Variety

The more things change the more they stay the same. (Muffled cries of "Hear, Hear" - damn, I must stop rereading the early chapters of Pickwick Papers.) Of course one thing will always remain unchanged, my view about Scotland.

But this was really brought on by my looking at that delightful picture taken in the Shangri-la in Kuala Lumpur and realising how similar it is to something my charming wife took in the Marriot in Doha just an evening or so ago. Older, balder, fatter but still doing all the same things. Do we ever change I wonder?
Well, I still like a drink and although single malt should be my tipple I have (when red wine is not available) settled on JD, partially because you can do things like add pepsi/coke or otherwise adulterate it, which is certainly not acceptable for a decent malt.
Something else not really acceptable is bloody silly cat pictures but as an exception to this rule I include one picture because other than the Cheshire Cat this one must be the most exceptional feline around.
But perhaps the biggest change is in my social interactions, as a shy and retiring youth I found it difficult even in the sixties to laugh and dance with abandon. But as I age I find that it is possible and now, with similarly outgoing people, I can let loose my inhibitions and dance.

Bugger it; still the same problem with picture sizes. I actually got hold of WordPress but my host does not work with it, when I found a decent new one I discovered that it would take a week to transfer my main email so I decided to put it off until I am out of contact for a while, probably in one month. But I did put up a simple post at WordPress.com just to see how easy it was, so we'll see whether more change comes in the near future.

Birds

Back in the sixties, or thereabouts, birds was a, non-derogatory, term for ladies but as I grow older and even more firmly embedded in my happy marriage I find my eye wandering to them less and less; even in the unlikely case that they should try to catch my eye.
In any case there is so much of interest to see in "real" birds that there is little time to view the unfeathered kind.
And since the feathered ones are so curious and like to investigate my camera, or that of Liam McCaffrey, I guess I might as well accept that the interest will always come from them in future, rather than the curvy kind.
But to be honest I find that the extra interest of birds can be a bit scary, there is a certain concern is seeing one of my farm ducks heading over to have a serious discussion with me. This is of course the main reason that we do not expand our range (presently two types of duck and two of chickens) and try swans as well. Having been informed as a child that they all belong to the Queen, and that they can break your arm with one wave of a wing, I am a shade nervous about them.
Consequently I do sometimes still try and seek out a resting bird of the human variety and see if I can get an interesting snapshot. It's never guaranteed, and this perhaps is one of the joys of photography.

Changes

I have become rather unhappy with Blogger, no speelcheek for ages, pictures sizes apparently randomised. So I am expecting to move to using WordPress on my own hosted site in the reasonably near future.
I should be able to arrange a forwarding system, if not then I will put the address in my final blog.
I also gather that I can import my entire blog, although requiring an add-on to transfer the pictures. So I need to get myself up to speed first, maybe even get some-one in?

Music Lover

I have always been keen on music, which is a little strange since I have absolutely minimal abilities in that line. I was asked to be roadie and general on stage maniac (wasn't it Chas in Madness who initially had a similar role?) back in the sixties but decided against it on the basis I might have to carry heavy things. And when the pop star outfits were seen I definitely decided against it.
After some thought on fashion I did fancy an opportunity to join a topless band, or even a full nude group. After all it should distract from my playing and if Sid could get by playing in such a way that even Lemmy though he was unteachable then surely I could manage.
But it was not to be, on the few occasions that I was to perform somehow I was not seen as a forthcoming star.
No doubt a pity, but I never had the necessary charisma and there was not a "J" in my name so the chances of following Jim M, Jimi H or Janis J to stardom and an early death were pretty small.
So there was nothing for it but to become an expat.

Tennis Loneliness

At the moment I am a tennis widower as Alice is off to the Doha WTA Ladies every single day, normally getting back after I am asleep. I can't begrudge this because she enjoys watching almost as much as playing, and any "constant readers" will be aware that she is quite a good player.

And the international players are generally such sweethearts, happy to sign the big tennis ball she bought and to pose for photographs with admirers.
This was similar at the recent mens also where, as a Brit and indeed a Scot, I was very pleased that she got Andy Murray's autograph on her ball.
A Williams sister did reject giving an autograph, but politely as she was being whisked from an outer court through vast throngs of admirers, so she has not lost a fan.
Sharapova, who I have long thought was an arrogant and unpleasant woman, however rejected all comers with the comment "I'm not going on Ebay". In fact, since the fans were interested in her they would be unlikely to try and sell on a scrawl from her. But at least Alice now agrees with my opinion and will no longer be a supporter.
All others though seemed very polite and helpful and will benefit from a stronger fan base than before. Some of the lesser, or younger, stars said they were not important and I truly hope that this disregard of their status remains with them as they advance up the ratings.

If they remain as affable as one of the "greats" was to all and sundry they will have a wide fan base their entire career.And why can I no longer choose my picture sizes accurately? it's a real irritant!

Learning

There is much to be learnt as an expat, from the first realisation that if you keep underwear in the fridge it is a wonderfully cooling experience when you change after a day in the desert. (Information for Cooper) But there is so much more to learn, starting with coolness under pressure, especially when you are not quite sure if it is rebellious or governmental troops with whom you are having a quiet chat.
How to make quick decisions is also quickly learnt, as you come over a ridge to see a small snake. I was never very fond of these but one becomes used to them after a time.
One also learns that often modern things, like the jacuzzi, are not easily found, but thankfully staff are very cheap to hire so there is a fall back position. Having said that I find the modern version has greater staying power and the bubbles last quite some time longer.
While vaguely connected with thoughts of the female sex one thing all expats learn, usually even before their first Bangkok trip, is that one is appreciated less for one's style, brains or kindness as for the ability to pay. But then this is hardly really likely to amaze one, surely.
And so we end with the small indicator that shows how the sexes around the world seek out one another; just to simplify the search.

Expat Concerns

It has passed through my mind as I wander the world that, nice as it is to see other cultures and meet people of a different background, sometimes there have to be a few concerns.
For instance, although I thought that Bigfoot was a resident of North America, it was when I was in Africa that I saw my first indication that he may in fact exist. And to a man somewhat overwhelmed by Nigeria I rather hoped that I would not meet him.
Elsewhere the concerns may be more about whether one will die on the roads. As a typical Brit, used to our style of motoring coming across Arabic style car travel was rather a shock.
But wherever I travel it seems a truism that if you put something nice in the 'fridge then it is almost certain that there will be a midnight snacker that will sneak in and get it, thankfully not always cockroaches.

St Val

Well, the big day comes round tomorrow and the birds seem to be aware of it, showing hearts in all directions. Rather nice but how my wife managed to arrange it I really don't know.

But then she always did have control over nature, and when we were in Malaysia she certainly bred a vast quantity of budgies, so I guess that the birds are aware of her powers.
Of course, this explains why the table has been booked for quite some time. It's not because I am looking forward to the wine and roses at all. It's just to show that we are still deeply in love, and will remain that way as the decades pass. Seventeen years married now and still like a honeymoon. There is no doubt that we will be cuddling up together as we age and how happy that makes me!
So to all lovers, young and old, I extend my best wishes for the (banned in Saudi) Valentine's Day pleasures.

Decisions

As we stride along the road towards a new future there are times when one has to make decisions, as the Americans are now doing, and how hard that can be.
One can only hope that their skills remain intact and the correct decision is made, choices . . black, white, male, female; how difficult it all is.
But since I worked on a project in the north of England I naturally have learnt to like brass bands, not loved by all admittedly but they have a charm of their own.
Pity the poor conductor then as he must make his choices amongst the throng of talented applicants, desperate to show their capabilities and join that exhilarating marching brass band.
So I do tend to think that, like the conductor who decided to go for a cider instead, Americans should seek a solution outside the box and perhaps go for the Stainless Steel Rat.

Money

Here in the Gulf we have suffered from both the Mediterranean cable cut and also the cut cable between Qatar and the UAE, this has affected not just the net but also international calls. Luckily there are special handphones which provide a service without trouble.

It is so useful to live (and work) in an area with money as there are always shops with the latest indeed the ultimate technology products. The major problem is that life is a shade repetititious, although occasionally one sees something of worth or interest.
Of course those who like to see lovely ladies can get a little bored with the continual guiness bottle or black abaya worn by all Arabic women, but even there it seems some girls' variations on the theme can ensure an additional glance.
But we can cope with the boredom since we are here for the salary, and zero tax, and our future is being assured. But I have been thinking about things and have actually come up with a way to assist both myself and others: -