At various points, I have attended work related courses and other courses. Every so often, the trainer espouses the notion that if people were 'nicer', the world would be a better place and that you can choose to be 'nice'. From now on, in this diatribe, I will cease to put the word nice in quotation marks as you probably get the idea that I have some problems with the word within the context of human endeavour.
Now actually, if you look at a dictionary definition of the word, you will discover that it's far more nuanced than how it is regularly used within the framework of humanistic philosophies. Indeed, reading a final comment on usage in the 'Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English', they suggest that:
Nice is very commonly used in speech, but in formal writing it is better to avoid it, and to use amusing, beautiful, interesting, etc., according to the meaning.
(Longman Page 700)
From personal observation, human beings are not solely motivated by the need to be nice to other people. They are capable of performing kind acts when the conditions are right for them to do so, but intrinsically, the human race is driven by survival instincts. Ultimately, our needs are governed by the requirement to get through another day. We need food, water, clean air and some form of shelter. We can widen our focus to encompass our families but this is determinant on our relationships with the other members of our families. The essential and rather horrible truth is the fact that we are alone even within social constructs.
When our needs are satiated, we tend to be more open to providing acts of kindness to others. I know friends who work hard for charities and other causes such as the perpetration of religious beliefs. By performing these acts, they feel as though they are making a difference to peoples' lives and indeed, they are. But importantly, it is their choice to be kind. Sometimes, this is driven by reimbursement, you can be paid for working within the charity sector or can achieve some kind of enhancement of your personal status within a religious movement.
My objection to any movement that leans towards 'making a difference' is the level of self-promotion that accompanies the so-called 'altruistic' gestures they provide. For example, charities speculate to accumulate. The bigger charities advertise everywhere, particularly around Christmas when people are more open to giving. The increase of social media to promote causes is no different to the chain letter phenomenon.
To close, I do believe that human beings can be kind and perform intrinsic acts of goodness without expecting any form of return but not all of the time. We also perform acts of atrocity, sometimes with the 'best of intentions'. How many wars have been fought for the stupidest of reasons? I want to believe that the human race can improve but in an age of conspicuous consumption where the value of individualism is not based upon what we are able to create and how we can help others but in what we own, I remain sceptical. Thank goodness for those who aspire to be kind and help others who do not expect continual acknowledgement.
Barry Watt - 17th December 2016.
Afterword.
The quote in bold italics is extracted from page 700 of the 'Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English' (Second Edition: 1987) and is copyright to the Longman Group.
BW
Saturday, 17 December 2016
Sunday, 13 November 2016
Dublin Diversions - Day 4 - Thursday 22nd September 2016 - Forget everything you have ever been told, but not what you have read.
Today, I endeavoured to cram so much into each passing minute that I am not sure that each random experience has finally been absorbed yet.
Anyhow, I went to Trinity College, visited the Long Room and Book of Kells, marvelling how two sections of a book rival the Crown Jewels in London, in terms of visitors. By the time I had left (I arrived pretty much as it opened), queues had formed. The sheer workmanship that went into the creation of the Book of Kells and the vellum pages its contents were written on, are actually far more impressive than the finished product as it is presented in a darkened room. Owing to its age, the pages are only changed every six months (I believe). The Long Room was fascinating with Latin inscriptions above each section. Guides to arcane and possibly more practical knowledge.
Outside of the Long Room, the Trinity College grounds were impressive and I have a strong feeling that it's Freshers' Week owing to the stalls outside the establishment. I enjoyed looking at the random sculptures and signs with exercise suggestions scattered around the playing fields.
After this visit, I went to the National Gallery of Ireland and was slightly underwhelmed by its contents. Everything seemed to be shut or undergoing refurbishment. Having said that, the exhibition about recently acquired pieces was interesting, particularly the early wordless graphic novels.
I believe I then headed to 29 Fitzwilliam Street, the Georgian House Museum and learnt about the lives of a Georgian family and their servants. I was particularly captivated with the learning diagrams and exercises that children would have studied. These included lists of foods and useful terms from the Bible such as 'sin' and 'charity' and a handy reference to where they could be located via line and verse number.
From here I had a quick look in St. Stephen's Green (as I later learnt, home to some vicious fighting during the Irish Civil War, which was only stopped for a brief period each day to allow the ground keeper to feed his ducks).
Then on to the Little Museum of Dublin, an entirely random yet also usefully succinct overview of Irish social and cultural history. This visit began with a tour guide explaining some of the items in the collection including the gold Monster Munch artwork (a commentary on the so-called 'Celtic Tiger' period of Irish history before the economy crashed). Also one room was dedicated to everyone's favourite Irish folk band, U2.
From here I continued wandering, not really sure what I wanted to do, so I headed back near my hotel and visited the James Joyce Centre, which offered a pretty comprehensive overview of his life and work. It inspired me to start reading 'Ulysses'. After all, I have already read the ending as they have an early edition of the book open to its last page in the Little Museum of Dublin. It was interesting to see the cultural influences on Joyce including theatre posters and performers.
I hit a cafe after this absorbing a hot chocolate and slice of carrot cake, surreptitiously eavesdropping on a fairly intense conversation between friends. I do indeed agree that 'good can come out of a crisis'. Sometimes, watching human beings interact restores your faith in the species, especially when they admit their weaknesses.
I skirted past Dublin Castle as I really wasn't in the mood to enter. I went to a fish and chip shop and had smoked haddock in batter. It really shouldn't work and I am still not sure it does.
I then headed off to the hotel again, unsure what to do with my last evening. I have been tossing up between seeing some theatre, going to the cinema or simply reading in the hotel room. But before this, I went to the Wax Museum, which was pretty terrible, although I did fill my pants in the Chamber of Horrors, when I saw the 'Buffalo Bill' exhibit (from 'The Silence of the Lambs').
At some point today, I also finally visited the G.P.O. Quite a heavy duty overview of the Easter Rising that at least succeeded in humanising the actions that contributed to the event and also managed to simplify other aspects of Irish political history. The use of children as messengers seems to be a feature of political actions and events.
My experiences in Ireland are teaching me that politics in its myriad forms is a fundamental interest of many people. Protesters are everywhere. There seems to be some kind of action against proposed changes to abortion law. Also today was something like 'No car' day. Just a shame, that someone forgot to let the drivers know.
My general view of Ireland and its people is essentially positive. I just see lots of driven individuals, anxious to achieve their goals. There does seem to be a problem with poverty and alcoholism. I suspect this isn't helped when you consider how many pubs are scattered about.
Dublin feels like Berlin and nothing at all like London. London is apathetic and veers towards inertia. Dublin is happening. I wouldn't call Ireland laid back but the proximity of so many students around Dublin help to generate its life force and sense of vibrancy. Oh yes, the spirit of 'Molly Malone' too. I blame her shellfish and spirited nightlife.
Barry Watt - 22nd September 2016.
Photographs.
Anyhow, I went to Trinity College, visited the Long Room and Book of Kells, marvelling how two sections of a book rival the Crown Jewels in London, in terms of visitors. By the time I had left (I arrived pretty much as it opened), queues had formed. The sheer workmanship that went into the creation of the Book of Kells and the vellum pages its contents were written on, are actually far more impressive than the finished product as it is presented in a darkened room. Owing to its age, the pages are only changed every six months (I believe). The Long Room was fascinating with Latin inscriptions above each section. Guides to arcane and possibly more practical knowledge.
Outside of the Long Room, the Trinity College grounds were impressive and I have a strong feeling that it's Freshers' Week owing to the stalls outside the establishment. I enjoyed looking at the random sculptures and signs with exercise suggestions scattered around the playing fields.
After this visit, I went to the National Gallery of Ireland and was slightly underwhelmed by its contents. Everything seemed to be shut or undergoing refurbishment. Having said that, the exhibition about recently acquired pieces was interesting, particularly the early wordless graphic novels.
I believe I then headed to 29 Fitzwilliam Street, the Georgian House Museum and learnt about the lives of a Georgian family and their servants. I was particularly captivated with the learning diagrams and exercises that children would have studied. These included lists of foods and useful terms from the Bible such as 'sin' and 'charity' and a handy reference to where they could be located via line and verse number.
From here I had a quick look in St. Stephen's Green (as I later learnt, home to some vicious fighting during the Irish Civil War, which was only stopped for a brief period each day to allow the ground keeper to feed his ducks).
Then on to the Little Museum of Dublin, an entirely random yet also usefully succinct overview of Irish social and cultural history. This visit began with a tour guide explaining some of the items in the collection including the gold Monster Munch artwork (a commentary on the so-called 'Celtic Tiger' period of Irish history before the economy crashed). Also one room was dedicated to everyone's favourite Irish folk band, U2.
From here I continued wandering, not really sure what I wanted to do, so I headed back near my hotel and visited the James Joyce Centre, which offered a pretty comprehensive overview of his life and work. It inspired me to start reading 'Ulysses'. After all, I have already read the ending as they have an early edition of the book open to its last page in the Little Museum of Dublin. It was interesting to see the cultural influences on Joyce including theatre posters and performers.
I hit a cafe after this absorbing a hot chocolate and slice of carrot cake, surreptitiously eavesdropping on a fairly intense conversation between friends. I do indeed agree that 'good can come out of a crisis'. Sometimes, watching human beings interact restores your faith in the species, especially when they admit their weaknesses.
I skirted past Dublin Castle as I really wasn't in the mood to enter. I went to a fish and chip shop and had smoked haddock in batter. It really shouldn't work and I am still not sure it does.
I then headed off to the hotel again, unsure what to do with my last evening. I have been tossing up between seeing some theatre, going to the cinema or simply reading in the hotel room. But before this, I went to the Wax Museum, which was pretty terrible, although I did fill my pants in the Chamber of Horrors, when I saw the 'Buffalo Bill' exhibit (from 'The Silence of the Lambs').
At some point today, I also finally visited the G.P.O. Quite a heavy duty overview of the Easter Rising that at least succeeded in humanising the actions that contributed to the event and also managed to simplify other aspects of Irish political history. The use of children as messengers seems to be a feature of political actions and events.
My experiences in Ireland are teaching me that politics in its myriad forms is a fundamental interest of many people. Protesters are everywhere. There seems to be some kind of action against proposed changes to abortion law. Also today was something like 'No car' day. Just a shame, that someone forgot to let the drivers know.
My general view of Ireland and its people is essentially positive. I just see lots of driven individuals, anxious to achieve their goals. There does seem to be a problem with poverty and alcoholism. I suspect this isn't helped when you consider how many pubs are scattered about.
Dublin feels like Berlin and nothing at all like London. London is apathetic and veers towards inertia. Dublin is happening. I wouldn't call Ireland laid back but the proximity of so many students around Dublin help to generate its life force and sense of vibrancy. Oh yes, the spirit of 'Molly Malone' too. I blame her shellfish and spirited nightlife.
Barry Watt - 22nd September 2016.
Photographs.
The Long Room in Trinity College.
Latin inscription in the Long Room.
This is not the Death Star from 'Star Wars'. It's a sculpture in Trinity College.
Exercise advice in the grounds of Trinity College.
Oscar Wilde lazing around in Merrion Square Park.
Samuel Beckett in the Wax Museum, looking pensive.
I sometimes feel like this.
Afterword.
Here's a link to the Book of Kells at Trinity College and also a link for Trinity College's main website:
https://www.tcd.ie/visitors/book-of-kells/
https://www.tcd.ie/
The National Gallery of Ireland also has its own website, which makes me want to revisit when there are more exhibitions open:
http://www.nationalgallery.ie/
Number 29 Fitzwilliam Street is a great place to visit:
http://www.numbertwentynine.ie/
The Little Museum of Dublin is a must see attraction in Dublin. Its focus on the cultural aspects of Dublin and its people opens up the day to day life of people going about their normal business:
http://www.littlemuseum.ie/
U2 are a fairly well known Irish band. They even have their own website:
http://www.u2.com/index/home
The James Joyce Centre is worth a visit if you like museums etc dedicated to specific writers:
http://jamesjoyce.ie/
'Ulysses' is perhaps James Joyce's best known novel. Numerous publishers have produced versions of it including Wordsworth Classics who produce a very economical version of the novel. Everyone seems to own it, few people finish it. I have yet to start reading it.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ulysses-Wordsworth-Classics-James-Joyce/dp/1840226358
Dublin Castle has a website. I didn't go in but I walked past it:
http://www.dublincastle.ie/
The National Wax Museum Plus didn't do much for me but I wasn't really in the mood, it may be more enjoyable for you:
http://www.waxmuseumplus.ie/
'Buffalo Bill' is a character from 'The Silence of the Lambs', a novel by Thomas Harris that subsequently became a film. The character is a little unusual and as I don't want to spoil his particular drive or overriding need to you, I will say no more. Read the book or see the film!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silence-Lambs-Hannibal-Thomas-Harris/dp/0099532921/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1479039859&sr=1-2&keywords=the+silence+of+the+lambs
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silence-Lambs-DVD-Jodie-Foster/dp/B00005KIVV/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1479039928&sr=1-1&keywords=the+silence+of+the+lambs+film
The General Post Office is probably the most politically and culturally significant building in Irish history, so if you are in Dublin, you really should visit it:
http://www.dublindna.ie/the-gpo/
'Star Wars' is a film that inspired a number of sequels and so much merchandising and was originally created by George Lucas:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars
'Molly Malone' is a popular song in Dublin. Almost an anthem. I get the feeling that she didn't really exist sadly.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molly_Malone
B.W.
Sunday, 23 October 2016
Dublin Diversions - Day 3 - Wednesday 21st September 2016 - E.D.W.A.R.D. & Grace Jones.
Today has been a day of signs. Strange messages misinterpreted by my to give them extra piquancy. For example, a road sign flashed up that today was Project E.D.W.A.R.D. and briefly explained that it is a European initiative to hopefully encourage zero road casualties on this date (the abbreviation stands for European Day Without A Road Death). Rather ironically, around the corner a couple of drunken blokes were pushing each other in the direction of the traffic. I suspect that the initiative will fail (sadly).
Anyhow, I woke up and decided to upgrade my 24 hour CitySightseeing ticket to a 48 hour one as I realised how far the Guinness Storehouse and Phoenix Park are from anywhere else. I was successful and was treated to a driver who also provided his own commentary, which I greatly preferred to the buses with the additional guides with their malfunctioning microphones. History lessons offered through white noise and bad jokes.
I went to the Guinness Storehouse first and was amazed how a fairly complex process had been rendered down to its smallest details. Visitors were even shown what the ingredients look like. The building was strikingly modern and I enjoyed the floor dedicated to Guinness advertising and the area devoted to alcohol awareness. Amongst the many useful skills I could have learnt, one section provided you with the opportunity to pour your own pint of Guinness. If you succeeded in pouring the perfect pint, they provided you with a certificate. I left this challenge alone but I did drink a pint of Guinness upstairs at 11 am. Alcohol awareness clearly did not impede my need to experiment.
Upon leaving the Guinness Storehouse, I got back on a bus and headed out of the main city centre again. The bus went past the Kilmainham Gaol and as the next timed admission was 2.30 pm, I decided to give it a miss (I can always come back). Instead, I went to the Zoo in Phoenix Park.
As I have got older, I have grown to appreciate zoos for their work with endangered species but I still find it hard to justify depressed animals and the many closed sections. I did enjoy seeing lots of herons for some reason. Also I have never seen so many vending machines and toilets in a public attraction ever.
Phoenix Park seems enormous, so I really only visited the Zoo. It would take hours to negotiate the park.
Back on the bus, I headed back into town then wandered around looking for somewhere to eat. I am still not the most confident solo diner, so I choose my eating establishment carefully. I chose a steak restaurant that was actually very good. The staff also treated me well, which I still do not assume is a given.
I then wandered some more before going to my first fringe production of the night at the New Theatre. The first production being by the guy whose play I saw on my first night in Dublin (also included material by Maria Black). He was in this one though. 'Briseis After The Black' was a very strange and emotional play within a play, exploring a play ('Briseis') by the playwright (Maria Black) who committed suicide and her relationships. Dylan Coburn Gray uses a different guest female performer each performance who has not rehearsed the show with him in advance. Her lines are written on props including books and cereal boxes. Dylan Coburn Gray instructed her occasionally whilst the performance continued. It feels well structured with just a slight element of spontaneity thrown into the mix. Probably the most original and engaging performance I have seen on the fringe scene for some time.
The second performance which I attended after walking around in torrential rain for a couple of hours (I did have the sense to pop in a cafe, which was located in a Spar to my utter amazement) was staged in a peculiar environment and required the audience to go up several flights of stairs and sit on the floor. 'Black Pitch Pitch Black' was an acrobatic performance with a leaning towards science. The female performer (Ria Murphy) manipulating her body around long black silk material suspended from the ceiling and acting around scientific instruments such as test tubes and a gramophone, which was also suspended in mid air. The performance had a repetitious quality about it, which perfectly suited the theme of the play, the pitch stop experiment. Well worth seeing.
After this performance ended, I headed back to the hotel (getting lost as ever) past the Olympia Theatre where Grace Jones was completing the first of two concerts there. Both had sold out. Having seen her perform before, she is an energetic performer. She spent most of the gig I saw spinning a hula hoop.
My journey back to the hotel was as eventful as ever. Alcohol and binge drinking definitely seem to be a problem and homelessness is equally prevalent in Dublin as it is in London today sadly.
Barry Watt - 21st September 2016.
Photographs.
Anyhow, I woke up and decided to upgrade my 24 hour CitySightseeing ticket to a 48 hour one as I realised how far the Guinness Storehouse and Phoenix Park are from anywhere else. I was successful and was treated to a driver who also provided his own commentary, which I greatly preferred to the buses with the additional guides with their malfunctioning microphones. History lessons offered through white noise and bad jokes.
I went to the Guinness Storehouse first and was amazed how a fairly complex process had been rendered down to its smallest details. Visitors were even shown what the ingredients look like. The building was strikingly modern and I enjoyed the floor dedicated to Guinness advertising and the area devoted to alcohol awareness. Amongst the many useful skills I could have learnt, one section provided you with the opportunity to pour your own pint of Guinness. If you succeeded in pouring the perfect pint, they provided you with a certificate. I left this challenge alone but I did drink a pint of Guinness upstairs at 11 am. Alcohol awareness clearly did not impede my need to experiment.
Upon leaving the Guinness Storehouse, I got back on a bus and headed out of the main city centre again. The bus went past the Kilmainham Gaol and as the next timed admission was 2.30 pm, I decided to give it a miss (I can always come back). Instead, I went to the Zoo in Phoenix Park.
As I have got older, I have grown to appreciate zoos for their work with endangered species but I still find it hard to justify depressed animals and the many closed sections. I did enjoy seeing lots of herons for some reason. Also I have never seen so many vending machines and toilets in a public attraction ever.
Phoenix Park seems enormous, so I really only visited the Zoo. It would take hours to negotiate the park.
Back on the bus, I headed back into town then wandered around looking for somewhere to eat. I am still not the most confident solo diner, so I choose my eating establishment carefully. I chose a steak restaurant that was actually very good. The staff also treated me well, which I still do not assume is a given.
I then wandered some more before going to my first fringe production of the night at the New Theatre. The first production being by the guy whose play I saw on my first night in Dublin (also included material by Maria Black). He was in this one though. 'Briseis After The Black' was a very strange and emotional play within a play, exploring a play ('Briseis') by the playwright (Maria Black) who committed suicide and her relationships. Dylan Coburn Gray uses a different guest female performer each performance who has not rehearsed the show with him in advance. Her lines are written on props including books and cereal boxes. Dylan Coburn Gray instructed her occasionally whilst the performance continued. It feels well structured with just a slight element of spontaneity thrown into the mix. Probably the most original and engaging performance I have seen on the fringe scene for some time.
The second performance which I attended after walking around in torrential rain for a couple of hours (I did have the sense to pop in a cafe, which was located in a Spar to my utter amazement) was staged in a peculiar environment and required the audience to go up several flights of stairs and sit on the floor. 'Black Pitch Pitch Black' was an acrobatic performance with a leaning towards science. The female performer (Ria Murphy) manipulating her body around long black silk material suspended from the ceiling and acting around scientific instruments such as test tubes and a gramophone, which was also suspended in mid air. The performance had a repetitious quality about it, which perfectly suited the theme of the play, the pitch stop experiment. Well worth seeing.
After this performance ended, I headed back to the hotel (getting lost as ever) past the Olympia Theatre where Grace Jones was completing the first of two concerts there. Both had sold out. Having seen her perform before, she is an energetic performer. She spent most of the gig I saw spinning a hula hoop.
My journey back to the hotel was as eventful as ever. Alcohol and binge drinking definitely seem to be a problem and homelessness is equally prevalent in Dublin as it is in London today sadly.
Barry Watt - 21st September 2016.
Photographs.
Yep, Guinness, more popular in Dublin than tea (perhaps!)
Very impressive sculpture in the Guinness Storehouse based on a pint of the eponymous beverage.
Odd section in the Guinness Storehouse giving useful information about alcohol and its use/abuse.
Old advertisement for Guinness.
First Christmas tree I have seen this year in the shop in the Guinness Storehouse.
I believe this exhibit was near the toilets. You have to guess the animal that has produced this faeces. There were various examples.
Happy Lion.
Wee Herons keeping an eye on the Zoo.
This sunflower and ram are not real. Honestly!
Afterword.
Project E.D.W.A.R.D. was mentioned on various websites. I just want to post a link to one of them in case anyone thinks I am pulling their leg!
http://www.garda.ie/Controller.aspx?Page=18853
City Sightseeing's website again in case you are interested:
http://www.city-sightseeing.com/
Guinness Storehouse's website is here. Entry includes a pint and a dinky little glass of Guinness if you want them:
https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en
Kilmainham Gaol was one of the attractions I missed this time around but here's their website if you want it:
http://kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie/
Dublin Zoo is well worth a visit and I did enjoy seeing the animal excrement:
http://www.dublinzoo.ie/
The New Theatre is a theatre behind a bookshop and stages several interesting plays:
http://www.thenewtheatre.com/tnt_php/scripts/page/home.php
'Briseis After The Black' is described on this weblink but sadly, I can find very little information about Maria Black and 'Briseis', her play.
http://www.fringefest.com/festival/whats-on/briseis-after-the-black
Aerial Cirque where 'Black Pitch Pitch Black' was staged is based at 10 Exchequer Street in Dublin and seems to offer courses in acrobatics and circus skills, in addition to shows:
http://aerialcirque.org/about/
For more information on 'Black Pitch Pitch Black':
http://www.fringefest.com/festival/whats-on/black-pitch-pitch-black
The Olympia Theatre seems to be quite a popular venue:
http://www.olympia.ie/
All of the Guinness photos are of course, copyright to their respective copyright holders and Guinness should be consumed responsibly.
BW
Saturday, 1 October 2016
Dublin Diversions - Day 2 - Tuesday 20th September 2016 - The Crack Shows.
I arose in time for breakfast in the hotel, which was the usual feeding frenzy. Men and women anxiously piling up their plates from the buffet or being served by kitchen staff, who fail to keep the toaster popping with the regularity that the gannets require. Still, I for one, appreciated the fare on offer. Not least, the totally unexpected Morrissey track performing in the background that wasn't a Smiths' number.
Then back to my room, digesting a small portion of 'Catch-22' to get me in the mood for a day's sightseeing.
I left the hotel around 9 am, eager to embark on the City Sightseeing bus tour, on account of the fact that you can hop on and off (although, the hopping off could involve a thirty minute wait, but hey, I am on holiday). As I sat on top of the bus experiencing a pretty chilly Tuesday morning, I witnessed the passage of a number of buildings I saw last night. Most notably, the Docklands' buildings that actually look more impressive in the dark (but don't tell them!) Also informed by the guide that tickets for Kilmainham Gaol which I am half tempted to see, should be purchased online before visiting (although when we passed the Gaol later, a member of staff indicated to the bus driver that tickets were available). Also prior to this, I saw the exterior of the Guinness Storehouse, which is actually miles from anywhere, so I look forward to getting lost trying to find it tomorrow.
Eventually, I settled in Glasnevin Cemetery. Basically, I joined the tour and was given a rundown of major Irish historical events. Many of the most radical and controversial figures in Irish history were buried here including Roger Casement and Michael Collins. It's odd how the guide made a number of references to the film based on Michael Collins. Art regularly supplants real life and the past.
As uninteresting as my eating habits may appear, but in the spirit of James Joyce, I consumed a chocolate biscuit thing that was sublime. A brick of a sugary treat, followed by a glass of hot chocolate that was actually hot. This worked in its favour. The little museum attached to the cemetery was also fascinating. I now know more than I did about cremation (it's not a quick process).
Then after a bit of a wait, back on another bus where this guide lead us to Croke Park, regaling us with stories from his childhood. His dad taking him to a hurling match there and the goalkeeper being hit in the groin area with a fast moving ball. As the guide described, he 'can still hear the screams today'. On passing a prison, the guide also informed his captive guests (well, you can't escape when the bus is moving) that two of his family work there and 'if we ever end up there and want a cell with a good looking prisoner, we should contact him' (well, I guess that's one thing I could do with the one available phone call).
Upon arriving back where I started on O'Connell Street, I visited the Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane with its excellent reconstruction of Francis Bacon's studio. He apparently enjoyed working in chaos but not filth. Also I went to the Dublin Writers Museum after inadvertently entering the Irish Writers Centre next door and being looked at bemusedly by a member of staff (apparently a lot of people make the same mistake). The Dublin Writers Museum feels like a museum out of time, right down to the note on the wall explaining why some of the exhibits have been removed owing to damp (or something like damp, judging by the damaged wall, they are not returning for the foreseeable future). The museum has some interesting exhibits including early editions of Samuel Beckett's plays and James Joyce's novels. Upstairs, there seems to be a weird children's section, which is either incomplete or alternatively, it is where damaged artifacts are stored (I couldn't make up my mind).
Now back at the hotel, waiting to go out to eat and see a play later at the Project Arts Centre.
I went out and walked to The Woollen Mills for a meal. The first time I have eaten a meal in an establishment where I have been treated respectfully as a human being rather than a single guy. The difference is palpable and makes the experience more fulfilling. I ate sardines, coddle and a brownie. Coddle being essentially a bizarre stew of types including bacon, potatoes, onion and quite a bit of sausage. All washed down with a ginger limeade.
I then wandered around Temple Bar, amazed by the music and shocked by the in-your-face scrounging, 'Can I speak to you?' The sense of jollity and extreme parasitic need seem to grow in direct relation to each other.
Eventually, I ducked into the venue early (the Project Arts Centre) to resist the approaches. 'Traitor' was another new play by Shane Mac an Bhaird. This time based in two time periods, 2016 and 2026 and exploring a former activist's journey towards becoming a politician. The other characters including Lizard, a man with the desire to totally alter his body through tattoos and body adornments. Striving to become a living equation, seeking order in the face of chaos. The play felt like Edward Bond with the same bizarre aftertaste. Good but something missing to make it exceptional. I think any play set in the future needs something to prevent it appearing like a cliche. Dystopianism may be inevitable, but make it look different.
I started to get lost finding my way back, yet regained my bearings and arrived back at the hotel quite quickly. Dublin feels slightly less safe than London, although I appreciate its energy and strangeness. Today, it reminds me of Berlin. I think it is the politics and the pervasive cultural figures dominating the landscape and public consciousness. In many cultures, the past stains the present. Ireland is no exception to this unwritten rule.
Barry Watt - 20th September 2016.
Photographs.
'Catch-22' was written by Joseph Heller and is well worth a read. It has been published by lots of companies.
City Sightseeing provide short bus tours in a number of countries. Their website is below:
http://www.city-sightseeing.com/?gclid=CNH3qYqzuc8CFQQq0wode_oOvw
Kilmainham Gaol (which I went past but didn't visit) has a website:
http://kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie/
Guinness Storehouse (See my future blog entry for more information about the joys of this attraction):
https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en?nst=0&gclid=cmgw_tqzuc8cfvw4gwodzsihmq
Glasnevin Cemetery is well worth a visit and is the final resting place of a number of prominent Irish figures such as Michael Collins:
http://www.glasnevinmuseum.ie/?gclid=COHr2au0uc8CFYgy0wodHk8NBA
The film, 'Michael Collins' starred Liam Neeson and was written and directed by Neil Jordan. It was released in 1996. It is still available on DVD and was distributed by Warner Brothers.
Croke Park is apparently one of the largest stadiums in Europe:
https://crokepark.ie/home
Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane is worth visiting for the recreation of Francis Bacon's studio:
http://www.hughlane.ie/
Dublin Writers Museum is great fun but literally feels like a museum lost in time:
http://www.visitdublin.com/see-do/details/dublin-writers-museum/31258/#53.354366|-6.263985|16
Irish Writers Centre where tourists accidentally visit seems to offer lots of courses etc to people with a greater sense of direction:
http://irishwriterscentre.ie/
The Woollen Mills was a lovely restaurant and apparently, James Joyce worked in the building:
http://thewoollenmills.com/
The Project Arts Centre is a little bit like the Soho Theatre in London. They present an eclectic range of productions and art events etc:
http://projectartscentre.ie/
'Traitor' is a play by Shane Mac an Bhaird (I provide the link for information but it is no longer on at the venue):
http://projectartscentre.ie/event/traitor/
BW.
Then back to my room, digesting a small portion of 'Catch-22' to get me in the mood for a day's sightseeing.
I left the hotel around 9 am, eager to embark on the City Sightseeing bus tour, on account of the fact that you can hop on and off (although, the hopping off could involve a thirty minute wait, but hey, I am on holiday). As I sat on top of the bus experiencing a pretty chilly Tuesday morning, I witnessed the passage of a number of buildings I saw last night. Most notably, the Docklands' buildings that actually look more impressive in the dark (but don't tell them!) Also informed by the guide that tickets for Kilmainham Gaol which I am half tempted to see, should be purchased online before visiting (although when we passed the Gaol later, a member of staff indicated to the bus driver that tickets were available). Also prior to this, I saw the exterior of the Guinness Storehouse, which is actually miles from anywhere, so I look forward to getting lost trying to find it tomorrow.
Eventually, I settled in Glasnevin Cemetery. Basically, I joined the tour and was given a rundown of major Irish historical events. Many of the most radical and controversial figures in Irish history were buried here including Roger Casement and Michael Collins. It's odd how the guide made a number of references to the film based on Michael Collins. Art regularly supplants real life and the past.
As uninteresting as my eating habits may appear, but in the spirit of James Joyce, I consumed a chocolate biscuit thing that was sublime. A brick of a sugary treat, followed by a glass of hot chocolate that was actually hot. This worked in its favour. The little museum attached to the cemetery was also fascinating. I now know more than I did about cremation (it's not a quick process).
Then after a bit of a wait, back on another bus where this guide lead us to Croke Park, regaling us with stories from his childhood. His dad taking him to a hurling match there and the goalkeeper being hit in the groin area with a fast moving ball. As the guide described, he 'can still hear the screams today'. On passing a prison, the guide also informed his captive guests (well, you can't escape when the bus is moving) that two of his family work there and 'if we ever end up there and want a cell with a good looking prisoner, we should contact him' (well, I guess that's one thing I could do with the one available phone call).
Upon arriving back where I started on O'Connell Street, I visited the Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane with its excellent reconstruction of Francis Bacon's studio. He apparently enjoyed working in chaos but not filth. Also I went to the Dublin Writers Museum after inadvertently entering the Irish Writers Centre next door and being looked at bemusedly by a member of staff (apparently a lot of people make the same mistake). The Dublin Writers Museum feels like a museum out of time, right down to the note on the wall explaining why some of the exhibits have been removed owing to damp (or something like damp, judging by the damaged wall, they are not returning for the foreseeable future). The museum has some interesting exhibits including early editions of Samuel Beckett's plays and James Joyce's novels. Upstairs, there seems to be a weird children's section, which is either incomplete or alternatively, it is where damaged artifacts are stored (I couldn't make up my mind).
Now back at the hotel, waiting to go out to eat and see a play later at the Project Arts Centre.
I went out and walked to The Woollen Mills for a meal. The first time I have eaten a meal in an establishment where I have been treated respectfully as a human being rather than a single guy. The difference is palpable and makes the experience more fulfilling. I ate sardines, coddle and a brownie. Coddle being essentially a bizarre stew of types including bacon, potatoes, onion and quite a bit of sausage. All washed down with a ginger limeade.
I then wandered around Temple Bar, amazed by the music and shocked by the in-your-face scrounging, 'Can I speak to you?' The sense of jollity and extreme parasitic need seem to grow in direct relation to each other.
Eventually, I ducked into the venue early (the Project Arts Centre) to resist the approaches. 'Traitor' was another new play by Shane Mac an Bhaird. This time based in two time periods, 2016 and 2026 and exploring a former activist's journey towards becoming a politician. The other characters including Lizard, a man with the desire to totally alter his body through tattoos and body adornments. Striving to become a living equation, seeking order in the face of chaos. The play felt like Edward Bond with the same bizarre aftertaste. Good but something missing to make it exceptional. I think any play set in the future needs something to prevent it appearing like a cliche. Dystopianism may be inevitable, but make it look different.
I started to get lost finding my way back, yet regained my bearings and arrived back at the hotel quite quickly. Dublin feels slightly less safe than London, although I appreciate its energy and strangeness. Today, it reminds me of Berlin. I think it is the politics and the pervasive cultural figures dominating the landscape and public consciousness. In many cultures, the past stains the present. Ireland is no exception to this unwritten rule.
Barry Watt - 20th September 2016.
Photographs.
Bridge.
Bank of Ireland with bricked up windows.
Olympia Theatre.
O'Connell Monument in Glasnevin Cemetery.
The interior of O'Connell's crypt in Glasnevin Cemetery. Apparently, if you touch his coffin it leads to good luck. I left it alone.
Something about the star in Glasnevin Cemetery.
Croke Park.
Street art in Dublin.
The gloaming in Dublin.
Bright lights in Dublin.
Afterword.
'Catch-22' was written by Joseph Heller and is well worth a read. It has been published by lots of companies.
City Sightseeing provide short bus tours in a number of countries. Their website is below:
http://www.city-sightseeing.com/?gclid=CNH3qYqzuc8CFQQq0wode_oOvw
Kilmainham Gaol (which I went past but didn't visit) has a website:
http://kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie/
Guinness Storehouse (See my future blog entry for more information about the joys of this attraction):
https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en?nst=0&gclid=cmgw_tqzuc8cfvw4gwodzsihmq
Glasnevin Cemetery is well worth a visit and is the final resting place of a number of prominent Irish figures such as Michael Collins:
http://www.glasnevinmuseum.ie/?gclid=COHr2au0uc8CFYgy0wodHk8NBA
The film, 'Michael Collins' starred Liam Neeson and was written and directed by Neil Jordan. It was released in 1996. It is still available on DVD and was distributed by Warner Brothers.
Croke Park is apparently one of the largest stadiums in Europe:
https://crokepark.ie/home
Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane is worth visiting for the recreation of Francis Bacon's studio:
http://www.hughlane.ie/
Dublin Writers Museum is great fun but literally feels like a museum lost in time:
http://www.visitdublin.com/see-do/details/dublin-writers-museum/31258/#53.354366|-6.263985|16
Irish Writers Centre where tourists accidentally visit seems to offer lots of courses etc to people with a greater sense of direction:
http://irishwriterscentre.ie/
The Woollen Mills was a lovely restaurant and apparently, James Joyce worked in the building:
http://thewoollenmills.com/
The Project Arts Centre is a little bit like the Soho Theatre in London. They present an eclectic range of productions and art events etc:
http://projectartscentre.ie/
'Traitor' is a play by Shane Mac an Bhaird (I provide the link for information but it is no longer on at the venue):
http://projectartscentre.ie/event/traitor/
BW.
Wednesday, 28 September 2016
Dublin Diversions - Day 1 - Monday 19th September 2016 - 'It's still early in the day'.
Strange day. It began too early. After all, waking up at 5 am is never going to be conducive to the act of rational thought.
Gatwick Airport was the same as ever with the added bonus of the Gatekeepers now warning people that keeping liquids in their hand luggage will result in a 25 minute wait (or something like that). Somehow, life takes on a more surreal slant, when you gaze upon your deodorant, toothpaste and shaving foam in a transparent bag.
The walk to the runway provided me with an idea for a narrative based upon what looked like a discarded pregnancy test. Perhaps, all relationships should be conducted on runways between take offs and reentries?
I sat in the wrong seat on the plane before marvelling at how quickly I arrived in Dublin (the plane was late taking off). Upon arrival, I activated my Dublin Pass, enabling me to use the Aircoach to Dublin City Centre. There seems to be a presumption that the passenger knows where they are going. Fortunately, I chose the right stop.
As I was feeling hungry, I went to an Italian restaurant and ate calamari and salmon. My friend text me during the meal explaining where we would be meeting and after dropping off my suitcase in the Castle Hotel's luggage room (well, technically outside of it as a gentleman informed me, a lady was changing in there), I headed out. I was amazed how Dublin reminds me of Amsterdam and Barcelona. The quays providing the arteries which keep the city buzzing and provide the directionless with a lifeline.
The artists in the Filmbase (where I met my friend and her daughter), Adrian and Shane were performing an installation called 'Zoo'. Essentially, creating on the spot for several hours a day using props provided by visitors. Site specific creation under the watchful gaze of cameras etc. A social media experience.
After going to the Irish Film Institute for a drink with my friend and her daughter and spotting a celebrity we couldn't identify, I headed back to the hotel.
My room is enormous. It has a double bed and a single bed. Several mirrors for me to hide from and chairs for profound thought.
This evening, I attended a production. The first of the Tiger Dublin Fringe shows I have booked to see this week, 'BlackCatfishMusketeer'. I found myself walking into unknown streets to find the Lir Academy. The production was a chirpy and intelligent exploration of relationships borne of online dating sites. The mechanics of such online dating was also represented by a character who visualises the sharing of web links etc and offers verbal asides. I found the production excellent and unusually, there didn't seem to be much variety in the age of the audience. I was probably one of the oldest there. Not that that matters to me, but it is interesting to consider the demographic that the playwright and/or production team are aiming at.
I got massively lost on the way back, stumbling on the Docklands area, which looks very impressive at night with its shiny modern buildings. Lanterns for a future that has already past. My experience of being lost got a little scary when I encountered people arguing with one another. Definitely lots of drunk people, stumbling around the streets.
My overall impression of Dublin on my first day is primarily based upon my walking around as I have only just touched on the cultural. Tomorrow, I hope to see some more sights. Today was about getting and losing my bearings.
Barry Watt - 19th September 2016.
Photographs.
Gatwick Airport was the same as ever with the added bonus of the Gatekeepers now warning people that keeping liquids in their hand luggage will result in a 25 minute wait (or something like that). Somehow, life takes on a more surreal slant, when you gaze upon your deodorant, toothpaste and shaving foam in a transparent bag.
The walk to the runway provided me with an idea for a narrative based upon what looked like a discarded pregnancy test. Perhaps, all relationships should be conducted on runways between take offs and reentries?
I sat in the wrong seat on the plane before marvelling at how quickly I arrived in Dublin (the plane was late taking off). Upon arrival, I activated my Dublin Pass, enabling me to use the Aircoach to Dublin City Centre. There seems to be a presumption that the passenger knows where they are going. Fortunately, I chose the right stop.
As I was feeling hungry, I went to an Italian restaurant and ate calamari and salmon. My friend text me during the meal explaining where we would be meeting and after dropping off my suitcase in the Castle Hotel's luggage room (well, technically outside of it as a gentleman informed me, a lady was changing in there), I headed out. I was amazed how Dublin reminds me of Amsterdam and Barcelona. The quays providing the arteries which keep the city buzzing and provide the directionless with a lifeline.
The artists in the Filmbase (where I met my friend and her daughter), Adrian and Shane were performing an installation called 'Zoo'. Essentially, creating on the spot for several hours a day using props provided by visitors. Site specific creation under the watchful gaze of cameras etc. A social media experience.
After going to the Irish Film Institute for a drink with my friend and her daughter and spotting a celebrity we couldn't identify, I headed back to the hotel.
My room is enormous. It has a double bed and a single bed. Several mirrors for me to hide from and chairs for profound thought.
This evening, I attended a production. The first of the Tiger Dublin Fringe shows I have booked to see this week, 'BlackCatfishMusketeer'. I found myself walking into unknown streets to find the Lir Academy. The production was a chirpy and intelligent exploration of relationships borne of online dating sites. The mechanics of such online dating was also represented by a character who visualises the sharing of web links etc and offers verbal asides. I found the production excellent and unusually, there didn't seem to be much variety in the age of the audience. I was probably one of the oldest there. Not that that matters to me, but it is interesting to consider the demographic that the playwright and/or production team are aiming at.
I got massively lost on the way back, stumbling on the Docklands area, which looks very impressive at night with its shiny modern buildings. Lanterns for a future that has already past. My experience of being lost got a little scary when I encountered people arguing with one another. Definitely lots of drunk people, stumbling around the streets.
My overall impression of Dublin on my first day is primarily based upon my walking around as I have only just touched on the cultural. Tomorrow, I hope to see some more sights. Today was about getting and losing my bearings.
Barry Watt - 19th September 2016.
Photographs.
Side of Blooms Hotel. Named after the character in James Joyce's 'Ulysses'.
Castle Hotel. Lovely Georgian facade.
Film premiere for 'The Siege of Jadotville' at the Savoy Cinema.
The Lir Academy where I saw the production.
No grave digging or burying unwilling relatives.
The Docklands by night.
Oddly intimidating building in the Docklands.
Street art encouraging the ancient art of perambulation. Personally, I prefer walking.
Afterword.
The Dublin Pass is a card which gives you discounts on a number of attractions etc. It is not free and can be purchased for various lengths of time.
https://www.dublinpass.com/?aid=270&gclid=CKy7-erlsc8CFcUK0wodoocEIQ
Aircoach is basically a coach service in Ireland (a one way trip into the City Centre is included with the Dublin Pass using this service).
http://www.aircoach.ie/
Castle Hotel is an excellent hotel located in the northern area of Dublin.
http://www.castle-hotel.ie/?gclid=CN6SsMfmsc8CFcSRGwod6AEAfQ
Filmbase is an organisation that encourages filmmakers. It offers courses etc and provides equipment for filmmakers for a small fee.
http://filmbase.ie/
Irish Film Institute is pretty much the same as the British Film Institute. They work to promote independent film and preserve old film etc.
http://www.ifi.ie/
Tiger Dublin Fringe seems to be a yearly fringe theatre season. It ran this year from 10th-25th September. Very eclectic programming.
http://www.fringefest.com/
'BlackCatfishMusketeer' was created by Malaprop and the play was written by Dylan Coburn Gray (I saw another of his productions later in the week. Very talented writer.)
http://www.fringefest.com/festival/whats-on/blackcatfishmusketeer
Blooms Hotel (as shown in photo).
http://www.blooms.ie/?gclid=CNnGyuXosc8CFU48Gwodi8EEQQ
'Ulysses' was written by James Joyce and of course, it will pop up as the blog entries continue. It is published by a number of publishers.
'The Siege of Jadotville' which premiered at the Savoy Theatre. Basically, it's a Netflix film I believe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_JHsiQTTmg
The Savoy Cinema is a cinema in Dublin I didn't go in there but it looked okay from the outside.
http://www.imccinemas.ie/home.asp?venue=savoy
BW.
Sunday, 14 August 2016
Exeter Exodus - The Rest of the Holiday - Thursday 23rd June 2016 and Friday 24th June 2016.
Normally, I am quite good at writing a diary entry for each day of my holiday but I frankly couldn't be bothered to document the end of my trip to Exeter. As such, several weeks later, here I am referring to my photos and the memories they elicit.
Okay, I can't document in exactly which order I did things and honestly, the need for chronology is somewhat overrated. Wouldn't it be more impressive if we could structure our experiences emotionally or perhaps, in our heads we already do this?
Let's begin with my visit to Exeter's Underground Passages. Basically, they were created to transport clean drinking water from one place to another. The entrance to the Passages is next to Next and Zara. It's odd that the portal to another world lurks in so innocuous a setting. I believe I opted for an 11 am entry slot. I visited the little exhibition about the Passages first then armed with a lovely yellow helmet, I joined a small group of about six and a guide who led us through the maze of tunnels. I remember them being low, narrow and like most underground passages, home to strange weeds and fauna. Even wearing the helmet, I bumped my head several times which seems to be an occupational hazard traipsing around underground passages.
I also visited Exeter Cathedral. Even though, I would categorically refer to myself as an agnostic, something about cathedrals and churches still gets to me. I guess it's the peace and quiet associated with these buildings when they are not being used for services. The stained glass windows and ornamentation regularly astound me. I also find the notice boards fascinating with their pictures drawn by the Sunday Kids' group. Every cathedral has its own story, whether or not you wish to hear it.
I recall taking a memorable walk in the Riverside Valley Park. Lots of wildlife and the horrible smell of something like chlorine, possibly emanating from one of the companies adjacent to the river. Swans continued to hold my attention and little insects feeding on leaves. The sense of wandering with no ultimate destination is surprisingly liberating and I guess provides much needed time for reflection.
On the Thursday night, I attended a rather lovely production with a friend at the Bike Shed Theatre, 'Pulling Out'. Basically, the play focused on a young couple and their on-off relationship, whilst bringing up their young child. The bike shop upstairs creating an unwanted noise whilst the play continued, I believe that it is important to support small fringe theatres. Not only do they regularly have the best bars, but they also offer plays by new writers.
To sum up, by and large, I had a great time in Exeter. There was plenty to do, excellent street art and an underlying sense of history including the random plaques commemorating events and people such as the so-called 'Devon Witches' who were tried and executed for supposedly being witches. The plaque which I photographed is located in the ruins of Rougemont Castle. Yet what concerned me slightly was the level of homelessness in the area and I hope that the local council are helping the situation. The most powerful memory of my holiday other than seeing my friend again was the sight of a man singing and playing Radiohead's 'Creep' on guitar and asking his friend for a roll up. It's the small moments that matter and remain. The sense of companionship and friendship.
Barry Watt - 14th August 2016.
Photos.
Exeter's Underground Passages. Scary wavy lights.
Onwards into Exeter's Underground Passage.
The fauna in Exeter's Underground Passage. Even in the dark, Nature finds a way.
The rather groovy sign for Exeter's Underground Passages.
Part of one of the stained glass windows in Exeter Cathedral.
Something about the geometry impressed me. Exeter Cathedral.
Reminded me of an octopus for some reason. Also in Exeter Cathedral.
Exterior of Exeter Cathedral.
Riverside Valley Park and its cute wee flowers or weeds.
A sign for Riverside Valley Park.
Swan with a wet beak.
Plaque for 'The Devon Witches'
Groovy fish,
Outside one of the arts' venues in Exeter.
Who doesn't love images of Alice in Wonderland reappropriated for other uses? I think this may have been outside the Bike Shed Theatre, although I could be wrong.
Afterword.
'Creep' is a Radiohead song and is copyright to the band and EMI.
Exeter's Underground Passages has a nice webpage on the Exeter City Council website:
https://exeter.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/our-attractions/underground-passages/
Exeter Cathedral also has a website:
http://www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk/
The Bike Shed Theatre which is a very cool venue with a lovely bar has an equally groovy website:
https://www.bikeshedtheatre.co.uk/
'Alice in Wonderland' was of course written by Lewis Carroll and is copyrighted to the estate of the author and to pretty much everyone who has ever created a version of the narrative.
BW
Saturday, 9 July 2016
Exeter Exodus - Day 1 - Wednesday 22nd June 2016 - Avoiding The Egg Man.
It's odd being a visitor in any location during the time of an election or political campaign. The European Referendum rears its ugly head like the unwanted guest at a party. This has various effects upon people. It can make people more jingoistic. I witnessed an interesting argument between an opinionated lady and an Asian gentleman concerning the relative value of wearing burkas in the United Kingdom. Her range of opinions seemed limited to 'it's wrong'. Needless to say, her narrow-minded attitude led to the man walking off with her shouting various put downs at him.
I was intrigued to see how the Leave campaign dominated the shopping areas of Exeter.
Exeter is an unusual blend of the old and new. The high street is a generic blend of every UK high street with its assortment of Greggs and other franchises. The British Home Store surrounded by closing down signs made me feel slightly sad. Imagine working for a company that you know is closing and still having to go through the motions of good customer service.
I spent lots of time with my friend and her dog, which helped to acclimatise me more quickly to the nuances of life in Devon. The early closing times and the quaint cake shops offering quality patisserie to those tired of Pret and their ilk.
McDonald's and KFC lurking amongst the other restaurants yet surprisingly unlike in London, they did not seem particularly popular.
Today has been a day of spatial awareness (i.e. learning how not to get lost) and my trip to the Indian restaurant, resulted in my decision to avoid the 'Egg Man', an ice cream based dessert with a special surprise. I never did learn what the 'special surprise' was, but surprises scare me these days.
My enduring impression of Exeter is positive yet beneath the aura of student life and family excursions lurks a homelessness problem; people sleeping in doorways and scrounging money from people drinking outside cafes and bars.
Tomorrow, I explore the history and culture of the city of some of it.
Barry Watt - 22nd June 2016.
Photos.
Sadly, in the minority.
BHS, the end of another era.
Afterword.
All of the fast food franchises etc are copyright to their respective owners. They serve their respective functions well. Just sad that they are everywhere.
BW.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)