Category Archives: Uncategorized

Boobs at breakfast and John Humphrys at the Job Centre (Rousse)

Although I was first in the queue at the Job Centre, I had to wait an age to be seen because John Humphrys was ahead of me, interviewing the woman behind the desk. I wondered whether it was worth waiting. … Continue reading

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Back to work in boxer shorts (Rousse)

Dressed in thin cotton boxer shorts, I arrived back at work after the Christmas holiday to find that someone had moved my desk into a shabby shared office with FR, IB, IH and SS. Here it was freezing cold, the … Continue reading

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Human harpoon target practice (Rousse)

When TPR took up membership of an exclusive club I hoped that I would soon receive an invitation myself. However, TPR was dead set against my joining him once he discovered the main reason for bringing in new recruits: so … Continue reading

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Exam scripts and snogging in the School office (Rousse)

There were strange goings-on in the School office. Admin staff were marking exam scripts with the authority of (retired) lecturer RK. ‘It’s easy enough to check that the numbers at the end of the calculations are the same as in … Continue reading

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A boyfriend returns (Rousse)

KA danced at the bottom of the staircase in a fluffy pink bolero. One year ago she hardly mentioned AO. Now he was here too. Afterwards we went for a walk. KA’s daughter R was ahead of us, alone and … Continue reading

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A February break in Cornwall (Rousse)

TPR and I took a holiday in Cornwall where the beaches were golden, the sky and sea were blue, and the weather unseasonably warm for February. My only complaint was that our accommodation was well below standard. We did not … Continue reading

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A secret exit from the British Library (Rousse)

I am one the few people who know the secret of the fifth floor of the British Library. If ever lost in this august building, you should come to this level and turn left along the balcony above the reading … Continue reading

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Geordie Chinese chefs cook sausages in the Scottish islands (Rousse)

All the kitchen staff in the Outer Hebridean guest house were Chinese Geordies, famous for their signature dish of pan-fried sausages.

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Contini kidnap (Rousse)

We were all (including toddler JJ) squeezed around a big square table in Contini George Street, Edinburgh when a huge red-headed man in a kilt marched into the restaurant. He looked like an extra from Outlander. Most of us supposed … Continue reading

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A sham marriage (Rousse)

The others instantly recognised me as an academic. One told me that she had previously considered me a suitable candidate to co-supervise a PhD student with her, even before I confirmed my identity. Encouraged by her enthusiasm for my work, … Continue reading

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