In the Rubber Plantation

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.

Hat Yai Foreign Film Festival

It would appear that, being fairly housebound this holiday, watching foreign movies has become the theme for the vacation. I have always liked them and, I suppose, has always wanted to see more. Now with the wonders of the internet I can watch a lot. And so, the great voyage has begun.

This morning I was up at four and began watching a Spanish horror movie. It's good, but not necessary viewing. A couple go on holiday to an island off the coast of Spain where all the adults have been slaughtered by the children. There are more pressing films to watch so I abandoned it for now.

Here are the posters for some great ones.

Ad I am about to watch this one...

5x25

Into April and relishing days of little responsibility.

Last night, Tom and Don appeared. After a few beers we sped to Don's pad and I screened 5x25 Rolling Stones docu, which they both loved. It is awesome, and our Stones revival continues.

Paid the rent today and the electricity. This afternoon I downloaded an amazing snowboarding doc and one on rock climbing. Makes exciting viewing and Oi can enjoy too.

The days are speeding by and its four in the afternoon by the time I am getting into things.

Friends

Culture Overload

Yes, I must say, things are progressing.

Further research has uncovered a vast array of music and music videos. And, most importantly, it has triggered the long awaited resurgence of The Rolling Stones. Actually, this was a joint effort by myself and California Tom. We spent many hours discussing the brillance of Exile on Main Street, which led to a renewed interest in Mick and Keith. Since, then I have acquired a video of a concert at the Marquee in 1971, the 25x5 story and a bunch of albums; Through the Vaults Darkly, Outtake albums and a 1981 union with Muddy Waters. It is prolific! The Stones have never sounded better. And there were times I thought I could never listen to them again.

Other acquisitions include a BBC live video concert of the Kinks (1973), Thin LIzzy in Australia (1977) (Patrick loved this), and Bob Marley classic albums "Catch a Fire". There is more out there. Again, most of this is thanks to Rapidshare.

Alongside music, movies have taken a dramatic step forward. French movies dominate my daytime viewing with some absolute corkers. La Peau Douce is the best. A classic of a married man who has an affair with a beautiful air hostess. Another great one is Les Biches. About a rich woman who takes on a lowly beauty off the streets only to play cruel love games with her in her social circle in St. Tropez.

I have always loved French cinema and it's play on human emotions. I am still in early days of a vast quest of celluloid exploration. The Indonesian flick, "The Forbidden Door" is also awesome about an artist who exacts revenge on his wife, family and friends who have manipulated him for years. The "dreaded" scene is unbelievably brutal, and yet so compelling. Do watch this movie if you have an interest in film. The whole trip is very intriguing and, as i said, compelling.

There are others, but I must save them for another time, my darlings. Go seek. Go. Go!   

La Peau Douce

Wonderful French film.