GOINGS
The last couple of weeks seem to have been taken up with little else than preparing Alexander for his two month trip to Africa. He is one of a party of four Medical Students going to work at a rural hospital on the island of Ukerewe in the middle of Lake Victoria in Tanzania. Earlier this week we eventually saw Alexander - along with girlfriend and fellow Medic, Heather - off on the start of their journey. He leaves behind him a massive gap in our hearts and lives - along with a pile of dirty washing, and enough cardboard boxes of books and other possessions to fill half our house. Last night we had a phone call from him to say that he has arrived on the island safety.
COMINGS
Yesterday I got another opportunity to meet a fellow blogger when Mike Brubaker - the author of the superb blog temposenzatempo - called in for tea. Mike and his wife, who live in North Carolina, were on a holiday in England and, I am glad to say, made a detour during their trip to call in and see me. Like all meetings with fellow- bloggers, it was a delightful occasion : a meeting of two close friends who had never met before in person, but friends who had already shared so many ideas, interests and experiences together. And, I must say, the theory outlined in my last blog post that I have yet to meet a fellow blogger who isn't as delightful and fascinating as I imaged him or her to be, still holds true.
GOINGS
As you will no doubt know, the European economy is going through a difficult patch at the moment with economic and political crises lining up to challenge almost every European country. I have therefore agreed to set aside my retirement and undertake a fact-finding mission throughout the Mediterranean lands. My busy schedule will take in visits to Spain, Greece, Italy and Croatia and I will be hoping to discuss the on-going crisis with ordinary citizens in a selection of bars and tavernas throughout the various lands. I have managed to hire a cabin on board a tramp steamer (illustrated) which will transport me from meeting to meeting. Not only will this be a burdensome affair, it will also mean that I will be absent from my normal blogging activities for the next month. I will report the findings of my mission on my return.
We don't set off until next week but I will make this my last News from Nowhere post until I return. Hopefully this will give me time before I go to visit all of my favourite blogs, as I have neglected these over recent weeks what with all these comings and goings. See you all soon.
Good luck to Alexander and his colleagues, what an experience! Pleased to hear they have arrived safely. Wishing you a bon voyage and a most successful research trip :)
ReplyDeleteBon voyage, mon ami!
ReplyDeleteBurdensome, indeed. But, try to have fun anyway. I look forward already to your findings.
ReplyDeleteMan! If that's a tramp steamer I think I'm up for a little ocean hoboing myself! I expect reports on the eatables and drinkables in those tavernas.
ReplyDeleteI suppose you'll have to swab the decks and ward off pirates. Then they'll draft you into scullery work and have you making chips for the crew.
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel about the gap in your hearts; our lovely daughter is visiting at the moment for a few days, but this time will pass far too quickly.
ReplyDeleteYou’re making a habit of meeting the blogging gang. This explains why Mike was absent from Sepia Saturday last week when I felt sure he’d be right at home with the muscal theme. Good luck to Alxander (doesn’t he look like the GLW?) and Heather. BTW your ‘dedication’ arrived safe and sound in the post yesterday. Thank you.
So glad to hear you're helping bail out the economies of the Mediterranean countries with an infusion of cash from your own coffers. Perhaps you would care to investigate the situation in the U.S., as well. Jim
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the trip. We will be off Croatia in a rather smaller vessel in Sptember.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to Alexander and his medic friend- they both look happy and excited about their new adventure. Spread the wealth around equally as you travel, ok?
ReplyDelete:)
Have safe travels and a report on the best places to rest a spell and quench your thirst should be real high on your list! Best of luck to your handsome lad..what an adventure:)
ReplyDeleteIf anyone can sort out the Eurozone, you can, Alan. Have a safe fact-finding trip, and don't get too oily on that old tramp steamer!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your holiday Alan ... er, I mean I hope you can endure those endless dreary meetings.
ReplyDeleteHi Alan, I have enjoyed your update ... I've never seen anybody wear their backpacks on the front like that; is that everything that they are taking with them? How nice of them to devote their time to this cause.
ReplyDeleteAnd, to meet Mike B. in person! That is wonderful. I know that you will enjoy your own trip very much.
Kathy M.
Just found your blog and you are off floating the Med. I liked Croatia. Safe travels. Is the falls on Lake Victoria? I have yet to meet a blogger in real life.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a wonder filled, safe and enjoyable trip.
ReplyDeleteGoodness, this is SO exciting! Have a wonderful and interesting time, and really look forward to hearing all about it when you return.
ReplyDeleteBusy indeed!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the trip, but if you ever tire of Europe,
Canada is just a short turn to the west...
;)~
HUGZ
I admire you enormously for setting aside your retirement to contribute to such an important cause, and trust that you will have a successful fact finding mission.
ReplyDeleteWhat an experience for Alexander and Heather! Very well done to them!!
Its all go in your house at the moment. Hope your son will be safe and happy. Don't work too hard on your fact finding mission. See you when you return with lots of photos I hope.
ReplyDeleteAlan, it was a special delight to meet you in person. Seeing the Queen wave from her Thames barge wasn't even half the thrill of a visit with you, so getting a mention and photo too(!) on your blog adds to the fun of making friends in this age of the internet. Charlotte and I hope that you enjoy your Euro-crisis holiday every bit as much as we enjoyed our Jubilee tour in England. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you, and bring back your findings!
ReplyDeletePearl
Welcome anytime.
ReplyDeleteWhat an exciting adventure you are undertaking. Can't wait to read the results.
ReplyDeleteAs ever your faithful lurker.