Category Archives: writing

Istanbul 3. Notes from a bar at Sultanahmet.

The old dog wandered wondering. What was he hoping for as he dodged across the road, avoiding cars, crazy motorcyclists and trams? Perhaps a tasty snack from the waiters at the Barron Ottoman? They stroked him. The kebab man cut, folded, served; ignored the old dog. He came my way though fish was not onContinue reading “Istanbul 3. Notes from a bar at Sultanahmet.”

I love Kazakhstan

Well I have been living here in Almaty since January and it is a beautiful place. It has the second best prettiest women in the world – Liverpool Judy’s always win. But I have to laugh at some of the names I have come across recently. There are ladies called Karlygash, Nazgul and Nurgul. PlusContinue reading “I love Kazakhstan”

Istanbul 2. Reflections and an Introduction to Rumi.

I think a hangover makes jet-lag so much easier to bear. Eventually I arose Monday morning and decided to do the tourist bit, so headed to the City centre in one of the many millions of taxis that constantly patrol the streets. Don’t get into a taxi and ask for ‘Haggia Sofia’ even though theContinue reading “Istanbul 2. Reflections and an Introduction to Rumi.”

Istanbul 1 : Getting Lost and finding Old Friends.

Atatürk Airport 9.30 pm on a Saturday night. Check papers, work your way through customs, throw off the term spent in Kazakhstan. Greeted by an old friend and guided to his Gaff. Meet the charming new partner; fantastic dinner with lovely wine. But then out in the City by midnight looking for a bar thatContinue reading “Istanbul 1 : Getting Lost and finding Old Friends.”

The sayings of DC Jason Beaver

Sadly young Beaver is not the smartest detective at the picnic. He misquotes though I’m not sure if it is deliberate or not… Water off a Dutch back. No pockets in a crowd. Daft as a bush. You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him think. Too many cooks spoil theContinue reading “The sayings of DC Jason Beaver”

On First encounter with Rumi.

Sitting, watching, pondering, wandering. Istanbul bookshops and bizarre bazaars; favourite city, Oozing my childhood testament from every pore, City battered and beaten and rocked to its core. “Simon! Simon! Phillip wants your money, pay up or die!” Armies marching, marching, marching; did you hear that Mr March? Constantinople; Byzantium; Istanbul. Three Cities in One, likeContinue reading “On First encounter with Rumi.”

Another excerpt from “Dark Side of Uranus”

And what of Fairy Hanny? Well it will be of no great surprise to realise that this stoic Handmaiden of the Fat King Innocent carried on regardless. She would have preferred to carry on cruising with her cousin Mutch; however she’d accept she would have to carry on camping with this bunch of retards. TheContinue reading “Another excerpt from “Dark Side of Uranus””

More singing Fish

As our explorers heave to off the coast of Flaw Reader, we are introduced to Steven who runs a Fish and Chip shop much-loved by the Witches, Ogres and other unsavoury characters. Steven was originally a purveyor of fine Fish in Chips in Aldeburgh, Suffolk, but due to a mishap as the Witch Iz playedContinue reading “More singing Fish”