It’s my birthday tomorrow.
Nobody helps me celebrate so I do my own thing. I remember Jane organised a fantastic party for my 33rd – halcyon days. Last year I went to spend my birthday on the QE2 in Dubai. For my 60th I went to Grenada and spent the day at the Alhambra; we used to go to a pub of that name way back in the 70’s when I was a student at the Lanchester Polytechnic, Coventry.
The Alhambra was fascinating.
But today was one of those none days.
The jet lag and beer have hit again so didn’t wake up until 11 am. Felt ghastly – what a lovely word! It took a while to get going but a hot shower and some clothing set me off to check out last night’s cash machine again. Still nothing for either card. Am I fucked? Is it the machine?
Did another tourist trip to KFC, bought a meal which included a fish burger and I know I will never order that shit again! Found another cash machine close to KFC and came out a millionaire! This one worked with my UK bank card so I took out three million rupiah!
I am a millionaire!!!
It turns out it was actually £135.60 according to my online banking.
But still – millions!
100,000 rupiah is about £4.50.
I can dream.
I decided to head back for a swim – the pool was full of little kids, so no way. Back in Oman if I ever get in for a swim and there are little kids about I become some sort of magnet – they keep swimming close to me and blocking my lane and being annoying little cunts. So I sat reading the Thursday Murder club book instead.
My legs have felt really wobbly today; not sure if that is because of walking for four hours yesterday of my heart condition. We will see. Shaking when walking downstairs…
I think my birthday should start a new fitness regime – 68 tomorrow. (You know I just typed 58 – a Freudian slip, a failure to admit, or just insane?)
Walking here at night is disturbing – uneven pavement s and limited street lighting. I have no doubt I will get used to it. And crossing this road is taking you life into your own hands – maybe there is a technique to it.
As I write this I am listening to a Led Zeppelin classic Since I’ve been loving you, and thinking of the girls and ex-wives and Aisha. Some day I will get it right!
I only packed one book and then bought two others at Muscat airport. The one I brought is by Tony Robinson and is called Unlimited Power. I have read about half of it then got distracted and put it to one side. I need to start again at page one – it’s full of great stuff.
The Osman and Seymour are pulp fiction (great movie) and I will probably leave them here, or give them to someone. I can see this is an interesting place to hang out. The more I read by these ‘professionals, the more I realise I need to refine my writing style. Yes, I have three books on Amazon but they are not supporting me financially!
So I brought my current projects with me.
- Death of Mr Dick. The proprietor of a company that manufactures and imports ‘marital aids and grot mags, is found dead under suspicious circumstances. Inspector Hunter Flaange to solve the mystery.
- St Neds. Dr Graham Boreham-Quigley and his life at a boarding school in Suffolk.
- The Phuket Incident. Another Flaange story about a murder in Ipswich and its link to a bizarre holiday in Phuket. DS Jason Belvoir can’t say Phuket.
Sitting here I am also considering the courses I have to upload to Thinkific, the o Maybe Aisha? Online tutee, the Maths worksheets which could become a book, the Maths PowerPoints which could become a course…
I need a business partner/secretary. Maybe Aisha – would she be interested?
As I sat at the poolside I realised I was the only one with a Physical book in my hand – everyone else is on a smartphone.
Is that the world today?
Fairy Hanny 