Category: Current Affairs Politics

Best and Worst of British!

22/11/2025

This week I have seen the best and the worst of Britain. Sometimes I really despair of the country of my birth, and some of the people who call themselves so-called patriots. Before I delve into the darker side of Britain, I wanted to mention 'Best of British', a British shop in Joondalup.

Ever since moving to Perth, I have tried to hold on to the British customs and foods that I hold dear. This can be a difficult task, especially with limited choices in Australian supermarkets. Most of them, including Woolworths, Coles, and IGA, have an international food section, but the offerings vary from store to store. Items I have always bought here in Perth will be on sale one week and not the next. For that reason, I tend to buy in bulk when my favourites are in stock.

Until about eight months ago, Coles stocked Scottish Oatcakes, then suddenly they were gone. I have eaten these for as long as I can remember, and I can't get enough of them. Could I find these anywhere in Western Australia? Could I hell! After writing to the manufacturers, they informed me of a small independent shop in Joondalup, where I could hopefully buy some. So, with Christmas looming, last Monday, Darrell and I made the half-hour trip to this oasis in Perth city, and I wasn't disappointed.

The Oatcakes were $8.95 a box, which, considering the price in the UK, is rather expensive. However, you are paying for the luxury of having items you can't get anywhere else, and there is no price on a box of oatcakes in my humble opinion. I was just delighted to have found them and include them in my daily diet. To all of you, this must seem rather strange, but unless you have ever lived abroad, you really won't understand how the little things make all the difference! I did, however, draw the line at paying $99 for a tin of Quality Street; despite being tempted - One look from Darrell and I thought better of it!

Equally, when I lived in Spain, there was a similar local shop selling British consumables. Like 'Best of British' in Joondalup, 'Quick Save' in Gran Alacant also sold a variety of other items celebrating Britain. This, for me, was the highlight of my visit, and I loaded up with various souvenirs that I wouldn't be able to get anywhere else. I suppose the pricing in Australia was comparable to Gran Alacant, although I haven't lived in Spain for a few years now, so I can't be sure. Brexit would have changed this, I have no doubt, but the fact remains that as an Expat, we expect to pay a premium for goods that are not readily available down under. That isn't a problem for me, certainly when wages are substantially higher here than they are back home.

Quick Save, Gran Alacant

Whether you live in Australia or, like many of my friends, live in Gran Alacant, it is important to keep links to home alive. Small local Expat shops not only sell goods to people like me, but they are also the hub of local communities and play a role in all our lives. I have many happy memories of 'Quick Save' in GA, and I'm sure I will also have many more from 'Best of British' in Perth.

I will always remain British at heart, wherever I am living in the World, it is a part of every aspect of my being. The words I speak, the accent I have, the way I dress, and the morals I hold dear will not change, despite residing in Australia or indeed Spain. The British are a stubborn lot, and we like to keep our bonds with home strong. Food, for me at least, has emotional relevance - from Oatcakes, a bar of Yorkie, or a box of Milk Tray, there is a connection that can never be broken. Life is better when you have the things you love, so I can only thank the lovely ladies at 'Best of British' for their help and hospitality and look forward to seeing them again soon!

With the best bits of the UK out of the way, I just wanted to mention the precarious state of Britain, as I see it right now. Social media is a great place to understand just what is happening in the UK, and it is full of unhappy people demanding that the British PM Sir Keir Starmer, resigns. Not living in Britain, I am not sure just how bad things are and if Starmer is a bad Prime Minister or not, but judging by the dreadful comments I have seen, he isn't popular and has the lowest approval rating of any PM in history.

Speaking as an Expat, with limited access to news from home, relying on Sky and GB News for my daily dose of political debate, I can only recall what I see and hear. The Labour Government appears to be shambolic and chaotic, changing their minds frequently and in part targeting people who can ill afford to pay for the Tory mistakes of the past. Of course, they are constrained by the promises they made to the British electorate before the general election, but they seem tone deaf. Unwilling to listen to voices of discontent, they are stumbling from crisis to crisis, making up policy as they go along, and most importantly, facilitating the rise of the far right and Reform.

The only British news channel I can get on my Aussie smart TV, is GB News. Yes, I've mentioned it before, and I know what you'll say, but I actually enjoy watching it. However, I am under no illusions as to its affiliations and understand the close links it has with Nigel Farage and the Reform Party. For that reason, I am aware of how popular Reform has become, and that shocks me. I may well watch GB News, but I am not far right and detest Reform as a party. It is truly scary to think that Nigel Farage could be the next Prime Minister and all that that entails for the future of my home country.

Farage and Co. lied during the Brexit Referendum, and he continues to lie today. His beliefs are far right, and all of you should be aware of the consequences of your actions. If you vote for this party, you are voting for your own demise and the end of British values as we know them. There is no place for the politics of division in any country, and Britain appears to be more divided than most.

Nigel Farage stokes up hate; you can see it on the news every day. On the surface, he comes across as your friend, but in reality, he is not. Unless you are rich and of his ilk, you will suffer under any Government led by him. You will lose your precious NHS and end up paying for treatment like me. Farage preys on ignorance and stupidity - by smoking a cigarette and drinking a pint in a pub, you think he is like you! HE IS NOT, and you will rue the day you vote for him.

Britain does feel dark, falling apart, ridden with crime and anger. Immigration is out of control, and people are poorer. The cost of living is high, unemployment is rising, and taxes are likely to rise even higher, as the chancellor looks for money to fill the legendary black hole - I am aware of all these things and many more! Farage will not solve these problems; he will add to them. Brexit and the lies he told are responsible for the state of the UK today, not Starmer. The Tories' disastrous time in office has made Britain poorer, the rich richer, and people like you and me looking for alternatives. I still vote in the UK and I have no idea who to lend my vote to next time, but one thing is for certain, it will not be to Reform, their fascist agenda and the politics of hate - the World has seen enough of that!

0 Comments

The Precarious State of Britain!

6/9/2025

0 Comments

Mask on, Mood off: Reflections in Isolation!

25/6/2025

0 Comments

Well I guess it was only a matter of time before I got the bloody thing again and on Sunday it came hurtling towards me, at break neck speed, hitting me square in the face with a bang.

A friend had come over for Sunday lunch — I was cooking a cottage pie, something I haven't had in years; wonderful comfort food during these long winters months in Australia. I had been feeling under the weather all day. My voice was a little horse and I had a tickly throat. My sinuses appeared to be blocked also, and I was starting to get a cough.

Dinner tasted great, just like Mother used to make. Savoury mince, carrots and peas, with a garlic mash topping and a layer of strong grated cheddar on top. However, this 'old school' dinner, hadn't done much for my sense of wellbeing, and by the time I had finished, I was feeling decidedly worse. Sitting down in the family room, I decided to take a COVID test. Luckily we had some in the cupboard, still in date. I thought it best just to make sure everything was OK.

Within seconds, the second line popped up on the bio-sensor — I was COVID positive! Now look, I know, COVID isn't what it used to be, top of the evening news, or even a brief mention in The Daily Mail, but to some — like me — it is particularly worrisome. At the moment, here in Western Australia, COVID and Flu are on the increase and despite being fully vaccinated and boosted, I am well aware, I suffer more than most.

Laying on my bed, at my Aunts house in Portsmouth, Boris Johnson, The British Prime Minister, gave his address to the nation. We were all told to stay at home, we weren't allowed to go outside, and we had to avoid contact with the most vulnerable people in society. I gently put my mug of Bovril down on my side table and checked my phone. Already, the PM's speech had reached Darrell in Australia, who was completely locked down on the other side of the World. Both of us were trapped in our respective countries, unable to leave, travel and be with one another. After 23 years together, we were finally separated, for reasons beyond our control. At that unhinged moment, in March 2020, I knew things were serious; this was the day the World changed and life went slowly down hill from then — Just look where we are today!

As a key worker, I wasn't afforded the luxury of staying at home. As a supermarket employee, I was part of the thousands of supermarket workers, up and down the country, charged with keeping the food chain going. Without us, people wouldn't be able to eat. We were given a letter to afford us the privilege of walking or driving to work, just in case we were stopped by the police. With the streets of Fratton empty, life, for me at least, carried on relatively normally and for that I was truly grateful.

I contracted COVID-19 for the first time, shortly after lockdown, losing my taste and smell. Because it wasn't on the list of approved Government symptoms, I continued working, doing my bit for the country. As I know now, Anosmia is a symptom of COVID. This was the only symptom I had, and it took several months for my senses to return. I tried everything to get my sense of taste back — chocolate muffins with mustard, chilli and peanut butter — all to no avail! By the time it returned, I was self-isolating with a second bout of the dreaded disease, this time much worse than before.

Working in retail had become hazardous. Having to self-isolate, with symptoms, meant the whole household had to do the same — it truly was a debilitating time. The Government duly paid my wages, at a time when I was forced to remain at home. Darrell kept in close contact, my breathing became laboured, my head was banging and fatigue was the order of the day. These were strange times, unlike anything I had ever experienced before. As my period of self-isolation came to an end, I looked forward to returning to work.

Walking to work once again, I was struck by the Easter posters and advertising in shop windows, still closed in May, nearly a month after Easter had ended and almost two months after lockdown was announced. The streets were still empty, with hardly a soul in sight. Tesco was my saving grace. My colleagues were my family, friends, confidants, and support. This was a period — although dark — that I look back on with fondness. I cemented some truly amazing friendships and met even more amazing people. New colleagues arrived from all over, from different walks of life, all working together to keep the supermarkets open.

As colleagues became ill, other, new colleagues took over, different faces appeared every day. We celebrated national events and milestones together. Shared Birthdays and Christmas as a family and navigated the strange 'new normal,' as Britain grappled with the increasing number of COVID cases, reported daily on the news. The outlook looked bleak, but, we all had each other and became the support each of us needed, in the absence of friends and family.

From lockdowns to furlough, 'Eat Out to Help Out,' local lockdowns, mandatory mask wearing and the resulting cold sores and the bucket loads of sanitiser, cracked bleeding hands and blisters, we got through it all, mostly intact. Of course, each of us knew someone who had lost someone, but in the main, we all survived to tell the tale. These were anxiety inducing times, but they also made us stronger and more able to cope with whatever was thrown our way.

Today there are no nightly statistics, no records of deaths and no news nightly briefings from the Government. In 2025, COVID still exists, as I can testify today, but simply, it is no longer part of the media agenda. As vaccinations and immunity have slowly watered down a virus, that was so dangerous before — and to some, still is today — we have all learnt to look past the worst and remain positive for the future.

Here I am, thousands of miles from home and a lifetime away from the Coronavirus of the early 20s, but I am still suffering from the dreaded virus, just not in the same way. For most, the Pandemic was a lonely time; for me, it was nothing but. Today in Australia I am more lonely now than I ever was during the coronavirus and that is why I am in a reflective mood this week.

To admit you enjoyed the Pandemic years, is the wrong thing to say, but I do long for a time, where all of us were as one, as we were then, and part of something greater. Suffering with COVID today, just makes me remember how different things could have been. I realise just what is important in life — it's friends and family, the memories we share and the times we had together — I miss that, I miss it more than I can say, I miss it with all my heart!

0 Comments

Is Gay Pride Still Relevant in 2025!

21/6/2025

0 Comments

In this week's blog, I want to talk about Gay Pride, an event that I first took part in, in 1993. Recently, I have had a few altercations with gay friends online, who have shocked me with their views on what I consider, an important part of modern gay life and culture. Gay Pride, is in part a celebration of who we are as a community, but it is more than that. It is about showing support, companionship, and esprit de corps with other LGBTQI+ people, as they navigate the challenges of gay life.

Despite the freedoms we have won over the years, all of us still suffer from discrimination and hardships others do not. Back in 1993, many of the people I marched alongside had been disowned by family and friends; they were very much on their own. Marching together, as a group, meant safety, security and finally a sense of belonging.

In 2025, equality is being eroded across the World, as right wing nationalism, populism, and authoritarian regimes roll back the rights we all fought so hard for. I am astounded by my own gay kinsfolk and their rejection of a movement, that has always been embracing of ALL minority groups.

In recent times, our transgender brothers and sisters have become a particular target of hate, not only from people outside the gay community, but also the LGB community itself. I understand there is animosity between factions in the LGBTQI+ collective, of which I am a part, but I do not fully understand the reasons why. On this basis, I do not want to discuss it on here, but invite readers to educate me on their own personal views and experiences, on this rather awkward subject.

In my humble opinion, as a group, we should be standing together, as we always have done. Unified, we are stronger. If we are attacking our own brothers and sisters because of our own prejudices, we have lost the moral high ground; we are becoming as discriminatory as those who attack and continue to attack us — we are no better. Isn't it strange how gay people, who have suffered so much over the years, can abuse those, who we regarded as friends and family not so long ago. What are we thinking by rejecting our peers and those who have always traditionally stood shoulder to shoulder, especially during our fight for equal rights?

I understand this is a contentious subject and I do not have all the answers, but when you look around this unstable World that we inhabit, surely we can do better than this. To see the LGBTQI+ alliance tearing itself apart from within, is deeply depressing. This isn't about us as a group of individuals, this is more about the geopolitical upheaval we are currently living through.

It is easy to jump on a far right bandwagon and blame one minority group or another for the trouble currently swirling across the globe. The same thing happened just before the Second World War; we have clearly learnt nothing since then. When the planet is in turmoil, it's the people who can least defend themselves, that suffer the most, and the wider LGBTIQ+ community are now doing it to themselves.

I am a supporter of gay pride, because I grew up in a different age, where the support of friends was important. As a twenty-something year old, I lived in a gay household, mixed with gay people, partied with like-minded individuals and felt secure with those, who, like me, just wanted to be who they were. Gay Pride was about looking after all members of our community and ensuring no one was left out. Today that has changed; as our community fractures and the World falls apart, it appears on the surface, at least, that we are destined to implode as well.

Gay Pride matters today, more than ever, because the rights we have won are being removed piece by piece. As western nations turn their backs on progressive politics, I am afraid of the future, as all of us should be. The World has become a dangerous place and our very existence has become precarious. Don't let the haters divide us, because without each other, we have nothing, nothing at all!

0 Comments

Toxic People and Insomnia!

18/5/2025

1 Comment

Well, as I'm sure you are aware by now, this week's blog, is about toxic people, a subject I have plenty of knowledge about, after working for the most toxic charity in the United Kingdom, for eight, long, years. If I am perfectly honest, I am sat here exhausted and feeling particularly debilitated. No, not because of my job, but because of 'TOXIC PEOPLE' who have made my life a misery this week. I am so thankful it is the weekend right now, and I am able to recharge, after such a horrible seven days. Sometimes, I think I am too old for having opinions and speaking my mind — maybe it is time, to just settle down and live a peaceful life?

Every Sunday, I like to blog; this is the moment I can really sit down, think about the ups and downs of the past week and finally relax. Since an altercation with several people online, I haven't been on social media and so far I don't have a desire too. To think, the way I am feeling now, is all because of a complimentary comment I made towards, a rather famous comedian, after commenting on how wonderful they looked. Usually this would be an acceptable way of expressing one's thoughts towards another human being, but because this comedian is transsexual, I have experienced a crescendo of abuse, like you wouldn't believe.

I was attacked verbally online by a person I do not know, much else, ever met. They decided to stalk me across all my social media pages, and describe in graphic detail, how I should be strung up and publically hung in the street. This individual said plenty more that is unprintable and would go against my contract with Google, if I mentioned it today, so I won't. That person caused me enough pain and upset, without Google cancelling my account as well.

The person in question was a Reform Party supporter; it was emblazoned across his social media page. In his words, when Reform wins the next election, people like me will be dealt with. As a gay man, who grew up in the 1970s and 80s, I am well aware of what discrimination is and feels like. Darrell and I have been discriminated against all our lives, and I really thought the World had changed. Clearly, from the tone and behaviour of this far right supporter, nothing could be further from the truth, and I still feel shocked to the core at the language he used.

After thinking about it, I responded to his diatribe, by sharing a post about Reform. I suppose it was to make me feel better and just get the anger off my chest. I literally thought nothing more about it, until several friends also started to verbally assault me for posting it. One of those has been a friend for over thirty years, and we both are polar opposites politically, so I accept his comments, as I always did in the past. His friendship is far too important to me to do anything else. The observations he made were neither offensive, nor over the top, and certainly didn't cause me any upset. The other guy, however, was a volunteer, who I employed whilst working for Oxfam — I have no such loyalty or attachment towards him, and am totally flabbergasted by his outburst.

There wasn't an ounce of empathy, and he couldn't care less about my feelings. There was no understanding at all. His behaviour was pure toxicity, and I was in no mood to take any of it. I replied several times, when I decided to just block him and get on with the rest of my life. Judging by previous experience, this is the only was to deal with someone like that.

Trying to put this kind of thing to the back of my mind, can be difficult for an insomniac like me. Over the last few years, my sleeping patterns have gotten steadily worse. Some nights I only have 4 hours sleep, others a bit more. I sleep a maximum of six hours, and I am wide awake at 4am every day, ready to start the day. Believe me, I have tried everything to solve this, but to no avail. Today, I just live with it and hope it gets better.

I strongly believe, my insomnia is a result of the severe anxiety I suffer with. I no longer wear my Fitbit to bed to monitor my sleep, as I believe it has made my sleep anxiety worse. I have also started to switch my phone off several hours before sleeping and make sure the bedroom is as dark as possible. Luckily, Darrell and I have a three-bedroom house and I can sleep alone when absolutely necessary, which helps us both in the long run.

As a nervous individual I do not cope with anxiety and stress very well, so when anything happens, that upsets my wellbeing and sense of balance, I can not sleep at all. What happened this week has just tired me out. I know I should learn to ignore the haters, but I do have a voice and an opinion, which I am entitled to express. No one should try to silence anyone. I believe in mutual respect and understanding and would never attack someone for their views.

After this blog today, offloading all the hate, I will not mention this incident again. The therapeutic nature of blogging is such, that I will never need to. I can, however, look back at this entry in a few months time and hopefully learn from the hurtful comments, growing stronger because of it. Yes, at 54 years old, I am still learning and will always continue to, until the day I die. I like to think I am better than all the hateful people in the World, especially at the moment, and look forward to a time, when we can all live together in peace and harmony once again… Until then, I guess there will be many more episodes like this, but each one is a reminder to do better, strive for more meaningful friendships and above all, rise above the fray!

1 Comment

Rejecting Trumpian Politics!

4/5/2025

0 Comments

Yesterday, my new home of Australia, rejected Trumpian politics in spectacular form. Our current Labor Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, won a second term in office, after the people of this great nation rejected the politics of his rival, Peter Dutton, and consequently, the divisive right wing rhetoric of Donald Trump. The majority of us who live here, collectively, gave a rather large sigh of relief, as normal service resumed today.

The day before, things were very different in The UK. In local council, and Mayoral elections, right wing populist party, Reform, won a resounding victory, taking hundreds of seats from the Tories and current Labour Government. They also secured a hard fought by-election victory, in the once safe Labour constituency of Runcorn, and won its first mayoral contests, in the newly created combined authorities of Greater Lincolnshire and Hull, and East Yorkshire.

The contrast between Australia and the UK was stark, and left many expats like me, with links to both countries, confused and unable to comprehend just what was going on! Australia seemed to be following in the footsteps of Canada, with an unequivocal rejection of 'Trumpian' politics and the hate of the far right; Britain on the other hand was moving towards a right wing future, unlike anything it had seen before. Just what was happening, and why, isn't immediately clear, but I do have some thoughts on this amazing few weeks in world politics.

Australia is quite a liberal society as a rule. On the surface they are accepting and welcoming, and I do feel safe living here. It is rare for extreme political turmoil to exist down under; democracy flourishes with mutual respect and understanding from all sides. This is of course in complete contrast to The USA under Donald Trump. I don't think I can remember a time when I have felt more anxious about the state of the World, and this is a direct result of one man — no, not Putin, but Donald Trump.

President Trump has turned the World upside down and everything we took for granted has been swept away. The World is out on a limb, adrift, polarised and unable to move forwards with certainty, as normal politics is relegated to the sidelines. If you understand history, as I do, you can literally feel the seeds of hate being sowed, as the politics of division, conflict, and discord take centre stage.

Parties like Reform and its leader Nigel Farage, pray on people's insecurities, they exploit normally rational, good, forgiving people, into believing all the World's ills are as a direct result of immigration, diversity, 'wokeism' and inclusiveness. This is patently untrue and used as an excuse to introduce ever concerning policies that seek to create disunity and marginalisation. This isn't how it should be — human beings are caring, compassionate, and willing to accept those who have fallen on hard times; we do not reject people because of the colour of their skin, sexuality, or gender. We are being manipulated, gaslit and encouraged to spew hate and vitriol, rather than dealing with the real issues at hand.

Sitting here in Australia, I am cocooned from most of the hate emitted from America and Britain. I am lucky to live and work in an environment, that has encouraged me to be the person I am, and not hide my sexuality from other people. I enjoy equal opportunities in all aspects of my life, and I am not denied access to jobs and services, that have been removed in the new Trump America. Furthermore, I am personally shocked at the policies and Executive Orders coming out of The USA, and fear for the future of everyone who lives there.

Whether you are gay, straight, old, young or poor, your quality of life in America (unless, of course, you are rich), is under threat from a Government who doesn't care about your wellbeing and future. Not only that, but the rights you once took for granted are being eroded at break neck speed. I see this, normal educated people see this, yet the MAGA brigade doesn't. This is dangerous, and creating a political climate of uncertainty, anxiety, and fear — The US is heading towards a dystopian future, with most peoples heads stuck in the sand, unable or unwilling to do anything to stop the barbarity unfolding on America's streets.

In four years time, my old home of Britain could also be facing a similar future. The worst case scenario would see Reform winning in any future general election, and The UK as I know it, would no longer exist. The NHS, Department of Education and International Development, and Department of Social Security, would all be under threat. Nationalistic, right wing politics could become rooted in a society, that used to have compassion, empathy and an open heart to anyone in need. This is more likely to happen now, after the success of Reform, than at any other time in living memory.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer needs to wake up and start to deal with the huge problems facing the UK. All the public see is a failing system, higher taxes, two tear justice and immigration that is out of control. This isn't necessarily the case, but it is a perception conjured up by the right in order to gain support. Sir Keir needs to reconnect with those who voted for him and deal with the systemic crumbling of a political system that appears to be out of touch with ordinary people. If they don't grapple with the 'rot' that has caused generations of despair across the country, they will be booted out when the election is called in four years time.

Today I feel happy to be in a country, where the electorate voted for common sense, continuity, stability, and inclusive politics, as the World falls apart around us. Australia is the success it is, because of its welcoming nature. 33% of the population of Western Australia are immigrants, and that is what makes this State, unique. The prosperity I enjoy today, is because of the opportunities I have been afforded here, and although I do moan about Australia at times, I wouldn't change my place within it, for anything. This progressive, nurturing, all-embracing, beautiful country is, quite possibly, the best place to live in the world right now, and I am damn well thankful for that!

0 Comments

Death of Pope Francis - A lurch to the right?

26/4/2025

0 Comments

Currently, I am sat at home watching the funeral of Pope Francis, thousands of miles from Europe, and The Vatican City, where the late Pontiff is being laid to rest. This is a place Darrell and I have visited twice before; it is a city that left a lasting impression on me, and not for the reasons you may expect.

Darrell and I were staying in Rome for a few days, near to the Colosseum. Just being in this ancient capital was a dream come true. Around every Roman corner, along every cobbled street and colourful piazza, this is indeed a city I love with all my heart. Italy itself is the most glorious Country I have ever visited, so steeped in history. Each Italian city we have stayed in hasn't failed to impress, but by far the most majestic, was The Vatican itself.

We walked through a busy St Peter's square; the sun shone brightly, illuminating our way towards the awe-inspiring Basilica — the Church of St Peter. This was a pilgrimage in all but name, for an art lover like me. I wanted to see every inch of this ancient wonder — every statue, fresco, painting, and tomb. As I entered the building, I wasn't disappointed; everywhere I looked, took my breath away; this church was there to impress people like me, The house of the eternal Father, on this mortal, fallible Earth.

Darrell had walked on ahead, and I was left gingerly walking through the holiest place on the planet, when all of a sudden, I felt quite overcome — almost faint. I put my hand against a pillar, to steady my gaze. I was sweating profusely and experienced emotions, that I can't really describe. At this moment, a priest approached me and took my arm. I remember, he asked me if I was Italian, by uttering the word 'Italiano'. I shook my head and replied, 'Inglese'. He began speaking to me in broken English, assuring me, I would be OK, and helped me make my way outside.

I'm not really sure what happened that day, whether I had a panic attack, or a spiritual moment of enlightenment, but I did fall in love with The Vatican. After a breath of fresh air, I thanked the priest and after a few moments, made my way inside once more, where I finally caught up with Darrell. Together we continued our tour, and ended by rubbing the foot of St Peter, as thousands have done before, standing in wonderment at this magnificent building, just consuming the divine mysteries inside.

As I grow older, I may well discover the reasons behind my 'experience' in St Peter's Basilica, or I just may put it down to a rather hot day in Rome, taking its toll. Whatever happened, I am well aware of the significance of the church in my life, no matter how small, and more importantly, I respect any man who has dedicated his life in the service of others. The Pope will indeed be remembered for his humbleness, wisdom, and ability to connect with the young, but for me, he will be the one Pope who very nearly brought me to his door. Now that is an achievement in my book. My Grandfather converted to Catholicism on his deathbed, like so many before him; it is a reminder of just how much we all change as we get older and discover faith we never knew we had!

0 Comments

Talking about the Netflix drama, Adolescence!

22/3/2025

0 Comments

Donald Trump and the rise of the far right!

9/3/2025

0 Comments

Just two old 90s clubbers, no longer living life in the fast lane!

3/3/2025

0 Comments

This Monday is Labour Day in Australia and a long weekend for most of us, as we enjoy the last month or so of Summer. Darrell is working today, so it gives me an opportunity to sit down and do some blogging. I won't be going out, and I am taking the opportunity to relax and unwind, after a particularly difficult few weeks!

My sleeping has been rather erratic if I am honest; one day I sleep well, the next, anything but. Ever since I moved from Spain to my Aunts house in Britain in 2018, my sleeping patterns have just got worse. Living in Portsmouth, surrounded by my adorable Cousins, was an experience I wouldn't change for the World. They were particularly young, however, and would often wake up in the early hours of the morning. Consequently, I found myself getting up earlier and earlier. Today I am awake by 4 am most days. Despite this, it hasn't affected my work, whether blogging, writing or my retail job. In fact, I thrive on getting up at the crack of dawn, especially enjoying this beautiful time of day.

When I get home from work, I eat my rather small dinner — usually I wouldn't eat after 4.30pm, but because of my job, this just isn't possible. Instead, I eat a large lunch and keep it simple in the evening. After dinner, I briefly sit down for an hour, watching GB News from home, or YouTube, and I am in bed by 8.30 pm — what a life eah! It certainly isn't the rock and roll lifestyle I used to have when I was younger, or even when I was living in Spain, but it serves us well at the moment. As we work hard to pay off the mortgage in a record 9 years, we are hopefully improving our options for the future, and this is important!

I find myself becoming a lot more reclusive as I get older — I stumbled across a cucumber in the freezer this morning, and thought f*ck, is this the first sign of dementia. I decided not to google the implications of this mishap and just put it to the back of my mind. Furthermore, I think, I was probably half asleep whilst making lunch and accidentally put it in the top of the freezer, instead of the vegetable draw of the fridge. Oh, and I can draw a clock face perfectly (if you can't, it is probably a sign of cognitive decline!) And of course, writing helps to keep my brain active, which is always great, especially recalling memories, I would have otherwise forgotten.

I have also had a few knee and leg issues for the last couple of weeks, which has been rather annoying. I had a feeling the aches and pains had something to do with my feet. Don't ask me why, it was just a feeling I had. So, I did some googling, carried out a few tests, and discovered I have high arches — who'd have thought it. I always believed I had flat feet, but no, completely the opposite.

After doing some research online, I discovered the Skechers shoes I normally wear, may not be right for my feet. I came across a brand of shoes called 'Hoka' that may just help with the pain after a long day at work. It turns out the shoes were quite easy to procure and last Sunday I went to 'Athletes Foot,' a shop in Australia, and spoke to a lovely lad called Bradly, who helped me with my concerns.

For the first time, since I was a child, I had my feet measured and my walk or 'gait' assessed — finally I got some answers. I have different size feet, which are a D width and yes, I have those dreaded high arches. I asked Bradly about the "Hoka' shoes online, and he selected three pairs that would be suitable. At a cost of $300, they aren't cheap, but after wearing them for a week now, my feet feel bloody fantastic.

It's very odd getting old, I am finding it particularly difficult and challenging. I appear to have a new ailment every day, and it does get me down. The aches and pains never seem to get any easier, and both Darrell and I constantly moan about the way we are feeling — just two old 90s clubbers no longer living life in the fast lane. When I look back over the ten years since starting this blog, I am aware, that my health and wellbeing has changed out of all proportion. When I lived in Spain, I didn't really have a care in the World. I would drink copious amounts of beer whenever I wanted; equally, I would eat terribly and smoke cheap Spanish cigarettes, not giving my health a second thought.

When I returned to the UK, suddenly my health became a priority, especially after watching my mother die in hospital in 2019. Instantly, I began suffering with health anxiety, and every little twinge sent me running to see the Doctor. Today, even though I am better in many respects, I have been left with a huge anxiety hangover and still worry about my body and approaching old age. I was hoping that would disappear in time, but it hasn't. As I've gotten older, more perceived afflictions have come to the fore, consequently my health anxiety remains, albeit in a much milder form.

This evening, I've just gotten off the phone with my father. We don't talk as often as I would like, but surprisingly we both have busy lives to contend with. Dad is 77 and remains fairly active and probably has more of a social life than me. When we speak, it's about our respective ailments/illnesses, and it's great to connect with him on these very important issues; the reality is, I don't have anyone else to talk to, about them.

Dad is getting older and the niggly conditions he has, seem to be worsening, as one would expect. For this reason, I worry about him constantly. It is difficult living so far away, and there are times I would dearly love to be closer. When I am able, I hope to return to see Dad, probably next year. We haven't seen each other in two and a half years and my father is the only real family I have left now, so it is essential we stay as close as we can despite the distance between us.

We also enjoy talking about politics — tonight we discussed President Trump and the shameful way he treated President Zelenskyy in the Whitehouse. Like Dad, I am shocked and disgusted by this strange Trumpian World we are now living in, and both of us are concerned about the way the World is heading.

I am frequently told I am living in the safest place, down under, as the rest of the World appears to be heading closer to war. Nevertheless, with Dad back in Britain and my friends also firmly back home, my anxiety is becoming worse. I wake every morning expecting more bad news from America and an increasingly unhinged President, creating mayhem and madness wherever he goes. This isn't a World I like anymore, and I fear for all our futures, as we continue the march to World War III. It's thoughts like these that concern my sensibility but also keep me grounded, and fully aware of circumstances that affect us all, no matter where we live in the World!

I suppose today has been about getting stuff off my chest, which is what a personal blog is all about. A reader of roamingbrit wrote to me a few days ago, explaining how blogs such as mine are few and far between now. Most blogs are trying to sell something, advertise corporate sponsorship or encourage readers to click on this link or that. This decade old diary, however, is just about a simple, personal journey that continues, often in the most mundane way.

People like to feel a part of another person's life, like big brother looking in, and I am happy to share my experiences. I hope it helps people like you on your own travels, navigating this complicated, frustrating and often complicated and confusing battle called life; I am thankful it also helps me, even on the darkest of days. Life goes on, bloggers keep blogging, Trump keeps bullying, and my anxiety still persists, but hey, at least it gives me something to write about!

0 Comments

<<Previous

From a new life in spain, to an old life in britain, 'roaming brit' documents uncertain times!

Best and Worst of British!

The Precarious State of Britain!

Mask on, Mood off: Reflections in Isolation!

Is Gay Pride Still Relevant in 2025!

Toxic People and Insomnia!

Rejecting Trumpian Politics!

Death of Pope Francis - A lurch to the right?

Talking about the Netflix drama, Adolescence!

Donald Trump and the rise of the far right!

Just two old 90s clubbers, no longer living life in the fast lane!

Author

Contact Luke.

Categories

Archives

Telephone

Email