Boat - Yaoi Kusama exhibition (June 2012)

Home Alone – Captain’s Log, Star Date 09.02.2013

Weekend #1 of partner being away: 

Ate the dokhla the ex kindly made before leaving, slowly over 4-5 days

Went shopping for food last Friday so would be stocked up with ready-meals for the weekend and most of the week.

Increased my intake of plums.

Cleaner cleaned half-heartedly on Saturday morning.

Saturday afternoon sat in front on my drawing for many hours. Occasionally rallied to draw a single line. Promptly sank back into lethargic nearly-end-of-drawing-stupor

Did some laundry.

Stayed up till 4 on the Saturday watching Wonders of the Universe.

No reported psychedelic dreams on this occasion.

Went to bed at a reasonable hour on Sunday.

Didn’t leave the flat until Monday morning.

Weekend #2 of partner being away: 

Dry laundry still in the washing machine.

Run out of underwear.

Am forced to go to the washing machine instead of my clothes drawer.

Didn’t re-stock food supplies all week.

Forgot to defrost food in the freezer.

Went to the pub on Thursday. Ate instant noodles for dinner.

Forgot to defrost food in the freezer again.

Went to the Monty’s on Friday. Ate 1/2 pack of salt and vinegar crisps, 1 dark chocolate bounty & 2 plums for dinner.

Went to bed at a totally unreasonable hour.

Saturday morning no cleaner.

Have very considered plans not to leave the flat at all this weekend.

Need to buy food.

Conflict with earlier resolution not to leave flat.

May need to eat more instant noodles.

End of Captain’s Log.

Boat - Yaoi Kusama exhibition (June 2012)

Boat – Yaoi Kusama exhibition (June 2012)

Dot room - Yaoi Kusama exhibition (June 2012)

Dot room – Yaoi Kusama exhibition (June 2012)

Dot room - Yaoi Kusama exhibition (June 2012)

Dot room – Yaoi Kusama exhibition (June 2012)

Dot room - Yaoi Kusama exhibition (June 2012)

Dot room – Yaoi Kusama exhibition (June 2012)

Mirror Room - Yaoi Kusama exhibition

Mirror Room – Yaoi Kusama exhibition (June 2012)

Road into the town

St. Lucia – Part II – Tantrums in Paradise

This is how untimely I am. This post is from last April ’12. Late is an understatement. And I think I still have one more post from that holiday. 

After the first night in the Fond Doux plantation we were moved from our beautiful Banana Cottage room to another one.

When I asked the women at the reception hut why we had to move, they smiled stiffly and said

“Well so you can see both kind of rooms.”

I translated this correctly: The second room wasn’t going to be as nice.

The room was still pretty and quaint but it was distinctly smaller and slightly darker because it was on the ground set among a swathe of luxurious foliage and trees.

As expected, the ex was most displeased.

I tried to soften the blow by cheerfully praising the room, as one would with a sulky child.

Raise your voice and use lots of exclamations.

“Oh look it’s cute! I like it! What a lovely bed!”

“I don’t like it. I don’t want to stay here.”

“Come on it’s not that small. Look we get a patio!”

“I refuse to stay in this hole!!”

“It’s not a hole! It’s cute!”

“It’s tiny and dark and I hate it!!”

“If they had given us this room first you wouldn’t have known better and you would have liked it.”

“No I wouldn’t! And it was THEIR mistake! They shouldn’t have put us in a nice room first and then in a shit hole!”

(Regrettable. Agreed. It was a bad tactical move on the hotel’s part.)

My cheerful veneer worn thin by now, I resort to hard reality.

“Look, there are no other rooms. We have to stay here.”

“I don’t HAVE to do anything!”

“Well all the hotels are fully booked. You were with me when I booked this one. So you can’t leave.”

“Oh yeah? Oh yeah?? Just watch me! I’m leaving!!”

That was perhaps also a tactical error on my part. The Ex needs the softly-softly gently-gently approach as a general rule.

Now the tantrum began in earnest. None of my pleadings worked. Once the Ex begins a huff there is no backing down.

“Baby please don’t leave! Where are you going to go? Most hotels are full!”

“I don’t CARE! I’m LEAVING!”

Huffing and puffing and dragging a large suitcase, the Ex stormed off.

Or would have stormed off if the suitcase hadn’t kept toppling over on the uneven pavement, thus ruining the momentum of the dramatic exit.

I cried, because that’s just what I do in these times of crisis.

But then I called the reception again and begged in my most melancholy, hushed tones to get another room.

Then I told them the ex was upset and wanted to leave.

There was an awkward pause on the line.

I imagine the reception also saw the ex speeding off like a hell-born brat in the hired car which probably helped prompt them to kick out a guest in another hotel room.

She was the niece of the owner, (and staying for free, hence no trouble) so we got her room. Yay!

I felt and still feel a tad guilty  partly because of the other lady and partly because this sets such a bad moral precedent.

The Ex now thinks this validates the tantrum throwing. I’m afraid on the face of it, it rather does. I would have just shrugged and taken the smaller room and that would have been it, but a well acted out hissy-fit and we got a lovely room.

Tsk tsk. Well there goes the moral.

Shall I describe the hotel?

(If you’d rather not read the description, skip ahead to the photos. If you’d rather not do that either, I can’t believe you even made it this far down the post at all.)

Fond Doux was a 2000 acre working plantation. Set high up on the hillside and nestled among many Bougainvillea, coconuts and ginger lilies were the tree houses, on the ground were a few plantation style cottages. Maybe 10 huts in total.

The plantation grew mostly cocoa and some banana and had originally been part of a much bigger, slave-run estate. The next owner was eventually a freed slave once the oppressors were sent packing. Then the plantation got sold and this was the only part left. I forget the rest of the history. That’s pretty much the gist of it.

They grew a variety of other things: Coffee (or ‘Jungle MnMs’ as the tour guide lady smugly told us. A tourist winner, that phrase.), clove, cinnamon, various other spices. The planting was natural, with winding paths through the groves, the cottages mostly hidden. Fairly homely, family run, quiet place. The owner would be in the bar chilling most evenings. He was like a kindly uncle hosting some kids at his place. I liked him a lot but his accent took some getting used to.

I think I have an excellent knack of picking a good holiday place (Mostly). Patting myself on back right now.

Being somewhat competitive about my new-found talent, I started to actively check out the various hotels as we drove past them or visited their restaurant. On the whole (pat pat), I’m pleased to say, in my opinion, I think ours was by far the nicest.

That is, to phrase it more eloquently, I think I fucking nailed it.

Click on a photo to view large.

African Tulip House. We only stayed here one night. Look it IS cute!

African Tulip House. We only stayed here one night. Look it IS cute!

Although the room was small the door cast lovely shadows

Although the room was small the door cast lovely shadows

African Tulip walkway

African Tulip walkway

This was our neighbouring cottage called Angelina. It was a plantation style house with more than one bedroom and the occasional snake.

This was our neighbouring cottage called Angelina. It was a plantation style house with more than one bedroom and the occasional snake.

The old capital of Soufriere. Which I learned from another tour means Sulphur in the air.

The old capital of Soufriere. Which I learned from another tour means ‘Sulphur in the air’.

The Volcano nearby. People used to walk across it until a guide fell in one of the vents and miraculously survived even though he sustained 60% burns on his lower body. I wonder if he could have sex after that. I mean, wouldn't his penis be badly burnt? Waste of money this tour.

The Volcano nearby. People used to walk across it until a guide fell in one of the vents and miraculously survived even though he sustained 60% burns on his lower body. I wonder if he could have sex after that. I mean, wouldn’t his penis be badly burnt? Waste of money this tour.

Pounty's Pizza in Soufriere. Half of me HATES gaudy coloured buildings, on the other hand they make everything so colourful.

Pounty’s Pizza in Soufriere. Half of me HATES gaudy coloured buildings, on the other hand they make everything so colourful.

Road into the town

Road into the town

Grand Piton (or one of the Pitons anyway). Superman flew up from here. The old superman

Grand Piton (or one of the Pitons anyway). Superman flew up from here. The old superman

Who needs an e anyway.

Who needs an e anyway.

Rainbow from the Coconut hut balcony

Rainbow from the Coconut hut balcony

The room we moved unto post tantrum. Can't really complain about the tantrum. Best room.

The room we moved unto post tantrum. Can’t really complain about the tantrum. Best room.

Really working hard on that travelling.

Really working hard on that travelling.

St Lucia is prone to sudden burst of tropical rain. These last about 15 mins. Mostly it was sunny.

St Lucia is prone to sudden burst of tropical rain. These last about 15 mins. Mostly it was sunny.

Log & Wheat outside the Coconut Room.

Log & Wheat outside the Coconut Room.

The Plantation Shop & Natural Museum at night

The Plantation Shop & Natural Museum at night

An ex-slave house museum

An ex-slave house museum

Our guide on Tet Paul. I have to say. I could have totally done without the tour

Our guide on Tet Paul. I have to say. I could have totally done without the tour

Sunlight in the Coconut Hill Top Room

Sunlight in the Coconut Hill Top Room

Argh. Heat Rash. I've turned into a foreigner. I used 2 tubes of aloe

Argh. Heat Rash. I’ve turned into a foreigner. I used 2 tubes of aloe

Beach at Anse Chastenet. We had the best snorkelling here. Rained a bit for 30 mins.

Beach at Anse Chastenet. We had the best snorkelling here. Rained a bit for 30 mins.

View of one of the pitons. One of the couples staying in the plantation went trekking up this. Insane.

View of one of the pitons. One of the couples staying in the plantation went trekking up this. Insane.

Jalouise beach a long way below & the Pitons again. Some of the most expensive real estate was down this hill face.

Jalouise beach a long way below & the Pitons again. Some of the most expensive real estate was down this hill face.

A warm spring waterfall and pool.

A warm spring waterfall and pool.

We got lucky. The 2 large groups of people left shortly after we arrived

We got lucky. The 2 large groups of people left shortly after we arrived

Fat tourists swimming

Fat tourists swimming

Soufriere Sunset

Soufriere Sunset

Pitons at Sunset from a view-point

Pitons at Sunset from a view-point

Walk way to Banana, thats our first 'hut' slash cottage.

St. Lucia – Part I

When I told A4, of our holiday destination (St. Lucia), she sneered

“You guys are such boujis!”

(With all the derision of a seasoned traveller who had just holidayed in Jamaica like a bouji.)

I have another friend who occasionally commutes from city to city, then promptly fastens himself like a whelk to a bar. After some hours of drinking (beginning on the plane) he will remember very little of this new city.

He calls this – ‘Travelling’.

(Side note: If you don’t remember going somewhere is there even any point in going? Look at Ozzy – He doesn’t even remember he hung out with Jimi Hendrix. Might as well have never happened.)

My idea of ‘travelling’ is going somewhere and then lying down for a week with a Pina Colada.

Brief Holiday Recap: The Journey

The ex and I began our holiday with the traditional pre-holiday fight in the cab on the way to Paddington.

Which was a pre-emptive fight about the return journey in 11 days times. We like to be ahead in our squabbling.

I bought these web-duo return tickets on the Gatwick Express. A sweet little deal, but the catch was that you have to leave and return with someone. You couldn’t travel separately.

You’d think that this would be easy enough given that the ex and I:

  • Are leaving at the same time, on the same day, on the same flight, to the same destination.
  • We are actually going on holiday together.
  • We are a fucking couple.

But the ex suddenly informed me, out of the blue,

“Listen, I’m not waiting for you at immigration.”

I immediately took umbrage. (Even though I can sympathise – No one wants to be at an airport waiting for ages for someone elses long immigration queue – but I also like to know my partner won’t ditch me.)

“I told you that we had to travel together for these tickets to qualify! I sent you an email especially saying that! Why the fuck did you agree?”

I hissed at the ex with justifiable annoyance. I did fucking send an email specifically to check this because I know how impatient the ex usually is.

“If you don’t travel with me, then we both have to buy new separate tickets! It’s a fucking waste of money. Why didn’t you just say so when I emailed you?”

The ex made a number of excuses none of them worth repeating because they were all seriously B.S.

If I tried to pull this kind of stunt after sending an email confirming the purchase of something, the ex would have thrown such a shit-fit the top of the cab would have flown off.

“At least wait 45 mins! I’m sure I won’t take long!”

I don’t even know why I’m bargaining. The ex is totally in the wrong here.

The ex responded by pessimistically telling me that the estimate queuing time for Heathrow was 2 hours for non-EU passport holders.

Ugh.

I finally managed to negotiate a 30 min waiting slot. I tried to push it up to 45 minutes but the ex wasn’t budging.

“Fine, but then you can pay for our return journey. If you had just told me, I’d have got us separate tickets!”

Then to consolidate my point, I sulked.

To save you the suspense (because, seriously, who isn’t dying of suspense about the end of this scintillating quarrel?) I shall tell you what happened in 11 days when we came back, now.

On the flight back the ex relented (quite rightly) and agreed to wait at immigration.

Then after all this kerfuffle, my immigration line only took about 10 mins. The ex’s immigration que took 40 mins.

HAH!

Maybe I should have left!

Anyway let’s get back to the holiday which hasn’t even started yet.
Briefly: St Lucia is like, nice and tropical and shit.
I’ll mention in the next St. Lucia post, because I have so many photos, one single post can’t possible contain it!

BLEEDING EYES WARNING!! FUCK-LOAD OF PHOTOS COMING UP!

Welcome Bed. This won the ex over right away. It says 'Welcome' spelt in cat tails.

Welcome Bed. This won the ex over right away. It says ‘Welcome’ spelt in Cat-tails. (That’s a plant by the by)

Walk way to Banana, thats our first 'hut' slash cottage.

Walk way to Banana, that’s our first ‘hut’ slash cottage.

Door to Louise Walk

Door to Louise Walk. The Plantation had lots of winding pathways named after some people.

Banana & Tiger Claws

Banana leaves & Tiger Claws. I love the planting on this place. It was very natural, very lush. No regimented planting, no forced borders. Why aren’t all gardens like this?

Stone Fountain in the central courtyard.

Stone Fountain in the central courtyard.

The Balcony at Banana. The ex and I fell in love with it.

The balcony at Banana. The ex and I fell in love with it. I don’t think I got a chance in the hammock.

This is how much I was in love with the balcony. Taking photos of the floor

This is how much I was in love with the balcony. Taking photos of the floor

This is the 3rd room we were moved into. It was really high up on the hill. Walking up burned off the breakfast.

This is the 3rd room we were moved into. It was really high up on the hill. Walking up burned off the breakfast.

Mossy growth and some of the walkways

Mossy growth and another one of the walkways

Sunlight on walkway

Sunlight on walkway down from the Coconut Room. That’s the one that’s a trek up.

A mottled tree & bridge

A mottled tree & turquoise/greenish bridge

A little tat shop on the Plantation. I like to judge tat shops. This one wasn't quite up to scratch, but very pretty to look at.

A little tat shop on the Plantation. I like to judge tat shops. This one wasn’t quite up to scratch, but very pretty to look at.

We took this plantation tour. The walks way wind all over the place. Calabash and Ginger-lily.

We took this plantation tour, it was pretty neat. We got to eat some plants along the way.

This is a Ginger-lilly. Also called a touch-me-not (see? I paid attention on the tour!) if you touch any part of the flower it dies within a few days. Left alone they last for weeks

This is a Ginger-lilly. Also called a touch-me-not (See? I paid attention on the tour!) if you touch any part of the flower it dies within a few days. Left alone they last for weeks

Tall red and green plants

Tall red and green plants

Bananas and some other flowers. I wasn't paying THAT much attention.

Bananas and some other flowers. I wasn’t paying THAT much attention.

Natural Museum (there isn't anything in it except cocoa beans)

Natural Museum (there isn’t anything in it except cocoa beans)

Cocoa Pods or as the tour lady mentioned, Jungle M&M's. I could tell by the way she said it that the phrase Jungle M&M's is usually a hit with the tourists.

Cocoa Pods or as the tour lady mentioned, Jungle M&M’s. I could tell by the way she said it that the phrase Jungle M&M’s is usually a hit with the tourists. (and it was)

The drying out process for cocoa pods. I can't really remember what it was exactly.

The drying out process for cocoa pods. I can’t really remember what it was exactly. But there was something about fermenting and dring and something else.

Pods fermenting. The white parts inside can we eaten fresh. Tastes like tamarind.

Pods fermenting. The white parts inside can be eaten fresh (You suck on the white bits around the seed.). Tastes like mild tamarind. Rather yummy.

Pot with a face near the pool.

Pot with a face near the pool.

Pool balcony. The pool was high up and very well hidden. It got a lot of sun in the morning and afternoon.

Pool balcony. The pool was high up and very well hidden. It got a lot of sun in the morning and afternoon.

Pool and twilight

Pool and twilight

Walkway light down to the Plantation restaurant at night

Walkway light down to the Plantation restaurant at night

The Fond Doux bar

The Fond Doux bar

The Goa Airport

Hideous statues at Goa airport

Hideous statues at Goa airport. I mean, who commissioned these monstrosities? And then grouped them for Christmas? Like that's doing anyone a favour.

Back dated post (such a bad habit) from my Goa Trip & New Years Eve

The next morning, while still buzzing from the night before, I went for swim after breakfast. The ex was still groggy and refused to leave the hut.

It was amazing. Really it was. I think I was still high, which made it feel even better. I wore my sun glasses in the water.

Then me, the ex and PhD all smoked one last one before we left for the airport.

PhD got into an argument with a young, mustachioed policeman at the Goa airport entrance about how they should open both airport entrances, therefore making everything more efficient and that he shouldn’t just accept the status quo but try to change things! Yes We Can! Jai Ho! I have dream! Friends, Foes, Countrymen!

Clearly the effects of the smoke had worn off.

The ex tried to drag him away but he wouldn’t budge. This lecture/debate lasted 15 minutes. His hindi is only marginally better than mine, so it was with some horror that we left him to it and joined the line for security (X-raying the bags)

Maddening bureaucracy and pointless red tape cripple the Goa Airport. (PhD had a point after all, but don’t annoy a cop just as you are about to board a flight is all I say).

One Goa airport rule is that all airlines have their own security stickers for your bags post-screening. Imagine that – Printing all the different types of stickers for each airline, then managing who is being screened for what flight and then matching the stickers correctly. Logistically it’s one of the stupidest things I’ve ever witnessed.

Since my mother made us reach the airport some 2 hours in advance for our flight – She fucking tricked us! She told us there might be lots of traffic and we should leave early! It was a scam. I’m sure of it. There was no traffic. She loves to get people waiting at airports. Some OCD thing – So security weren’t even ready for our flight – Surprise surprise, our bags got the wrong sticker.

When we went up to the check-in counter, the counter lady said,

“Aare! You can’t fly with the wrong stickers on your bags! You must screen them again.”

PhD promptly had a fight with the counter lady. Most definitely the mal had worn off.

“What difference do the stickers make? They are all generic anyway!”

The counter lady seemed baffled, both by the use of the word ‘generic’ and his casual rejection of the immutable laws of the Goa airport. Then he said,

“We’re leaving the bags with you. This is your problem! You made the mistake and you should sort it out for us! Why should we screen them again? Come on guys, we’re going to the waiting lounge.”

I thought, I’m not leaving my bag unattended you madman!

Luckily no one listened to him. No one ever listens to the academics, thank god.

By this time the ex was getting rather hot under the collar. The ex gets very agitated with unforeseen occurrences. It’s so cute.

The ex then scolded me severely for taking that photo above of the mind blowingly hideous airport statues instead of sorting out our luggage issue.

Plus I had 2 lighters in my bag because Goa Airport, unlike all other airports in the world, still implements the ‘no lighter’ policy (even if the lighter is in your checked-in luggage), just because they can’t be bothered to change it.. So I had to open 2 suitcases to hunt for the lighters.

There was a hidden 3rd lighter which I only found back in Bombay once I unpacked! Hah! Take that Goa Airport!

Then we settled down to find some snacks. While we stood in the queue at a food counter waiting to buy some samosas, PhD got impatient, (Yes We Can! Challenge the status quo! Jai Ho!) went off on his own and returned with an armful of samosas.

Unfortunately everyone else waiting patiently in the queue had just been served. So in the end we had nearly 4 extra plates of huge samosas.

I told PhD he really should run for Mayor of Goa.

Goa

Beach at Gopal's Shack. He took 2 hours to serve anyone they were so busy. But I was sympathetic so he was nice.

Beach at Gopal's Shack. He took 2 hours to serve anyone they were so busy. But I was sympathetic so he was nice.

Sunset

Sunset

The ex and I are in Goa for a week over the New Years.

With my parents and the neighbors (also Bawas).

I’ve always gone with the family, and really never been to Goa with a jing styled a lá Riddhi and her court. The only other friend I’ve gone to Goa with is Leo. We visited Riddhi and her jing at the slum they were living in Anjuna once to pick up our mal. I say slum, because there were 8 people (including her current and ex-boyfriend) to a double bedroom. The thought of it frankly terrifies me. I like the mal and all that, but 8 to a room is dreadful. I can’t do it anymore, even if I was hammered out of my skull I couldn’t do it. I’m too old.

I haven’t been blogging as often for obvious reasons.

One being that the hotel we are staying at turns off the wi-fi at night. Which is a typically Indian notion. Like the wi-fi will run out or something.

The other reason is that it’s Goa. I’m too busy lazing around, eating and drinking.

Right now I’m sitting outside our wooden hut rooms, with a watermelon juice and my laptop, which only has about 1:30 mins of battery time left. Fucking macs batteries.

So I’ll re-cap the last few days as briefly as possible.

Day 1:

I love how the light looked on the curtains.

I love how the light looked on the curtains.

That being said it was a full free show if you were changing.

That being said it was a full free show if you were changing.

'Designer' Huts. 24/7 Room Service but no telephone in the hut.

'Designer' Huts. 24/7 Room Service but no telephone in the hut.

Room Window. It was nice to just sit on the bed in the afternoon with the AC on and chill.

Room Window. It was nice to just sit on the bed in the afternoon with the AC on and chill.

Coconut Trees. Well its fairly obvious.

Coconut Trees. Well its fairly obvious.

We took the morning flight out from Bombay on the 26th. My mother, using her usual tactics didn’t stop nagging until we were in the car and on the way to the airport.

My god that’s an exhausting way to wake up. Seriously, how are you supposed to drink your tea in peace with constant yakking?

By the end of day one even the ex was exhausted with the friendly familial bickering that is common among bawas and semi-loudish Indians and my family in particular.

Back in our designer huts – Yes, designer huts. Ac, Wifi & 24 Hour room service provided! (No telephone in the room, if you want room service you need to go to reception.) – we are a little thrown to find a tiny frog perched on a step in our loo. We try to find someone who will remove it for us.

Later a boy who seems highly amused by our request, comes with a mop and bucket to take the little fellow out. I tell him to be careful not to hurt it. Once the froggie has been safely dispatched, the ex, in triumph, promptly confiscates his mop.

I am them made to mop the loo and floor where I’ve tracked in sand and mud. Even on holiday there is no respite from this hateful cleaning, a fact which I mournfully complain about. The ex is unrepentant.

Day 2:

Lights in the hotel garden.

Lights in the hotel garden.

Decorated tinsel tree

Decorated tinsel tree

Dog that looked like a fawn. She became our friend and barked if house keeping went into our rooms.

Dog that looked like a fawn. She became our friend and barked if house keeping went into our rooms.

Sunset through the trees, while walking down to the beach

Sunset through the trees, while walking down to the beach

The Goa vibe we all know and love

The Goa vibe we all know and love

We all went off on our own. Thank fucking god.

I needed to lie down and read my Poirot in peace.

The ex and I were having a post-swim shower, and I demand the full use of the shower to wash my hair. Communal bathing is so annoying, especially when you are forced to wait in the sidelines to use the shower.

I like constant flowing water. (Sorry eco-friendly, bucket-bath type people.)

“Can I please use the shower now?”

(I ask the ex)

“NO! You have to bathe with me!”

My mother pipes in suddenly from outside the hut,

“I can hear you, you know.”

The ex and start giggling and promptly dispatch my mother on a shopping errand for Shampoo. (Since she is so conveniently near by.)

Day 3:

I read this as "Mass Marriage" Sign. I imagined lots of catholics lining up in pairs, down the aisle.

I read this as "Mass Marriage going on". I imagined lots of catholics lining up in pairs, down the aisle.

Poor Puppy outside the main church in Old Goa. There was a horribly starved one outside the missionary hut.

Poor puppy outside the main church in Old Goa. There was a horribly starved one outside the missionary hut.

Some Church near another church in Old Goa.

Some church near another church in Old Goa.

Kid's playing 'Catch and Cook'.

Kid playing 'Catch and Cook'.

We made the colossal mistake of trying to sight-see in Old Goa.

I hadn’t been there in so long I had forgotten what an utter waste of time it was.

So really the entire day was lost in commuting to see St. Xaviers’s or St. Francis’s or whatever his name is, embalmed remains.

Like we gave a shit. And the worst part of it all was that we had absolutely no mal whatsoever.

None! I was so angry.

Day 4:

Tits Bits

Tits Bits

Fire Thrower at Shanti's. We went there for some day-time rave.

Fire Thrower at Shanti's. We went there for some day-time rave.

A couple of days later I went up to some random bald dude and asked him if he was a fire thrower. He looked very similar.

A couple of days later I went up to some random bald dude and asked him if he was a fire thrower. He looked very similar.

I love its little face poking out.

Cat with kitty near Ganpati statue. I love its little face just poking out.

Cat with kitty near Ganpati statue.

Cat with kitty near Ganpati statue. More kitties were hiding behind.

I discovered the ex has a highly entertaining posh habit of asking the waiters, no matter where we are, their food recommendations and serving suggestions.

So while we are lounging on our sun-beds and ordering lunch, the ex asks our shack waiter (in English), dead seriously;

“How do you serve your masala papad?”

As though this little shack is 4 star restaurant.

The waiter looks puzzled. There is a pause. He nods and says

“Masala Papad.”

and walks away. So I respond on his behalf to he ex;

“In plate.”

We then spent the rest of the time napping and ‘Gay spotting’. The ex was convinced this heavily beefed up guy in tight red shorts playing ball with a weedy looking boy was a homo.

I thought it was more likely he was not, even though the size of this thighs and the tightness of his pants were highly suspicious. The ex cited the dubious fact that his rugby ball matched his shorts exactly. It was assumed to be some sort of clear sign.

By day 4 I had succumbed to sheer beach-bum laziness and was using the sea as my personal toilet.

Look I know, I know it’s bad, it’s wrong. Haw haw thapad thapad.

But one Shandy down plus a dirty shack loo with no toilet paper is my excuse.

I try to rationalize that the salt in the sea would sterilize it. (Eventually)

And I only did it once… (Twice).

And I’m sure I won’t do it again… (Probably).

You’ll be happy to know I got my comeuppance when, just as I was mid-pee, a huge poo casually floated by me! I squealed and quickly waded in the other direction and hoped the sea would eventually wash it up on the beach.

I ran out to tell the ex immediately of this horrible event. The ex and I set about analyzing the poo based on my description.

Was it a dog poo or human? I ruled out women right away – It’s too hard for a woman to do a poo in a swimsuit.

It also seemed too big a poo for a child, but god knows some repellent brat could possibly push out big one.

Let’s just think it was a dog’s. It’s easier.

On that auspicious note I think we shall end the re-cap so far.

Jerez, Spain

Elegantly placed chairs in the coutryard

Elegantly placed chairs in the coutryard

Part 3 of my belated holiday posts. Part 1  & Part 2a & Part 2b here.

I’d like to lodge a formal complaint against the 3rd hotel on our trip.

It’s called the Hacienda San Rafael. The ex saw their website and was immediately smitten.

Entrance (or exit depending on your point of view) to the Hacienda

Entrance (or exit depending on your point of view) to the Hacienda

Hibiscus growing on the walls

Hibiscus growing on the walls

Here’s the hitch.

They charge over 300 pounds per night. THREE HUNDRED FUCKING POUNDS!!

Holy Virgin Santa Maria Plaza de Ponce Cruz Castillo!

I vetoed this hotel from the start. They can take their ’boutique’ and shove it up their ass. A 300 pound a night hotel is aimed at suckers and the parvenu. (I re-learned this word recently.)

I said I would pay what we would have if we had gone to a nice mid-range hotel, since the ex desperately wanted to stay here and it was frankly entirely out of my budget. I put my foot down for any more than 1 night, though.

Indians cannot be such maha-suckers just because of a good website. I mean, really. We can make it at home.

A stray nudist. The ex was scandalized.

A stray nudist. The ex was slightly scandalized. Child willys are so weird looking.

Another view through arches. Moorish architecture is one of my favourites.

Another view through arches. Moorish architecture is one of my favourites.

Now here’s my problem with this hotel :-

It was stunning. An undeniably, stunning, private villa converted into a boutique hotel.

A dream of a villa. In fact a cupcake wrapped in a dream, muffled in a cloud, cushioned by another dream.

Silly pooch

Silly pooch

The dog took a little dip in the pool. it was very entertaining.

The dog took a little dip in the pool. it was very entertaining.

But at 300 pounds per night you’d expect some value for money. The very least I expect, is an excellent breakfast.

You don’t expect them to have implement a budget airline policy! I was both offended and annoyed.

The breakfast was 1 croissant and some coffee/tea. That was it. (I’m outraged. Even now – and we came back from Spain in April). You get nothing but a pretty place to sleep at this place.

If you wanted more you needed to pay. There was nothing that wasn’t an ‘extra’.

Such a Ryan Air establishment policy. It infuriated me.

(Look I don’t expect everything included, but the lunch menu had small portions, the breakfast was stingy and everything was just over-priced. Like I said, just a good inclusive breakfast would have done it for me.)

Our meagre lunch.
Our meagre lunch. These were mains too. I was still hungry after this pitiful offering.
They even had their own shop selling over priced oil and stuff.

They even had their own shop selling over priced olive oil and indian exports (Anokhi produts - let me just say that €300 for a kurta is NOT OK. You rip-offs.)

The ex claimed that the people who can afford to go here wouldn’t care about paying for anything on top.

Some might not, probably. But most people would I should think. These people didn’t get to that level of richness without being a little £££ savvy. Plus I’ve stayed in enough 5 star hotels (parents), which have had great service and more importantly an amazing breakfast. It’s the least they can do considering you’ve had to take out a loan to pay for the bill.

If you wanted to eat dinner at the place, you had to have the set menu at the hotel restaurant. Since this villa was a converted farmhouse/stable in the middle of nowhere, they really had a good racket going. (The food was excellent I will admit).

Anyway, breakfast was very kunjoos. Dinner for one night was fine. If you like expensive hotels for no other reason than that you have money to burn I highly recommend this place.

So here some more holiday photos. I tried to value for money out of photographing the heckings out of this hotel.

They should fucking hire me.

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Vejer De La Fronterra, More Photos

This is a photo depiction of extreme relaxation.

Why arn't all cities like this?

Why aren't all cities like this?

Some more photos from the lovely Vejer De La Fronterra from way back in April.

I especially like the ones on the road to El Palmar, which was carpeted on either side with fields of meadow flowers. The yellow roads reminds me of the Wizard of Oz.

I’m quite impressed with the output of our humble phone cameras. Mine isn’t even a smart phone. It’s an old Nokia with a surprisingly good camera and very durable body (It keeps falling out of my pocket, so it better be durable.)

El Palmera road

Road to El Palmar

Sign post as we leave El Palmar.

Beach

Beach Triptych

El Palmar is a small surfing beach, as I may have mentioned before. Of course, we didn’t surf. We just sat in the sun debating where we could go and pee. Peeing is a real problem. I think I have a very small bladder. I constantly need to pee.

There was the usual range of hardy Europeans (Germans I think) surfing in the freezing water. I admire Europeans who don’t seem to mind cold water whatever the season. Admire, but have no desire to emulate. There were several there, red and leathery looking, with that painful tan white people get that makes them look like poached lobsters.

An uninspiring look. I think I prefer my own jaundiced pastiness. Besides, there are less chances of developing skin cancer. (Cheerful, aren’t I?)

Then we drove back to Vejer, and debated for a long time where we would eat. On a holiday eating is of paramount importance. This comes secondary to the extreme relaxation.

I wanted to go back to the same restaurant as the evening before (It was really good), but the ex wanted to try some local tapas place.

The ex took offense (irrationally) at the more touristy eateries which was unfortunate. They were quite pretty. The one we eventually settled for had the football playing on the TV and a glump of burly men at the tapas counter. I always consider a TV playing football a distinctly bad sign as far as quality of establishment and food goes. And so it was. Regrettable to be sure.

In Seville we had tried this ‘avant garde’ tapas place. A tiny hole in the wall (I wish I could remember the name), it just had 4 small tables and a counter, really very tiny. The food, however was excellent (all tapas). The highlight being the savory strawberry gazpacho. It was quite unusual and unexpectedly moreish.

Well that’s the last of the dispatches I have from the Vejer frontier.

View from the bar

View from the hotel bar.

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Vejer De La Fronterra, Spain

Vejer White Buildings

Vejer White Buildings

This holiday post is from way, back in April. It took ages to sort out the photos and I swore I would write stuff down as soon as I got back but before I knew it months had gone by, and now I’ve forgotten stuff. I should keep a regular diary but I’d never get anything else done. Part 1 of Holiday in Seville, back here.

The ex and I rented a car. (Well, the ex rented the car. I can’t drive.) We had to meet the car dude at a train station in Seville.

I was blamed for making us late.

I was blamed for dilly-dallying over breakfast. (Hey, the most important meal of the day!)

Then I was blamed for missing the bus in the Plaza De Ponce. (Couldn’t be helped. Ponce. Heh heh.)

Even so, we weren’t really late. (sightly late)

We stood there outside the station waiting for this car chap for nearly an hour.

By now the ex was a state of terrible annoyance.

2 double international phone calls later (Spain, back to England, back to Spain)

Turns out the car dude wasn’t going to meet us at the station; We were supposed to find his car depo, except that no one seemed to know where the hell it was even though on the map it was right there by the station, in plain sight. (Not my fault!)

So off we drove to the next stop on our Spain trip. The small town of Vejer De La Fronterra.

The ex is a good if somewhat volatile driver. I found the drive out of the city was particularly nerve racking.

In fits of rage the ex would hurl all the maps and sheets of papers at my head. (Look, I’m not familiar with road signage and also I can’t see very well and so how can I warn in advance where to turn? That’s what the GPS is for. My amazing contribution was to program the GPS – which, by the by, I excel at.)

I morosely complain that if I was a friend the ex would never hurl things at my head. No friend would let anyone get away with such behavior.

The ex informs me that in fact many friends have received such treatment and if I wasn’t so useless I wouldn’t get shouted at. (This might be true, but doesn’t console me much.)

Once we were out of the city, and were on clear roads, the free and easy, the ex and I were much less stressed and we had a very merry drive. There was one terrifying moment where I wasn’t sure if we had taken the right road, but all was well (whew! The ex would have sulked all holiday). My GPS programming is jolly good.

Fluffy white clouds. I couldn't be more content.

The less stressful part of the drive

The hotel I picked in Vejer de la Fronterra turned out trumps. (See! I’m not totally useless! )

We were asked them if had a room free near the pool so they bumped up to a suite for the first night, and then booted back down to the standard we originally booked for the next. The ex was upset when we had to down-grade after living the high-life for 24 hours.

I had insisted we visit Vejer (on a whim. It looked cute. All white and shit.) against much opposition, and that was a fucking excellent decision too.

It’s a tiny, white walled, medieval fortress town on a small mountain range, with winding streets decorated with ceramics and lined with plants (plus the occasional friendly cat). It had the most amazing views out over the plains. The ex and I spent ages trying to take panoramas with both our inadequate camera phones.

Colonnade with the good view.

A quick sketch while having a tea-time snack on the colonnade

The best thing was the lack of people. It was really quiet. No August summer tourists, hardly anyone really.

We did a lot of pottering about, wandering about the old town and shopping. Very pleasant. We heard it was mostly a place where artists lived and practiced. Pottery and painting.

Arty-farty shot. I show it to the ex, pleased.

Our hotel had a pool, which we desperately tried swimming in. (the pool only got the sun from morning until mid afternoon), I imagine it would have been entertaining had anyone else been watching our cowardly attempts to get into this chilly pool. (Dip toe, squeal, run away, dip toe again. Repeat squeal.)

A doorway

A doorway

We had to really goad each other into taking the first, drastic plunge. (I would have felt the holiday was incomplete had we been provided with a pool and not used it even once). We lasted about 30 secs before we came up shivering, more than ready to lie around in the sun.

Two Dogs

Two Dogs

The town was also not more than 30/40 minutes away from various beaches. We jaunted off to one of them on the second day, and it took us 2 or 3 turns around some roundabout before we got onto the right road.

What is with Europe and roundabouts? When I went with my folks from Luxembourg to Trier, we drove around the Autobahn in a circle 3 times, for 4 hours. (There was no signage and no exit. It was an amazing feat of Germanic organization)

A beach we found somewhere. Can't remember where. We went around a round about twice.

A beach we found somewhere. Can't remember where. We went around a round about twice.

Considering how cold the pool was, I don’t know why I was so optimistic that the sea would be any warmer. I rather hopefully had a bathing suit under my clothes, but the water was too icy. I didn’t even attempt the plunge. We just sat on the sand and I read a sandy themed Barbara Cartland.

Anyway, I highly recommend a visit here.

Now, loads of photos. God they took an age to sort out.

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Seville, Spain

I can't remember what this plaza was called but its very famous. We were in a horse drawn carriage.

This post is back dated from way back in April. But chalo, I’ll post it

It is a tradition, that a holiday must be interspersed by entirely stupid squabbles.

In the past these minor squabbles would have been swiftly escalated into a magma melting disaster-thon.

The ex and I maintain this holiday tradition, but have now mellowed enough that a minor quarrel will last for about a morning of intense sulking merely to give a certain piquancy to the merriness of the holiday.

Although I have deep founded suspicions that cheap flight carriers (Like Easy Jet or Ryan Air-Hole) are determined to find some excuse not to let people on their planes, they did let us on after all. This is a constant fear I suffer from when traveling.

In fact it’s not even such an unreasonable fear, since they try every low-down method imaginable to exhort more money out of their victims, I mean customers.

The luggage dimensions must be 35 cm x 45 cm x 25 precisely and must weigh 8 kilos and 0.23 pounds exactly or you will incur a fee of £40.

All luggage is must conform to the approved colours of black or brown only. Any other colours of luggage will incur a fee.

If you attempt to argue these rules you will incur an impertinence fee of £40. If you speak or make eye contact with a member of the Ryan air-hole staff in manner deemed inappropriate you will incur a fee.

Being the wonderful holiday planner that I am, I had not converted any money to euros until I got to the airport. I like to leave these essentials to the very last-minute as a matter of principle. (The airport had a terrible rate, nearly 1 : 1. It turns out everywhere had a bad rate except the ex who got a great rate by some secret undisclosed method. I remember the good ol’ days when going on a jaunt to Europe was like going to a third world country money wise. Ah those were the times. Now what’s the fucking point?)

I also like the ex to validate my financial choices because I’m mentally incapable of coming to any decision with things like money. The ex HATES my dependency on matters of efficiency and business. So the ex REFUSES to help me. (Yes, please notice my random capitalizations)

I pleaded, begged, groveled and eventually sulked furiously. Then I just bought the bad rate. I can’t be bothered with this good business crap. I leave that for the Gujus and Marawadis.

No matter how early you are at the airport, and how long you have waited, just before they close the gate you find you have something vital you need to do. Like pee, or eat, or buy a Frappachino.

Of course Ryan Air-hole has the briefest window for when the gate is open and being the sociopathic despots that they are they like to terrify all passengers by leaving the gate open only for about 10 minutes, while announcing nearly as soon as they’ve opened it

“The gates will be closing now. Please go to your gate. If you miss your flight Ryan hole will not be responsible. The gate is closing now.”

So this means I had to run like a maniac to Gate number 224 or whatever with my Frappachino. The ex being organised and timely was already waiting at the gate.

YEAH, BUT DID THE EX HAVE A FRAPPACHINO?? EXACTLY! I DONT THINK SO!!!

We landed late in the evening. The hotel I picked was in a very central part of town. (Thank god, or I’d never have heard the end of it). The next day after a breakfast that consisted of vending machine croissants and coffee we jaunted off to see Seville. I planned a number of touristy sight-seeing things to do.

Half way through the morning we had a small spat because of differing holidaying ideological beliefs. The ex wanted to stroll aimlessly, I wanted to see the Cathedral and the Palace and some other shit before we wasted the day.

Even though we were both sulking I made use of my time by drawing this in the Orange courtyard of the Cathedral.

7 Min Sketch - Orange Courtyard

It’s a fairly shoddy little sketch, but you know, I like it for 7 mins worth.

We patched up the quarrel once we left the Cathedral and had a late lunch, (I’ve noticed that a good meal always seems to patch up our spats.) and went off to follow my rigorous schedule of sightseeing.

Which I’m very glad we did.

I’m not flying Ryan hole to fucking stroll around and see nothing.

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Welcome to Hell

This is hell, conveniently located on Bateman St, Soho. I am ticket no. 908

I’m going to Espain in April. So I need esvisa (groan)

My bank decided not to tell me they had stopped posting me my bank statements.

It took 2 months to find this out. Then another 2 weeks to actually get the statements.

Lloyds TSB, people.

Statistically the most complained about bank. So proud to be one of those millions and millions of people.

So I had to take the morning off work to get the visa. I felt guilty, even though it’s not my fault I have to jump through these hoops and frankly I haven’t even visited a gynaecologist or a doctor in years. (Well I’ve never visited a gynecologist. I’m scared and I don’t want some strange person up in my vajayjay)

Fucking guilt. How am I not a catholic? To placate myself more than anything else I tell my boss it wont take long.

Fortunately this visa place is in Soho. Unfortunately my work is across town.

Some improvements to the visa system have at long last been made. You now can book an appointment online. This is free. In the past you had to call a premium number, at a pound a minute. That’s worse than comic relief.

The online booking system said choose a time slot.

Then it only gave me one option.

This is bureaucracy at its best.

I waited for 30 mins at the Visa place to get my number called – this is actually efficient. I once waited 7 hours in Croydon to get my student visa renewed.

I got to counter 12. The guy doesn’t bother to look up at me, he just takes my papers and goes through them.

“How old is this photo?”

It’s quite a few years old. So naturally, I lied immediately.

“Uhm…I don’t know really…maybe a year?”

The moment the lie left my lips I regretted it.

I realised I’d used that photo for more than one visa, more than a few years ago.

He knew it too.

“Don’t lie to me. I’m serious.”

He meant business this guy. So I said look I don’t know. I guess its old.

“This photo is invalid.”

Panic.

“Uhm.. Ok can I take one now and give it to you?”

“Yes. Do you have your travel insurance coverage plan? This is not enough. I need the terms and conditions.”

“Uhm I have this piece of paper with me that’s all. I left the terms and conditions at home. Do I just go to this booth to get you the photo? Shall I do it now?”

“That’s not important. We are not talking about the photos. We’re talking about your travel insurance – I need the coverage plan or I cannot process your visa”

Oh fuck.

I left that at home. I seriously don’t want to have to trek all the way back home.

“Ok so what can I do? Is there a computer I can just buy insurance from here?”

“No. You can try a post office.”

Fuck. Ok I guess I’ll have to go home. Arrrggghhhhh!!!!

“I can go home I guess and get this. I live in Angel. It should take 15 mins to get there.”

“15 mins?”

He’s skeptical. Clearly he doesn’t trust a liar.

I was exaggerating. It takes at least 25-30 mins on the tube. But whatever.

“Ok fine”

He raises one eye brow.

“I’ll give you 2.5 hours to get there and back. I’m putting a time on this paper to let you back in and if you are not back before 2:30 your visa will be denied. And since you said it only takes 15 minutes you should be able to manage that.”

“Do I need to que up again or can I come straight back to you. What is it that you need me to bring?”

“You will get it wrong. Just bring all the papers.”

I laugh in his face at this direct insult.

“No seriously, you will get it wrong.”

I nod. He’s probably right. I’ll just bring everything.

So I double-check

“Today? Today? If I come back today? Today seriously today?”

This guy is thoroughly unimpressed with me

“I have already told you have 2 hours.”

“Ok.”

Pressure pressure. Mission Impossible.

So I first go to the photo booth and pay 4 pounds to take a photo that makes me look like I’ve just left a Charlie Sheen all-nighter.

Then I run home. Scarf flying, sweater getting sweaty. Everything seems to be taking longer. Why are tourists so annoying? Can’t they walk at a pace that is not a crawl??

I get home. It’s nearly 12. I’m exhausted. I should have been on my way to work now.

So I take a cab back to the visa place. This is an expensive visa.

I walk in to find that fucker has just gone for lunch.

I wait there for nearly an HOUR! I was flipping the fuck out. I need to be at work! An hour ago!

I read nearly a whole Barbara Cartland in the time it took to do all this commuting and waiting. (That’s how I register time now, I don’t look at clocks, no minutes and hours. It’s a 1.5 Barbara Cartland. 45 past Barbara Cartland. Page 98 Barbara Cartland ‘o’ clock.)

I keep looking at the door, hoping he’ll be out. When will he be out?? What is he eating?

He finally walks by. Looks me dead in the eye. Then turns around and goes back into his visa hiding hole.

I know what this is. He is showing me how much power he has. These visa people are power-hungry bastards.

The worst part is most of the people in that place were Indian. This guy looked and sounded proper desi. Like what the fuck? Help a sister out. Jana Gana Mana man.

Eventually he comes back to his desk. I’m looking at him, staring him down, with intent. I want my eyes to bore into his fucking soul.

He looks at me, mildly puzzled. I’ve seen you today?

“Yes! You gave me this note and told me to come back before this time!”

I remorsefully tell him I’ve been waiting for an hour. I look at him with blame. More intent.

Also I can’t actually believe he’s forgotten already. What happened to Mr. Mission Impossible? Be back in 2 hours and no more or death?

“Oh if I had known you were waiting I’d have seen you straight away. You should have told me.”

Told him? Told him what? I’m fucking waiting to see him. The whole room is waiting. This place is purgatory. Everyone is waiting. What tell him? I can hardly go to the back to the kitchen and insist he sees me. What drugs is this guy on?

“You looked right at me and walked away!! I thought you were ignoring me because you were in your lunch break!!”

“Oh no, I see so many people I didn’t even remember you.”

Sigh.

Maybe I should show more cleavage in future.

Good news is at least I got my visa.

Espain here I come.