Darren Light - Roaming Brit Blog

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July 8, 2019

Let's Rock Southampton!

On Saturday I went with two friends, Debbie and Hayley to the 'Let's Rock Southampton' festival, a train ride away, in the City where I lived for over twenty years. It was a blisteringly hot day, perfect for enjoying the now familiar music festival organised annually on the south coast. This isn't a festival for teenagers and young adults, this is a retro 1980s homage, where most of the party goers are in their late 40s early 50s. Despite being busy, with thousands of people in attendance, there was no trouble or antisocial behaviour found at similar events!

As a rule you will never see me at a concert or festival, it really isn't my thing. I can't think of anything worse being surrounded by crowds of people, paying for overpriced substandard food in searing heat or even worse, pouring rain. However this was an event I was looking forward to. I am a fan of all things 80s and of course enjoy the music from the era. This was a day I was determined to enjoy, spending time with Debbie and Hayley, which is always a pleasure.

As we approached the park, I was contacted by Dom an old friend, who used to live with me back in the year 2004. Dom was with his friend Lizi, who I also knew and they wanted to meet in the park. I haven't seen Dom since I returned to the UK last year and was excited he was coming. He was in fine fettle and I was absolutely overjoyed to be spending the day with him and Lizi as well. It really did bring back so many memories of our time together, clubbing in Bournemouth and London. Happy memories on a perfect day!

The queues getting into the park were long and I was expecting a two hour wait, but the lines of party goers soon disappeared and we were through the gates within twenty minutes. The acts had just started on stage and we quickly made our way to the Pimms tent and bought a jug for twenty eight pounds, hugely expensive and with a low level of alcohol, that never really hit the spot. A small bottle of beer wasn't much cheaper, at five pounds a pop, but was far more enjoyable and I was more than happy to pay the price. With burgers costing on average eight pounds and a small tub of chinese food over a tenner, this really wasn't going to be a cheap day.

The reason we were all there was the music and for the most part I wasn't disappointed. Westworld and Toyah were amazing and really put me in a good mood for the rest of the day. I used to be a big fan of Toyah's, so it was fantastic to finally see her live. I have no idea how old she is now, but her voice was just as good as I remember. Listening to these two acts really felt like stepping back in time, in a good way...I haven't been to a festival before but suddenly felt a conversion coming on, maybe this would be the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

Whilst enjoying a quick pit stop - Chinese Chicken and rice and a pint of Fosters, Belinda Carlisle came on stage. Now she was the act I most wanted to see, one of my all time favourite artists. Quickly I ran through the thronging crowd to get a good view; she was amazing, looking fantastic for her age and her voice was just as I remember. The music was flawless and her performance was the best experience of the whole day.

Toyah

Limahl

Belinda Carlisle

The eighties were indeed a special time for me. I was born in 1971 and grew up through what I consider to be the best decade, at least of my lifetime. The music, television, films and emerging technological revolution were a catalyst for my memories today. Standing in a field with thousands of others, on a hot summers day in 2019, I was transported back 35 years, reliving a youth that seemed like only yesterday. Someone once said to me, 'if you could go back and live your life again, would you?' There was only one answer I could give to that....A firm unequivocal YES; I would go back tomorrow and relive those years and all the others I survived, again and again and again.

Life teaches us many lessons and I have much to learn from the last four decades. So much has happened and even more has gone wrong, but it is true to say, the eighties were the first and last best years of my life; thereafter my life took many wrong paths. The 1980s were a time of great change, not only for me, but also the World. The messages in the music of the time spoke of a better future for all and although these years were not the best for everyone, they were for me. My life as an impressionable teenager began in 1982 and as I adapted to adulthood, the eighties took a final bow. Ten years of adventure, self determination and expression soon became a distant memory and I became the person I am today, a product of a time that I wont easily forget! Long live the 80s!
Published on

July 4, 2019

Ray Atrill - No Ordinary Bloke!

Yesterday a very special person passed away. Ray was a close family friend and had been a constant in the lives of my Aunt and her family for many years. I met Ray for the first time, when I returned to the UK last year and immediately formed a bond with him. He was like an Uncle, always there to give advice and offer a helping hand when he could.

It is always difficult when someone like Ray dies, he has left behind so many people who grieve for the friendship they have lost. He was known by many who live here in Fratton and was a local personality, like no other.

Yesterday, working in the Newcome Arms, his local pub, I saw first hand, just how upset everyone was and it brought home the importance of community to me. I may well have only been a part of this close knit neighbourhood for a short time, but already I feel welcome, thanks in large part, to Rays generous nature and welcoming heart. For those who sat at the bar last night, there was a sudden realisation, that one of their own had died and this town would be a poorer place without him.

Ray has gone to a better place, I am sure of that; I know his memory will live on in the people whose lives he touched. My enduring memory of Ray, is of a quiet, well mannered, unassuming man, who always had time for those around him. He listened to my ramblings, corrected my failings and always enjoyed a conversation; Fratton will not be the same without him. Personally I will miss his infectious smile, warm nature and witty repartee, just three of his many qualities. It was always a pleasure to sit with Ray in his place in the pub and wish the Worlds problems away. They don't make people like Ray anymore, we will never see his like again.

R.I.P. Beautiful man!
Published on

July 4, 2019

A Different Approach!

Reflection richard-guy Richards Journey Running

It has been a little while since my last blog post and there have been a number of reasons for this. Work has been really busy and I seem to be travelling more and more with the role – it is tiring but on the whole I am enjoying it. I also felt I needed to take a break from writing the blog whilst I sorted out some aspects of my life, take a look at where I want to be and how to get to that point. I’m also in the process of moving as well which is fantastic and I’m really looking forward to that.

I’ve been busy buying furniture, house-plants and other stuff I need for when I move.
Due to several factors I’ve decided to pull out of running the ultra-marathon in August.
The training took a bit of a back-seat and there were a few minor niggles that had I ramped up the training could have led to longer term injuries – it is disappointing but I’m looking at what I can aim for in 2020.

I plan to start running again in the coming weeks – it does feel like it is going back to square one but once I get out there and start forming a decent plan it won’t take too long to get back into it and hopefully the niggles will have disappeared.

I have been getting out on the road the last few weeks cycling – it had been a little while since I had last been out so it was a bit of a shock to the system, especially when tackling some of the hills on the routes I train on. In a few weeks I should be back to a decent level of fitness.

I’ve also decided to return to fencing. It was a sport I took up when I left school around 30 years ago and I participated in it for around 5 years. It was a sport I really enjoyed and I had always said I would give it another go but over the years I never really looked into it. A quick google search last week and I found out where the local fencing club meets – it is literally opposite to where I am moving so I have no excuses really. Rather than waiting to join after I move I’m heading along in a couple of weeks and am really looking forward to participating again.

I’m naturally a competitive person so this will also be a great opportunity to start pushing myself in a different direction that isn’t all about long runs and long bike training.

Since my last blog entry I feel that I’ve grown as a person as well – work is pushing and challenging me a lot and that is a good thing. I feel that over the last couple of months I have really developed in my role. I feel that my moods have been a lot better over the last few months. The focus on the move has really helped with that. I’ve lived in Portsmouth for 2 years now and have made some fantastic friends, have a fairly decent social life, am looking forward to another season as a season ticket holder at Fratton Park and the roller-coaster of emotions that brings on Saturday afternoons, and on the whole feel settled down here.

I think back to October 2018 when I wasn’t happy, didn’t feel settled, didn’t want to live here at all, was fed up with work, and fed up with life in general. I have had to take a long hard look at myself quite a few times since then and look at who I am, look at what I want to achieve, look at whether it is possible, look at alternatives, and really had to dig deep at times. Sometimes making changes to life doesn’t happen instantaneously and there are going to be disappointments along the way. There are going to be times when things don’t go to plan. There are also going to be times when you need to change your mindset, your goals, and even your approach in order to get to where you want to be.
Published on

June 30, 2019
June 2019

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Published on

June 27, 2019

Asian Adventure - Modern Gangnam & The Ancient Deoksugung Palace, 8 May 2019

Today was Gangnam day; the three of us were heading towards K-Star Road, where the famous Gangnam district is situated. The road is dedicated to the fashionable teen pop culture, that Korea is famous for. My little Cousin Ruby is into all things Korean at the moment. She sits in front of the television, glued to the latest Korean soap opera or listening to her favourite Korean band. Modern day Korea is a World apart from the traditional side of this country. The two contrasting styles sit happily side by side, in Seoul, a city that has evolved dramatically over the last sixty years and embodies modernity in all its forms. High tech is the order of the day and Gangnam pays homage to a growing culture and lifestyle that older generations would find hard to quantify. However the wide open boulevards, spectacular architecture, beautiful people and well kept sidewalks of this neighbourhood offer a chance to explore new and equally as interesting experiences!

Situated the length of K-Star Road, there are small bear like 'emoji's,' each one depicting a particular band or musician unique to K-Pop culture in Korea. As a novice in such matters, I was a little dismissive of the whole place. Korean pop really isn't my thing and like most of the customs that surround the K-Pop scene, I find it banal and far to kitsch for my taste. Having said that it is extremely popular in Korea and as a nation, they are proud of the music their country manufactures. The songs they produce are popular all over the World and I can understand why. Teenagers like this music because it is so different, young and vibrant, rather like the modern day Korea it seeks to emulate.

Walking down towards the river we stumbled upon some fantastic street art on display. I am a big fan of Graffiti and this form of expression; coming from Portsmouth I am well used to such visual displays. The one thing that has struck me about my time in Korea is just how modern Seoul is. This underground art, shows just how far this part of Asia has come, finding its place in the modern World. It wasn't too many years ago, that this tiny nation was considered a third World country; it's come a long way since then!

Our next stop was Deoksugung Palace, a very special place in the heart of Koreans. This is probably the inhabitants of Seoul's favourite royal palace. Members of the Korean Royal Family lived here right up until 1910, when Korea was annexed by Japan. Of all the palaces I visited here, this was by far my favourite too, a mixture of the ancient Korean style and the more classical European design.

The complex is made up of a number of buildings, wonderful architecture painted in the traditional Korean colours, with a big influence on Blue/Green, which represents the East. The west is white, red is south, north is black and the centre is yellow. This type of design is called dancheong and refers to traditional decorative colouring on buildings for the purpose of style. On a purely practical level the paint is used to protect the buildings from changes in temperature. Symbolically, the patternation also signifies the rank and social status of the residents of these stunning constructions.

Like other historic sights we have visited, these beautiful structures have been preserved and expertly looked after, creating a public space out of what was once a private inner sanctum. On the day we arrived, there were many people waiting to go through the large imposing gates at the entrance to Deoksugung Palace. We were also lucky enough to arrive just in time for the changing of the guard, which was a special experience harking back to an altogether different era. As someone who is fascinated by royal history, both in the UK and abroad, I was in awe at the spectacle being played out before me, right in the middle of a busy intersection in the centre of Seoul.

Next to the ancient buildings of Deoksugung, stands a newer palace, equally as beautiful and more purpose built for the royal family of the time, allowing them to live a more comfortable lifestyle. This newer building is a reminder of colonial and European influence on Korean life. The wonderful gardens, ponds and water features add a air of sophistication to this tale of two palaces. I was taken aback by the sheer scale of this place and could have spent hours sitting, looking at this amazing oasis in the middle of a sea of concrete.

We stopped for a late lunch in a small family run restaurant, just outside the palace walls. This was the best meal yet in Korea, all cooked by a single Korean lady. There were no waiters or other members of staff, just this charming woman, who made us feel completely at home, while she busied herself in the kitchen. The cost of the meal, including three large beers? 34,000 won, which equates to about twenty pounds. This was real Korea and I felt relaxed and happy to be spending time with Darrell and my Aunt in such an historic setting. Korean food seems to suit my constitution and there hasn't been anything I haven't enjoyed while I have been here.....

......However as we left the centre and headed back towards our apartment and Myeongdong, we were confronted by a lone protestor, wearing an A board. On each side of the board, graphic pictures of dogs and cats being slaughtered for meat. The sign simply said 'Stop the Killing,' in English and Korean. It was a large reminder of exactly where we were and yes Koreans do eat animals we don't in the West. Up until now I hadn't seen any cats or dogs being ill treated, but I was aware of restaurants selling specifically dog and cat meat and chose to walk away.

Seoul seems to be a rather open society, at least on the surface. Adult sex shops sit happily next to restaurants selling dubious food still swimming in tanks, including, shockingly for me, turtles and exotic fish. Yet the etiquette expected in everyday life indicates a more reserved, quiet, respectful population. No one bats an eye when they pass a hardcore private shop, yet frowns upon a lack of manners, from a rather confused tourist like me. I find Koreans fascinating and for the most part, engaging and a delight to be around. Something inside of me wants to know more about these enchanting people.

We spent the evening walking around Myeongdong, while Darrell looked for a new pair of shoes. One would think that with all the shoe shops in this shopping district, Darrell would have found something, but no. Exhausted we popped into McDonalds, for one of their Asian burgers, not where I really wanted to go, but since this is Darrell's eatery of choice, I gave in, just this once!
Published on

June 22, 2019

Asian Adventure - Historic Namsangol Hanok Village and The Cat Cafe, 7 May 2019

Had a fantastic nights sleep for a change in our Seoul apartment last night. This is the third time zone we have arrived in and the jet lack is continuing to take its toll. With all the site seeing and walking about I am feeling tired most days. Last night my head must hit the pillow and I went out like a light. This morning was the first day I have felt this good. After a quick shower, I made my way to the convenience Store at the bottom of the street where our hotel is situated, it was time to get a few provisions. I have a lot of washing to do while Darrell and my Aunt take a trip up to the Seoul Tower; obviously not my thing, so the perfect time to sort things out!

It was great to spend a little bit of time on my own this morning, just pottering around the apartment, washing machine on, watching Korean television with subtitles, in between blogging and scanning through social media. This place really does feel like home! I know Darrell and I will never be able to afford to live in Korea, but everything about it, from the culture to the people that live and work here, really gives me a feeling of warmth and security. Seoul itself feels safe, unlike other large cities I have stayed in in the past; today is a good day to be alive!

We all have a lot planned for today. Despite spending the bulk of our journey in Korea, we still want to see a lot of sites, so need to fit as much in as we can each day. Our first stop this Tuesday is Namsangol Hanok Village, literally just around the corner from our hotel.

This ancient Korean settlement is like nothing I have seen before. Of course I have seen similar villages and towns on television, but never something so beautiful close up, preserved for all of us to experience and enjoy. There is so much to look at, so much to see, so little time. Namsangol is surrounded by Myeongdong district, there are tall buildings on every side, as if they are protecting this architectural gem from the ravages of city life. Namsangol is nothing like the area that grew up around it and is an oasis surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens and water features, statues and foliage, an escape from the heat of the afternoon sun.

As I walked around, chatting with Darrell and Trisha I remember thinking how lucky we were to be here. Not many people from my neck of the woods gets to see the things I have, not just here but all over the World. When I look at the turmoil my life is in, without a permanent home, I am at least brought back to reality and gently reminded how different my journey is!

We spent a good few hours walking around Namsangol, the first of many treasures we hope to discover in Seoul. Asian history is second to none. I remember as a child watching the television series 'Monkey,' thinking to myself, how I would like to journey to that part of the World one day. Well I'm not quite in China or Japan, but I am pretty close and as a first step into the far east, it's a great place to start. Korea shares many characteristics with its larger neighbours and this beautiful Honok Village has opened my eyes to the wider picture and the hope that one day I will be able to travel to other countries, with similar, imposing architecture and histories. This is a great place to start our adventure in Seoul and an even better path to enlightenment!

After a trip to Namsangol, we headed down the hill towards the centre of Myeondong, a busy shopping and business district in the heart of the City. The roads were full of traffic and there were crowds of people wherever we went. Most of the locals were wearing the obligatory face mask to keep pollution at bay, so we decided to pop into a local pharmacy to purchase some of our own and 'do as the locals do.' The high pollution levels are particularly noticeable in Seoul, far more than they seem to be back home in Portsmouth, at times the smell can be overpowering, as car exhausts and city living pierce the senses. Suitably attired we continued our walk through town.

The shops were very similar to what one might expect in a typical British High Street. The usual array of clothes, shoes and cosmetics shops filled every available space. Occasionally a convenience store, the odd gift shop and lots and lots of electrical stores, bars and restaurants serving a wonderful selection of exotic food. Fresh fish is of course a staple for Koreans and everywhere you walk, you see live fish waiting to be served to a hungry population. Not a great advertisement for a squeamish consumer like me, put a part of life here in Asia!

At the top of a rather tall building in one of the many side streets of Myeondong there was the Cat Cafe. Cat Cafe's are wide spread in Korea, just like Japan and China. They allow people access to cats who wouldn't usually be able to own one of their own. Most people live in High rises and do not have the space for any pets, so these are ideal places to relax and spend time with animals that you are particularly fond of. There were also dog and even Meerkat Cafe's too, something we didn't experience. It is ethically wrong to keep wild Meerkats in confined spaces and we couldn't be sure if any diseases were being carried by these wild creatures. That is of course true for cats as well, but I guess we felt more at ease with the cat cafe concept.'

As one entered the cafe, one was asked to remove outside shoes and put on slippers, in order to not bring in outside bugs and germs. I think we paid about eight pounds to come into the venue, which included a soft drink as well. Our outer garments were put into plastic bags and hidden away under seats where we sat. We were each given a blanket and waited for the cats to come to us.

There must have been twenty cats in the room, more coming in all the time, every breed, colour shape and size, all waiting to be petted and made a fuss of. We also purchased some cat food from the reception, feeding these pampered pets, encouraging them to sit and chill for a while. The afternoon was a delight, spending a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of Seoul, alone with our thoughts and a cat on our lap. My favourite was a Sphinx, curled up in a cover, who reminded me of our Lily who sadly died a few years ago. This was an encounter I would love to repeat again!

In the evening, after freshening up at the apartment we walked further on down, past Myeondong and towards the night market, where we bought some souvenirs and presents for family and friends back home - fridge magnets, ornaments and niknaks. The usual display of produce was on sale, some less appealing than others and being Korea, there were so called designed goods on every market stall, real or fake I have no idea!

Like everywhere we walked there were throngs of people, interestingly very few tourists. It did seem at times, that we were the only travellers there. Seoul wasn't the usual destination, but so far it was mine. I had fallen for this city and all it had to offer! I decided to taste some street food from what looked like a clean and reputable seller. Nothing over the top or even meat based, just a stick of grilled cheese, which tasted great. There were plenty of other choices on offer, just not what I wanted. Things with heads and legs, just wasn't on my remit today. Thinking about it now, I am aware that all of us in the West are rather sheltered from the realities of life and what we eat. In Asia, you see every stage of preparation for the food you consume....Is that really so wrong?

On the way home we stopped for dinner at an Indian restaurant just around the corner from the hotel. The dining area was situated in the basement of a tall building of what looked like offices; it was a rather strange experience sat in an area with no windows or doors to the outside, but we thought we'd give it a go and chose a rather traditional Indian affair, which was tasty enough. The standards were not quite as good as they would be back in the UK, but nevertheless we were surprised to find an Indian restaurant in the first place, which did make a pleasant change from all the oriental cuisine we had been eating up until now. The perfect end to a perfect day!