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90
2-day lightning trip to the UK
I'm only staying 2 days, but apart from previous visits for funerals ('closed' visits, since I only went from airport to cemetery and back again), this was my only visit to the UK in 23 years! I'll give my general impressions of what I've found: Things didn't get off to a good start with the London underground strike. I had to book an expensive (73 GBP) private transfer from Heathrow to King's Cross Railway station. That short distance took more than 2 hours.... I was somewhat like a 'fish out of water' in the UK. The currency notes had changed colour, my request to pay cash at food vendors at the railway station was met with raised eyebrows, and the procedure to scan QR codes on my tickets was all new to me 🙂 Where was the ticket guy who would check my ticket at the barrier? But the train to Peterborough was on-time and clean. The modern toilet threw me a bit since the electronic entry button by the door was exactly the same system and in close proximity to the train carriage exit door! My attendance and subsequent receipt of my new passport was efficient, no complaints there at all. But my opinion of the town center was not good. Where were all the English people? (Trigger warning to wokies and lefties - I call a spade a spade, as GG commented in another thread!). Most people seemed to be African or West Indian or Asian. There were some 'whities', but they were speaking some eastern European language (I guess Albanian, it wasn't Hungarian or Romanian). No police patrolling the town centre on foot. In the evening (I was staying another day in the town, pre-arranged in case the issue of my passport was delayed), I stayed at a small guest-house close to the town centre. My bedroom window was open and I could hear the voices of people walking past in the night. Not a single word of English, again it was Eastern European, not Arabic, not Farsi. Drunken men shouting out in strange tongues, no women, just young and middle-aged foreign men. What were these people doing in Peterborough? Did they attend English language and culture lessons in the daytime? Did they do community work, such as cleaning the streets? I doubt it very much. I have a free day today (Friday), so will take some long walks (weather allowing). I want to find where the English community is hiding! It's a very strange place to my eyes, and certainly not the Peterborough that I remember. Of course, things are bound to change, and IMHO not for the better.. 'Diversity Divides' is my belief. This view enforced by my experiences in Burma and the divisions and violent history between the many ethnic groups and the majority, ruling Burmans. Different cultures, different religions, different attitudes towards women etc etc will NEVER lead to a strong and cohesive country, just look at history (Yugoslavia as one example). Anyway, at least the primary purpose of my trip was completed satisfactorily 🙂 -
25
Politics Thaksin Faces Stark Reality in Thai Maximum Security Jail
Of course he wont be sleeping on the floor with others. He will have his own cell or living with another prisoner who has been vetted, a buddy to take care of him from other prisoners. When his quarantine period has ended on Monday he will be giving English language lessons to select prisoners from his cell. Whilst waiting for a King's pardon, house arrest or severe illness. Why are there so many reports on Aseannow when all can be condensed into one? -
26
Transport New Express Buses Cut Travel Time from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
I guess is is because some of us can actually afford a $50 flight, but that bus ride sounds terrible. I guess from BKK to Pattaya it is ok, but a 10 hour bus ride? All those people with their phones dinging, talking out loudly, laughing and giggling at some movie, farting and belching, no freedom to stop when you want, a total annoying bore. No thanks. -
930
USA Charlie Kirk Tragically Killed in Utah Event Shooting
Within minutes Trump was sounding off about the far left....so I doubt there will be many cool heads waiting for evidence. But you are right, nevertheless, let's wait and see. -
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6
UK Prince Harry Reunites with King Charles After Over a Year
If he is not a working family member, he should lose all titles and any benefits that accompany that position. Aside from that, how he and his father get along is their personal business.
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