Aye Aye You frisky bunch of beauties, back on board again after a relatively uneventful trip out to Songklah via Southampton, Denmead (Portsmouth) Bridport, Lyme Regis, Somerton, Heathrow, Singapore, Hat Yai and finally Songklah and the an added hike to NST whihc is the chopper base three hours north along the coast form Songklah and then 5 different landings on platforms and rigs until arriving on the Champion.
Left the loving embrace of MrsB at 1200 (french time) on the 14th at Rennes airport and arrived on board at 1000 (french time) on the 18th.
The trip out included my annual offshore medical (which I passed with flying colours magnificent specimen etc ) I then had a evening sat outside the Harbour Inn in Lyme with an old mate piuttiong nthe world to rights for several hours. The next day was lunch at the wonderful LuLa's (used to be the cavity) in Bridport with my stunning daughter Pearl (who never fails to amaze me with her energy and enthusiasm for life and also her determination to live in a field in a van or wig wam,) and my wonderful nephew Will (who I haven't seen for over year and who has retrained from being a plasterer and now is a well qualified specialist carpenter working on beautiful bespoke yachts in Ipswich.)
The only downside is that he now wont pick up his plastering tools any more so I have to remember what he showed me and take it from there on the re-build. My cunning plan is to get him over and say Oh will I was trying this and it doesn't come out right am I doing it properly? Que to Will taking over to show me and saying "I just as well do this bit in case you muck it up"
Ha a fiendish plan I know, but worth giving it shot I think.
Pearl is off down to St Tropez for the summer working for family as child minder on what sounds like bloody good terms. I wont see here now until she stops of on her way back to the UK in early September.
Zak has been on an advanced rope climbing course to enable him to get work filming at height and immediately landed a job filming from one of the high wires above the stage at this years Glastonbury. Sop the Bentley clan are in fine order. MrsB is continuing with creating the terrace and garden as well as emptying the house of all superfluous items into the small barn garage we built this time ready for the preparation work needed for the kitchen floor and the rest of the electrics when I get home again.
I expect to get a significant amount done not only to the first project but also the second which is need of some tlc and we intend to put a ring beam around it this year to protect whats there although my building guru has told me we need to cast a thicker lintel over the big opening french doors first.
All that work to do and yet in August and September we have quite a few of our favourite people stopping over for visits which we always enjoy. It is great to hear from them about the progress we have made as when you are in it doing it you can easily lose sight of what it looked like a year or more ago.
Also when you have people staying whose opinion you value and know you well enough to be honest about their view when asked, they can give you feedback about the lay out of the house and the flow through it. It is always refreshing to hear.
I will spend some of the next 6 weeks entering into arguments with some of the dailymail reading (and all the right wing paranoia that reading that piece of shit invokes) retired types who populate a french forum I use. (frenchentree.com)
I shouldn't just highlight the mailreaders as there are some very good interesting people on the site with whom it is always enjoyable sharing opinions with (even with some of the mail readers who I would in real life avoid like the plague fall into that category). It is great fun and a good mental exercise to test out ones own opinions in an arena that is often quite hostile to anything that comes from left wing bias.
It is a bad thing to find out just how insular, narrow minded and full of bitterness angst and in some cases abject disappointment with their own lives some people are but they are out there and they don't just exist on forums. I have met a few in real life lately and I having trouble staying civil in their company. I may just resort to "Is this conversation going to last much longer because to be honest I am loosing the fucking will to live"
Some people just don't ever find happiness, or even contentment in their lives, and as such seem to project that no-one else should either. Maybe they do have it fleetingly, but it slips through their grasp to be condemned as something they will never have again, and in most cases they are right.
That in itself is bad enough but when they seek to garner a glimmer of joy, they can only do so by reveling in others downfall or by deriding the achievement or happiness of others as some sort of fluke and nothing to be celebrated.
It is that sort of miserable bastard that I would prefer if they fucked of out of sight or hearing and wallowed alone in their own misery away form the rest of society and without trying to drag the rest of us down to their own sorry woeful level.
Cor Blimey guv'nor were did that little unloading rant com from eh?? Funny the things we bottle up for releasing at an appropriate stage eh??
Now I was going to go on to write about one of the happiest events I have been to in my life but I have to do some work on the ship as we are about to move into 10 meters of one of the largest production platforms in the Gulf of Thailand so I had best be on my bestest most professionalist super concentrating, do what I am actually paid to do behaviour.
See you later for an insight into the 8 Bells reunion and what it meant to me.
Love and Peace
Bentley
Wednesday, 26 June 2013
Friday, 5 April 2013
When your son makes you laugh
I had to have a long hearty laugh and said to myself "That's my boy!" when I read these words of thought from my son, who is now living in London working towards his goal of becoming a recognised filmmaker.
Sometimes when I'm on a crowded tube I think, am I just part of the rat race?
Am I the same as these people?
Just another bored cog in the system?
Then I remember that I wheelied a tractor once, and that was as cool as fuck.
It was so good I bought him the T shirt that says "I Do Tractor Wheelies"
Love and peace
Bentley
Sometimes when I'm on a crowded tube I think, am I just part of the rat race?
Am I the same as these people?
Just another bored cog in the system?
Then I remember that I wheelied a tractor once, and that was as cool as fuck.
It was so good I bought him the T shirt that says "I Do Tractor Wheelies"
Love and peace
Bentley
Tuesday, 12 March 2013
Harry Chuffer
I mentioned earlier about anew addition to the Bentley family and here it is.
We are now the very proud owners of a 1959 Renault D22
Ok OK It might need a little tlc and a respray etc (its original colour would have been orange and we will probably return it to its former glory) however as this thread shows we have a tendency to buy old relics and breath new life into them.
On the now named "Harry Chuffer" the hydraulics work, the pto works, it sparks up first time and it is a 3 cylinder Deutz (I think) air cooled diesel so pretty much indestructible.
I think you can tell by my smile that I am already besotted and even though she is very slightly reluctant to admit it, so is MrsB
We are now the very proud owners of a 1959 Renault D22
Ok OK It might need a little tlc and a respray etc (its original colour would have been orange and we will probably return it to its former glory) however as this thread shows we have a tendency to buy old relics and breath new life into them.
On the now named "Harry Chuffer" the hydraulics work, the pto works, it sparks up first time and it is a 3 cylinder Deutz (I think) air cooled diesel so pretty much indestructible.
I think you can tell by my smile that I am already besotted and even though she is very slightly reluctant to admit it, so is MrsB
Sunday, 10 March 2013
Singapore and Bankok with the Bentleys
We had a good laugh in Singapore, Bankok and Singapore again in late January.
Earlier in the year I had casually mentioned to MrsB that I would probably be paying off in Singapore in late Jan and would she fancy a week there for some winter sunshine.
I had forgotten all about the conversation but luckily MrsB remembered just before Christmas so as I was on board and in that neck of the woods I thought I would organise a special trip.
I booked her on Singapore Airlines flight that leaves Heathrow at 11am and arrives Singapore at 7.30am and is my favourite flight down.
I was there all grins and cuddles when she arrived and whisked her off by MRT to our first destination.
We spent the first few days in one of our favourites The Berjaya Hotel in Duxton Road which is just on the edge of Chinatown. It is 5 mins walk form Tagon Pagur MRT station.
It is old school colonial inside and the staff are lovely and friendly. It might be a bit overpriced for what it is but then again this is Singapore and many things are.
The great bit, apart for its great location, is that you are just across the road from JJ's where the band Heritage play most nights. Absolutely awesome if you like your music form the era of Jethro Tull, Stones, Doors, Zepplin, Hendrix, Alman Bros, etc. The guitarists is a magician, the bassist sublime, the drummer rock steady, and the lead singer, fiddle, and harmonica player is wonderfully enigmatic and skillful. Just one of those things you have to do when in Singapore is get to JJ's on Duxton Road and see them play. It is a bit of a girly bar with hostesses trying to get you to buy them drinks but if you make it plain that you are there for the band they leave you alone.
Being an absolutely shit tourist (I cant see the point of wandering about looking at stuff) I decided to make the effort for MrsB as this was to be her "winter sunshine" holiday and I didn't think it fair for me to be dragging about all grumpy and obstructive and just wanting to bar hop as is my normal "waiting around" mode. So I decided to be more accommodating on the "grockle" front and organised a schedule that was mainly "nature" based, bearing in mind we were going to have two nights in that heaving mass of people known as Bankok later.
After I picked MrsB up from Changi and back to the hotel I suggested a short walk into an oasis of calm in the city called Pearls Hill. It was gentle and peaceful park with the hubbub of the city going on all around us. Later in the day we meandered about looking for a new pair of walking flip flops or sandals for MrsB and came across some of the more crazy aspects of street adornment up near Somerset MRT. After finding the required footwear we had a couple of G&Ts in No5 Emerald hill which is a glorious bit of old school Singapore bar life with the peanut shells on the floor and mad snake in liquor drinks available.
The next day we had a lazy start and then caught the MRT to have a wander around (and lunch in) the massive and free botanical gardens.
We came across this massive open air concert hall with some bloke singing away (really badly) making everyone laugh at his efforts, but the sound quality was superb.
MrsB was rather taken with the young maid painting under the parasol between the two statues
After a lovely lunch and lazy afternoon stroll around this quite awesome place we slowly made our way back into town towards the hotel but we stopped at a bar nearby and began chatting and laughing away ten to the dozen and after several G&Ts and pints and a snack the time was cracking on and we were well on the way to being "pissed right up" so we carried on and ended up in JJ's to see the band Heritage and staggered to our room some time after 2am and slept the lovely sleep of the gin, beer and fine music infused.
We had no plans until 1.30pm the next day and when we awoke we were both surprisingly chipper so we had a hearty if not late breakfast and waited the bus to come and get us for the days events the first of which was a trip to Jarong Bird Park.
What an amazing place and what incredible diversity of birds they have on show and how very close you can get to them. Sadly we have managed to lose some of the photos however the flamingos did make it onto the memory card. All I can suggest is that you go yourselves, and walk about as opposed to the silly train thing. A remarkable place.
After three hours there our driver turned up and took us to the terminus where we were transferred onto another bus ready for the "Night Zoo Safari". At this point I have to say that I am not a fan of zoos as I can't bear to see the cages, however pootling along on this little road train in the dark going past habitat enclosures with no visible bars as such was fascinating. The hyena's lions tiger rhino and other exotic creatures going about there nocturnal business under special lighting that meant they didn't see you. I know it was still a zoo and I know that they were still captive, but it did seem "a better option" .
So after passing within in a few feet sometimes of these amazing predator animals we were somewhat shocked when the only danger came with on mad buffalo thing that decided to charge at the train. There were a few squeals of discontent and fear (many of them from me) when that big horned fucker came running at the back of the train where MrsB and I were sat. No photos of that either as we were too busy working out where to run to or who to clamber over and trample on to get away.
The next day we had to be up to catch the flight to Bankok so we had a relatively early night and made our way to the Hotel Muse in Bankok. What a fine establishment that was and we were more than happy with the corner double aspect room giving us great views over the city.
The first thing was to get our kit off (and trunks on) and get up to the infinity pool they had. Although it was in great spot the "infinity" bit was rather spoilt by glass screens. A sort of infinity pool for wusses really, however it was nice to just lay about have a G&T or two and later treat ourselves to a great and romantic dressed up dinner on the rooftop terrace bar.
MrsB will give me hard time for putting up these pics because she said the bed is unmade??? but hopefully you get the idea of the place. Quite whacky having a window into the bathroom
Actually looking at the photos it doesn't do the room or the hotel much justice at all. It was all marble and dark wood and very comfy and a lot more roomy that the photos show.
Anyway next day we were off for a Tuk Tuk ride down to the flower and food market area next to the River of Kings fantastic hubble bubble of commerce and people going about there daily lives
Here is a young made chopping ginger
Here is Ginger
We had a good old wander about and also took in a riverboat ride through the canals and backwaters of Bankok. We took another Tuk Tuk back to the hotel.
Now on the subject of Tuk Tuks, they look great fun and sound whacky and are as much part of the landscape as the local faces but they are a fucking useless way to see the city of you are over 5 feet tall, because if you are all you can see is the side of the canopy as you trundle along. You have to lean outside to see anything which adds to the already considerable danger you are in by being in one of these flimsy death traps in the first place. However a visit to Bankok would not be complete without one so after our ride back to the hotel and chocking on the traffic fumes all conveniently at head height in a tuk tuk we arrived back at the hotel.
We changed to go out to place we had been recommended called "Asiatique" (with a name like that we should have known) which as it turned out was a bum steer and was basically a contrived Thai village and market that wasnt very authentic or interesting at all.
A bit like Darling Harbour isn't really Australia, if you get my drift.
It probably didn't help that on the river boat trip to get there Mrs B decides to tell this enormous Yarpie (south african) that if he insisted on smoking his cigar in front of her (we were sat behind and the smoke was blowing over us and the rest of the boat) then she would probably vomit over him.
I really did think it was going to kick off, or to be more precise, that I was going to get kicked to bits leaping in to defend any slights to her honour, (as gallant as ever that's me) as this bloke was a mountain, however he just grunted and carried on being south african ("I have a riiiight to smooke laady") and with MrsB s telling him that she also had the right to vomit on him she retreated to the back of the boat to cool down for the last few minutes of the journey. It would have been worth the hassle if the place was worth it.
We had a wander round becoming more disappointed by the minute and jumped in another Tuk Tuk and went back to a restaurant near the hotel and eat there (very nice too) and had a couple of jars and hit the hay ready for the return to Singapore the next day.
We took a detour to look at mount Fuji in Japan as you can clearly see here with MrsB looking at the view. No camera trickery or blue screen technology there then (arf arf)
We were heading to the Marina Bay Sands Hotel one of the new world iconic buildings which looks like this as you approach
I became all arty here and caught it in the middle of the Singapore Eye, fuck me I will be up for a photo journalist of the year award at this rate
It is an impressive building and the reason why we were going to stay there was that unless you were a guest of the hotel you couldn't use the infinity pool and having seen it two years ago when we went up for cocktails we just had to have a go in it.
Everything about the Marina Bay is classy from the guys who take your cases from the cab to the little string orchestra playing in the reception in Tower One
As we alighted the lift on floor 27 and made our way towards the room this is the view that greeted us outside the door to the room.
AS MrsB was getting her breath back form that little vista I ws in like Flynn and had to admit myself that it was an impressive space. 80 square meters with a windowed balcony all along one wall. A huge bathroom with massive walk in shower and the bath in a stunning position looking out over the city. A very large bed and mega sofa and comfy chairs, wardrobes walk in dressing room etc MrsB just had to stand and take it all in while I admit to running about like a mad dog shouting "hey look at this, Oh wow look at this, Hey there is beer in the fridge, oh gosh I think I will just go and stand in this huge space over here" etc etc.
Here is the view taken in three shots from the balcony
And of course the bath with MrsB in it
This is us looking out from the corridor one evening
Basically it was a plush gaff and we reveled in the luxury it afforded.
The infinity pool is just one of those experiences that if you can ever get the chance to do I would heartily recommend it. A bizarre yet exhilarating experience. I will let the photos do the talking.
.
On our last night we had dinner in a great restaurant on Clarke quay that specialises in wonderful steaks form around the world and the next day we meandered about and made our way up to Changi Airport about 8 hours before the flight.
I was on a three pool quest and had ticked off the Bankok and Singapore infinity and now all that was left was the Changi Airport "airside" pool. Terminal 1/2 for those of you not in the know.
If you are ever on stop over make sure you have your trunks and go for a free swim although they will hire you a towel and robe. Changio Airport is magnificent and you can pootle about between terminals effortlessly and check out the Butterfly garden, the Cactus garden and bar, Sunflower garden, free cinema Koy carp lakes, swimming pool. If you get knackered, as MrsB was, they have sleeping terminals in the Rainforest Lounge at terminal one and food halls and great shopping and all in all just a great place to spend a few hours.
So here is me (not the fat bloke on the right but the one in the water) in the airside pool enjoying a dip before our flight back to the UK and a hectic schedule.
We had a fun and laughter and love filled time that was a tonic to both of us and barely spent a minute apart and loved every second of the whole adventure.
This is what happened next.
Depart Singapore 0030 on 01 Feb
Arrive Heathrow 0740 on 01 Feb (flight time 13 hours)
Collect hire car Heathrow 0820 on 01 Feb
Drive to Dorchester arrive 1030 on 01 Feb and hand over the hire car.
Get car hire people to drive us to the lorry hire place Dorset Vehicle Rentals and go through the process of hiring the truck.
Leave Dorchester in truck at 1100 and drive to Bridport.
Leave MrsB at her mothers at 1130 and drive to builders merchants.
Load up the insulation finish at 1200 and drive to MrsB's mothers.
Arrive at 1210 and have a coffee and commence loading the lorry with the rest of our stuff and also load my pick up truck with my sons stuff who is leaving to live in London.
Finish loading and set off for Portsmouth ferry port at 1615 in the lorry with MrsB and our dog Minnie.
Arrive ferry port at 1815 and go through the freight processing and get sent to the queue to board.
Boarded by 1940.
Had a shower changed and then up to the A la carte restaurant for a big dinner and some nice wine. We were both back in our cabin and fast asleep by 2230.
Arrive St Malo at 0830 and disembark at 0840.
Arrive at house after a detour for groceries and coffee at 1030.
Get the house opened up and make sure the sheds are habitable and that elec and water all good.
Get the truck stuck in the mud trying to turn around and spend an hour digging it out and making a gravel path for it.
Unload truck and stow the stuff in the house.
At 1730 leave MrsB and Minnie in the sheds and drive to Caen
Depart on 2300 to Portsmouth
Arrive Portsmouth at 0645 03 Feb. Disembark and drive truck to Dorchester.
Arrive Dorchester at 9.00 and leave truck in Hire compound.
Son arrives in my pick up truck from London after moving his stuff there. I drop him back to the train station and then drive on to Bridport, where I arrive at about 1030 with intention of having lunch with an old mate after making sure that mother in law's garages are all clean and tidy.
Stop at Bridport filling station and fill up the pick up truck ready for the afternoons journey back to the ferry port.
Travel half a mile after filling up and the pick up truck breaks down.
Call my good mate Scruff who is our family mechanic (as well as many other families I might add: (I dont want you to get the impression we are posh and have our own mechanic on a retainer, arf arf) who suggests I take off the filler cap and see what I can smell.
Ahhhhrrrrgggghhhhhh it is fucking petrol I smell and my truck is a fucking diesel.
Tit snot and arse wipe.
It was all going so well!!!!
Oh woe is me!!!
Anyway after having a small tantrum with myself for being so stupid and it being a Sunday so no-one being available to pump it out for me had to call RAC and they came and organised the "pump out company" to come and get me and do the deed.
So at 410 pounds lighter in the wallet (that's 70 quid for the initial top up with petrol, 255 quid to get it pumped out and another 85 quid to fill it up with diesel) I then drove back to Portsmouth for the 2030 crossing to St Malo on 3rd Feb.
Arrived back at home at 1030 on the 4th, had a coffee changed into working gear and started on installing the insulation.
Earlier in the year I had casually mentioned to MrsB that I would probably be paying off in Singapore in late Jan and would she fancy a week there for some winter sunshine.
I had forgotten all about the conversation but luckily MrsB remembered just before Christmas so as I was on board and in that neck of the woods I thought I would organise a special trip.
I booked her on Singapore Airlines flight that leaves Heathrow at 11am and arrives Singapore at 7.30am and is my favourite flight down.
I was there all grins and cuddles when she arrived and whisked her off by MRT to our first destination.
We spent the first few days in one of our favourites The Berjaya Hotel in Duxton Road which is just on the edge of Chinatown. It is 5 mins walk form Tagon Pagur MRT station.
It is old school colonial inside and the staff are lovely and friendly. It might be a bit overpriced for what it is but then again this is Singapore and many things are.
The great bit, apart for its great location, is that you are just across the road from JJ's where the band Heritage play most nights. Absolutely awesome if you like your music form the era of Jethro Tull, Stones, Doors, Zepplin, Hendrix, Alman Bros, etc. The guitarists is a magician, the bassist sublime, the drummer rock steady, and the lead singer, fiddle, and harmonica player is wonderfully enigmatic and skillful. Just one of those things you have to do when in Singapore is get to JJ's on Duxton Road and see them play. It is a bit of a girly bar with hostesses trying to get you to buy them drinks but if you make it plain that you are there for the band they leave you alone.
Being an absolutely shit tourist (I cant see the point of wandering about looking at stuff) I decided to make the effort for MrsB as this was to be her "winter sunshine" holiday and I didn't think it fair for me to be dragging about all grumpy and obstructive and just wanting to bar hop as is my normal "waiting around" mode. So I decided to be more accommodating on the "grockle" front and organised a schedule that was mainly "nature" based, bearing in mind we were going to have two nights in that heaving mass of people known as Bankok later.
After I picked MrsB up from Changi and back to the hotel I suggested a short walk into an oasis of calm in the city called Pearls Hill. It was gentle and peaceful park with the hubbub of the city going on all around us. Later in the day we meandered about looking for a new pair of walking flip flops or sandals for MrsB and came across some of the more crazy aspects of street adornment up near Somerset MRT. After finding the required footwear we had a couple of G&Ts in No5 Emerald hill which is a glorious bit of old school Singapore bar life with the peanut shells on the floor and mad snake in liquor drinks available.
The next day we had a lazy start and then caught the MRT to have a wander around (and lunch in) the massive and free botanical gardens.
We came across this massive open air concert hall with some bloke singing away (really badly) making everyone laugh at his efforts, but the sound quality was superb.
MrsB was rather taken with the young maid painting under the parasol between the two statues
After a lovely lunch and lazy afternoon stroll around this quite awesome place we slowly made our way back into town towards the hotel but we stopped at a bar nearby and began chatting and laughing away ten to the dozen and after several G&Ts and pints and a snack the time was cracking on and we were well on the way to being "pissed right up" so we carried on and ended up in JJ's to see the band Heritage and staggered to our room some time after 2am and slept the lovely sleep of the gin, beer and fine music infused.
We had no plans until 1.30pm the next day and when we awoke we were both surprisingly chipper so we had a hearty if not late breakfast and waited the bus to come and get us for the days events the first of which was a trip to Jarong Bird Park.
What an amazing place and what incredible diversity of birds they have on show and how very close you can get to them. Sadly we have managed to lose some of the photos however the flamingos did make it onto the memory card. All I can suggest is that you go yourselves, and walk about as opposed to the silly train thing. A remarkable place.
After three hours there our driver turned up and took us to the terminus where we were transferred onto another bus ready for the "Night Zoo Safari". At this point I have to say that I am not a fan of zoos as I can't bear to see the cages, however pootling along on this little road train in the dark going past habitat enclosures with no visible bars as such was fascinating. The hyena's lions tiger rhino and other exotic creatures going about there nocturnal business under special lighting that meant they didn't see you. I know it was still a zoo and I know that they were still captive, but it did seem "a better option" .
So after passing within in a few feet sometimes of these amazing predator animals we were somewhat shocked when the only danger came with on mad buffalo thing that decided to charge at the train. There were a few squeals of discontent and fear (many of them from me) when that big horned fucker came running at the back of the train where MrsB and I were sat. No photos of that either as we were too busy working out where to run to or who to clamber over and trample on to get away.
The next day we had to be up to catch the flight to Bankok so we had a relatively early night and made our way to the Hotel Muse in Bankok. What a fine establishment that was and we were more than happy with the corner double aspect room giving us great views over the city.
The first thing was to get our kit off (and trunks on) and get up to the infinity pool they had. Although it was in great spot the "infinity" bit was rather spoilt by glass screens. A sort of infinity pool for wusses really, however it was nice to just lay about have a G&T or two and later treat ourselves to a great and romantic dressed up dinner on the rooftop terrace bar.
MrsB will give me hard time for putting up these pics because she said the bed is unmade??? but hopefully you get the idea of the place. Quite whacky having a window into the bathroom
Actually looking at the photos it doesn't do the room or the hotel much justice at all. It was all marble and dark wood and very comfy and a lot more roomy that the photos show.
Anyway next day we were off for a Tuk Tuk ride down to the flower and food market area next to the River of Kings fantastic hubble bubble of commerce and people going about there daily lives
Here is a young made chopping ginger
Here is Ginger
We had a good old wander about and also took in a riverboat ride through the canals and backwaters of Bankok. We took another Tuk Tuk back to the hotel.
Now on the subject of Tuk Tuks, they look great fun and sound whacky and are as much part of the landscape as the local faces but they are a fucking useless way to see the city of you are over 5 feet tall, because if you are all you can see is the side of the canopy as you trundle along. You have to lean outside to see anything which adds to the already considerable danger you are in by being in one of these flimsy death traps in the first place. However a visit to Bankok would not be complete without one so after our ride back to the hotel and chocking on the traffic fumes all conveniently at head height in a tuk tuk we arrived back at the hotel.
We changed to go out to place we had been recommended called "Asiatique" (with a name like that we should have known) which as it turned out was a bum steer and was basically a contrived Thai village and market that wasnt very authentic or interesting at all.
A bit like Darling Harbour isn't really Australia, if you get my drift.
It probably didn't help that on the river boat trip to get there Mrs B decides to tell this enormous Yarpie (south african) that if he insisted on smoking his cigar in front of her (we were sat behind and the smoke was blowing over us and the rest of the boat) then she would probably vomit over him.
I really did think it was going to kick off, or to be more precise, that I was going to get kicked to bits leaping in to defend any slights to her honour, (as gallant as ever that's me) as this bloke was a mountain, however he just grunted and carried on being south african ("I have a riiiight to smooke laady") and with MrsB s telling him that she also had the right to vomit on him she retreated to the back of the boat to cool down for the last few minutes of the journey. It would have been worth the hassle if the place was worth it.
We had a wander round becoming more disappointed by the minute and jumped in another Tuk Tuk and went back to a restaurant near the hotel and eat there (very nice too) and had a couple of jars and hit the hay ready for the return to Singapore the next day.
We took a detour to look at mount Fuji in Japan as you can clearly see here with MrsB looking at the view. No camera trickery or blue screen technology there then (arf arf)
We were heading to the Marina Bay Sands Hotel one of the new world iconic buildings which looks like this as you approach
I became all arty here and caught it in the middle of the Singapore Eye, fuck me I will be up for a photo journalist of the year award at this rate
It is an impressive building and the reason why we were going to stay there was that unless you were a guest of the hotel you couldn't use the infinity pool and having seen it two years ago when we went up for cocktails we just had to have a go in it.
Everything about the Marina Bay is classy from the guys who take your cases from the cab to the little string orchestra playing in the reception in Tower One
As we alighted the lift on floor 27 and made our way towards the room this is the view that greeted us outside the door to the room.
AS MrsB was getting her breath back form that little vista I ws in like Flynn and had to admit myself that it was an impressive space. 80 square meters with a windowed balcony all along one wall. A huge bathroom with massive walk in shower and the bath in a stunning position looking out over the city. A very large bed and mega sofa and comfy chairs, wardrobes walk in dressing room etc MrsB just had to stand and take it all in while I admit to running about like a mad dog shouting "hey look at this, Oh wow look at this, Hey there is beer in the fridge, oh gosh I think I will just go and stand in this huge space over here" etc etc.
Here is the view taken in three shots from the balcony
And of course the bath with MrsB in it
This is us looking out from the corridor one evening
Basically it was a plush gaff and we reveled in the luxury it afforded.
The infinity pool is just one of those experiences that if you can ever get the chance to do I would heartily recommend it. A bizarre yet exhilarating experience. I will let the photos do the talking.
On our last night we had dinner in a great restaurant on Clarke quay that specialises in wonderful steaks form around the world and the next day we meandered about and made our way up to Changi Airport about 8 hours before the flight.
I was on a three pool quest and had ticked off the Bankok and Singapore infinity and now all that was left was the Changi Airport "airside" pool. Terminal 1/2 for those of you not in the know.
If you are ever on stop over make sure you have your trunks and go for a free swim although they will hire you a towel and robe. Changio Airport is magnificent and you can pootle about between terminals effortlessly and check out the Butterfly garden, the Cactus garden and bar, Sunflower garden, free cinema Koy carp lakes, swimming pool. If you get knackered, as MrsB was, they have sleeping terminals in the Rainforest Lounge at terminal one and food halls and great shopping and all in all just a great place to spend a few hours.
So here is me (not the fat bloke on the right but the one in the water) in the airside pool enjoying a dip before our flight back to the UK and a hectic schedule.
We had a fun and laughter and love filled time that was a tonic to both of us and barely spent a minute apart and loved every second of the whole adventure.
This is what happened next.
Depart Singapore 0030 on 01 Feb
Arrive Heathrow 0740 on 01 Feb (flight time 13 hours)
Collect hire car Heathrow 0820 on 01 Feb
Drive to Dorchester arrive 1030 on 01 Feb and hand over the hire car.
Get car hire people to drive us to the lorry hire place Dorset Vehicle Rentals and go through the process of hiring the truck.
Leave Dorchester in truck at 1100 and drive to Bridport.
Leave MrsB at her mothers at 1130 and drive to builders merchants.
Load up the insulation finish at 1200 and drive to MrsB's mothers.
Arrive at 1210 and have a coffee and commence loading the lorry with the rest of our stuff and also load my pick up truck with my sons stuff who is leaving to live in London.
Finish loading and set off for Portsmouth ferry port at 1615 in the lorry with MrsB and our dog Minnie.
Arrive ferry port at 1815 and go through the freight processing and get sent to the queue to board.
Boarded by 1940.
Had a shower changed and then up to the A la carte restaurant for a big dinner and some nice wine. We were both back in our cabin and fast asleep by 2230.
Arrive St Malo at 0830 and disembark at 0840.
Arrive at house after a detour for groceries and coffee at 1030.
Get the house opened up and make sure the sheds are habitable and that elec and water all good.
Get the truck stuck in the mud trying to turn around and spend an hour digging it out and making a gravel path for it.
Unload truck and stow the stuff in the house.
At 1730 leave MrsB and Minnie in the sheds and drive to Caen
Depart on 2300 to Portsmouth
Arrive Portsmouth at 0645 03 Feb. Disembark and drive truck to Dorchester.
Arrive Dorchester at 9.00 and leave truck in Hire compound.
Son arrives in my pick up truck from London after moving his stuff there. I drop him back to the train station and then drive on to Bridport, where I arrive at about 1030 with intention of having lunch with an old mate after making sure that mother in law's garages are all clean and tidy.
Stop at Bridport filling station and fill up the pick up truck ready for the afternoons journey back to the ferry port.
Travel half a mile after filling up and the pick up truck breaks down.
Call my good mate Scruff who is our family mechanic (as well as many other families I might add: (I dont want you to get the impression we are posh and have our own mechanic on a retainer, arf arf) who suggests I take off the filler cap and see what I can smell.
Ahhhhrrrrgggghhhhhh it is fucking petrol I smell and my truck is a fucking diesel.
Tit snot and arse wipe.
It was all going so well!!!!
Oh woe is me!!!
Anyway after having a small tantrum with myself for being so stupid and it being a Sunday so no-one being available to pump it out for me had to call RAC and they came and organised the "pump out company" to come and get me and do the deed.
So at 410 pounds lighter in the wallet (that's 70 quid for the initial top up with petrol, 255 quid to get it pumped out and another 85 quid to fill it up with diesel) I then drove back to Portsmouth for the 2030 crossing to St Malo on 3rd Feb.
Arrived back at home at 1030 on the 4th, had a coffee changed into working gear and started on installing the insulation.
Thursday, 7 March 2013
Great leave
Aye Aye M'beauties
Just arrived bcack on board where we are being bounced about in shit weather conditions off the coast of Vietnam, about 200 miles south south east of Vung Tao.
It is like trying to fall asleep in caravan being towed across a ploughed field with evey few minutes someone throwing a brick at the side of the caravan. The seas are only abpout 4 to 6 meters with 28 knots of wind however it is uncomfortable and slightly annoying, but it wont last for ever as we only have about another week of it and we will be off to the Thai side of the Gulf of Thailand to start our next job where we expect much nicer weather. Cant even get up on the Heli deck for a walk as with the motion and the wind it is just a non starter. likewise using the treadmill in the gym is a no go due to the motion. (well thats my excuse for the week and I am sticking to it.
Had a fantastic leave starting with Mrs b joining me for a week in Singapore (with a two day jaunt up to Bankok) which also included a two night stay in the magnificent Marina Bay Sands Hotel Singapore.
What a gaff that is and the infinity pool is quite spectacular. I will post some pics later.
\Once back home we got stuck into the insulation of the roof and also the newly made windows for the front of the house arrived and were fitted along with the new kitchen door.
We even managed to get the balconies up and it has transformed the front.
It was massive wrench leaving this time with Mrs B ensconced in the sheds with the daffs out in full bloom and the number of birds increasing each day.
I will write more of the whole leave a little later and will update the building blog accordingly with pictures. We also have a new addition to the family which we are both thrilled about (possibly me more than MrsB) and will post a pic of that event as well.
Cheers
Bentley
Just arrived bcack on board where we are being bounced about in shit weather conditions off the coast of Vietnam, about 200 miles south south east of Vung Tao.
It is like trying to fall asleep in caravan being towed across a ploughed field with evey few minutes someone throwing a brick at the side of the caravan. The seas are only abpout 4 to 6 meters with 28 knots of wind however it is uncomfortable and slightly annoying, but it wont last for ever as we only have about another week of it and we will be off to the Thai side of the Gulf of Thailand to start our next job where we expect much nicer weather. Cant even get up on the Heli deck for a walk as with the motion and the wind it is just a non starter. likewise using the treadmill in the gym is a no go due to the motion. (well thats my excuse for the week and I am sticking to it.
Had a fantastic leave starting with Mrs b joining me for a week in Singapore (with a two day jaunt up to Bankok) which also included a two night stay in the magnificent Marina Bay Sands Hotel Singapore.
What a gaff that is and the infinity pool is quite spectacular. I will post some pics later.
\Once back home we got stuck into the insulation of the roof and also the newly made windows for the front of the house arrived and were fitted along with the new kitchen door.
We even managed to get the balconies up and it has transformed the front.
It was massive wrench leaving this time with Mrs B ensconced in the sheds with the daffs out in full bloom and the number of birds increasing each day.
I will write more of the whole leave a little later and will update the building blog accordingly with pictures. We also have a new addition to the family which we are both thrilled about (possibly me more than MrsB) and will post a pic of that event as well.
Cheers
Bentley
Friday, 4 January 2013
Renovation IN France
I dont know if when you pop onto here to have a look at what I am writing it shows you that there is another blog which is covering the renovation of our home in Brittany France.
I is the story (in writing and pictures) of Mrs Bentley and my efforts to renovate and breathe new life into a house that had lain empty for 40 years and we are doing the vast majority of work ourselves.
I hope you like it and link to it.
Love and Peace
Bentley
I is the story (in writing and pictures) of Mrs Bentley and my efforts to renovate and breathe new life into a house that had lain empty for 40 years and we are doing the vast majority of work ourselves.
I hope you like it and link to it.
Love and Peace
Bentley
Monday, 31 December 2012
Bill and Gentley
So! Billy and Gentley.
Dream builders.
You dreamt of me
with your loose idea.
Your planned design.
Your grand design,
for a home to suit you.
You two,
who are one.
I am settled now
into my new skin,
my new bones,
my new me.
My soul is intact,
you made sure of that.
You two together,
you two,
who are one.
You have touched
every stone,
every timber,
you have touched my heart,
but can only guess
of those that
touched before you.
You two.
who are one
When you leave me,
even for an hour,
I call you,
I tease you
I miss you
I want you
and I know you hear.
You two
who are one.
Render me asunder,
then build me anew.
Render me inside,
and point me out.
Oil my beams,
old and new.
Store your joy in me,
I will return it to you.
Sand me
Soothe me
Touch me
Warm me
Be in me
Love me,
For I am you two,
who are one.
I am Billy and Gentley
I am love.
Thursday, 27 December 2012
Badness & Spite
When I hear stories like the Thai property theft scam it just opens up a whole series of links in my mind that extend from general crime, to organised crime, to so called white collar crime and the sheer numbers of people out there who are willing to rip you off. It is to my mind the greatest malignant infection that the human race suffers from.
We have a bad case of "bad". I don't think there is a cure for it as it seems to be an inherent trait of the human animal, which is why such a large percentage of them are prepared to profit at other peoples expense. I include the smallest scam to global cons perpetrated by those in positions of power.
All one can do is bimble along with your life as best you can, being as honest as you are and being as vigilant as possible for the thieves that surround us day by day, be they bankers, a taxmen, politicians, pickpocket's greedy merchants or any other of the myriad of predatory badness there is.
I get a little irritated when I hear the phrase "Oh yes but there is a lot of good in the world" as it is often accompanied by other bleeding heart false hope and platitudes that mean nothing and are the verbal equivalent of hiding under the duvet when the mad axe wielding maniac bursts into you bedroom.
It is the 'meekness' of the statement that irks me so because, as any sane person knows, the meek wont be inheriting the earth or anything else. In fact if the meek do inherit anything there will be some bad bastard waiting around the corner to take it off them.
Some would consider my attitude to be cynical or bitter but I feel neither (well perhaps the slightest hint of cynicism) instead I think it is a realistic appraisal of how the world is and perhaps how it has always been.
I am quick to place many of the woes of the world firmly in the fault of rampant capitalism, which I still believe is a foul bane to human kind and it is only ignorance or vested interest that stops us form searching for a better way, however I see it as much the fault of the most dominant human instinct which appears to be greed. Plenty or sufficient is never enough and so it goes on.
It is because of that thinking that I can say understand (but do not condone) the badness that abounds in the human, which leads me to one of the things that I have really noticed this year and that is the staggering amount of "spite" some people possess. In some cases you can almost smell and see the bile oozing out of them as they seek to spread their vitriol and malice.
I have noticed it often in cyberspace on forum land, but also in proper real life and there seems to be no obvious reason for it. Some people are just plainly spiteful and yet if (as I did with some people I know earlier in the year) you suggest their actions or words carry some spite then they deny it by aiming their malevolence towards yourself, (thereby ironically proving your point).
I am sure there are many psychological reasons that spite would be related to or been nurtured by, things like youngest or middle sibling issues or spoilt childhoods or deprived childhoods, lack of emotional intelligence and role models with any, or as a result of some childhood incident that traps them in victim mode throughout life, or it could be like the greed and badness of some people, in that it is just an inherent trait of some parts of the human animal.
I marvel at the amount of emotional energy it must take to carry that amount of malicious mental venom around all the time, how it must taint every thought and occupy so much mind space that could be utilised so much more beneficially but for some it would, seem that their spite defines who they are.
One of the mysteries to me about people who live in "spite" is "what do they think it achieves"?
Surely it isn't much use as part of a life strategy because it is something that has to be nurtured and formulated and requires energy (mostly negative) to create and maintain, all of which seems like a tragic and dangerous waste of time to me especially where the object of their vitriol is either probably unaware, or in the worst case scenario, couldn't give a flying fuck.
The people I know in proper real life who I would class as spiteful tend to share the mannerisms of narrowing the eyes, pursing the lips, or tightening them into a line and clenching their fists when they are venting some spite, the really pus filled ones may even stamp their feet.
I have no idea what the web-spite mongers look like however I would bet a tenner to say they probably do the same, although they must unclench their fists sometimes in order to be able to type.
I say it dangerous because hanging onto or fermenting that amount of vindictive nastiness because the associated stress it induces can lead to illness which bizarrely and sadly would probably lead to more spite.
I think that, unlike the genetic trait of "badness", spite is an affected ailment and could be treated to relieve the carrier of the burden but the treatment has to come from, and be desired by, the person themselves.
They need to have a long look at what benefits they are getting from producing spite and if there would be any possible improvement in their lives if they were to adopt a more gracious and benevolent attitude, even toward those that for some reason they disliked.
For most, who suffer with spite, it is probably far easier to do nothing, deny they are vitriolic and continue spitting their bile at those they harbour ill will towards, however perhaps the world would be a slightly brighter place if they made an effort.
Love and Peace
Bentley
We have a bad case of "bad". I don't think there is a cure for it as it seems to be an inherent trait of the human animal, which is why such a large percentage of them are prepared to profit at other peoples expense. I include the smallest scam to global cons perpetrated by those in positions of power.
All one can do is bimble along with your life as best you can, being as honest as you are and being as vigilant as possible for the thieves that surround us day by day, be they bankers, a taxmen, politicians, pickpocket's greedy merchants or any other of the myriad of predatory badness there is.
I get a little irritated when I hear the phrase "Oh yes but there is a lot of good in the world" as it is often accompanied by other bleeding heart false hope and platitudes that mean nothing and are the verbal equivalent of hiding under the duvet when the mad axe wielding maniac bursts into you bedroom.
It is the 'meekness' of the statement that irks me so because, as any sane person knows, the meek wont be inheriting the earth or anything else. In fact if the meek do inherit anything there will be some bad bastard waiting around the corner to take it off them.
Some would consider my attitude to be cynical or bitter but I feel neither (well perhaps the slightest hint of cynicism) instead I think it is a realistic appraisal of how the world is and perhaps how it has always been.
I am quick to place many of the woes of the world firmly in the fault of rampant capitalism, which I still believe is a foul bane to human kind and it is only ignorance or vested interest that stops us form searching for a better way, however I see it as much the fault of the most dominant human instinct which appears to be greed. Plenty or sufficient is never enough and so it goes on.
It is because of that thinking that I can say understand (but do not condone) the badness that abounds in the human, which leads me to one of the things that I have really noticed this year and that is the staggering amount of "spite" some people possess. In some cases you can almost smell and see the bile oozing out of them as they seek to spread their vitriol and malice.
I have noticed it often in cyberspace on forum land, but also in proper real life and there seems to be no obvious reason for it. Some people are just plainly spiteful and yet if (as I did with some people I know earlier in the year) you suggest their actions or words carry some spite then they deny it by aiming their malevolence towards yourself, (thereby ironically proving your point).
I am sure there are many psychological reasons that spite would be related to or been nurtured by, things like youngest or middle sibling issues or spoilt childhoods or deprived childhoods, lack of emotional intelligence and role models with any, or as a result of some childhood incident that traps them in victim mode throughout life, or it could be like the greed and badness of some people, in that it is just an inherent trait of some parts of the human animal.
I marvel at the amount of emotional energy it must take to carry that amount of malicious mental venom around all the time, how it must taint every thought and occupy so much mind space that could be utilised so much more beneficially but for some it would, seem that their spite defines who they are.
One of the mysteries to me about people who live in "spite" is "what do they think it achieves"?
Surely it isn't much use as part of a life strategy because it is something that has to be nurtured and formulated and requires energy (mostly negative) to create and maintain, all of which seems like a tragic and dangerous waste of time to me especially where the object of their vitriol is either probably unaware, or in the worst case scenario, couldn't give a flying fuck.
The people I know in proper real life who I would class as spiteful tend to share the mannerisms of narrowing the eyes, pursing the lips, or tightening them into a line and clenching their fists when they are venting some spite, the really pus filled ones may even stamp their feet.
I have no idea what the web-spite mongers look like however I would bet a tenner to say they probably do the same, although they must unclench their fists sometimes in order to be able to type.
I say it dangerous because hanging onto or fermenting that amount of vindictive nastiness because the associated stress it induces can lead to illness which bizarrely and sadly would probably lead to more spite.
I think that, unlike the genetic trait of "badness", spite is an affected ailment and could be treated to relieve the carrier of the burden but the treatment has to come from, and be desired by, the person themselves.
They need to have a long look at what benefits they are getting from producing spite and if there would be any possible improvement in their lives if they were to adopt a more gracious and benevolent attitude, even toward those that for some reason they disliked.
For most, who suffer with spite, it is probably far easier to do nothing, deny they are vitriolic and continue spitting their bile at those they harbour ill will towards, however perhaps the world would be a slightly brighter place if they made an effort.
Love and Peace
Bentley
Friday, 21 December 2012
Scam artists that abound around the world
Ten days ago I was sat in the bar at T3 Heathrow and enjoying a couple pints of Belgium’s finest sleeping draught in preparation for my flight to Singapore, when a scouse chap (judging by his accent) asked if the seat at my table was spare and I indicated it was.
The normal airport social etiquette then ensued, whereby as he was the guest at my table the onus was on him to start any conversation overtures, the most common of which in airports is “Where are you off to?” and that is what he asked.
“Singapore, back to work” I replied “What about yourself?”
“I am just off back to Thailand to see the wife because I think I have just been scammed out of 130,000 pounds”.
Eyebrows raised, I said “ I work with, and have done for many years, lots of blokes who have married out in Thailand and sorry to say it is something I have heard before, to a greater or lesser degree”
“I don’t understand it, as she isn’t a bar girl or hooker or anything. She is in her 50s and nothing special to look at and even has her own hairdressing business which is where I met her when I went for a haircut”
I couldn’t help thinking that whilst possibly an honest description of his wife it didn’t sound very warm and loving, so asked “Do you live there full time ?”
“Off and on” he says “but I come back to the UK quite often for business and had left her to sort out the sale of the house. It is great place with its own grounds and pool, just outside of the city and in a good area. Had it built a few years ago but we fancied a change but lately the market has been a bit slack.”
“So why do you think you have been scammed then? Did you buy it under the Thai law where foreigners are not allowed to own property so it has to be in the name of a Thai and she has flogged the gaff while you were away and done a runner with the cash?
I ask because I know at least half a dozen blokes who that sort of thing has happened to, although to be fair they were in the mostly bar girls with one being a brochure bride“
“Nah” he said “If only it were that simple.
I think she might have been stitched up by the local mafia who have been pulling this stunt for a while. On the other hand my suspicion now is that she may have done it herself. Like I said it has been on the market for a while and we recently dropped the asking price from 150 to 130 as we are keen to move and have had no viewings.
I was back in the UK and shortly after the price drop two couple s came within a week to look and were sort of interested making offers of about 100. She said no thanks as we had only just dropped from 150 and would wait.
Then a very well dressed young Chinese couple turned up and made a big fuss about how much they loved the place and how it was exactly what they wanted and then offered the full asking price as long as she agreed, there and then. He said he had the cash so they could cut out the agent and proceeded to show her a briefcase full of money, which he said had come from a recent successful business deal.
They said they were keen for a quick decision, although they did have two other places they liked (but not as much as this one) so if she was unwilling they would settle for one of those because they had to return in the next 48 hours for a business meeting in China.
She said that she needed to check with her husband and phoned me. When I spoke to her she seemed so sure that all was good and it was the asking price I said OK.
Unbeknown to me he had explained to her that he didn’t have all the money with him there as the rest was in the hotel safe (they said they were staying at the Plaza Deluxe Hotel, which was the best hotel in the area with room rates up into the big big bucks,) but they still wanted a decision now. She said that I had agreed and they said why don’t we take you to the hotel for a drink and dinner to celebrate and we can sort out the lawyer in the morning .
She thought she would be silly to let a full asking price offer go by and perhaps a bit carried away wit the moment and excitement of making a sale she agreed to go to the hotel with them to celebrate the deal . They said they would send a car for her later as they had some more business to attend to and left with hand-shakes and smiles all round.
A taxi duly arrived in the evening and they met her in the hotel lobby took her to the bar and started to have a few drinks.
A few drinks became a few more and then they suggested that they eat in nearby restaurant that they could recommend and half sloshed she readily agreed. The restaurant was OK and still the booze flowed”
I had been nodding in the appropriate places as he had told his story so far but he could see me frowning in response to the last bit where she is now drunk and I said “right” with that “are you sure about this” or “I can see where this is heading” type of tone.
He said ‘Oh it gets worse mate, I can assure you”
“So she is well p!ssed by now and they suggest going to a nearby casino. These casinos are often illegal and set up by the local gangs mafia etc and are here today gone tomorrow type operations, which being a local she should know, but flushed with making a successful deal and well drunk she thought it would be a good idea, although she said she had no money for the casino.
'That’s OK" he said "I will lend you a thousand and you can pay me out of the sale".
An hour or so goes by and the woman of the couple says she has a bad headache and has to go back to the hotel but the man says he is enjoying himself and will stay. So with the chap at her side covering her bets she wins a little bit and then starts losing a bit and then a bit more and an hour later she notices that the bloke has gone.
She leaves the table and goes looking for him and as she is about to leave the goons on the door ask her where she is going as she owes them the equivalent of 4,000 she says the man she was with was covering her bets, to which they started to get very heavy and said “What man?? There is no man here. You must pay before you leave”
Obviously she didn’t have that sort of money so they made her sign a document which is like a legally binding loan pledge common with these set ups in Thailand and comes at an interest rate that would make even the directors of Wonga or Payday Loans flinch at. As she was drunk and confused she didn’t question at the time how they had a document with her name address already on it.
When she woke up and remembered what had happened she took a taxi to the hotel to see the man and get the money to pay off her debt, but when she asked the receptionist for the room number of name on the business card she was told that no- one of that name was checked in the hotel.
She asked for the day before and the day before that and the answer was the same ‘no-one of that name had checked in or out’.
She gave a description of the couple both well-dressed wealthy looking Chinese early thirties and the receptionist gestured around the opulent hotel lobby of the expensive hotel and she saw that nearly 50% of the clientele fitted the description.
Realising she had been duped and rather than phoning me, her husband, to explain, she drew out of her business all the money she had which just equaled the debt, but took nearly a week to get and, when she showed up at the backstreet casino was told that the debt and interest was now 12,000.
She was distraught (so she says) and obviously didn’t have access to that kind of money so tried to borrow from friends and family but by the time she had reached the figure the debt had trebled again and by the time she phoned me to explain what was going on the debt was equivalent to the value of the house and because she had signed the document it was only a matter of time before they claimed the deeds.
Because this is a mafia style scam you can’t go to the police because they would have been bought off (its Thailand and that’s how it works) so I am going out to see if there is anything I can do. It’s not the 130,000 grand that bothers me but the fact that I am now concerned she might be involved in it as well”
I asked if she had ever displayed signs of being a gold digger or thief before this event and did he have other money in UK or elsewhere etc
He replied that he had plenty to keep him going and although she had never shown any signs that she was just after him for money before, he just couldn’t be sure now.
Knowing many first hand stories of white boys being taken to the cleaners in Thailand I said “Well there is not much else you can other than trust her if you love her and try and move on as best you can, You won’t be able to take on the mafia because real life isn’t like a Bond or vigilante movie is it?”
He said “I don’t know what to do, I can take the 130,000 loss but it’s the principle and that she might be involved that I can’t get to grips with and I don’t know if I can ever trust her again. I am going down and will be staying in the house until hopefully we can sort something out or until we get thrown out.
I will go to the police and report it but they have a document that is legal despite how it was obtained and I don’t have enough to bribe the police against the mafia and they also know I am not going to kill them or maim their children if they don’t do my bidding ”
“Do you think she will be there to meet you at the airport” I asked
“I would like to think so but until I get there I wont know”
Noticing the time and my empty glass I said
“I have to go and get my flight, I would wish you a happy Christmas but you might think I was taking the p!ss so good luck whatever happens mate and I hope it turns out well for you both.”
“Yeah” he said wearily ”Me too”
There will be more added to this in day or so
The normal airport social etiquette then ensued, whereby as he was the guest at my table the onus was on him to start any conversation overtures, the most common of which in airports is “Where are you off to?” and that is what he asked.
“Singapore, back to work” I replied “What about yourself?”
“I am just off back to Thailand to see the wife because I think I have just been scammed out of 130,000 pounds”.
Eyebrows raised, I said “ I work with, and have done for many years, lots of blokes who have married out in Thailand and sorry to say it is something I have heard before, to a greater or lesser degree”
“I don’t understand it, as she isn’t a bar girl or hooker or anything. She is in her 50s and nothing special to look at and even has her own hairdressing business which is where I met her when I went for a haircut”
I couldn’t help thinking that whilst possibly an honest description of his wife it didn’t sound very warm and loving, so asked “Do you live there full time ?”
“Off and on” he says “but I come back to the UK quite often for business and had left her to sort out the sale of the house. It is great place with its own grounds and pool, just outside of the city and in a good area. Had it built a few years ago but we fancied a change but lately the market has been a bit slack.”
“So why do you think you have been scammed then? Did you buy it under the Thai law where foreigners are not allowed to own property so it has to be in the name of a Thai and she has flogged the gaff while you were away and done a runner with the cash?
I ask because I know at least half a dozen blokes who that sort of thing has happened to, although to be fair they were in the mostly bar girls with one being a brochure bride“
“Nah” he said “If only it were that simple.
I think she might have been stitched up by the local mafia who have been pulling this stunt for a while. On the other hand my suspicion now is that she may have done it herself. Like I said it has been on the market for a while and we recently dropped the asking price from 150 to 130 as we are keen to move and have had no viewings.
I was back in the UK and shortly after the price drop two couple s came within a week to look and were sort of interested making offers of about 100. She said no thanks as we had only just dropped from 150 and would wait.
Then a very well dressed young Chinese couple turned up and made a big fuss about how much they loved the place and how it was exactly what they wanted and then offered the full asking price as long as she agreed, there and then. He said he had the cash so they could cut out the agent and proceeded to show her a briefcase full of money, which he said had come from a recent successful business deal.
They said they were keen for a quick decision, although they did have two other places they liked (but not as much as this one) so if she was unwilling they would settle for one of those because they had to return in the next 48 hours for a business meeting in China.
She said that she needed to check with her husband and phoned me. When I spoke to her she seemed so sure that all was good and it was the asking price I said OK.
Unbeknown to me he had explained to her that he didn’t have all the money with him there as the rest was in the hotel safe (they said they were staying at the Plaza Deluxe Hotel, which was the best hotel in the area with room rates up into the big big bucks,) but they still wanted a decision now. She said that I had agreed and they said why don’t we take you to the hotel for a drink and dinner to celebrate and we can sort out the lawyer in the morning .
She thought she would be silly to let a full asking price offer go by and perhaps a bit carried away wit the moment and excitement of making a sale she agreed to go to the hotel with them to celebrate the deal . They said they would send a car for her later as they had some more business to attend to and left with hand-shakes and smiles all round.
A taxi duly arrived in the evening and they met her in the hotel lobby took her to the bar and started to have a few drinks.
A few drinks became a few more and then they suggested that they eat in nearby restaurant that they could recommend and half sloshed she readily agreed. The restaurant was OK and still the booze flowed”
I had been nodding in the appropriate places as he had told his story so far but he could see me frowning in response to the last bit where she is now drunk and I said “right” with that “are you sure about this” or “I can see where this is heading” type of tone.
He said ‘Oh it gets worse mate, I can assure you”
“So she is well p!ssed by now and they suggest going to a nearby casino. These casinos are often illegal and set up by the local gangs mafia etc and are here today gone tomorrow type operations, which being a local she should know, but flushed with making a successful deal and well drunk she thought it would be a good idea, although she said she had no money for the casino.
'That’s OK" he said "I will lend you a thousand and you can pay me out of the sale".
An hour or so goes by and the woman of the couple says she has a bad headache and has to go back to the hotel but the man says he is enjoying himself and will stay. So with the chap at her side covering her bets she wins a little bit and then starts losing a bit and then a bit more and an hour later she notices that the bloke has gone.
She leaves the table and goes looking for him and as she is about to leave the goons on the door ask her where she is going as she owes them the equivalent of 4,000 she says the man she was with was covering her bets, to which they started to get very heavy and said “What man?? There is no man here. You must pay before you leave”
Obviously she didn’t have that sort of money so they made her sign a document which is like a legally binding loan pledge common with these set ups in Thailand and comes at an interest rate that would make even the directors of Wonga or Payday Loans flinch at. As she was drunk and confused she didn’t question at the time how they had a document with her name address already on it.
When she woke up and remembered what had happened she took a taxi to the hotel to see the man and get the money to pay off her debt, but when she asked the receptionist for the room number of name on the business card she was told that no- one of that name was checked in the hotel.
She asked for the day before and the day before that and the answer was the same ‘no-one of that name had checked in or out’.
She gave a description of the couple both well-dressed wealthy looking Chinese early thirties and the receptionist gestured around the opulent hotel lobby of the expensive hotel and she saw that nearly 50% of the clientele fitted the description.
Realising she had been duped and rather than phoning me, her husband, to explain, she drew out of her business all the money she had which just equaled the debt, but took nearly a week to get and, when she showed up at the backstreet casino was told that the debt and interest was now 12,000.
She was distraught (so she says) and obviously didn’t have access to that kind of money so tried to borrow from friends and family but by the time she had reached the figure the debt had trebled again and by the time she phoned me to explain what was going on the debt was equivalent to the value of the house and because she had signed the document it was only a matter of time before they claimed the deeds.
Because this is a mafia style scam you can’t go to the police because they would have been bought off (its Thailand and that’s how it works) so I am going out to see if there is anything I can do. It’s not the 130,000 grand that bothers me but the fact that I am now concerned she might be involved in it as well”
I asked if she had ever displayed signs of being a gold digger or thief before this event and did he have other money in UK or elsewhere etc
He replied that he had plenty to keep him going and although she had never shown any signs that she was just after him for money before, he just couldn’t be sure now.
Knowing many first hand stories of white boys being taken to the cleaners in Thailand I said “Well there is not much else you can other than trust her if you love her and try and move on as best you can, You won’t be able to take on the mafia because real life isn’t like a Bond or vigilante movie is it?”
He said “I don’t know what to do, I can take the 130,000 loss but it’s the principle and that she might be involved that I can’t get to grips with and I don’t know if I can ever trust her again. I am going down and will be staying in the house until hopefully we can sort something out or until we get thrown out.
I will go to the police and report it but they have a document that is legal despite how it was obtained and I don’t have enough to bribe the police against the mafia and they also know I am not going to kill them or maim their children if they don’t do my bidding ”
“Do you think she will be there to meet you at the airport” I asked
“I would like to think so but until I get there I wont know”
Noticing the time and my empty glass I said
“I have to go and get my flight, I would wish you a happy Christmas but you might think I was taking the p!ss so good luck whatever happens mate and I hope it turns out well for you both.”
“Yeah” he said wearily ”Me too”
There will be more added to this in day or so
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)