Tag Archives: streets

Boris Johnson paves the streets with gold (Rousse)

Posted on July 24, 2021 by Dreamaticus

The latest government scheme to placate the population was Boris Johnson’s initiative to pave the streets with gold – or at least coins embedded into the pavements of Loughborough. When I asked a man who looked like an engineer if … Continue reading →

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White rabbit moves in with deer (Rousse)

Posted on October 7, 2015 by Dreamaticus

I lay in the bath pondering the state of my surroundings. TPR had done his best to make minor repairs to the bathroom but they could hardly be called professional: the toilet roll holder was crammed into a corner where … Continue reading →

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The Emperor of China, Tom Forrest, an absent wife, and a widower (Rousse)

Posted on October 30, 2014 by Dreamaticus

Ancient tradition in China required the donning of a long black robe (similar to an academic gown) whenever the emperor visited. Every day during my imprisonment I was on standby for this eventuality. Meanwhile I joined in with the activities … Continue reading →

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Scottish surveillance spooks out in force in Leith (Rousse)

Posted on August 3, 2014 by Dreamaticus

Leith had changed. The streets were lined with beautiful boutiques. Even the charity shops were posh. There were also hundreds of cyclists riding through this smart Edinburgh suburb, proud of their achievement of completing the entire route of the Edinburgh … Continue reading →

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Carey Mulligan singalike goes incognito in Paisley (Rousse)

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Dreamaticus

AM and CO were reputed to duet together. The former was particularly popular: it was said that she sang as beautifully as Carey Mulligan. On Paisley Gala Day, however, AM refused to sing. She preferred to watch the parade through … Continue reading →

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Talking seals take to the Scottish streets (Rousse)

Posted on October 28, 2013 by Dreamaticus

The village was packed with seals. They emerged in small packs from the bay, crossed over the single-track road, then wandered around the village, chatting. I noticed that the black furry ones were the most talkative.

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Edinburgh International Festival Virgin Money Fireworks Concert lends magic to the city (Rousse)

Posted on September 1, 2013 by Dreamaticus

Virgin Money scored an enormous coup with its advertising campaign for the Edinburgh International Festival Fireworks concert. Nobody could work out how it was done, but at about 08:00am on the morning of the concert itself the skies over Edinburgh … Continue reading →

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A job opportunity in Finland (Rousse)

Posted on July 11, 2013 by Dreamaticus

I travelled to Finland where I expected to take up EH’s old job. (This was a mistake. EH turns out to be a German academic based in Ireland.) Because I was planning to leave the country, I also had to … Continue reading →

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Mick Jagger tops celebrity guest list at Pope’s parade (Rousse)

Posted on January 2, 2013 by Dreamaticus

I fought away the fans eager to press their business cards into my hand. It was flattering that they held me in such high regard, but I didn’t really deserve all this attention. If anyone here wanted to see somebody … Continue reading →

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Martin Clunes brings traffic to a halt (Rousse)

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Dreamaticus

Martin Clunes was in town, and the cause of all the traffic disruption. The streets were crowded with hoards of fans hoping to catch a glimpse of their hero. I must admit that I was surprised at the level of … Continue reading →

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