Fa – the Green Dragon

A Place for the Odd Musings of an Expat Bristolian


2 Comments

I went to France

I have been writing a record of my life and experiences, in order to pass on a record of what I was up to during my lifetime. mainly it’s for my children and their children. to give them possibly a better understanding of who they are.

One of the adventures in my life started in 1962. It was then that I went to France. It was not planned but rather, it just happened. I had been in France for some time and was beginning to run out of money. I took seasonal work at the Vieux Cateau Certan in Pomerol for the grape harvest. It’s called la vendange. The wine that is made there is a superior Merlot.

I have always wondered what it would cost to purchase a bottle of that wine today. So I took a moment to Gooogle it. What a surprise and with it a sense of time well spent in my youth. A 1962 bottle of the wines which I helped make has a global price of $1,095. WOW!


4 Comments

Jobs of days gone by 4 – The Cooper

THE COOPER

Barrel assembly

In French it’s the “mise en rose”

hogsheads and firkins


5 Comments

Did I miss something?

I am an immigrant to the USA. I came to the United States of America while employed by Lufthansa German Airlines. As it turned out, by the time my visa was approved I actually started to work for Air France when I arrived in the USA. This was because Air France needed a French speaking employee. It’s a long story so I’ll spare you the details.

One of the first actions I took on arrival was to register myself (required by law) for the draft. My draft number was 252. Later I received a letter to tell me that my draft status had changed due to prior service in NATO and that I was now head of family. The Vietnam war however, continued.

It took me a while to settle in to the American way of life. There were many wonderful things to get used to.

I should mention that did not opt to leave the U.K. for discontent, simply that I was sked if I would like to go where I could be helpful. I had previously worked in Hamburg for the same reason.

Now to the point f this posting; America was a Great Country, a world leader, a great participant in world affairs and a great contributor and supporter of Democracy and the fight against Communism, poor health and poverty.

So it was with some reason to wonder why Don the Con launched his presidential bid with the slogan to Make America great Again.

Looking back on the events of this past week clearly demonstrates that this was ot his goal. In fact, the opposite has happened during his presidency: the USA is the laughing stock of our former allies throughout Europe and Scandinavia in NATO. The USA is the talk and mirth at vodka drinking parties hosted by Vladimir Putin about how that managed to compromise a a future resident to the point of treason. Donald Trump is a disappointment! He is clear and present danger.

And yet I have friends who still say things like, Yes but what about Hilary Clinton’s emails and one who says, what about ANTIFA – anti first ammendment.

Gimme a break. Did I miss something?


2 Comments

Obscure words explained105. melee

MELEE

confusion of sorts

or even a good pub brawl

when it’s over peace

 


11 Comments

Escuchar el silbato del tren

LISTEN TO THE TRAIN WHISTLE

Freight trains on the move

Mournful sound nearing crossing

carried on the wind


2 Comments

Lorsque descend la nuit

AS NIGHT DESCENDS

Birds fly to their roosts

the rain continues to fall

sun disappearing


2 Comments

Obscure words explained96. – panache

PANACHE

Flamboyant manner

Comes from a plume of feathers

Peacock style display


Leave a comment

Obscure words explained 89. – force majeure

FORCE MAJEURE

Disruptive event

Happens unexpectedly

A  legalese term


2 Comments

Sword words – en garde!

SWORD WORDS

Broadsword Claymore Foil

Scimitar Sabre Cutlass

Epée Rapier

Note:  Just mucking about on my day off.