I have so many of ‘them’ it was hard to choose, eventually after my 4th cup of tea (& a bit of surfing) I opted for the ‘bookcase sort out’. Like my father, I cannot bear to throw books out, I have a love for books far too much to do that.
But what a task to choose! Of course each book I take off the shelf has to be flicked through.
I smiled as I recalled the stories in my head, when I bought it or how I came by it, thinking whether I would read it again or should it be boxed up and relegated to the loft. ( The loft isn’t as bad as it seems, because when I root up there occasionally they may well be promoted back on the shelves again… it’s a kind of crop rotation but with books)
Now I was doing quite well, I had reviewed about 10 books, all of which went back on the shelves (no loft fodder there)…. Then I came across The South American Handbook 1928. I have no idea where this actually came from but it holds a wealth of facts and information about each South American country. It is definitely one of my very favourites.
Some quotes from it!
'Photographs of subjects selected by oneself and taken with one’s own camera form the very best permanent records of a memorable experience. “Snaps” have an interest which places the camera among the least dispensable items in the traveller’s kit. In his photographic album the happy voyager lives again through the moments which he has traveled far to capture, and through his pictures he translates his impressions to his friends.'
Angling in Argentina
‘In Argentina we have a splendid climate. Farther north, where the dorado fishing is par excellences to be had, the summer weather is pretty hot, and one needs to be physically fit to enjoy it. The dorado is caught by spinning with a spoon either from the bank or boat, or frequently, wading, and the latter is not for the timid or weakling.’
Now when I visit South America I am fully prepared. I know the best routes out of the UK and which shipping line to choose (handy that as don't do the Big Silver Bird bit!)
I can stay in touch with friends and relatives whilst on board
(has to be cheaper than texting)
I know which hotels to stay in
( I wonder what the 'Diversions are that makes the time fly at the Miramar?? & what is a Native Toboggan?... think I will get the train. There seems to be a problem with running water in a couple of them ... don't think I will be staying there)
I know where to have my films developed and what type to buy.
What 200 ciggies to bring back
Where to shop (may be able to pick up a snazzy Panama hat)
I am glad to see that I can buy back issues I must sign up
So as I read on I noticed the following important information for travellers
Information for passengers~ Uruguay
‘Second-class, Intermediate and Third-class passengers require a certificate of good conduct and fitness to work. No person over sixty years of age, other than Uruguayan nationality, maybe booked Second, Intermediate or Third class, unless holding a ‘Permit to Land’; accompanied by a son in a position to maintain them or holding documentary evidence that they will be met by such a son on arrival at Montevideo.
Sexagenarians complying are further called upon to produce a passport and certificate of good conduct and fitness for work, vise by a Uruguayan Consul. All Third class passengers must be vaccinated at the port of embarkation before being allowed to land’
Information for passengers ~ Mexico
Every foreigner entering Mexico must provide himself with an identification card. The fee is 1s 1d.
The form of application must be filled in in Spanish and in triplicate. Eight photos are need, five being full-face and three in profile. Not more than two and one-eighth inches by one and three-quarter inches in size.
I have changed my mind it seems they have man eating mozzies over there.. I will stick to Bognor thanks
I decided today to call on 70teen late this morning, figuring we could go out for a girlie lunch and catch up on a few areas of vital girls only gossip.
As I drew up outside I could see her up a ladder, and she was wearing a pair of shorts & t-shirt and she was boogeying away painting the ceiling (or herself judging by the amount of paint on her arms and in her hair)
Obviously she was in no respectable state to take out anywhere so we settled on a bacon butty and a cuppa.
So there I am full makeup, best jeans, t-shirt and totty sandals telling her about something or other of vital importance and before I know it (I still don’t know how she did it) I had been coerced into helping with the decorating.
‘But I am not dressed for painting!!’ I protested
With a rye smile she said ‘ I’ve just the thing!’ and off she went up stairs
Incident Number One
OMG…… ‘No WAY am I wearing that!!’
She produced something she had apparently been issued with from work for the more dirty jobs she had to do at one time. A bright (& when I say bright I mean bright) orange all-in-one romper suit overall, emblazoned with the company badge, it was huge and would have fitted us both and more beside…….
I knew my protests were futile so I put it on. The decorating was postponed for a good while whilst we cried laughing at the state of me, you would have to be 7 foot tall to carry this awful garment off with any finesse… fortunately 70s camera batteries were dead!!
The telly was on Magic music channel so I can understand why 70s had been boogeying away as I arrived and it soon had me doing the same and singing really loud along to various 70s, 80s & 90s tracks….. ZZ Top, Billy Joel, Wuthering Heights ~ Kate Bush, Don’t wanna miss a thing ~Aerosmith, not to mention November Rain ~ Guns and Roses……. I almost came a cropper though doing Madonna ~ Vogue whilst up the ladder… we had such a laugh.
Then suddenly when ‘Thriller’ by Michael Jackson came on 70s screamed ‘OMG’
‘What the ……? I know you are not a Micael Jackson Fan but this track is ok!’
70s ran into the dining room and shouted ‘Come and look at this that my cuz sent me on e-mail last week, I knew you reminded me of something ‘
Incident Number Two
We ran out of emulsion and satinwood, so 70s decided that we needed to go to B&Q… she also wanted some shelves, curtain rail and other bits.
Oh no not a shopping trip to B&Q, please no!!!
There is something about 70s that you should know, she has that ‘aura’ about her that has male staff running around after her and she loves every minute. She has certainly been born in the wrong era and class. I imagine her as a rich Edwardian lady swanning around with an entourage of male servants doing her bidding …. Oh and she has a mischievious streak too!
Last time we ended up in such an establishment she found a young male assistant who looked about 12, never having seen a razor yet and it was probably the first time out without his Mum.70s had him looking for a good 10 minutes for a left-handed screwdriver.
I had to save him by saying I had found one in another aisle.
Today 70s was on top form. She glided into the store, head held high, (now I have seen this a few times … her mantra is if you have never been somewhere before, walk in like it is your regular haunt… it works every time, confidence oozing out of her) she soon found ‘her’ assistant. He was bout mid 50s, quite striking for his age and he was so willing to help, his name badge said ‘Roy’.
She said in her ‘lost girlie’ voice that she needed some shelves.
‘What type?’ He asked
So she explained and they trotted off to the back of the store … I just followed like a puppy shaking my head.
I heard him say ‘did you measure in metric?’
Her answer was ‘oh no Roy, metric always makes things seem bigger, such an illusion, no I prefer inches because I know how much I am going to get!’
I nearly died, the look on his face was priceless.
The shelves were loaded into the trolley which some how he ended up pushing.
Next was the paint, same girlie voice ‘where do you mix paint ?’
At the paint section she had a another two staff running around, Richard and Michael)
Then the curtain rail …. And so it went on as Roy and I were taken around the store.
He even loaded the goods in the car for her…… dam she is good!!!
As we drove away I said ‘ I don’t believe you!’
‘I know but it was fun though!’ she said smiling.
Must remember to phone before I visit 70s in the future ….. oh & I forgot to tell you 70s, you had a big streak of paint on the back of your head but I don’t think anyone noticed lol….. oh and thank you Roy I hope your day got better !!
