  In ten minutes, I head out again for the theatre.

'Halfway to Paradise' at the Grand Opera Theatre was very much a nostalgia trip.  I wasn't the target demographic, although I enjoy most types of music.  It was interesting to see three of the original Tornados performing and the guy from 'Stars In Their Eyes' who had performed as Billy Fury on the TV show.  In some respects, the performance felt like the Bowie one I saw at the Palladium, which focused on the 'Ziggy Stardust' years using some of the remaining band members.

Having said that, when the lady sitting next to me asked me if I was enjoying the show I said 'yes' and meant it, although I suspect the overly polished performances could get very frustrating for the performers over time as there seems to be little room for spontaneity (not helped by the back projections of Billy Fury and the limited information about his life offered as captions and asides.  I would rather see actors and a narrative creating a biographical account of the musician's life or else a concert focusing on the music as mixing the two doesn't often work).  It slightly upset me that they are selling the show as two separate DVDs (first half and second half) and the twenty minute interval was unnecessary for the audience who basically remained in their seats.  Intervals and live music rarely mix except I guess to give the performers a break.

I left the theatre with the audience in a pretty good mood.  The drunks out on the streets took the mickey of a group of us taking a slight risk negotiating the road without a crossing.  This is something of a feature in York unfortunately.

Oh well, I am going to read, have a shower then go to bed.  Good night all of you rock 'n' rollers, you leave me halfway to paradise.

                                                            Barry Watt - Wednesday 25th September 2019. 

Photos.

York Minster.

York Minster

York Minster - Pretty thing on ceiling.

York Minster - Imposing and magnificent.

York Minster - Geometry for beginners.

York Minster - Reading and reflection.

York Minster - Bigger in the inside.

York Minster - Like an extra from a Beckett play.

Special Insect hotel to encourage the wee folk.  

The front entrance to the York Chocolate Story.

Lots of varieties of Kit Kats.

Chocolate lolly - I added the raspberry bits too.

                                                                                                     BW.

Afterword.

The Grand Opera House doesn't really have its own website.  It's a peculiar theatre with an unusual origin.  Please see the below link:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Opera_House,_York

'Halfway To Paradise - The Billy Fury Story' regularly tours and I felt that a lot of the audience had seen it many times before:

https://www.billyfurystory.com/

York Minster was very inspiring.  Well worth a visit!

https://yorkminster.org/

Bethlem Royal Hospital is the oldest psychiatric hospital:

https://www.nhs.uk/Services/hospitals/Overview/DefaultView.aspx?id=3093

The 'Green Man' is a potent symbol for rebirth, regularly associated with pagan movements and religions.  Also incorporated into the designs of lots of churches and cathedrals.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Man

York Art Gallery has a website.

https://www.yorkartgallery.org.uk/

York Chocolate Story may involve the consumption of lots of chocolate and cocoa based substances:

https://www.yorkschocolatestory.com/

Kit Kat is a delightful example of human ingenuity.  Wafer and chocolate mixed together in a perfect union.  The ultimate marriage without the sore words and bed hogging.  Also available in more flavours than you could ever wish for:

https://www.kitkat.com/

Billy Fury was a significant performer in the 50s and 60s.  Still important and influential:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Fury

More information about The Tornados below:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tornados

David Bowie was a very important singer/songwriter/actor/artist and 'Ziggy Stardust' was one of his many personas and the title of one of his albums:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Bowie

'Stars In Their Eyes' was an old ITV programme where members of the public would appear on stage as their idols and sing their songs:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stars_in_Their_Eyes

                                                                                                         Barry Watt.

York: By Fair Means or Foul - Day 1 - Tuesday 24th September 2019 - Why Not?

After a pretty uneventful journey from London, with the exception of the gentleman on the seat beside me on the train, regaling me with the story of how in China or Tokyo, travellers can manoeuvre their seats into any position they like, I arrived in York.  I promise I didn't tell him that the same was true of trams in the past and that the seats could likewise be shifted depending upon the direction of travel (see I learnt something at the London Transport Museum).  Also I was amused by the Platform Nine and Three Quarters at King's Cross Station.  A queue of people eager to have their picture taken by a brick wall.  Interestingly, some enterprising individual has opened a 'Harry Potter' theme shop to cash in on the stupid Muggles who enjoy the texture of grouting (to fill in the gap, please pardon the pun, Harry Potter and his friends effectively run at a brick wall in order to catch the train to Hogwarts, the school for budding magicians).

Anyhow, the trip was occupied with my new book, Iris Murdoch's 'The Sea, The Sea'.  So far, so good.  A retired actor, playwright and director escapes to the middle of nowhere to allow himself the space to write and contemplate both his past and current life.  I appreciate his need.

Arriving in York, I was struck by how hard it was raining.  The rain probably reminded me to use the loo, which was plastered with reminders concerning the high rates of suicides amongst young men (and men in general).  The need to mythologise the urge to pee (I went, it provided relief.  Big deal) has passed now, so I left the station and began walking around.  My poor umbrella bore the brunt of the weather.

As I walked around, I searched for somewhere to eat, whilst trying to get my bearings.  I eventually went into a Carluccio's.  York, like every other town or city seems to offer a mass of franchises.  If you have seen one high street, you have seen them all.  I ate some pate and a steak, choosing to resist the craving for something sugary until later.  The Waiter chatted to me a bit and I made him laugh when he asked me where I was from and what I was going to do today.  I joked that I would probably spend most of the day searching for my hotel.  I added that if I couldn't find it, I would probably come back to the restaurant.

I walked around a bit and thanks to the map I printed out of York, I finally found the hotel.  The Receptionist asked me if it had stopped raining.  I assured her it had slightly eased up.

Having used up most of the day travelling, I decided to visit Clifford's Tower, which is just around the corner from the hotel.  After agreeing to Gift Aid my entry to what could possibly be the quickest visit to a tourist attraction in the UK, I went in.  I headed up into the battlements, deciding when I got up there that I am not the biggest fan of heights when I don't feel particularly confident or happy in myself, so took some nervous photos then descended the dodgy stairs, enjoying the rusty railings and the orange tinge they left on my hands.

I then wandered aimlessly around York seeing lots of the places I will endeavour to visit in the next couple of days.  I also saw references to at least three separate ghost walks.  As I was feeling (and still am writing this entry) very wet, I suspect tonight will be spent reading my novel.  I have activities planned for tomorrow night and Thursday night.

I walked past what could have been an interesting exhibition on mental health, but chickened out as it was late (i.e. after 4.45pm and many places in York seem to close at 5pm).

My hotel room is very nice, designed for a couple and as I am alone, I am reminded of that fact but solitude has its pluses.

                                                                            Barry Watt - Tuesday 24th September 2019. 
Photos.

The eponymous star of King's Cross Station.  The place to be...

Suicide notice inside York Station toilet.  Important message for everyone, keep an eye on your friends and family.  Please seek help if necessary.

The paper clip on the carpet of the hotel.  Paper clips seem to be a factor in my life.  Where I go, paper clips seem to follow.  

Clifford's Tower.

Clifford's Tower battlements where I started to get the wobbles.

Looking down into Clifford's Tower.  The scaffolding is not part of the original structure.

A useful philosophy, I saw chalked onto brickwork.

Umbrellas in the air.  They are taking over.  Please remember to be nice to them.  They have long memories.

Art work in a gallery.  Roooaaarrr!  Copyright to the artist.  Unfortunately, I didn't make a note of the artist but it struck me as a very powerful image.

The river seemed heavily green hued.  Some weed has taken over perhaps?

                                                                                                     BW.

Afterword.

The London Transport Museum is based in Covent Garden.  I haven't been there for years.  Their website details are below:

https://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/

'Harry Potter' and other references to the fictional hero and his world are copyright to J.K. Rowling.  He is the star of a series of books:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Potter

'The Sea, The Sea' by Iris Murdoch was a very interesting novel about a playwright and director:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sea,_the_Sea

Carluccio's is the name of a restaurant chain:

https://www.carluccios.com/

Clifford's Tower in York has a very tragic and poignant history.  It's worth a visit:

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/cliffords-tower-york/

                                                                                                                                         BW

Brighton - A Belated Pictorial Guide to a Day Trip that Really Happened.

On Monday 17th June 2019, a man who looks and smells a lot like me, embarked upon a one day trip to Brighton.  A coastal retreat to the East Sussex town for a day of relaxation and as it transpires, sun.  Normally, I try to recount my holidays as accurately as I can but as so much time has elapsed and I was only there for about six or seven hours, this little blog will be slightly different to usual...

A Short Philosophical Discourse.

Leaving the station and walking down to the Brighton Toy and Model Museum, which like most of the museums and galleries in Brighton are closed on Monday (I didn't realise this upfront).  I spotted the below street art.  The first stencilled celebration of life effectively altered my mood.  It's effectively a call to arms, the mental equivalent of a kick in the rear end.  Once you accept that your life is finite (few people acknowledge this truth until they start to witness people around them dying (note, I use the term dying as 'passing' is a misnomer that seems to obscure the essential truth that one day you are kicking and breathing and the next, not there any more.  Accept the impending ending, in the same way that your parents acknowledged your beginning).  Basically, the message below is a version of the age old proverb carpe diem, live in the moment and don't worry about the future.

.

Read it and live it.

The second piece of street art was next to the Brighton Toy and Model Museum and encourages the casual observer to continue studying.  Interestingly, it jumps to the regular conclusion that through reading and studying social change is possible.  Now, as I am getting older, I am becoming more aware that the accumulation of knowledge may allow for a greater awareness of social troubles and their causes but what it doesn't automatically promote is change.  Change only occurs when the individual is either empowered enough or in a position of power to instigate new policy or ideas.  The old adage of 'being in the right place at the right time' still holds a lot of relevance.  I would argue that sometimes increasing one's understanding of world affairs etc can lead to depression and other mental health issues if there is no outlet for the growing sense of malaise.  Within Western societies where hierarchical structures exist and people's lives are governed by antiquated rules and ideologies that empower the few at the expense of the many, apathy is the most prevalent mood of the majority.  Interestingly, if we look at the street art below the individual has some kind of collar around his neck with what looks like a chain link.  Don't get me wrong, the possibility for positive change is always there but unfortunately, inertia is the most likely result unless there is a collective push or more commonly, a societal breakdown based on perceived inequalities of wealth.  

Yes, but it will take time.

Cycling Versus Pedestrianism.

I noticed this sign and inwardly cheered.  One of the currently negative aspects of cycling that is often overlooked is the tendency of some cyclists to either dangerously occupy the pavements or else to be speeding.  There have been many occasions when cyclists has narrowly missed pedestrians at crossings or simply by occupying the pavements.  The current push towards cycling as a viable means of transportation may be useful to some but conversely, some cyclists could perhaps use a proficiency test.  After all licenses are required of car and motorcyclists, so why not cyclists?  I am glad that Brighton Council put up this sign.  They would be valuable in London too!

I couldn't agree more.

The Cow with the Worried, Psychotic Eyes.

I spotted this cow on the pier.  It was advertising a small ice cream kiosk.  I was struck by the cow.  The eye haunted me.  This cow has a story to tell.  A story of strange men and women coming round at unfortunate times of the day and night tampering with its nether regions for the secret off colour fluid, which will be used in some pretty over priced ice cream.  This is a cow who is seeking revenge on the human race.  This cow is called Doris and she knows where you live. 

Doris the Cow.

Tradition is a Deckchair.

I always get a warm, fuzzy feeling when I see deckchairs on the beach for hire.  It's such an antiquated tradition.  The sensation of sitting in an uncomfortable seat on a pebbly beach for a couple of hours for money.  Of course, if you are quick, you can sit on the chair then run up the beach when the deckchair attendant arrives.  But seriously, is there no other alternative to the humble deckchair in the 21st Century?  Still, a pleasing combination of colours.  Green and white like a humbug (humbugs are for sale in many of the shops in Brighton.  Subtle advertising or mere coincidence, you decide!)

Oh, I do like to sit for money.

But what is it?

I spotted this on the pavement and although, I agree with the message it promotes, can someone please tell me what the animal is that this visual depicts?  I think that we are being lead to believe that it is a dog but it could also be a pony or an unhappy unicorn producing glorious sparkly clouds for happy tourists?  The unicorn has lost its horn.  But seriously, how are you going to enforce this policy?  Brighton and Hove basically consists of miles of walkable space.  I do have this dream of seeing council staff dressed like spacemen in their decontamination suits walking down the streets but my world is not the same as yours.

It's a unicorn that has lost its horn.

The Skeletal Remains of a Pier.

The West Pier closed in 1975 and has since become more and more derelict.  I have just learnt that it was the first pier to be Grade 1 listed but this has not protected the structure.  It's sad to see an iconic site reduced to a skeleton but on the other hand, it does make for some rather interesting photographs.  Something about decay and residual remains fascinates me.  I think if you compare it with the remaining pier, you are struck by the sheer absurdity of life and business in general.  Where the money isn't available to rebuild, it is deemed more appropriate to simply forget that the old pier is still in existence, its structure transformed into a resting and I guess nesting spot for birds.  Looking at it from a distance lures you in and makes you wish that you could climb among the remains, regardless of the danger it poses to health.  As a metaphor for the declining fortunes of many seaside towns, this structure is up there with the deserted fairgrounds outside of the high season with their faded paint.

Don't climb.

Earnest the Seagull.

In Brighton and other coastal towns, seagulls are given a bad reputation for stealing chips and other food items from stupid tourists who fail to realise that although human beings perceive themselves as better than every other creature, they are not really.  Earnest the Seagull is an unofficial lifeguard on Brighton Beach.  He watches out for any stray animal, child or drunk adult who may get too close to the sea.  Over the years, he has developed a sophisticated form of body language to warn anyone who may be approaching a dangerous situation.  He lifts his left wing.  Earnest is my kind of hero.

Never underestimate the power of the Gull.

The Upside-Down House.

Apparently, this isn't just a tourist attraction for people with a predilection for living with your head on the ground.  It is part of a housing project.  I am not sure much thought has gone into the problems associated with the accumulation of water on its top but it looks nice on a sunny day.

To some, this is vertically challenged.

Inside the Sea Life Centre.

It's interesting to think that some of the structure of the Sea Life Centre is probably the same as it has been for decades.  The Brighton Aquarium has always been in the same location and has undergone changes over the years but looking at its architecture, the visitor truly feels that time has not really past at all.  The changing lighting scheme creates some pretty effects and makes you feel as though you are living through a psychedelic experience minus the mushrooms and drugs.

Look up, always look up.

Do Jellyfishes taste of Jelly?

Everyone should have a jellyfish in their lives.  A blobby, transparent dancer with tentacles that can sting.  Personally, I wouldn't want to eat a jellyfish.  One of the saddest things you will ever see is the sight of a Jellyfish washed up on the beach.  I saw one in Wales once and someone had put their sandals on it.  Don't eat jellyfish.  They don't like it.

Hello, Little Friend.

Nick Cave on the wall.

Upon leaving the Sea Life Centre, you enter a tunnel with lots of excellent street art.  I believe that there were depictions of many of the personalities associated with Brighton and Hove.  As Nick Cave spent many years living and working in the area, he has earned his position on the wall.

Nick Cave looking moody or pensive.

Pose like a model.  Live the dream.

In an age of perceived equality, you can still stick your head behind holes and let other people take your photos.  Personally, I would prefer to stick my head where the mermaid's face should be.  The diver is taking up way too much space and I don't like his thumb.  It could be loaded.  In case, you are wondering, this marvellous photo opportunity is on Brighton Pier.

Oh dear!

The Private Shop Has Closed.

In an age of apparently enlightened thinking and a growing awareness of sexuality, it amuses me to see 'Private Shops' scattered everywhere.  This one has gone out of business and what you can't see is the mattress that someone had dumped outside of its once hallowed entrance.  There is another shop of its ilk down the road from this one but sometimes, I wish for a world where the human body is celebrated for what it is, a decaying receptacle of life, love and various levels of indulgences.  Walking past this closed business reminded me of the chain of shops, the Popular Book Centres that thrived in the 80s.  These were shops that regularly consisted of comics and nice books out the front and a small area around the back where gentlemen in raincoats could pick up their special magazines.  Times change but the sentiment of repressive thinking doesn't.

I went there looking for a private or a shop but found neither.

A Concluding Remark.

I enjoyed my day in Brighton and my endless walk towards Hove and back.  The town still holds many attractions for people who want to escape from realities of daily life.  As ever, if you want decent fish and chips steer yourself away from the Pier.  I still find piers weird places.  They encapsulate many of the features of most coastal towns such as fairgrounds, amusement arcades and strange places to eat in one place yet still feel uninviting and structurally unsound (just don't look down).  Brighton is definitely the place to go to be alone in a crowd.

                                                                        Barry Watt - 5th August and 7th August 2019.

Afterword.

The Brighton Toy and Model Museum doesn't open on Mondays (and also it transpires Sundays too!):

https://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/

The Sea Life Centre is worth a visit:

https://www.visitsealife.com/brighton/

Nick Cave is one of the most talented singer/songwriters out there and unsurprisingly, he has quite a few websites dedicated to him and quite a big fanbase:

https://www.nickcave.com/

The Popular Book Centres that existed in the 80s are not to be confused with any store that may have opened since with the same name or have maybe changed their choice of merchandise.

If anybody wants me to remove any of the images, I can do that.  Hopefully, the figures are obscured enough by bad lighting and environmental features.

                                                                                                                                           BW.