London, UK
Budapest, Hungary
Barrie Cook Living out where I am in the wop wops at the end of a long copper wire mean that internet cannot deliver what we would like, ideally. Today is the first time I've been allowed access to your blog site. I have just read the last entry first and will head back to the beginning from here. I know the feeling of flatness at the end of a good trip. In fact I'm trying very hard to be settled and most of the time it's OK but sometimes I just can't resist checking out the cost of flights, hire cars, accommodation, etc, to get to and travel around in some new place. One of things that struck me about the last post was the use of half-brother, half-cousin. It seems like such a cultural thing to do. Technically he's your half-brother but emotionally he's your brother. Polynesian's would rarely describe someone as a half-relation. Family has a broad definition. "My brother" might mean that we share a grandparent. "Uncle" might mean just an older man to whom you are related. "Son" might mean someone you brought up as your own. Perhaps your own somewhat emotionally starved upbringing stops you from embracing your half-family by just calling them family, perhaps as a way of keeping your distance a little, of even in a way of punishing your father. And of course your determinedly jocular manner, your desire to be amusing, to be liked and admired, is the persona, the actor's mask, behind which lies a hurt little boy.
Ros Mike I really liked this post. I enjoyed the 'real' Mike in it, and the emotion that came through so clearly about the connections you make with Andre and Csaba. I think its great Liz was with you for those two days in Budapest, where the two of you could think and talk about what has happened for you in this holiday. What an important time for you! I think I prefer your straight writing to your funny writing after reading this. But you are talented, I like everything you write.
Penni and Bob Nice to see that you are still traveling! Sounds like a great trip.
Budapest, Hungary
David Great update Mike.
Mike P Wow such a meaningful update Mike. You have managed to capture the essence of the post cold war Hungary, done so from your own memories. Excellent work
Mal Fogg Late comer to your Blog Mike, must admit I am not one to read such things, but for you I made an exception, and I must say I am glad that I did. As is to be expected your eloquence is undeniable, but no scouse humour! Did you enjoy the local wines? Dod they still produce Bulls Blood wine? I know that Tokay is still a firm favourite of mine, when I can find it, but I guess you found the source?
VIII. kerület, Hungary
Marg Somerville Hahahahahahahahahah! Very enjoyable Mike!!
Sarah Whew. I know too well what that feels like. Hope you have a wonderful time.
Innsbruck, Austria
Bob Turk Mike , liz . Life moves on sorry to hear you are selling your boat I did envy your dream of sail around France . I have decided to sell my share in Dorney after 14 years . Dorney is now based up near Nancy a very beautiful part of France with well maintained canals and locks . Mo and I are still going strong and have just brought a 32 ft yacht hence the reason to sell my share . I would love to meet up again so keep in touch . London is only a hour away from Paddock Wood and I get free travel . We both would love to come and see your performance. Regards to Liz
re: Sirens Wailing Nine
Ros Mike I really liked this post. I enjoyed the 'real' Mike in it, and the emotion that came through so clearly about the connections you make with Andre and Csaba. I think its great Liz was with you for those two days in Budapest, where the two of you could think and talk about what has happened for you in this holiday. What an important time for you! I think I prefer your straight writing to your funny writing after reading this. But you are talented, I like everything you write.
re: Jigsaw Pieces
Barrie Cook Living out where I am in the wop wops at the end of a long copper wire mean that internet cannot deliver what we would like, ideally. Today is the first time I've been allowed access to your blog site. I have just read the last entry first and will head back to the beginning from here. I know the feeling of flatness at the end of a good trip. In fact I'm trying very hard to be settled and most of the time it's OK but sometimes I just can't resist checking out the cost of flights, hire cars, accommodation, etc, to get to and travel around in some new place. One of things that struck me about the last post was the use of half-brother, half-cousin. It seems like such a cultural thing to do. Technically he's your half-brother but emotionally he's your brother. Polynesian's would rarely describe someone as a half-relation. Family has a broad definition. "My brother" might mean that we share a grandparent. "Uncle" might mean just an older man to whom you are related. "Son" might mean someone you brought up as your own. Perhaps your own somewhat emotionally starved upbringing stops you from embracing your half-family by just calling them family, perhaps as a way of keeping your distance a little, of even in a way of punishing your father. And of course your determinedly jocular manner, your desire to be amusing, to be liked and admired, is the persona, the actor's mask, behind which lies a hurt little boy.
re: Jigsaw Pieces
Marg Somerville Love this Mike! Sounds like another book for writing there! x Marg
re: Jigsaw Pieces
Mal Fogg Late comer to your Blog Mike, must admit I am not one to read such things, but for you I made an exception, and I must say I am glad that I did. As is to be expected your eloquence is undeniable, but no scouse humour! Did you enjoy the local wines? Dod they still produce Bulls Blood wine? I know that Tokay is still a firm favourite of mine, when I can find it, but I guess you found the source?
re: Double dots and other symbols
Mike P Wow such a meaningful update Mike. You have managed to capture the essence of the post cold war Hungary, done so from your own memories. Excellent work
re: Double dots and other symbols
Marg Somerville Wonderful Mike! My wine was right you are gorgeous. You convey the atmosphere and your feelings with grace and panache. much love.xxxx
re: Double dots and other symbols
Sarah Whew. I know too well what that feels like. Hope you have a wonderful time.
re: Baby Train to Budapest
Keith Staiger Be thankful for the postage-stamp; when we left you in Migennes, the TER windows were entirely obscured by advertising plastered on the outside. In UK you just see a forest of vast. tombstone seat-backs. Maybe looking out of the window is now a misuse of one's ticket, so going by Tube (when it arrives, won't be any different. Amicalement. K&H
re: Grrr on a Train
David Jones Great Mike. Don't forget those tickets for MB at the Apollo.
Bob Turk Mike , liz . Life moves on sorry to hear you are selling your boat I did envy your dream of sail around France . I have decided to sell my share in Dorney after 14 years . Dorney is now based up near Nancy a very beautiful part of France with well maintained canals and locks . Mo and I are still going strong and have just brought a 32 ft yacht hence the reason to sell my share . I would love to meet up again so keep in touch . London is only a hour away from Paddock Wood and I get free travel . We both would love to come and see your performance. Regards to Liz