Bushmead Revisited

Bushmead was our old house in Rake, Hampshire, England. It was awesome. Not only did we have three groups of two brothers living in a triangle to each other (Wilsons, Colletts, Cornwalls) but our playground was an enormous forest stretching as far as the eye could see. Peter and I spent all our time exploring the forest, making camps, destroying other people's camps and killing ants. Yes, we were ant killers. Especially, when I returned home and before going to bed found one attached to my balls.

Anyway, so here I was, sitting in a pit of self-loathing, wondering why on earth I haven't done any exercise since being on holiday. And getting a wee bit tipsy every night. I must have reached rock bottom because this morning I set off up the road walking to burn off some fat-fat.

I was going to just walk up the road along past the expensive looking houses when I saw by lucky chance a path leading into the rubber trees. I took it. There began my incredible journey. Up a gradient through the shady trees. I met a man collecting rubber. You can go right to the top of the mountain he told me. By golly, I wanted to do it. But I didn't. I did however have an absolutely splendid walk through the plantation. Hilly terrain with streams and crevasses and little huts where the workers stay. Tomorrow I shall take my camera, so the screaming fans can appreciate it too. It really reminded me of way back in 1976 in Rake. In fact, as I think I have stated before, a lot about living in this present house reminds me of my childhood. And as I had such a great time, I am delighted that Grace can have a similar experience.

This plantation, which goes right to the top of the rear of the mountain that overlooks Hat Yai, will be my playground and it means I won't have to join some crummy gym and look at myself, with self-loathing, as I pant and sweat on some undersized bike or high-tech treadmill. This is so awesome. A wonderful discovery and the forest is quite breathtaking. Easily as good as anything else I have seen in Thailand and so, so very quiet.

Meanwhile, back to my village. Travian village, that is.