A Day of Near Misses

In a way, waking up to the breaking news from America puts the triviality of lazing about in the sun and thinking it's worth writing about into perspective. Regardless of your views on American politics, it is a dark day for democracy. I was never a fan of Mr Trump - his debacle with environmental groups and the local population over the establishment of the Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire gave us a preview of the type of president that he would make. And the thought that we may be in for Trump 2, the sequel flies in the face of the old proverb "once bitten, twice shy". In the interests of impartiality, my favourite news story of the current presidential election is about the US math teacher who legally changed his name to Literally Anybody Else and announced his intention to run for president. He would get my vote.

Today's plans involve a post fierce-heat journey into Pula in mid to late afternoon for sightseeing and dinner.  In preparation, Kev and I have been out for a quiet half hour drive so he can get used to driving a big automatic car on the right (wrong) side of the road without the added distraction of Jackie chatting away in the back seat. If talking were an olympic sport, she could have been a contender. Despite today's title there were no dramas on our trial run and we returned home unscathed.

Pula is known for its protected harbor, beach-lined coast and Roman ruins. Settled in the prehistoric era and valued for its strategic location, it has been occupied, destroyed and rebuilt numerous times. The Arena constructed between 27 BC and AD 68, dominates the port area. It is the only remaining Roman amphitheatre to have four side towers entirely preserved and is among the world's six largest surviving Roman arenas. As I stand looking up at the massive, 2000 year old and 30 meter high limestone wall, I can't help but compare it to the newspaper article I read last week about the couple who had so many major defects arising in the 6 years since their £350,000 home was built that it's current value has been estimated by independent chartered surveyors at  £1.

Returning to the theme of near misses, we arrived home in time to watch the second half of the football final. I am not particularly knowledgeable about football (I once had to ask a friend in the pub which team were Scotland) and it is a rare occasion for me to watch it. However there is enough English blood in my veins (thanks Dad) and I have  enough close relatives south of the border for me to show some interest. Despite my ignorance of the nuances of the game, I did feel that the Spanish players were more opportunistic on the ball and I thought the winning goal was worthy of the title.

The UK hasn't been the happiest of places to live in recent times and I do feel sorry that our near neighbours were denied the joy of victory in such a prestigious tournament.  I also feel sorry for the England fan who had Gareth Southgate's face tattooed on his bum in 2018 above the words "It's coming home" as it is going to be another few years before he can moon triumphantly out the car window while his friend circles round and round Trafalgar Square frantically tooting his horn.Read more