1. Off Again…So, I’m off again. Running away you may say – I prefer to think of
what I am doing as moving on. I had been in a position to say that I’d never
stayed in one place for very long, never been able to sustain my own existence
unaided for more than 6 months. So, I had come here to show I could take
charge, to stabilise things around my and be in control of my circumstances.
But as to the rest, happiness, Dharma, you know, the progressing journey in
the right direction – well, let’s say that I now know that location is integral to
result. In that surrounding yourself with things that discourage the soul will
eventually lead to no good, in the big plan of things generally.
Setting off has always been a positive moment for me. This time, however, I
feel no real excitement, no expectations. Yet my judgement feels clearer; I feel
more ready than ever before; I’m just not giddy with excitement as I should be.
I’ve thrown everything away, in the bin, with only a few carefully selected
items placed in safe keeping, here and there…some may survive I hope! Ah!
To leave with nothing but the clothes on your back and a small, overnight bag;
to have nothing to call upon in an emergency but your wit, charm, cunning.
Nothing I hadn’t done a hundred times before. And the infinite number of
people to meet along the way. But, as I said, no great excitement. Nothing
more than a quiet sense of contemplative easiness, of returning to place of
peace…like coming home.
I feel my soul whither when I stay in one place for too long. ‘On the Road’ I feel
new everyday with my surroundings; everything is unique in its newness.
Each new sound, sight, smell all vying and jostling for space in the mind’s
archive. We are, of course, all learning each day. But to do the same thing
every day, routine, day in, day out. What does the soul feed off? Books?
Films? Certainly not TV! So, here I am, hungry for new experiences. Comforted
in the sure knowledge that I have absolutely no idea who, what, where and
when, about absolutely everything from here on in.

2. The Airport…Half way through a four hour wait at the airport. Plastic seats
moulded for whose arse? I have spent, added up, literally weeks sat in
airports. This time not at the expense of a multinational oil company; this
experience is different from some before.
Having spent all my English money, an Irish group at the next table were busy
knocking back whisky and lager, all in a hailstorm of laughter and cheer. One
of the ladies noticed me falling asleep, head in arms on the plastic café table;
she inquired as to my departure time and promptly disappeared, I fell back
asleep.
BANG! A tray appeared before me. Fully awake and not a little confused, I
heard a voice say “Now we can’t have you missing your flight now, can we?”
A saviour, considering I am completely at the mercy of a considerably harsh
comedown, hangover and whatever this humming in my head is?
I knew what was coming next, and I didn’t want it: company. How could I tell
her that I have spent more time in airports than she has in the kitchen!?! But
kindness is kindness, and the Irish are a kind people. Just as I am an English
Gentleman, and we promote, among other unknown facets of the myth, grace,
gratitude, and politeness. I really can’t do company today…but hey ho…here
we go.