Pork is the king of the meats!

Just on our way home from the Manchester markets. I'd refer to them at the Christmas markets but as we are halfway through November i'm not going to be that kind of an arsehole. Just thought I'd post and say how most excellent it was and thank you to Helen, Kingham and Richard for coming along. Here's a few pics from the iPhone.

Amazing Atmosphere

I consider myself quite an open minded person (within logic) and I am rarely shocked by anything. A couple of weeks ago I was asked by a previous customer to attend her babies 1st birthday. I was really happy that someone liked my services so much they would hire to me attend such a special event, so I accepted the job. When I arrived it became apparent that in Indian culture a 1st birthday is a kinda big thing.

I was soon surrounded by what seem to be a thousand children (all amazingly well behaved), great food, lots of alcohol and some of the happiest people I have ever met. The colours were amazing, women wearing all kinds of colours and jewellery, it was more colourful than any Kodak advert I have ever seen.  Everyone was so accepting and friendly that it kinda shocked me, reminded me that there are some good/friendly people in the world.

The whole night and the atmosphere were amazing. It was a privilege to be paid for something so enjoyable to be completely honest. Another thing that shocked me was this lovely fellow:

He was the birthday girls father, he approached me as soon as he saw my tattoos. He asked where I had them done, then revealed to me that he had been a tattoo artist for over 40years, he first set up in 1970 in middlesbro. This is without a doubt the happiest guy I have ever met, and from all the images I can see he is also the proudest. He stood tall and proud of his children and grandchildren, it was truly inspiring! 

Die Alone? A Hardcore Saturday Topic

Ok, so I was waiting at the bus stop this morning for 10 minutes or so until I realised there was a sign that said my Saturday Morning bus to work had been cancelled, first goose of the day. So then I called a local cab. He turns up and I remember the guy, lovely smiley Indian chappy. We had what I would consider a “normal” conversation until we talked about family and weddings. I happily told the driver I plan to get wed in the next couple of years, maybe 2 or 3. He congratulates me, then tells me about how the grooms are the ones who get stuff paid for at their weddings and then proceeded to tell me about a £3k necklace he bought his daughter and so forth. Then he asked me my age, I replied and said “27”. Then he proceeded to tell me I should REALLY concider kids asap as “nobody wants to die alone”.

I think what the driver was trying to tell me was that everyone needs somebody, so if me and my fiancée Helen decided to never have kids then we would only have each other to depend on. I know its the circle of life kinda thing where we get raised by our parents and then the roles reverse as our parentals get old and depend on us, but is it wrong to not be a part of this cycle? Now bear in mind I’m only 27, I have loads of time right?

Its not like we are against kids either, I’m actually looking forward to parenthood someday, at the minute taking care of myself seems like enough work (current parents out there have my respect). At the end of the day we do what we have to do, just thought I’d share this thought and if anybody has anything to say then go for it!

Ciao for now