I have just joined the Labour party. I've always been politically engaged & always been a liberal socialist. I'm not really a "joiner" though & I although I enjoy a good political discussion, I'm not tolerant of rambling, off the point, meanderings. Give me a good chairman who lets people make valid points but shuts up the wafflers before they drive everyone to find the nearest exit.
I'm not sure why I have joined. I'm not a Corbynite. I'm not even sure that I wholeheartedly espouse all of Labour policy, whatever that is at the moment. I'd quite like to join the Lib Dems & the Greens too in fact. But that doesn't seem right somehow. But why not? Wouldn't a broad alliance of liberal, socially & ecologically aware, views work well? It might stand a chance of ousting the Conservatives.
The Branch meeting I went to for the first time last night quickly became full to overflowing much to the surprise of the established membership who were used to only a handful at meetings. It was the first such meeting since the leadership election. Many new people had not been to a political meeting before & hadn't joined the party yet. The enthusiasm for change was palpable.
It is really good to see political engagement across the age ranges. It does feel as if there is a "sea change" in the political environment. Many people spoke at the meeting & there was a real appetite to get to grips with the many issues facing our society today.
I really hope this opportunity isn't wasted. I hope the opposition parties all capitalise on the appetite for involvement across all demographics. It could really change the face of politics & that would be no bad thing.
Friday, 25 September 2015
Wednesday, 23 September 2015
On Constantly Being Messed About
I'm glad I'm older. If I was my younger, more volatile self I would be in a semi permanent state of irritation, not to mention fury.
Since moving house 2 years ago I have had to have quite a bit of work done on my house. I have also had to buy quite a lot of "stuff" & get it delivered. This all involves a lot of contact with tradesmen & delivery companies. It has not gone smoothly.
Because I have a "pick & mix" bag of chronic conditions I have also had to visit GP's & hospitals on a very regular basis. This always supposedly involves having an "appointment" - I use the term losely!
My gripe is that all of these people seem to think that my time is of no value. It isn't because I'm old & retired, they don't necessarily know that. Uniformly, all the people I have interracted with seem to think that time or even day is infinitely flexible, a moveable feast. It's unprofessional & it's unacceptable. The only person I can think of who does keep to appointment times is my Osteopath.
Unavoidable things do happen, I accept that. Not with monotonous regularity though surely? (In the last week 3 appointments haven't been kept). It seems to be an endemic culture in the UK. It wouldn't be so bad if people kept their clients informed. In this day and age of advanced technology & communication, that shouldn't be difficult. But it doesn't happen. I always seem to have to ring, email or text to find out what is happening. Usually when I have been waiting in for the best part of a day.
It's more than frustrating. It's incompetent & arrogant. It's clearly saying that the client is of little importance. It's our lot to wait patiently for something to happen. The problem is that if you actually want the goods or the services you don't have much choice.
Since moving house 2 years ago I have had to have quite a bit of work done on my house. I have also had to buy quite a lot of "stuff" & get it delivered. This all involves a lot of contact with tradesmen & delivery companies. It has not gone smoothly.
Because I have a "pick & mix" bag of chronic conditions I have also had to visit GP's & hospitals on a very regular basis. This always supposedly involves having an "appointment" - I use the term losely!
My gripe is that all of these people seem to think that my time is of no value. It isn't because I'm old & retired, they don't necessarily know that. Uniformly, all the people I have interracted with seem to think that time or even day is infinitely flexible, a moveable feast. It's unprofessional & it's unacceptable. The only person I can think of who does keep to appointment times is my Osteopath.
Unavoidable things do happen, I accept that. Not with monotonous regularity though surely? (In the last week 3 appointments haven't been kept). It seems to be an endemic culture in the UK. It wouldn't be so bad if people kept their clients informed. In this day and age of advanced technology & communication, that shouldn't be difficult. But it doesn't happen. I always seem to have to ring, email or text to find out what is happening. Usually when I have been waiting in for the best part of a day.
It's more than frustrating. It's incompetent & arrogant. It's clearly saying that the client is of little importance. It's our lot to wait patiently for something to happen. The problem is that if you actually want the goods or the services you don't have much choice.
Saturday, 19 September 2015
Refugees & Migrants - Reliable Information
UNHCR - http://popstats.unhcr.org/en/asylum_seekers_monthly
NPR - http://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2015/09/08/438539779/the-migrant-crisis-by-the-numbers
The Economist - http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2015/09/economist-explains-4
"Lies, damned lies & statistics" - No one seems to really know who originally said this. I would add to the three "& the Tabloid press". At the moment all our less generous instincts seem to be fuelled by inaccurate or totally dishonest zenophobia generated by the right wing of politics & the press.
The simplest solution, it seems to me, is to try to really imagine yourself & your family in the situation in Syria, Afghanistan or Eritrea for example. If you can do that & deny these people aid I think you have lost all sense of humanity.
People from these 3 countries arriving in boats by the Eastern Mediterranean route, (Turkey to Greece), or the Central Mediterranean route, (Africa to Italy), are fleeing from war & persecution. There has been an 83% increase in refugees in the first half of 2015 & that is set to double in the second half. Deaths at sea are at record levels. Would you risk this if you had any other option?
The situation is complicated by Economic migrants from the Balkans using the Balkan route. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-34173252
http://foreignpolicy.com/2015/08/28/europes-economic-migrant-problem-balkans-poverty-germany/
I don't know enough about that to comment, but I would say that if I were brave enough or desperate enough, in the face of poverty & discrimination, to do what they do in order to give my family a better chance in life I would do it.
NPR - http://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2015/09/08/438539779/the-migrant-crisis-by-the-numbers
The Economist - http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2015/09/economist-explains-4
"Lies, damned lies & statistics" - No one seems to really know who originally said this. I would add to the three "& the Tabloid press". At the moment all our less generous instincts seem to be fuelled by inaccurate or totally dishonest zenophobia generated by the right wing of politics & the press.
The simplest solution, it seems to me, is to try to really imagine yourself & your family in the situation in Syria, Afghanistan or Eritrea for example. If you can do that & deny these people aid I think you have lost all sense of humanity.
People from these 3 countries arriving in boats by the Eastern Mediterranean route, (Turkey to Greece), or the Central Mediterranean route, (Africa to Italy), are fleeing from war & persecution. There has been an 83% increase in refugees in the first half of 2015 & that is set to double in the second half. Deaths at sea are at record levels. Would you risk this if you had any other option?
The situation is complicated by Economic migrants from the Balkans using the Balkan route. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-34173252
http://foreignpolicy.com/2015/08/28/europes-economic-migrant-problem-balkans-poverty-germany/
I don't know enough about that to comment, but I would say that if I were brave enough or desperate enough, in the face of poverty & discrimination, to do what they do in order to give my family a better chance in life I would do it.
Thursday, 17 September 2015
Corbyn's shadow cabinet - A Vegan shadow agriculture minister ????
Link to Guardian article:-
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CCAQqQIwAWoVChMI_sb2t9n7xwIVR7UUCh2MoA6U&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Fcommentisfree%2F2015%2Fsep%2F16%2Fvegan-shadow-agriculture-minister-jeremy-corbyn-kerry-mccarthy&usg=AFQjCNFIYY197ZYkv5dPlv1KR1qku7vQeA&sig2=GddUABzSOzEMSzIvbQ7KrQ
Couldn't have put it better myself. Why is the default position in politics to attack & pour scorn before intelligent consideration. No wonder we don't like knee jerk politicians scoring cheap points, which is what has happened after PMQ's yesterday.
Mr Corbyn is on the front bench surrounded by "suits" in dark colours. Thank God someone is prepared not to conform to the uniform. But he is pilloried for his lack of taste. Isn't what he says more important? Similarly, how refreshing that a senior politician is actually trying to involve the general public in debate. How dare the "focus group" driven Conservatives pour scorn on his initiative? Not to mention people in his own party.
This is all becoming more and more like a "witch hunt".
Wouldn't an intelligent response be to stop, think, & listen to an alternative. At least give people a chance to show what they can do & how they go about it.
While I'm commenting on the Shadow Cabinet can I just mention that 16 out of 30 posts have gone to women despite the rush to the hills of the backbenches on Corbyn's election.. Beat that Mr Cameron.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CCAQqQIwAWoVChMI_sb2t9n7xwIVR7UUCh2MoA6U&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Fcommentisfree%2F2015%2Fsep%2F16%2Fvegan-shadow-agriculture-minister-jeremy-corbyn-kerry-mccarthy&usg=AFQjCNFIYY197ZYkv5dPlv1KR1qku7vQeA&sig2=GddUABzSOzEMSzIvbQ7KrQ
Couldn't have put it better myself. Why is the default position in politics to attack & pour scorn before intelligent consideration. No wonder we don't like knee jerk politicians scoring cheap points, which is what has happened after PMQ's yesterday.
Mr Corbyn is on the front bench surrounded by "suits" in dark colours. Thank God someone is prepared not to conform to the uniform. But he is pilloried for his lack of taste. Isn't what he says more important? Similarly, how refreshing that a senior politician is actually trying to involve the general public in debate. How dare the "focus group" driven Conservatives pour scorn on his initiative? Not to mention people in his own party.
This is all becoming more and more like a "witch hunt".
Wouldn't an intelligent response be to stop, think, & listen to an alternative. At least give people a chance to show what they can do & how they go about it.
While I'm commenting on the Shadow Cabinet can I just mention that 16 out of 30 posts have gone to women despite the rush to the hills of the backbenches on Corbyn's election.. Beat that Mr Cameron.
Wednesday, 16 September 2015
God Save the Queen.... and Mr Corbyn
I'm fairly neutral about the Queen. I can see pro's & con's for her existance. I'm not neutral about inherited power & wealth though.
Universally an accident of birth dictates the sort of life we get by an large. Some are born into poverty and some into wealth. If you start off wealthy, chances are probably that you will remain so. If you are born poor, chances are significantly less that you may, through hard work, talent, education or luck, get out of the poverty trap. You have to be a special sort of person though. Those who inherit wealth don't have to make a special effort, they have an unfair headstart.
So why all the fuss about Corbyn not singing the National Anthem, which is largely accepted to be one of the most boring of all anthems? I imagine there are many people who don't join in for a variety of reasons. Why should they if they don't agree with the Monarchy? I don't say the Lord's Prayer. It doesn't damn me to hell & hasn't offended anyone thus far.
Corbyn wasn't hypocritical & would have been rightly pilloried if he had been. He didn't make a big political point. He was just silent & still. That is surely the right of anyone in those circumstances. Luckily for them they don't have a bised, right wing, negative press pointing cameras & microphones at their every action or non action. How can not joining in be held to be offensive? Are these people really such sensitive flowers?
If we don't have the freedom to participate or not according to our beliefs then we are not a free and democratic country. If we participate in something we don't believe in we are condoning it. That is a slippery slope. How delightful it is to have a politician who is true to himself & his beliefs. I may or may not agree with those beliefs, but so far I'm hoping he will be given a fair chance. I haven't seen many signs of that yet though.
Universally an accident of birth dictates the sort of life we get by an large. Some are born into poverty and some into wealth. If you start off wealthy, chances are probably that you will remain so. If you are born poor, chances are significantly less that you may, through hard work, talent, education or luck, get out of the poverty trap. You have to be a special sort of person though. Those who inherit wealth don't have to make a special effort, they have an unfair headstart.
So why all the fuss about Corbyn not singing the National Anthem, which is largely accepted to be one of the most boring of all anthems? I imagine there are many people who don't join in for a variety of reasons. Why should they if they don't agree with the Monarchy? I don't say the Lord's Prayer. It doesn't damn me to hell & hasn't offended anyone thus far.
Corbyn wasn't hypocritical & would have been rightly pilloried if he had been. He didn't make a big political point. He was just silent & still. That is surely the right of anyone in those circumstances. Luckily for them they don't have a bised, right wing, negative press pointing cameras & microphones at their every action or non action. How can not joining in be held to be offensive? Are these people really such sensitive flowers?
If we don't have the freedom to participate or not according to our beliefs then we are not a free and democratic country. If we participate in something we don't believe in we are condoning it. That is a slippery slope. How delightful it is to have a politician who is true to himself & his beliefs. I may or may not agree with those beliefs, but so far I'm hoping he will be given a fair chance. I haven't seen many signs of that yet though.
Sunday, 13 September 2015
Corbyn - Labour versus Socialist?
I'm fascinated by the Labour leadership election. I'm appalled by 9 of the Shadow cabinet throwing their toys out of the pram immediately, 5 of whom are women. How is Corbyn expected to stand a chance of making the party a viable alternative to our dire Conservative government if he loses all this experience & expertise in one fell swoop? It seems like a suicide pact to me & it could destroy Labour from within.
What is important? Having a party to effectively counter Conservative "values" and to fight for the rights of ordinary, as opposed to wealthy people, or their own precious self interest? If they don't agree with Corbyn surely they should be prepared to argue their case from within the shadow cabinet and achieve consensus. After all Corbyn can't expect them not to go against his party line - he's done it often enough. If Corbyn's proposed policies are really too left wing and a threat they won't be as effective from the back benches & the discord may very publicly tear the party apart.
It seems a shame if this election, which is almost unique in terms of the statistics - 59.5% for Corbyn & 50.7% for Watson, doesn't result in a new beginning & a radical shake up for Labour. I'm very disappointed that there is no woman as yet at the top of the party. I'm appalled that Cooper (Home Sec), Kendall (Care Minister), Reynolds (Housing), Reeves (Work & Pensions) & Mahmood (Treasury) won't continue to work in key roles.
The election defeat is a good reason to really look at why the party wasn't electable. This leadership election is completely different. People have been really engaged. It's useful to have a top to bottom shake up so long as different perspectives are really listened to & consensus emerges.
Maybe one of the things the party should consider is recognising that the very name "Labour" is outdated and not relevant in the 21st century. Labour was forged in a time when the masses worked very hard for a living in manual tasks. The Unions were wonderful organisations which helped to give working people rights & better working conditions. It's a proud history, which broke the stranglehold of the wealthy landowners & businessmen.
2015 is a world away from that. The electorate is completely different. It's time the labour party really looked at itself & became relevant & central to the lives of people today. Maybe Corbyn is going to be a catalyst for that. He deserves a chance to do it. He seems to have a groundswell behind him.
What is important? Having a party to effectively counter Conservative "values" and to fight for the rights of ordinary, as opposed to wealthy people, or their own precious self interest? If they don't agree with Corbyn surely they should be prepared to argue their case from within the shadow cabinet and achieve consensus. After all Corbyn can't expect them not to go against his party line - he's done it often enough. If Corbyn's proposed policies are really too left wing and a threat they won't be as effective from the back benches & the discord may very publicly tear the party apart.
It seems a shame if this election, which is almost unique in terms of the statistics - 59.5% for Corbyn & 50.7% for Watson, doesn't result in a new beginning & a radical shake up for Labour. I'm very disappointed that there is no woman as yet at the top of the party. I'm appalled that Cooper (Home Sec), Kendall (Care Minister), Reynolds (Housing), Reeves (Work & Pensions) & Mahmood (Treasury) won't continue to work in key roles.
The election defeat is a good reason to really look at why the party wasn't electable. This leadership election is completely different. People have been really engaged. It's useful to have a top to bottom shake up so long as different perspectives are really listened to & consensus emerges.
Maybe one of the things the party should consider is recognising that the very name "Labour" is outdated and not relevant in the 21st century. Labour was forged in a time when the masses worked very hard for a living in manual tasks. The Unions were wonderful organisations which helped to give working people rights & better working conditions. It's a proud history, which broke the stranglehold of the wealthy landowners & businessmen.
2015 is a world away from that. The electorate is completely different. It's time the labour party really looked at itself & became relevant & central to the lives of people today. Maybe Corbyn is going to be a catalyst for that. He deserves a chance to do it. He seems to have a groundswell behind him.
Friday, 11 September 2015
Ageing & Independent Living
I went to an Occupational Therapist for an Assessment of Need this week. I've arranged them before for my father and my mother in law, but didn't envisage having one myself.
I want to be able to live safely in my home & have got to the point where some things are difficult. I'm sure my legs have grown further away from my hands, so that putting tights, socks & shoes on involves contortions & possible speedy bodily contact with the floor. I haven't had a bath for years because I can't get in & out of one. I have a corner shower at the moment, but it's too small for me to be able to manouvre easily in. Getting in & out of bed, even turning over in bed, is difficult. Going up and down stairs is a challenge,especially if I want to carry anything. etc etc etc. All very boring & limiting.
The assessment was at Brooks University where they train all sorts of health professionals including OT's. It was very sympathetically & professionally done, by a charming man who really knew his stuff. I will now be getting several practical aids to enable me to function better in my home. I will also get a list of approved contractors who can look at things like installing a shower downstairs & a wet room in my ensuite.
The important thing is that it gives me confidence that I can live independently for at least a few more years. I am fortunate that I can pay for this service. But had I not been able too I could have got these things free or reduced. Probably not any more from today though. It seems very likely that the budget for this will be cut again iminently. There is a meeting today about it, so my timing was very lucky.
It makes no sense at all. The cost of treating people who have accidents in the home is far more than giving them things which make them safer. Hospitalisation is expensive & not good for patients. This type of intervention is simple, cheap & cost effective. What sort of idiot politician thinks that it is a sensible decision to cut health & social services to the bone? We need to cut the deficit, but not like this. This will cost money in the long term & people will suffer as a result.
I want to be able to live safely in my home & have got to the point where some things are difficult. I'm sure my legs have grown further away from my hands, so that putting tights, socks & shoes on involves contortions & possible speedy bodily contact with the floor. I haven't had a bath for years because I can't get in & out of one. I have a corner shower at the moment, but it's too small for me to be able to manouvre easily in. Getting in & out of bed, even turning over in bed, is difficult. Going up and down stairs is a challenge,especially if I want to carry anything. etc etc etc. All very boring & limiting.
The assessment was at Brooks University where they train all sorts of health professionals including OT's. It was very sympathetically & professionally done, by a charming man who really knew his stuff. I will now be getting several practical aids to enable me to function better in my home. I will also get a list of approved contractors who can look at things like installing a shower downstairs & a wet room in my ensuite.
The important thing is that it gives me confidence that I can live independently for at least a few more years. I am fortunate that I can pay for this service. But had I not been able too I could have got these things free or reduced. Probably not any more from today though. It seems very likely that the budget for this will be cut again iminently. There is a meeting today about it, so my timing was very lucky.
It makes no sense at all. The cost of treating people who have accidents in the home is far more than giving them things which make them safer. Hospitalisation is expensive & not good for patients. This type of intervention is simple, cheap & cost effective. What sort of idiot politician thinks that it is a sensible decision to cut health & social services to the bone? We need to cut the deficit, but not like this. This will cost money in the long term & people will suffer as a result.
Thursday, 10 September 2015
Chronic Pain - Drugs of Choice.
I was in my 20's in the 60's. Therefore it seems ironic that now, in my 70's I'm taking Morphine. I seem to have missed out on the whole drug culture & have to take a heroin derivative for pain.
The NHS does not deal well with pain. I gather that trainee doctors don't get much training about pain & pain relief, which seems odd given how many health conditions involve pain. Getting a referral to a specialist pain clinic isn't easy. Some research shows that 21% of people experience pain every day. That's nearly 1 in 4. Personally I have forgotten how an absence of pain feels.
Currently I'm changing over from months of taking the maximum dose of Co Codamol, which contains Morphine & is addictive, to Morphine itself. That means that my body is simultaneously coping with withdrawl & a new drug. I am so wiped out by the afternoon that I have to lie down & I doze. So I'm losing daytime & as a result finding it difficult to sleep at night.
All drugs are toxins and all have an effect on the body. I came to the conclusion long ago that patients nowadays have to be very pro-active in their own healthcare. I don't think we should just accept what we are told or prescribed. Doctors are human beings & can't know everything. They can make mistakes. We have access to a huge body of information & other people who are in similar situations as ourselves. We need to take responsibility for decisions made about our healthcare.
The trouble is if you are feeling ill, in pain, fatigued & incapacitated you are not in a good place to be able to do that. It's a Catch 22. What I need is a friendly Cannabis supplier or a research trial into Cannabis & chronic pain because the Morphine isn't working. You would think that the pharma companies would be able to come up with something to make any pain bearable.
The NHS does not deal well with pain. I gather that trainee doctors don't get much training about pain & pain relief, which seems odd given how many health conditions involve pain. Getting a referral to a specialist pain clinic isn't easy. Some research shows that 21% of people experience pain every day. That's nearly 1 in 4. Personally I have forgotten how an absence of pain feels.
Currently I'm changing over from months of taking the maximum dose of Co Codamol, which contains Morphine & is addictive, to Morphine itself. That means that my body is simultaneously coping with withdrawl & a new drug. I am so wiped out by the afternoon that I have to lie down & I doze. So I'm losing daytime & as a result finding it difficult to sleep at night.
All drugs are toxins and all have an effect on the body. I came to the conclusion long ago that patients nowadays have to be very pro-active in their own healthcare. I don't think we should just accept what we are told or prescribed. Doctors are human beings & can't know everything. They can make mistakes. We have access to a huge body of information & other people who are in similar situations as ourselves. We need to take responsibility for decisions made about our healthcare.
The trouble is if you are feeling ill, in pain, fatigued & incapacitated you are not in a good place to be able to do that. It's a Catch 22. What I need is a friendly Cannabis supplier or a research trial into Cannabis & chronic pain because the Morphine isn't working. You would think that the pharma companies would be able to come up with something to make any pain bearable.
Monday, 7 September 2015
Silversea Cruise 6 - Selfies.
Istanbul put me off cameras for ever. It was hot, between 30 - 40 degrees. It was also heaving with people. Everyone seemed to have a camera and a selfie stick. Probably because the knock offs were so cheap. Result - you couldn't walk along the street or be inside a building without being in the way of someone taking a photo. It got to be hugely annoying. If you stopped politely for everyone you wouldn't see anything yourself & movement slowed to a crawl.
The problem I had with it is that no one was really looking. Everyone was so intent on having a photo with themselves as the star instead of the stunning building or view, that they were unable to experience the wonder that is this great city.
When did it all get so manic? When did everyone suddenly decide that their image fronting some iconic view was the most important thing? When did we all get so self absorbed? I suspect it is the conjunction of the selfie stick & Social Media. (Selfie sticks are very aptly named & a health hazard in my view!) We live in a self obsessed world where we all want our moment of fame & think that the rest of the population really wants to see what we are doing and where we are at this moment. I'm surprised no one posts photos of themselves on the loo. Or perhaps they do.
It's all so repetetive & totally mindless. Travellers who only see the world as a backdrop to their own existance. They don't really know much about where they are, the history, the culture, the geography. All they see is a photo opportunity and an opportunity to brag - "here I am".
Yes, I know I'm a grumpy old woman. "Frankly my dears I don't give a damn". I'd rather have memories any day & not be constrained by the narrow view of a camera lens. I didn't take a single photo. How often do we all even look at the photos once we have bored friends and family rigid with them? We just put them in a drawer or save them in the Cloud & move on to the next holiday, left with the problem of what to do with all those images & having forgotten what & where they are.
The problem I had with it is that no one was really looking. Everyone was so intent on having a photo with themselves as the star instead of the stunning building or view, that they were unable to experience the wonder that is this great city.
When did it all get so manic? When did everyone suddenly decide that their image fronting some iconic view was the most important thing? When did we all get so self absorbed? I suspect it is the conjunction of the selfie stick & Social Media. (Selfie sticks are very aptly named & a health hazard in my view!) We live in a self obsessed world where we all want our moment of fame & think that the rest of the population really wants to see what we are doing and where we are at this moment. I'm surprised no one posts photos of themselves on the loo. Or perhaps they do.
It's all so repetetive & totally mindless. Travellers who only see the world as a backdrop to their own existance. They don't really know much about where they are, the history, the culture, the geography. All they see is a photo opportunity and an opportunity to brag - "here I am".
Yes, I know I'm a grumpy old woman. "Frankly my dears I don't give a damn". I'd rather have memories any day & not be constrained by the narrow view of a camera lens. I didn't take a single photo. How often do we all even look at the photos once we have bored friends and family rigid with them? We just put them in a drawer or save them in the Cloud & move on to the next holiday, left with the problem of what to do with all those images & having forgotten what & where they are.
Sunday, 6 September 2015
Losing my Marbles
I'm now officially an old lady! I've had a phone alarm system installed & wear an alarm watch all the time in the house. Actually that's rubbish, anyone of any age is at risk if they live alone. I just happen to have accepted that for me the risk factors are higher. Heart attack, stroke, a fall, a dizzy spell, a bad virus....A good friend who is younger than me had a stroke last week & is now in hospital. It's a question of probabilities.
I don't much fancy lying on the floor somewhere, in pain & unable to get to a phone. It doesn't seem an attractive scenario. The reality for lots of people who don't work & live alone is that they may go for days without a visit or a phone call. You can't plan for an accident & you can't count on someone realising you aren't around any more.
It's not something to dwell on, but it is something to prepare for if you have any sense. No one is immortal.
What I quite fancy is a massive heart attack which takes me out faster than the speed of light. I'm not big on pain and suffering, especially not on my own & over a long period of time. I'm not brave. But unfortunately you can't decide your own exit unless euthanasia becomes lawful.
Fortunately, at the moment , I've got enough marbles to decide how to be safe. That will be the next thing of course. When the holes take over from the cheese in the Gruyere.
I don't much fancy lying on the floor somewhere, in pain & unable to get to a phone. It doesn't seem an attractive scenario. The reality for lots of people who don't work & live alone is that they may go for days without a visit or a phone call. You can't plan for an accident & you can't count on someone realising you aren't around any more.
It's not something to dwell on, but it is something to prepare for if you have any sense. No one is immortal.
What I quite fancy is a massive heart attack which takes me out faster than the speed of light. I'm not big on pain and suffering, especially not on my own & over a long period of time. I'm not brave. But unfortunately you can't decide your own exit unless euthanasia becomes lawful.
Fortunately, at the moment , I've got enough marbles to decide how to be safe. That will be the next thing of course. When the holes take over from the cheese in the Gruyere.
Saturday, 5 September 2015
Silversea Cruise 5 - Cultural Difference
The West is "divided by a common language". Not just us and the Americans. English is the "lingua franca" for many nations. Not only pronunciation varies, so does meaning & understanding.
There were various nations cruising on the Silver Spirit & it was interesting to watch the interaction, or lack of it, between different nationalities. We all, it seems, are most comfortable with our own "kind". So by the end of the cruise, although there were interchanges between nations, mostly the friendship groups which developed seemed to be national.
It is interesting too that behaviour has a cultural dimension. What is tolerated or even normal by some nationalities is considered highly rude by others. I realise that this can lead to sweeping generalisations. The Italians are terrible drivers, the Mediterranean countries let their women do all the work, the Spanish are loud, the French are arrogant & aloof, the Americans are brash & like poor wine don't travel.....Brits, I'm pleased to say, are "damned with the faint praise" of being too polite.
There is some truth in all of this. Misunderstanding can arise because something said or done / not said or not done can cause offence. You don't expect to make deep and meaningful relationships on holiday. By definition most conversations are superficial. The danger is that the opposite can easily happen & friendship can be irrevocably be ruined by such close proximity.
I'm not sure how well it is possible to really know someone. We all keep a part of ourselves back. You have to tolerate things you don't want to & you certainly can't tell the truth all the time without hurting people. Human beings are infinitely diverse. You just have to decide what is important to you & what you are prepared to put up with from others.
Now I'm officially an old lady I think I've mellowed. Or maybe I just don't think the confrontation is worth it. I tolerate things I would not have done a decade ago. Anyone who mistakenly thinks I'm a pussy cat & will roll over when it really matters is hugely mistaken though. There are "lines in the sand" both on holiday and at home.
There were various nations cruising on the Silver Spirit & it was interesting to watch the interaction, or lack of it, between different nationalities. We all, it seems, are most comfortable with our own "kind". So by the end of the cruise, although there were interchanges between nations, mostly the friendship groups which developed seemed to be national.
It is interesting too that behaviour has a cultural dimension. What is tolerated or even normal by some nationalities is considered highly rude by others. I realise that this can lead to sweeping generalisations. The Italians are terrible drivers, the Mediterranean countries let their women do all the work, the Spanish are loud, the French are arrogant & aloof, the Americans are brash & like poor wine don't travel.....Brits, I'm pleased to say, are "damned with the faint praise" of being too polite.
There is some truth in all of this. Misunderstanding can arise because something said or done / not said or not done can cause offence. You don't expect to make deep and meaningful relationships on holiday. By definition most conversations are superficial. The danger is that the opposite can easily happen & friendship can be irrevocably be ruined by such close proximity.
I'm not sure how well it is possible to really know someone. We all keep a part of ourselves back. You have to tolerate things you don't want to & you certainly can't tell the truth all the time without hurting people. Human beings are infinitely diverse. You just have to decide what is important to you & what you are prepared to put up with from others.
Now I'm officially an old lady I think I've mellowed. Or maybe I just don't think the confrontation is worth it. I tolerate things I would not have done a decade ago. Anyone who mistakenly thinks I'm a pussy cat & will roll over when it really matters is hugely mistaken though. There are "lines in the sand" both on holiday and at home.
Friday, 4 September 2015
Silversea cruise 4 - Leaving & Sailing.
There is something about leaving a port and sailing out into the ocean. There is a quality of light reflecting off the sea & a vast expanse of water and sky which is unendingly fascinating. The light changes from moment to moment in a different way to on land. You are moving from terra firma and sailing on the surface of bottomless, unknown, depths. It is really is the most mystical experience. Vast horizons, infinite, subtle, colours of light. Moving, but oddly staying still.
Sailing on a ship is unique. A self contained, man made, island floating above the hidden life below. A triumph of mans skill and technology at the mercy of the elements. The weather & the light changes in moments.
Modern cruise ships are minature, (& not so minature), cities. All human life is there. An infinite number of life stories from the extremely privileged to the much less advantaged. A microcosm of the world contained within a boat. The difference is that the people are always moving onwards. A restless journey to the next port, the next experience for the passengers. A mobile working environment for all the people who cater to their every whim.
It is obviously, by nature, a transient existance. As you float on the surface of the ocean you also float on the surface of life. New aquaintances are made & lives are shared peripherally. Visits to ports are brief. Fleeting glimpses into other lives. Passengers are disgorged onto docksides & have a window of opportunity to experience other cultures. They aren't necessarily good representations of the real lives or cultures because a whole unrepresentative, symbiotic infrastructure has built up around the ports.
They are gateways though and maybe passengers will go back and experience a more realistic & in depth perspective at some time. As for the relationships they really are "ships that pass in the night".
Sailing on a ship is unique. A self contained, man made, island floating above the hidden life below. A triumph of mans skill and technology at the mercy of the elements. The weather & the light changes in moments.
Modern cruise ships are minature, (& not so minature), cities. All human life is there. An infinite number of life stories from the extremely privileged to the much less advantaged. A microcosm of the world contained within a boat. The difference is that the people are always moving onwards. A restless journey to the next port, the next experience for the passengers. A mobile working environment for all the people who cater to their every whim.
It is obviously, by nature, a transient existance. As you float on the surface of the ocean you also float on the surface of life. New aquaintances are made & lives are shared peripherally. Visits to ports are brief. Fleeting glimpses into other lives. Passengers are disgorged onto docksides & have a window of opportunity to experience other cultures. They aren't necessarily good representations of the real lives or cultures because a whole unrepresentative, symbiotic infrastructure has built up around the ports.
They are gateways though and maybe passengers will go back and experience a more realistic & in depth perspective at some time. As for the relationships they really are "ships that pass in the night".
Thursday, 3 September 2015
Silversea Cruise 3 - Human Nature - Givers & Takers
People watching is such a delight. An endless source of interest and amusement, frustration and irritation. I have written before about "Drains & Radiators". This cruise gave me the opportunity to observe the species of "Givers & Takers"at close quarters.
I think both descriptions of human behaviour are self explanatory. I must acknowledge at the outset that I know I am making sweeping generalisations.
The thing that shocked me was the arrogance, rudeness & self absorbtion of some of my fellow passengers. The sense of entitlement that wealth seems to endow some people with is quite surpising. "Please", "thank you" & "excuse me" seemed to have been expunged from the vocabulary of some. Quite a few people I had conversations with just wanted to tell me about themselves. I wasn't required to say very much - just listen attentively. Many conversations I overheard were basically bragging about making money, posessions, achieving your own ends, who you knew. etc etc. Brits tend to be polite. They certainly queue & don't tend to be pushy. So maybe that's why I was so surprised. We had a lot of Australian, American & Italian passengers. Maybe it's a cultural thing. Or maybe it's just me.
The other thing that made me take a sharp intake of breath was judgemental attitudes & ignorance about other cultures & countries. Very few seemed to know much about the history, culture or geography of the places we visited. Because of the current political situation in Greece, maybe a little more was known about that, but coloured by a European press perspective. Very little seemed to be known about politics in Turkey. I suppose the thing is it was a holiday. So people didn't feel the need to be informed.
Fortunately all of that was completely offset by the care and consideration of the paid employees & of course not all the passengers were like that. I did meet some really interesting people whose company I enjoyed.
As my dad would say "There's nowt as queer as folk". He was from Derbyshire & would have been completely nonplussed by all of this.
I think both descriptions of human behaviour are self explanatory. I must acknowledge at the outset that I know I am making sweeping generalisations.
The thing that shocked me was the arrogance, rudeness & self absorbtion of some of my fellow passengers. The sense of entitlement that wealth seems to endow some people with is quite surpising. "Please", "thank you" & "excuse me" seemed to have been expunged from the vocabulary of some. Quite a few people I had conversations with just wanted to tell me about themselves. I wasn't required to say very much - just listen attentively. Many conversations I overheard were basically bragging about making money, posessions, achieving your own ends, who you knew. etc etc. Brits tend to be polite. They certainly queue & don't tend to be pushy. So maybe that's why I was so surprised. We had a lot of Australian, American & Italian passengers. Maybe it's a cultural thing. Or maybe it's just me.
The other thing that made me take a sharp intake of breath was judgemental attitudes & ignorance about other cultures & countries. Very few seemed to know much about the history, culture or geography of the places we visited. Because of the current political situation in Greece, maybe a little more was known about that, but coloured by a European press perspective. Very little seemed to be known about politics in Turkey. I suppose the thing is it was a holiday. So people didn't feel the need to be informed.
Fortunately all of that was completely offset by the care and consideration of the paid employees & of course not all the passengers were like that. I did meet some really interesting people whose company I enjoyed.
As my dad would say "There's nowt as queer as folk". He was from Derbyshire & would have been completely nonplussed by all of this.
Wednesday, 2 September 2015
Silversea Cruise - 2 - Consumption & Waste.
I don't go along with the theory that it's OK to have anything you want and can afford when you want it, because consumption fuels economies & makes jobs. Consumption & waste economics simply doesn't make sense to me. Greed & waste isn't a nice look & doesn't seem justified.
The thing about a cruise is that over consumption and waste is almost irrevocably built in. The buffet restaurants, as opposed to the speciality restaurants with menus, have to provide a bigger variety and quantity than is necessary to offer enough choice for very demanding passengers - some of whom seem to have surprisingly big appetites. H&S means that once food is put out but not used it will necessarily be wasted. Unless it goes to the crew, which I don't think happens. They have different menus I think.
Having said that, there are stringent protocols for waste disposal. The cruise ships can't just chuck it all over the side. It has to be macerated & only dumped in certain areas. But it is still a huge waste of very high quality food.
Similarly with drink. If your USP is providing anything the customer wants, free, at any time as part of the cruise price, then they take advantage & drink more & ask for the exotic. I've never had so much champagne or so many cocktails in my whole life as on a 9 day cruise. The wastage was surprising to say the least.
Then there is the question of towels & linen. I've stayed in 5 star hotels & been used to the policy that if you want your towels etc washing you dump them in the bath. If you are prepared to use them for a couple of days you hang them up. (I have to acknowledge that lots of posh hotels have a card saying that, but wash the towels anyway). On this cruise not only did they get washed daily, but were changed more than once a day, which does seem excessive & wasteful given the demand on water consumption - On a boat in the middle of the ocean.
Ditto, sheets were changed daily. I don't know about your personal habits, but I think I'm clean enough to use my sheets for a week.
Given that all of the crew we saw doing the service jobs were from places like India & the Philippenes, which are not wealthy countries, I imagine the imbalance must have been a bit of a culture shock initially. All the more amazing how delightful they all were, seeming to really enjoy their jobs and have no resentment towards us, the lucky, wealthy ones.
The thing about a cruise is that over consumption and waste is almost irrevocably built in. The buffet restaurants, as opposed to the speciality restaurants with menus, have to provide a bigger variety and quantity than is necessary to offer enough choice for very demanding passengers - some of whom seem to have surprisingly big appetites. H&S means that once food is put out but not used it will necessarily be wasted. Unless it goes to the crew, which I don't think happens. They have different menus I think.
Having said that, there are stringent protocols for waste disposal. The cruise ships can't just chuck it all over the side. It has to be macerated & only dumped in certain areas. But it is still a huge waste of very high quality food.
Similarly with drink. If your USP is providing anything the customer wants, free, at any time as part of the cruise price, then they take advantage & drink more & ask for the exotic. I've never had so much champagne or so many cocktails in my whole life as on a 9 day cruise. The wastage was surprising to say the least.
Then there is the question of towels & linen. I've stayed in 5 star hotels & been used to the policy that if you want your towels etc washing you dump them in the bath. If you are prepared to use them for a couple of days you hang them up. (I have to acknowledge that lots of posh hotels have a card saying that, but wash the towels anyway). On this cruise not only did they get washed daily, but were changed more than once a day, which does seem excessive & wasteful given the demand on water consumption - On a boat in the middle of the ocean.
Ditto, sheets were changed daily. I don't know about your personal habits, but I think I'm clean enough to use my sheets for a week.
Given that all of the crew we saw doing the service jobs were from places like India & the Philippenes, which are not wealthy countries, I imagine the imbalance must have been a bit of a culture shock initially. All the more amazing how delightful they all were, seeming to really enjoy their jobs and have no resentment towards us, the lucky, wealthy ones.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)