Well, well, it's been a while, I'll make no excuses this time. I should start by covering a bit of my return to the old country. I had nearly a month back in the U.K. and it was the predictable boozy, over-eating fest it always is for Christmas.
Despite giving myself three and a half weeks in order to be able to see everyone, I still didn't manage to catch up with half the people I wanted to, but them's the breaks. My old housemates Ben and Pinks had returned from their trip around the world, so it was good to exchange travelling tales and catch up with the two of them. We hit the traditional Chrimbo curry round at Murphy and Abi's (who are now to get hitched in August, although I imagine it's only Abi's way of vicariously marrying all of the Hooky boys, which isn't possible under current U.K. legislation)
We had the family over to the village on Christmas Day, and had a really good day eating, drinking, opening presents and watching dodgy T.V. Boxing Day was held in the time honoured style and was a real return to form. I think staying off the Twelve Days was a good idea, but we really got a party going this year, despite notable absences (poor form gents, you know who you are).
The drinking and eating carried on until New Year. We decided to spend it in the village this year, and it must be the first time we haven't embarked on a road trip and/or a house party since we started drinking, which by my reckoning makes it at least a decade away from the village. It was nice enough, and stress free, but next year I'll arrange something (unless I get locked into a morose rejection of the whole thing, something there's a risk of every year - I don't function so well when I'm obliged to enjoy myself!)
The night ended with a marathon poker session and a final cigarette in my back garden with my cousin Iain at about 6 am. As if a sign from the gods, the fiddling with my lighter in my pocket caused me to set fire to my hair as I lit the 'final fag'. A stark reminder of the dangers both of smoking, and of not getting your barnet trimmed for over a year...
Early January was used up catching up with people, ignoring nicotine cravings and trying not to drink alcohol. Dan, Joolz and I went snowboarding in Milton Keynes, which was some good practice. I met up with Emma and Rose in London and got trolleyed on cheap energy drink and vodka. It went a bit 'Fear and Loathing in London', apologies to anyone caught in the friendly fire. Anyway girls, it was great to see both of you again.
The next day, after prising myself out of bed and with a very sore head, I travelled into the centre of the big smoke to meet up with Jacqui and Rubens. Two people I see far too little of, we got the beers in and had a great time catching up and talking rubbish. Again, it was really good to see you both. As the Chippy diaspora continues it's shift to Lahndahn Tahn, I'm sure I'll spend more time there in the future. This is the main reason I have to enjoy sensible beer prices here in Slovenia...
I returned to Ljubljana in the middle of January. The translation agency gave me some work as soon as I got back, which was good. The Slovene Ministry of Finance had frozen my bank accountm which wasn't good. Apparently I need to get a bit of paper that my employers last year told me I didn't need, but actually I do, FFS!
I wouldn't mind so much, but Slovene burocracy is a terrible monster, and it's going to take me ages to sort it out. Oh well, shit happens. It's been traditional for me to have a detox in January, but that hasn't really happened this year, I'm trying not to drink too much on 'school nights', but every now and again I go a bit, well, ape-shit...
On the first Friday back we had one of those top, spontaneous nights out. Ian, Dave, Tom and I went to Friday Night Drinks (an expat networking thingy) and got some cheap drinks and free food in, before going to Gallerija and getting some more drinks in and meeting up with Joel and Andrea. Then the lot of us made our way to Metelkova and, it's fair to say, things got pretty messy. We hit the refreshments and partied hard until the sun came up. Wandering through the middle of a city gurning and sketchy whilst the normal folk go about their business is still a massively surreal experience...
Otherwise my time has been spent being a man of leisure since I've been back. A little too much booze maybe. A week ago on Monday Ian, Joel and I went out 'for a couple of pints'. Slowly the numbers were reduced until I was left by myself in Pod Skalco, at which point I started talking to a group of students, who in turn took me with them to KMŠ (a student club near to my flat). Again, I left as the birds were rising. Being a gentlemen (maybe that should read: 'being mullered') I decided to escort them to their bus stop, and promptly fell on my face - smooth. It's all good now though, and it was a valuable lesson learned...
Anyhow, I hope this satisfies all of those who give me grief for being slack at updating this. Thanks to everyone who got in touch to catch up over Xmas. Peace, it's all well weapon.
J
