The Meandering Gullbad Nogbee

Back on track

What does this mean?

I guess it means the block has gone. For some reason, I just could not write.

Having left the blog alone for a couple of years, life has changed considerably and settled down. It's about time I filled in a few blanks and got back in the habit of sharing some thoughts and observations. It's a blog revival, a resurrection. New life is being breathed back into an old blog.

I travelled around the world with my chum LE and learnt to be a 'YES-MAN'. A bit like in that Jim Carry movie.

When I see something which resembles an opportunity, I go for it. Is that different than I was before? I think before I was more considered and less risk taking. Over the lest couple of years I have been leaping first.

From the last few updates I wrote when I was on the devil's island, until now, I have moved house three times, lost my grandmother and learnt to live life as the alian. I have made new friends, learnt a little of a new language, started new businesses and explored new ideas.

I will endeavour to write regularly, sometimes touching on current events and occasionally writing about the time between the big move till now.

So yes, the meanderings continue. I have read and re-read what I wrote before, and although I would not change a word of it and stand by the sentiment, life has moved on for all parties. Is it better? I am not sure. It certainly is different. Given the opportunity, would I go back? - sure! But without the ability of hindsights 20/20 vision, that's an impossibility. Time marches on and like it or not, life does too.

So please do get back into the habit of reading the posts, commenting if you have something to say and sharing anything you like with your pals.

a caricature of terrorism

Looking up at the grey of the sky over Kent, England, I have been thinking lots about religious prejudice, cultural ignorance and questions related to Britain in today’s multi-faith society.  Most importantly I have been thinking about how Muslims are represented in our society.

Earlier in the year Prime Minister Brown was universally heckled for calling a woman who asked a question about immigration, a bigot.  Maybe the word he chose was wrong or maybe she was and he was right (To confess, I didn’t hear what she asked him, so I can’t comment).  My thoughts are that he made a school boy political gaff by leaving his microphone on and it neither matters looking back whether she was or was not a bigot or indeed if the word he chose when he thought he was speaking in private (whilst his mic was on) was appropriate.  We are where we are, as they say.

In any event, I think that the reaction of the media to his response was the most interesting thing.  His words spoken in private were an opinion and I think should have kick started a wider debate on faith, society and even though it sounds a little passé the idea of celebrating difference or recognising common truths.

Over the past ten years or so, we have been bombarded with a duel and sometimes conflicting messages through the media and popular press.

Since 9/11 in New York and 7/7 in London most people have had seared on their minds what an extremist Muslim looks like, a caricature of terrorism, if you like.  This picture has been reinforced; I suppose, with the coinciding war in Afghanistan and echoed by programmes like Spooks on the BBC.

At the same time a general repression feels to have been drawn across most of out society when it comes to talking about, thinking about or discussing people of other cultures, races, or faiths; Islam in particular.  I say repression because I have been guilty in the past of curtailing conversations which are talking about our society if there is any risk of ignorance or exploration being mistaken for racism or prejudice. 

I suppose now I am asking, “How else do we learn?” 

Maybe the expression of ignorant opinion if and when we do hear it, is at least opinion and the opening of, or the beginning of, a conversation where ideas and common truths can be explored.

I think that there needs to be a rebalance in messages sent out in the media and by government to better engage the portrayal of, and opportunities for, average Muslims to have conversations with the rest of society; and vice-versa. 

To this end also, I think we can all do our bit, simply by talking more, relaxing a little bit more and not immediately assuming that thinking and talking about faith and Muslims in particular in British society is a preeminent position only to be held by racists and bigots. 
I urge you all to go out to your community and maybe go further afield specifically with the intention of striking up conversation with Muslims (and people from other faiths) to learn a little about them exploring their day to day experience.  Essentially get out their and be friendly, to make new friends.

Muslims are apparently not well represented on the BBC where I heard recently even the actors who play the Muslim family on the square are not Muslim, why not? 

I watched a TV programme this morning where a good point was made which I would like to echo, why can’t we see a TV programme demonstrating the work Muslims are doing to curtail extremism? 

I had a number of great conversations when I was in Egypt last week during Eid.  I ate food with a group of friends and chatted about a number of concerns they had including drugs, health, environmental concerns, development in their country, justice and politics. 

All talked about their life experience and the journey their lives were taking them on.  Most talked about their hope for married life and a family.  All talked about their work, concerns for their friends and financial hopes for the future.  They were all average guys who happened to have a love for the Koran and their faith.

It was a pleasure meeting the taxi drivers, hotel staff and shop keepers and they made me think how all the world over, although our cultures and histories are so different, we are all just human beings with the same trials, troubles and dreams in this modern changing world. 

I didn't need to sleep rough in Sharm

A while ago I went online to book flights to Sharm in Egypt.

I wanted to identify a dive school there to work with and having attended the Birmingham dive show this year, I had plenty of contacts.

Having booked the flights I set about booking accommodation. I checked all of the comparison sites and finally after being advised that there were no rooms at the inn, I was lucky enough to find one room for the first night in the Falcon Inn. Cool, I thought.

My plan was to turn up and spend the first day looking for a cheap hotel to stay in. All things being equal, there would be no problem. Sharm is a big place with over 90 4-star hotels. How wrong can one man be?

The reality is that this week is 'Eid ul Adha (10 Dhul-Hijja)' - the festival of sacrifice. Lots of Arabic people travel long distances to see their families and friends. This meant that the hotels in Sharm were full.

Still ignorant of the reality, I got up on my first full day, went to reception and asked if |I could stay longer. "No, the hotel is fully booked. You must get you things and leave." Oh my word! What to do?  Having shared my problems with the owner, I was allowed to leave my things at Moon Divers, who were really accommodating.

Later the same morning during a meeting with Emperor Divers I was asked "So, which hotel are you in?" I explained my predicament. Luckily Sarah of Emperor said she had an apartment and would be happy to rent it to me from two days time. I jumped at the opportunity of a bed to sleep in.

I spoke to a friend of mine who was staying in the Falcon and arranged to take the second twin bed in their room. This arrangement was nick-named 'the secret falcon'. I used the secret falcon for two night before a lift had been booked for me to transfer to 'Egyptian Experience'.

Day three soon came and my ride pulled up outside Moon Divers. After getting in the mini van, I was asked the usual questions; "Where are you from, are you married, do you have a family?" And after being told by Achim that he has two guns which he likes "I like guns, man" he shouted "I just bloody love guns", he then said "You like rock, yes?"

I said I am happy to listen to any music.

So, to the sound of the Survivors "The Eye of the Tiger" blasting loudly into my inner ear we drove like the wind out of town, past the airport into a place which has been referred to as 'just beyond the middle of nowhere'.   Achim spent the whole time dodging other vehicles, lighting his cigarettes or speaking (shouting) into his mobile phone.   The journey itself was priceless.

The place is good and I have a bed, but Egyptian Experience is not too well connected. Taxi's are easy enough to come by but at 60 Egyptian pounds per journey into town, it really is a case of being prepared for the day and evening, so that not more than one journey away and back home has to be made. At least I didn't need to sleep rough in Sharm, or run the risk of my worst nightmare coming true (being kidnapped by Achim and for a spell, getting familiar with his guns).  That treat I missed – thank God.

A long shory stort

Frost was just starting to appear on the grass as I returned to the UK after about seven months on Lanzarote.

My mate LE was immediately keen to proceed with plans for a far eastern tour via the Trans-Mongolian Railway and made arrangements for us to meet with Trailfinders in Canterbury.

The sales guy Stephen was very helpful as he went through an itinerary taking us through Russia (Moscow, Irkutsk, Listvyanka) Mongolia Ulaanbaatar), Hong Kong and Thailand (Bangkok, Phuket and Ko Tao). Occasionally he would say, “I have been here” or “there” and suggest for us to take one off excursions, all was very encouraging.

Finally he turned to us and said “Well, I think we have done really well here since the flight alone would cost you a few thousand each and the price here for you both is £7,377”.

I confess, I nearly fell off my chair.

I asked how long we had to consider it, and he said he could hold some of the prices open for 2 days, when it would all need to be paid in full.

We left the shop more than a little conflicted, excited that we now had a clear itinerary but a little disheartened by the price.

Since we were given a copy of the itinerary, the following day I proceeded to undertake searches on the internet to see what comparative prices I could find.

You will not be surprised to read that with a little patience we have been able to chop just under 30% off the bill without compromising the integrity of the trip, whilst booking half decent hotels (only time will tell here) and getting a few more sights in along the way. 

As it stands, it looks like Christmas will be spent just outside Moscow and New Year will be on a train in the middle of nowhere, just outside of Ulaanbaatar. 

las palmera

Sorry for the delay in writing.

Since arriving back on the rock I have been up to my eyes in diving, sun and generally going out and about meeting new people.  What a tough life...I hear you cry.  And you would be right.

One of the little gems which my pal SJ introduced me to is a little cafe in Teguise.  I am pretty sure I wrote about it before.

Essentially it is just off of the Lion Square.

This is the outside just after the Sunday market has closed.  Stall holders, artists, bohemians and the like meet and socialise inside and outside 'Las Palmera'.  I recommend it to you.  But only if when you go in, you tell the guys there that I sent you. 

This is the door.

This is the bar.

The guy in the hat is a really good bloke.  The whole place is filled with music, food, drink and spanish chat.  It is a really vibrant place.

It's only small but you can fit a lot in.

These are the Sunday afternoon musicians. 

Counting money.

 

 

This is the kitchen.  It is really basic but produces amazing grilled meat.   If there is a reason not to be a vegetarian, this place is it.   So I can't become a veggie just yet!

Better view of the grill.

Cheers.

End

 

 

ben nevis and the luss highland games

During the first Saturday in July I went with my sisters' family to the Luss Highland Games.  

They featured the tug- o-war, field cycling, throwing the hammer, throwing the bushel and wrestling.

In every event there was a token woman entered in the spirit of equal opportunities.  Although there did not appear to be a womans class in any of the activities except dancing,  This is in no way a critisism, merely an observation.  The whole thing was great!!

The day before Luss, in commemoration of my little nephews 7th year, we walked to the top of Ben Nevis (the biggest mountain in the UK).    The weather walking up Ben Nevis was appalling except for the top where it appeared that we were above the clouds. 

The path is maintained exceptionally well with the lion's share of the work being undertaken by hand.

What is so amazing the day after climbing the hill is that and whilst at the games, as the adults complained that "My calves are as tight as a ..." ending the sentance with as many variations on the same theme including 'drum', 'tight cycling shorts', 'a badgers bottom' etc we watched as the lad jumped around in an inflatable pirate ship with other kids before entering himself in the running race.  I know that they are made of rubber, but the fact that he was so full of beans was amazing.  My little nephew took part in the childrens race, making a valient effort  to come in a very proud last. 

My brother-in-law, who doesn't any longer like to be described as having a squint, glass eye, wooden leg, green curley teeth or in fact, any reference to his pink mohican failed on this occasion to wear his traditional scottich garb.  Despite this, the day was a real treat.

Thank you Ben Nevis,  Thank you Luss!!

lego is not cheap

CallyCo

I went to Cambridge last week.  I cannot recall ever having been there before.

A shop that struck me is called CallyCo. located on Peas Hill. 

As a child there was a strong arts and craft focus in our family home.  Surrounded by my mother, sister, auntie and grandmother, I was actively encouraged (if not beaten) to learn the finer points (if you can pardon the pun) of all things needlework related  including tapestry, crochet, embroidery, knitting, patchwork and quilting.

CallyCo. is a small haberdashery shop with a clean modern style, yet at the same time the shop feels 'traditional' by placing customer service and quality of stock at the forefront of its approach.   The company is owned by Caroline Preen.

This fresh young company produces bespoke items for sale including memo boards, aprons, cushions, doorstops all designed to complement any home.   My description of their services would not be complete if I did not mention their excellent making up service enabling customers to have curtains, blinds and cushions lovingly designed and beautifully made to exact specifications.

The shop display is beautiful demonstrating the diverse stock contained in this quaint little street. It really is very inviting.

A rainbow of coloured ribbons hang tantalisingly, inviting customers to buy just the amount they need.

At CallyCo. customers don't have to buy a pre-packed plastic pouch of too much when the small amount needed can be cut precicely and not wasted or overcharged. 

It's an old fashioned concept but it wastes less, is cheaper and makes more sense.

 Spring coloured material is stored on shelving waiting to me cut by the meter.

 

The shop is clean, not over-dressed and well ordered.

 

Racks of material rolls stand displaying their vibrant patterns.  All crying out to be chosen to be made into beautiful things.

 

Everywhere one looks, coloured textiles hang like flags celebrating imagination and creativity. 

Handmade buntings hang in the window waving to passers-by.

 

Found throughout the shop are examples of works made from the stock.  A small ballet-shoe cushion  modestly sits in a corner, hoping to attract the attention of a customer, sparking inspiration and the self confidence to make something like this for their nursery or bedroom.

Small knick-knacks and other gift ideas are also available to buy.

More rolls of fabric jostle for attention.

 

More gift ideas and other pretty little items all compete for eye time.

 

Patterened material bolts displayed in racks.

Stripes and chickens.

 

Pinks, white, reds and blue.

I ask you; who doesn't love buttons?  or a full spectrum of threads even.

 

This whole section of textiles is great and probably due to the union flags print, fills me with a kind of wartime nostalgia.  I instantly want to live a simple life, eat real food, go up to the Penny Pictures for the news followed by the Troxy for a dance; before taking a walk or getting a tram home.  Where did all that come from??  

 

Ooh buttons!! and a great little Silko chest of drawe.

 

This is a great  zinc-topped piece in the shop resembling something produced these days by by Kent and London of Whitstable. In this case its is used to sell remnants and fat quarters for patchwork enthusiasts. 

 

Netty and Bethany go about their work behind a beautiful tradional looking counter with an inlaid brass meter rule.  Here they are stocktaking and dealing with customer enquiries.

If you want to visit the shop or if you have any enquries about products or services, the contact details are:

CALLYCO - CAMBRIDGE

7 PEAS HILL
CAMBRIDGE, CAMBS CB2 3PP
TEL: 01223 778744

________________________

CALLYCO - STAMFORD

5 STAMFORD WALK
STAMFORD, LINCS PE9 2JE
TEL: 01780 753409

 End.

windbreaks built from volcanic rock

As I drove down from Famara toward the salt works, I passed mile after mile of small semi-circular windbreaks built from volcanic rock.  The windbreaks surround one side of a dell dug from the pecan. 

The dells and windbreaks are to protect individual grape vines.

The uniformed rows stretch from the road in all directions and in most cases continue up the sides of the old sleeping volcanos.

The grapes produce a selection of wines which in my experience taste ok and do the job at a reasonable price.

The shapes are interesting to look at and I am told this method is distinct to the islands in this part of the world.

I can't help reflecting on how long each basin and windbreak must have taken to create initially and then would love to know how many centuries have passed with this method being adopted. 

Answers on a postcard please.

impressed with the sands of Famara

A few weeks or so ago I hired a car to drive around the island.

This is a picture of my Opal; my ticket to freedom!

On one of my trips I went to Famara which is best known for its excellent surf.

I was struck by the sand dunes which resonated with me, probably due to happy memories of Camber Sands.

The sands are blown into picturesque shapes.

The trade winds blowing from the Atlantic cut grooves into the dunes.

If the sands are disturbed, small slides are started, creating new and strange shapes.

Sands are blown across the road.

Overall I was really impressed with the sands of Famara.

For more information on Famara:  CLICK HERE  (opens in a new window)

my homage to the great

A couple of weeks ago I went to see the house of Cesar Manrique.

The Cesar Manrique Foundation is located in Taro de Tahiche (Close to Costa Teguise). It is probably the work that best represents Manrique's artistic and personal ideals.

Cesar Manrique's house was built in 1968 on top of a volcanic trail from a volcanic eruption that occurred in 1730-36. It uses the natural formation of five volcanic bubbles for the main rooms within the house. The outside of the house and upper level is an inspiration from the traditional architecture of Lanzarote.

If it was not for Cesar Manrique, the Island of Lanzarote would not look like it does now. He fought for all the buildings to be no higher than the tallest palm tree and that all the houses should be the same colour (except for the painted wood found on doors and window frames - generally blue or green).

The sculpture outside the foundation.

 

Bones and skulls hanging outside the entrance.

A clever glass sculpture.

 

A canvas which caught my eye.

A window overlooking the lava fields.

 

Fish and duck.

 

The symbol of the Devil's island

 

A design for a roundabout.  Lots of the roundabouts have wind sculptures on them.

 

Another roundabout sculpture design.

 

Another design for a roundabout sculpture.

 

Another roundabout sculpture design.

 

A great fishy picture.

 

Monster.

 

Camel.

Water fountain in the garden.

 

A lava tunnel which is utilized as a hallway from one room to another.

 

A room is designed within a lava bubble.  A tree grows through the ceiling.

 

The garden with pool inside a lava flow makes this house seem like a James Bond set.

 

 

 

This is really clever.  The window is made at ground level.  A chunk lava is left jutting into the room reminding us that this clean contempory house is still a part of nature.  Fantastic.

 

I like the green lamp shades!

 

The little man sign outside the mens toilets.

 

I like these camel designs.  They seem so simple.

 

The fish are really clever too.

 

So ends my homage to the great CM!

the beaches of graciosa

This is the last series of images from my outing to Graciosa.

Essentially the images document my walk along the beach and I hope you like them.  It was interesting how the beaches changed as I wandered along in the sun.

I also collected a really interesting array of shells as I walked.

caleta de sebo

On my trip last weekend to Graciosa we wandered around Caleta de Sebo and took some photos of the village.  There is not a lot to say about what I shot other than have a look and see what you think.  It reminded me of New Mexico.  Not too many vehicles, only old Land Rovers.

No real roads to speak of though, so I suppose the vehicles of choice do make sense.

 

 

the folk of Graciosa

I thought I should share with you some of the images I took on the island during the day trip and in this case I will show you the people I saw on Sunday morning.

As we got off the ferry we were welcomed by this old dude with his traditional Canarian hat.

On the island there are only a few cars and so most imports are transported by wheelbarrow.

Child crying.

People talking.

Two people sit in silence sharing each others company.

 

Kid plays with a bottle which has been dropped by the baby in the buggy.

Old guy who I guess is Grandpa takes the two brothers for a walk.

Girl sits by her dog.

 

Man taking his barrow to the harbour for some goods.

Two women gossip outside the church.

an outing to Graciosa

On Sunday I went on an outing to Graciosa which is a small island, a couple of km North of Lanzarote.  The ferry trip across the Rio strait was beautiful.  The journey really offers some amazing Geology. 

As the ferry takes you into the narrow water way, you can literally watch as the clouds form over the higher ground in the Northern part of Lanzaroteon top of the dorment volcano's.

Unfortunately on our journey we saw no large marine mammals. 

A friend and his wife had explained that in September a few years ago, the watched as thousands of humpback whales squeezed and swam through the strait.  Normally the whales pass around the little narrow stretch of water, but for whatever reason on this occasion enormous cows and bulls piloted their young, on their journey south.  It must have been incredible.

We left the Lanzarote harbour of Orzola by ferry to the island, a trip which lasts approx 45 mins.

 

This is a photo of the return ticket.

 

This cat hulled ferry passed us as we left the harbour.  Most of these boats boast of the glass bottomed feature, but my experience demonstrated how the glass was covered in seaweeds and so visability was rubbish.

 

A couple of kids fishing off the rocks on the side of the Rio strait.

 My first view of Graciosa.

My first view of the village of Caleta del Sebo, the Capital of Graciosa (Pop. 700).

The harbour/marina.

The harbour of Caleta del Sebo has two piers and a small marina in the bay.

Whilst we were still om the ferry we saw this small (35 foot-ish) customised sailing boat.  It was like a mini galleon.

The other ferry with a greek-style fishes mouth and eye painted on its hull.

An old fishing boat.

Small fishing boat with throw net in the harbour, opimistically named Jesus!

Four little boats in the harbour.

An old fisherman undertakes maintenance on his boat wearing a traditional Canarian hat.