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02.09.2004 -
Hi everyone, I
am in the Atlanta hotel business centre as I write this. I don't
travel with a computer as it is too much hassle and I find that not
having it keeps me off line. I see people around me with their
computers on what seems like all day. They even carry it around with
them while they are on line. What has the world come to? When I go to
the business centre it is always empty. Why? Because everyone has
their own lap-top. Take this as a top tip!
I had a wonderful holiday in the South of France. I am feeling
relaxed, re-charged and generally better than ever. It was so great
spending time with my family. I am so blessed to be a part of their
lives. Sometimes it does feel like I am looking in from outside (in a
kind of Dickensian way) at this happy, smiling group of people. It
took me a few days to realise I was a part of that.
One thing I have noticed is I have more freckles than ever. I bet I
have more freckles than you have pixels on your digital camera. More
freckles than there are people in China or the world for that matter.
An astronomer could probably give me a reading from my freckles.
Anyway, I didn't get sunburned thanks to the factor 60 cream which was
applied liberally. My legs are still pink though. Just as well no one
has to see them. I don't mind admitting that there is a bit of a tummy
going on down there because I haven't been doing yoga full on. It was
time to relax and that I did but unfortunately with guys my age the
love handles pop out. Actually it feels kind of nice in an obscene
sort of way. I WILL have to lose it pronto if I am to carry on with
the role of guitar player in a band. I don't know why but I always
thought guitarists should be the skinny f***ed up looking ones in a
band. It always made sense to me but I still don't know why.
We had some good barbecues which I was in charge of. I am not a
natural at lighting a fire. With some of the driest wood on the
planet, special coal, kindling that would light just by looking at it
and a copy of the entire Sunday Times (including the gardening
section...who reads that?) I couldn't get the f***ing thing alight. It
just kept going out. I got the hang of it eventually (it's the
placement of the paper, kindling and timing of the coal application).
I looked the part. My wife gave me a really good tip: Add rosemary
herbs to the meat. This gives it an incredible flavour. I also learnt
about the height of the grill. At first I had it too low which meant
that the steaks or burgers were charcoal on the outside and raw in the
middle. If you raise it you get a better result.
The Olympics were on TV all day evey day. I thought they were
fantastic. Being in France we saw it from their point of view,
featuring their athletes most of the time. There was a lot of fencing.
There's something quite romantic about fencing. It's a real duel and
exciting to watch. It's about 'getting the girl' or something. The
French did really well with that. Actually they came sixth all round.
Better than the British. The Americans were as dominant as ever
especially in track and field. I was particularly impressed with Kelly
Holmes (Great Britain gold in 800 and 1,500 meters). She's a real
hero. I became a bit more of an expert than I should have in the
women's beach volleyball. The male sprinters in track made me feel
somewhat inadequate with their tight outfits and lunchboxes in full
view. Is that entirely necessary? All and all a great tournament. Well
done Greece (Hi Sophia!). For those of you who don't know, Greece won
the European soccer championships this year. I am also proud and
surprised to say ARGENTINA ARE BASKETBALL OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS. Who would
have thought! And they won the soccer (don't they always?)
It was great being in the country but it's not for you if you have a
problem with bugs. Bugs everywhere. Iguanas, lizards, bees,
mosquitoes, wasps and SPIDERS. I hate them. There was one occasion
when I saw a big one which I swear was wearing leopard skin trousers
and had long hair. Kind of like the rock star of spiders. While I was
jumping behind the couch Pablo wanted to play with it and be friends.
He just wants to play with anything that moves. Incredible. Harley and
Misty are more like me. City people. I am not very good with the sea
either which is why we had a pool. When I look down in the water all I
want to see are tiles and/or kid's toys.
We had a few guests who came to stay a few times which was great. It
was a big house so there was room for everyone.
Now it's time to hide those pink legs, put on some tight trousers and
do what I am supposed to do. Shut up and play my guitar (as Frank
Zappa said). I haven't touched it once so I am eager to see how it
goes. I am feeling inspired thanks to a really great break. My wife,
family and friends are the greatest and I love them all. I am looking
forward to seeing and meeting you on this next American leg (also you
guys in Europe... I still have the watch Diana but I went in the pool
by mistake).
That's it for now,
Love always,
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