Sunday Afternoon and the white dove

On many Sunday afternoons, I would go to my parents to visit.  Almost always was sat at the dining room table socializing - swapping stories, both old and new.  Yes, to say the least, I had a good relationship with my parents, after some rather 'rocky' years and unique situations.  

This Sunday, there was something different though, it was obvious there was something on their minds.  Being close, it did not take long for them to 'get around' to what was on their minds.  My relationship with my father has been rocky through the years, due to several different things.  Hi wife, my stepmother, was the epitome of a mother, at least to me.  Seeing as I had not known my biological mother growing up, my love and adoration of Bobbie was probably greater in many ways.


On this afternoon, something just did not 'feel' right, we were not engage in our normal light hearted manner, cracking stories, reminiscing and 'break' on each other.  When my dad spoke up and told me, 'son we have something to tell you,' I knew it was time to put on my 'game face' and be serious.  What he had to tell me floored me to say the least.


My [step] mother had been diagnosed with cancer, not just the 'garden variety,' but stage 4B Ovarian Cancer, of which her prognosis was not 'good.'  By all accounts the doctors were giving here just months to live, but all the same were going to try a combination of radiation and chemotherapy.  Of course a 'million' questions filled my mind, but they were not finished telling me everything just yet.  To add to the problem, there was no way my father could 'take off' work to see her to her daily treatments.  Immediately and without thought, I told them, 'no problem, I will take a leave of absence or quit my job if necessary.


Now the 'timing' for all this could not come at a more inopportune time, as if any time would be good, or desired!  My company was in the midst of a major contract in California, [I lived in Houston at the time] and I was meant to be traveling to California, any day, for an undetermined amount of time to oversee my portion of the contract.  None of this mattered at the moment, but more so 'taking care' of family did!

The next morning, full prepare to do whatever need be to allow me the time to help my family through this, I was at my manager's office to explain the situation to him.  Now the company I worked for had always been a good company, and most everyone there was family oriented.  All the same, I had not expectation of my manager's decision, when he told me essentially, take the time to do what I needed to do, whatever it took.  Fortunately my position was such at the time that it was pretty flexible and my cell phone was always with me!  

With work 'taken care off' it was time to attend to more urgent and pressing matters, which would take a lot more than work, as I was to find out!  Daily trips to the hospital, Monday through Friday, which often took most of the day!  Sometimes when it was a chemo day, it would turn into an all night deal!  To say the least it was challenging.

Not long after it 'all' started, I put together three loose leaf notebooks with a range of material, covering every bit of information we received from the hospital - information on cancer, treatment schedules, prescriptions with times, side effects and dangers.  Each day when I left my parent's home, I went through the 'collection' of medicines, ensuring they were identified with the schedule to be followed for each.  During these days, my cell phone was even more a 'part' of me than it ever was for work!

The whole 'ordeal' was touch, from watching the effects of treatment on my mother, combined with the daily trips to the hospital,  One of the hardest things though had to be to 'sit' and watch the effect it had on my father.  It was bad enough for him to 'sit and watch' helplessly, all of 'this' going on with his wife, the woman he loved so much, even harder though that the task of 'caring' for her was greatly increased by being so 'hands off' during it all.  


With my father working 'all the time' and away from my mother, I became her primary care giver and my father either had to refer to the notebooks I had began, or talk to me to find out what was what.  One of the most 'depressing' times is when he was off and able to accompany us to the hospital, the doctors did not even know who he was!  One night during the 'whole ordeal' my mother had to go to the emergency room, my father taking her.  Though he so 'much' wanted to be there with her and be the caretaker, he was 'obligated' to call me to meet them there just so I could 'oversee' everything going on.  It was a precarious situation for me, but him especially.  At times like this, I was very thankful for the relationship I share with my parents!


Now my mother was known to be a very outspoken and cantankerous person sometimes - quick to speak what was on her mind to whom ever 'needed' to hear it!  My father though 'quick' to temper for the most part, was a pretty quiet spoken man and mom's 'outbursts' would often send him 'off to the corner.'  It was for this reason my mother told me often she was glad that I was there.  First, I am a very patient man and don't let such things bother me, the second, I knew how to 'handle' my mom and with just a look or a word, I could 'put her in her place' and settle her down!


The 'obligatory' trips to the hospital, were often monotonous and time consuming as trips to the doctor, or hospital often can be.  Even in her weakened and drug induced state, my mom and I made every trip an 'adventure.'  Going into this, one of the things I knew that would be essential and instrumental, was to keep an 'upbeat and lively' outlook.  With my mom, that wasn't too difficult.  Though her pride wanted to keep her from it, the trip from the parking lot to the doctor's office was a 'long' one.  From the very time, despite her protests, I was able to talk her into 'taking a wheelchair' allowing me to 'push her' rather than walking.  These little 'journeys' were akin in many ways to riding the shopping cart through the supermarket on a joy ride!  


It was after all, as the 'cruise director' to ensure the passengers [patient] had as enjoyable a time as possible!  Now it seems to have become my mother's mission in life to marry me off, and the hospital offered a plethora of opportunities for her to 'peddle' me off and indeed she did try at every opportunity she had!  And the hospital was 'full' of opportunity, ever doctor's office we visited, the cafeteria, around every corner it seemed!


After only the first week or so of going for the appointments and treatments, mom had her 'targets' picked out for 'me.'  Though she was always sure to 'check' with me for my opinion before 'acting out,' a positive opinion was like the green flag a the Daytona 500!  That was all she needed.


Now it is funny, the most 'beautiful' of the women she 'picked' out was the head nurse in her primary doctor's office.  Indeed she was a beauty!  So after getting 'comfortable' enough to talk to her, my mom proceeded to ask her one day if she was married. To which she replied 'yes.'   Not to be dissuaded though, my mom proceeded to ask her if she was happily married!  Well even though she was in the process of divorcing, nothing ever came of that.


There was however, the 'crazy' one and it is funny, it is her name that I can remember!  Surely though it was because she lived on the same street that I had for awhile!  There was also the oncologist, a Eastern Indian women, Nothing in either of these cases - though I did talk to Suzanne, a couple of times on the phone.  Yes, Suzanne, was the 'crazy' one!  Really though, I am sure that I remember her name because we lived on the same street!


Seldom was there a dull moment when we were at the hospital!  One day, we were sitting in a waiting room, and sat there for a 'long' time with essentially no one else in the waiting room.  As we say there, my mom looked at the floor at the next row of chairs over and noticed something shiny on the floor!' Bound and determined that is was a diamond ring or something, I kept trying to tell her, no it was something else.  After carrying on about it for some time and letting it 'get the best of her,' she decided it was time to check it out and find out for herself. 


Turns out the object which had been the source of entertainment for some time, an imagined lost and found diamond ring was only a wadded up aluminum gum wrapper!  


Oh year, I will finish the story later and tell you about the dove too.....

The Ring of Fire

After awaking from my nap, it was time to get ready and 'head to town' to take in the sights, sounds, pints, people ~ pubs and karaoke!  Now there was undoubtedly, a great deal to see and do in Glasgow and I wanted to experience it all, or as much as I could! The great thing about visiting this time, was to be along with Ed.  That he was a Scot, and thoroughly versed in the history of the country, it made for a even more interesting trip than if I had been a tourist visiting!  I t definitely provided a different more detailed view and understanding of the city and country!

Awake, dressed and out of the house, the first order of business was a pint to quench our thirst.  Drinking seemed to be a big past time, or at least from my experience.  As we made our way to the first pub, in Glasgow, we walked - yes, walked that in itself a strange feelings.  The general accepted mode of transportation though seemed to be by foot, taxi or public transportation.  Almost always reluctant to take a taxi in the U.S, for fear of the cost, such was not the case at all in Scotland.  Still though, we 'hoofed' it via feet through town.  

The architecture was amazing to say the least!  The ornate sculptures on the sides of buildings, unlike anything to be seen back in States.  There seemed to be history on every street corner and in between!  Without a doubt, Ed was a great and knowledgeable 'tour guide' but just as importantly he new where all the pubs were as well!  While we sat enjoying our pint, discuss ensued as to where and what we should see.  The decision was the University of Glasgow and the The Hunerian, the oldest museum in Glasgow!  Now it seemed strange to travel all the way to Scotland to 'just' visit a museum!  Wow, the thought that comes to mind, first and foremost!  It was awesome and a whole other string of adjectives to describe it!

After visiting and touring the museum, it was time for - yep you guessed it - more beer!  The rest of the afternoon we spent walking around going from pub to pub, taking in the sights as we made out way along.  As night progressed we ended up in an obscure 'back street pub and 'settled in' for the night.  The activities for entertainment for the night at the pub was drinking and karaoke! 

Now as the night progressed and got further into our pint, the goading began for me to sing karaoke!  With numerous protests, I declined to participate - not wishing to 'make a fool' out of myself, I had only sang karaoke once before, many years ago in a faraway land!  Apparently my protest s were either unheard, or ignored as I was to learn when my name was called!  With the announcement that I would be singing, 'Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash.

With some reluctance, I made my way to retrieve the microphone given it was a bit 'late' to back out seeing as when my name was announced, it was also announced I was the yank from California.  Now this elicited a great deal of interest and excitement from the pub crowd!  As nervous as a 'cat on a hot tin roof,' I commenced to sing the words to the song as they scrolled across the video screen!  Now after the song ended, as I greeted by a number of Scots, apparently just as far into their pints as I was.  But I did not buy another pint that night, but my 'glass' was never empty!

If I had to pick

If I had to pick any one place of all the places I have been as a 'favorite' I would be hard pressed to make a decision on which it is. If 'forced' to pick a favorite, it would probably be Scotland, but more about that later. Truly, all of them were special in their own way and for their own reasons! Though Africa, is indeed in the top 5, simply because of my love for animals and nature! Truly, I did learn so much more than I even knew after my visit there!

When we stayed in Africa, while on the 'safari' we stayed a Hilton, nice yes, but it was unique because of the location. While you might imagine it was near or in a big city, it actually was in the 'middle of nowhere!' Out of all the Hiltons and Hyatts and almost every other hotel and motel imaginable, I have never had orientation when I checked in. That was not the case here! After we checked in at the desk, the group of us were assembled and warned about going outside after dark.

Now, this was without a doubt, one of the most unique Hiltons, I had ever seen or stayed in. It was only 2 stories, and square shaped, with 'everything' inside the square. Everything that is except the garbage receptacles. It is for this reason, we were told to stay 'in' the square at night. The reason the 'wild' animals came up at night to 'check out' the garbage receptacle. To be outside the square made one 'subject' to being dinner for a wild animal!

After our orientation, we were escorted to our rooms. Now the rooms held another unexpected surprise! When we entered the room, a net was found to be suspended over the beds. Of course in my innocence and inexperience, I asked about the need for the 'mosquito nets' at night. Promptly the bell help corrected and enlightened me that the nets were not mosquito nets and they were not there for convenience! More so, they were snake nets and 'required.' Another interesting thing about this hotel – there was no air conditioning! Therefore the sliding doors were apt to be open and snakes apt to crawl into the rooms and beds! Point taken and I did sleep with the net securely fastened about the bed – as I am most certain 'everyone' else did that night!

With check-in and orientation over, it was time for a little relaxation and exploring before dinner. After getting cleaned up and'squared away' my friend and roommate for the night, Bryan and I, went downstairs and outside the square while it was still light. It was close to sunset, and while outside got to view what must have been the most beautiful sunset, I could ever imagine! Almost the entire sky was orange and surrounding an even darker orange orb which was the sun! The vast expanse of the savannah and the desert lent dust to the air which filtered the sunlight, giving it the orange cast we observed! Trul unique, as well as magnificent!

After a short time, we all met up in the dining room for dinner, where we had an awesome dinner and some socializing. After dinner, there were not any clubs or bars nearby, so were limited to the hotel bar and lobby for our entertainment. It was here on this night I became familiar with Toasted Almond cocktails! The delightful combination of coffee and almond liqueurs make this creamy concoction a great indulgence. They are awesome, to say the least! So that evening, myself and a few other shipmates sat in the lobby enjoying the 'new' fond concoction and conversation!

While sitting, enjoying the evening, someone looked up into the 'tower' which loomed over our heads in the lobby. Upon closer observation we noticed it was 'full' of seemingly 1000's of bats! An inquiry with the hotel staff, to confirm what we thought we saw, which was indeed what we thought. The tower was open to the outside allowing the bats access to the interior where they roosted during the day, and made their way out for the foraging and hunting at night! Truly a unique and interesting experience – a night of Toasted Almonds, bats in the lobby of the Hilton in the 'middle of nowhere.

The Pllumber and Blue Jeans

After the ride from the airport, we arrived at the Hopkin's home for a more 'quiet' and formal visit face to face, in the living room.  This was not before breakfast!  Which Mrs. Hopkins insisted in preparing for Ed and I, assuredly, we must be famished after our flight, and apparent night of drinking!  Far be it, for me to 'refuse' food, so I sat down to enjoy a traditional Scottish breakfast!  Ah, not so different from a traditional American breakfast, that is accept for the one addition, which you don't find on an American breakfast menu!  Black [Blood]  Pudding!  To say the least, breakfast was good!  Perhaps due to the 'long' plane ride and all, but suffice to say, the only time I had, or have had black pudding is that morning!

After breakfast, we all 'retired' to the living room to visit and catch up on things!  Now while we sat visiting, myself on the couch and Mrs. Hopkins, sitting across from me in a chair, she noticed the blue jeans I had on.  A 'designer' pair of blue jeans with a purposefully placed 'worn' hole in the leg!  Seeing this Mrs. Hopkins, offered to get her needle and thread to repair them for me!  LOL Imagine trying to explain to her that the hole was intentional!  With a laugh, I declined her offer and we continued chatting about other things.  This was not before, Ed 'warned' me that she was not convinced or understood about the 'hole' in the jeans!  She was very likely to 'snatch' the jeans from the laundry to repair them.  Needless to say, when I changed, I 'stuffed' the jeans to the bottom of my bad and did not get them out again before leaving!

After chatting for a bit, it was determined by all that Ed and I should sleep for a wee bit, before we progressed to town to begin our 'tour' of the city!  Now this sounded to be a good idea, but before a nap, a shower was in order!  Ah but first, the shower head had to be installed!  The bathtub was just that ~ a bathtub with no shower head!  Now Mr. Hopkins had purchase an 'add on' shower head to be installed, but not being a mechanical person, he 'left' it for me to install!  Apparently, Ed had informed his parents previously that I had some mechanical aptitude!  So before I showered, first I was to install the shower!

Now this required drilling into ceramic tile to affix the fixture to the wall!  Somewhat reluctant giving my previous night lack of sleep, my 'immense' intake of alcohol and the mere fact that I did not want to 'screw' this up and turn it into a bigger project than it should be - I acquiesced and climbed into the bathtub to install the shower head.  Fortunately with little trouble and without cracking any ceramic tiles, I was able to successfully install the shower head!  While installing the shower head, I could not help but imagine how long this house had stood, existing without a shower!  Not to mention, the countless baths taken!  The Hopkins family is quite 'large', all 'boys,' Mrs. Hopkins, being the only female of the lot!  [Which made for pretty interesting dynamics!]

After the shower, it was time for 'my' bed, which involved the 'museum.'  Having lived there, Ed naturally had his 'old' bedroom while mine was to be one the other 'boys' had occupied when home.  Since the emptying of the 'nest,' Mr. Hopkins, a retired Glasgow, police officer, had turned the bedroom into what was affectionately referred to as the 'museum.'  
After a tour of the museum, it was time for a nap....

Before sleeping though, I removed my blue jeans, rolled them up and stuffed them into the bottom of my bag!  Having been forewarned, Ms. Hopkins was apt to seek them out and upon finding them, affix the repairs she was 'sure' they required!  Feeling sleepy, but secure that my jeans were safe, I drifted off to my slumber....for a short while.

Raised Terror Alert

The trip was planned, plans made and the travel itinerary set.  As with most business trips, the details were laid out sometime before.  Thought travel to Livingston, Scotland, to the office there were not uncommon, this one was going to be 'special.'  This time it worked out that both Ed and myself would be able to go at the same time, which our schedules did not usually work out to make such travel possible.  Ed was the Business Manager for the business model, essentially my 'opposite,' as I was the technology manager for the business model.

What made this trip special was that Ed was a Scotsman from Glasgow, so to be able to make the trip with him, made a 'tour guide' for the trip and almost certainly guaranteed a different view of the 'country' than I was accustomed.  As part of the planning for the trip, we worked it out to be able to go over a couple of days before our planned business requirements which necessitated the trip in the first place.  Even better, we planned it out to be in Glasgow over the weekend, before we had to be at the office on Monday.

Packed and ready to go, Ed and I met at our office in Fremont, having enough time to check email and such before we headed to the airport.  Which in hindsight was probably a good thing.  When we arrived at the office, things started 'buzzing' with emails and phone calls from corporate travel telling us to modify our travel plans, more so our packing.  There had been a terrorist threat in Heathrow, that changed the procedures for traveling and the way you could pack to get through the airport and on the plane. 

So rather than carry on luggage and laptop bags, Ed and I, stood in the parking lot outside the office that morning, repacking, 'shoving' everything we could into our luggage to be checked.  Things were pretty normal, or seemed to be as we checked in at the San Francisco airport and prepared to take the flight to Heathrow.   Only difference noticeable - no liquids through the gate.  No worries for Ed and me, as we had repacked before arriving at the airport.  Since we had, we did not carry anything on, not even a book or an IPOD for the 12-13 hour plane ride!

No worries, or so we thought since the majority of the flight would be at night, so we figured there would be ample time to sleep and be well rested when we arrived the next morning, and to 'tour' Glasgow.  So after arriving at the airport, we ended up at the bar and drank our breakfast was we awaited the boarding of our flight.

Despite the 'special' situation, the travel was going fairly smooth as we boarded the plane to make our way 'abroad.'  The boarding of the flight in San Francisco, went smoothly and on time and we arrived and departed Chicago, with no issues!  Shortly after we boarded the flight to make our way across the ocean, things began to get interesting.  

Fortunately, we had arranged seats in the center aisle of the plane, and luck be with us, we had a row of three seats to ourselves, giving us room to 'stretch out' and sleep in preparation of our arrival and our weekend!  Once we were airborne, it became pretty immediately obvious we would not be getting much sleep, but not for the reason we thought.  Sitting in an aisle a couple of rows behind was a fairly 'loud' woman who was quite boisterous and verbal, the noise she was creating making sleep 'impossible.'  Good fortune be with us though, the flight attendant found another seat, somewhere else on the plane for the woman to relocate to.  Finally it seemed peace and quiet would be ours and allow the sleep we were planning on getting.

Ha!  Such was not to be so!  The flight attendant who was in our section, seemed to take 'pity' on Ed and I, for having to 'put up' with the woman, and as they drink cart came around, the attendant gave us a bottle of wine!  Well both Ed and I being somewhat wine 'lovers' [it had alcohol didn't it? and who can 'pass up' free liquor!?]  Well between the two of us, a bottle of wine did not last long and when it was finished, it seemed we would 'finally' get some sleep.  As we were getting 'settled' in preparing to sleep, the flight attendant happened by with another [gratis] bottle of wine.  Again, neither Ed or I, to be ones to refuse free alcohol, we gladly took the bottle and had another glass of wine!  

The wine bottle was soon empty, but before it was the flight attendant passed us by again, with yet another bottle of [gratis] wine.  And yet again, it was beyond us to 'refuse' it or save it for later, so we had another bottle of wine!  We passed away the time sharing the bottle of wine and making conversation about most anything imaginable.  Still we thought there would be enough time for at least a 'long' nap between the time we finished this bottle of wine and the time we landed in Heathrow.  Well the bottles of wine kept coming [gratis] until the 'wee' hours of the morning.  

Finally, the last time the flight attendant came by, yet again offering another bottle of wine, we declined admitting the need to nap before we landed.  Turning the overhead light off, it seemed 'plenty' dark so surely there was enough time for a nap before we landed!  Almost as soon as I closed my eyes, the reason why it was so dark was almost immediately revealed and it was not because of the hour!  The darkness was broken and the daylight revealed when the person across the aisle raised the blind on their window, 'uncovering' the sun and letting the light in!  

Well at this point, we were to close to landing to go to sleep!  So we rode out the rest of the flight as we made our descent and landing at Heathrow!  After making our way through customs and all, we wound our way through the airport to catch our flight to Glasgow.  From this point on, the trip went smoothly and quietly and we landed in Glasgow, to be met by Ed's parents!  As we stood waiting to get our luggage from the carousel, we chatted with Ed's parents. After a short time, Mrs. Hopkins informed us that we were phished [drunk] which was just unimaginable!  

After we retrieved our luggage, we made way to the car and subsequently the trip to their house.  As it had been awhile since they had seen Ed, and even longer since I had seen them [I had met them previously when they came to the states on holiday] and both Ed and I were sleep deprived, as well as being drunk!  It was a 'lively' trip to the house!

Ouzo and Communists

It seems that most every country came with its own 'warnings' of things to avoid while we were there visiting, the two things we were warned of when we visited Greece were ouzo and communists.  Ouzo, the national drink of Greece is illegal because it contains absinthe,  and is considered to be psychoactive, or narcotic effects and possible death.  Though it is legal to buy ouzo in the U.S., it is not the true ouzo as it is distilled to taste the same, but not contain the same ingredients, or have been processed [distlled] the same way.

Though I can recall 'visiting' a bar while there, sitting around the table with a number of shipmates, one afternoon enjoying our drinks, getting the 'necessary' fill of 'rum.' partying and drinking was not the same past time while there as it was in other places.  And of course, we 'avoided' the ouzo.

The other thing we were told to avoid while there was the communist protests which were going on at the military base on the island at the time. 

Despite the 'lack' of drinking and this 'warning' of visiting the military base to avoid the communist, there was plenty to see and do while we were there!  Actually there was more to see and do, than the time permitted!  So my choice was to visit the Tempe of Apollo, which was in my mind, the 'best' choice!

To get to the temple from the city, was a rather 'long' bus ride and it provided an opportunity to see the countryside during the travels.   It was amazing as we traveled along the highway to see the 'red mountains' [due to their high iron content] and the olive trees that seemingly 'lined' the countryside.  Along the way, we stopped at a 'roadside' outpost for souvenirs and to 'visit' with the locals' for time.

Now this outpost was not a 'tourist trap' such as one might imagine one would visit while traveling the U.S.!  It was no 'chain' that is for sure and it wasn't 'right off' the highway' either!  Instead, it was a wooden building, where a number of goods and wares were available for purchase. Not the multitude of 'popped' trinkets and souvenirs one might find while stopping while traveling the U.S., but genuine goods and products of the local community!  Still I can remember the wool jacket I bought while there, though I haven't a clue what happened to it!

After the 'brief' stop at the outpost, it was onward to the main purpose of the trip and undoubtedly the highlight of the trip, the Temple of Apollo!  Back then, and even now, the Temple of Apollo, was and is a 'big' thing and I expected a magnificent and colossal visitor [tourist] center to 'mark' the spot, surrounded by a 'sprawling' metropolis - after all, isn't that what I would expect 'back home' around such a significant sight?  It was obvious Greece was not home as we pulled into the parking lot for the temple.  Instead the Temple was surrounded by trees, mountains and Quiet!!

Despite the 'lack' of home, all the expected sights and sounds.  Where the heck was the McDonalds or Denny's?  It was still awe inspiring and breath taking. Not so much in the maintained landscape and 'remodeled' and well maintained facility, but more just by the history and thought of all that had taken place here!  It was quite a surprise to me, that we were actually able to go into the stadium and sit on the very 'seats' that undoubtedly many others had 'during the day.'  There was nothing modern about the Temple, no signs advertising the local 'hot spots' or eateries, instead the 'raw' arena, much as it must have appeared during the time that is was a 'center' of activity!  Siting the arena, it was hard not to look out on the 'field' and imagine the activities that went on during the time the Temple was 'alive.'

Indeed, not the most interesting of stories I am sure, but the experience and opportunity to travel to and visit Greece was in many ways, for many reasons well worth it!  Undoubtedly, it is a place I would go to visit again, should the opportunity arise!

First Tattoo

Missing Ship's movement has to be one of the most serious thing's a sailor can do, but not this time....

Of all the places I have been Scotland, had to be one of my favorite places of all, for many reasons.  The people, the history, the architecture of the buildings, there is just so much of it all.  The people are fantastic and it has to be but one of the many reasons I like Scotland so much.

The first time I visited Scotland, Edinburgh first and foremost, was back in 1982, when things were very different all over the world, in many different ways than they are now.  About 25 years later, I returned to Edinburgh, and many things had changed about the city, the people and the attitudes of it all.  More about that later though, for now, let me tell you about this visit in particular and many of the things that occurred during my visit.

Without a doubt, if drinking is on your mind, Scotland has to be one of the best places in the world to do it!  Especially in that time and day.  The atmosphere in the pubs is so much different than the bars and club of the United States. For a thirsty sailor, it is almost 'ideal' since you could go into a pub in the 'middle of the afternoon' and it was acceptable, almost expected and 'wet your whistle' while downing a pint or two!

On this particular afternoon, several other shipmates and myself, were out seeing the town and pub hopping to get our fill!  Sometime in the early afternoon, we spotted a tattoo shop and the consent was we should go and get a tattoo.  A natural thing for a sailor to do right?  So off to the tattoo shop we went, four or five us.  Upon arriving at the tattoo shop, we were 'revved' up and all motivated to get our 'first' tattoo.  When we got to the shop though, we were informed it would be 'awhile,' but we were welcome to wait.  Well the decision was made to wait our turn, but the wait turned out to be longer than our ability to wait for the next pint.  So in search of another pub, we abandoned the tattoo shop and ventured forward to the nearest pub!

While we sat in the pub, socializing and getting our fill of ale, we learned of a concert going on later that 'night' in the local 'hall.'  Though we had never heard of the performed, Elvis Costello, we decided it was worth a go and decided to attend. 

What a good decision it turned out to be as well.  The venue was small, maybe 800-1000 people and it was more like a school auditorium.  We must not have sat down the whole concert though, instead standing to enjoy the music and see the performers over the heads of the rest of the crowd there. The acoustics in the hall were great, as was the music! 

It was a pretty calm night with not a lot happening as we became acquainted with city, more playing like tourists than sailors.  It all worked out well though, never did get the 'first' tattoo at that time.  Learning that the 'wait' was due to another shipmate getting work done on a 'massive' tattoo that 'ran' from his shoulder to his calf!  Seemed one of his 'traditions' was to get a little more work done on the tat in each port.

From some aspects and points of view, it was a somewhat boring day but for us, it was 'great' just to take it all in and be able to drink and experience an 'unheard' of 'local' performer.  The 'trip' did get better though!