under another sun

A bank holiday in France. A slow start to the day, and another saunter to Les Mages, with the idea of buying some mosquito spray, but the pharmacy was closed. Luckily we have are plug ins for the bedroom, so the atrocious insects are mainly confining their activities to poolside. In the village we popped into the Tabac, where we ordered coffee, and got two thimbles of the mind altering strength brew. Then deux demis of beer as it was past midday. We sat in a little booth, with an extremely large stuffed boar’s head above Lorraine’s. It was slaughtered on 31 st December 1959, coincidentally the year of the boar. Came back home, had a spot of lunch and went down to the pool. Me wearing my complete anti mosquito gear apart from when swimming. I went for an explore down by the side of the river and fell down the bank. The water only an inch deep there, and very shallow with lots of what I think are trout in it. Then I returned to the pool, read a little, and so on. We saunte...

Piggy biz Grrr-ing over a standard rejection slip I got today from Poetry London which took a snappy five and half months. Spoke to Sarah this morning, and after spending a lot of time laughing, I felt much cheerier. Then I went for a walk down by the sea. It was an interesting day to take photographs, as the light was pearly and diffuse, and the sea calmer than I have seen it for some time. Felt very happy just walking along taking photos. All kinds of people-watching to be had - like the jazz musicians up towards Hove (something slightly absurd about seeing a double bass, trombone, and guitar next to the sea) or the boules players, or skateboard kids. After two hours or so I felt quite tired - a bit ominous considering we start the mystical dragon walk on Monday. Anton was saying today that the River Arun had actually changed its course and now meets the sea on the site of an old village. Katie called me, she is back from South Africa and sounding cheerful, and has a sparkly new enga...

A party in Makinohara A slightly sluggish start to the day. Managed to avoid going to the onsen (baths) again, with the ladies, but I have now run out of excuses and will have to waddle forth among the petite and slim Japanese like a Sumo any day now. For some reason had an upset stomach this morning but this was fixed by a bowl of udon noodles in a delicious soupy broth. We went to Hiroko `s favourite noodle place nearby, not flashy but really tasty grub. Home again after a spot of food shopping, and as Hiroko began her preparations for a party this evening, Toby Romy and me sloped off for a walk. Warm sunny weather during the day here, unlike the very chilly nights. Came across a couple of local temples and discovered a crystal clear pond full of beautiful koi . Yet another nap, and Toby woke me up to join the gathering party. About ten of Hiroko `s friends including Mr Sizuki from last night, this time with Mrs Sizuki , and some other gents. Got talking to one very nice retired ...