A rebel without a clue.

2nd year of the Jones' Halloween was a good affair judging from all the many photos that have appeared on Facebook since last night. I thought it was a very Americanised product when I was a teenager and never ever had anything to do with it then. But now it gives free rein to self expression with a box of pastels and an afternoon. I went to the party as a green bloody mouthed Zombie ate loads of very good Stilton and Broccoli quiche and drank a fair quantity of cider. I crashed out around there and got back for about 10am this morning. I do hope this is a routine event, but Sarah and Dan both want it to elsewhere next year as it's not nice clearing up the day after a party. Today I've thrown away a load of Cassette tapes that were just getting dusty in the box they've been in the last dozen or so years. Couldn't quite throw all the original ones just the copied(dubbed) ones. I wonder if they get melted down or recycled? Recycle This Free Cycle I've also g...

I've had this feeling in the last year that my life is going full circle. I'm filling all the gaps from the past. I guess Facebook makes this very possible. But I has made me think I may only have another 16 years left if I keep filling all the past gaps in. How do I explain this simply? I had a job trial and I chopped parsley and peeled potatoes: which i last did on that scale in 1989 at the Linton Springs I hooked up with an girl I knew in Newcastle and haven't seen since 1995 who is in Canada now: Victoia Jolley . I went to Harrogate today looking for work and found the place very autumnal and most of the town had a power outage, but got a Job trial at the Old Swan ; I was very very drunk here in 1995 (I woke up in a room in the hotel without a clue where I was and remember the old radiators in the room were so so baking). I got so drunk with Richard Smith from ROCOM that night! Was a good laugh really. ROCOM had some fun times, apart from David Swinnerton being a TWAT...

I think media relies on new products to flog any old rubbish the latest fads are HD, 3D and bluray. Wow it's 3d. What next hologram projectors? Sometimes it's all about who you like and who you don't. How trivial to have these empty thoughts in your teens, through your twenties just to see it become nonexistent hatred from then or even more xenophobic turned against entire groups. Or who has stayed at the better holiday cottage. Girls stop this bollocks. I've been going to Leeds on the bus since it was a 799 or 798 at Deighton Bar in around 1984. My first bus journey out without mum I think was with John Naylor to the brand new Ridings in Wakefield. I bought a picture disc of the Reflex by Duran Duran ;12 inch.Pin It had a version of Make Me Smile (come up and see me some time) on the B-side. Jody. Bella Italia, possibly. Oracle, possibly. Print of your CV! Info@pinheads.co.uk attention Jon Tite. 1pm at Pin and Addlestones makes me feel warm and lo...

I picked up some Polenta ( Farina di mais cotta ) while in Leeds from Harvey Nichols: they also sell Nero Venere black rice, but its far too expensive at 5.95 for 500g, and both Sumac and Wild Rue from a market stall in Leeds that specialises in Middle eastern and Indian spices. I got back to home and ground up luxury dried fruit, caraway, juniper berries, walnuts, linseeds, nutmeg, sumac and rue and added the same quantity of cornmeal (polenta) with a little icing sugar. I boiled the kettle and made a brew of Jasmine scented green tea and made a dough which I then baked in a 180C oven for 20 minutes. I think that they could be baked like a wafer and presented with or in a cheese cake?

Today for total satisfaction I made both Pitta bread and Yorkshire pudding. In a preheated oven (220'C) I baked 4 pittas - strong flour, warm water and salt - until the steam inflated the core of the breads and produced the pockets that all really good pitta should have. Once they were out of the oven I then did some Yorkshire pudding. The best method for a successful YP is equal quantities of eggs, flour and milk (in this case 3 eggs ratio) and a very hot oven and a preheated tray with a high burning temperature oil in each section. These can be made well in advance and simply reheated again under a grill (watch they don't burn) I have also started to bake off the Pork joint. I scored the skin and rubbed salt into it, then I chopped some smallish onions into quarters and sat the joint on the onions. I put the seasoned meat (seasoned with sage, salt, pepper and a small amount of Jerk) into a preheated oven (120'C) for an hour to slowly cook the joint. I think the Pi...

So this morning I've checked the liquor I left at 10pm last night to see whether the fermentation had begun. It is nicely producing CO2 and I can clearly smell the pears in the brew. I simply don't want to throw away all of the vacuum packed hops that my Mum inadvertently left out after she chucked the faulty fridge. I've soaked the packet, simmered gently and then syphoned off the liquor to reduce in a pressure cooker. Maybe this is a pointless task, but I'd like to see. I'm easily confused these days - I realise the hops are Northdown with an alpha acid of 8.5% and thet're currently being reduced under pressure. I have tasted the reduction and its so so bitter! But hey that's concentrate! I want to increase the volume to put in to the demijohns so I'm going to get hold of some sweet apples from somewhere or get a nice organic apple juice from  Carey Organic , but this might increase the cost too much. I need to be on the look out for more windfal...

I've had enough malts left over to do a 5 gallon batch of ale since the last brew I made in the Spring and its was probably just at the end of its shelf life so it seemed a perfect day to get it used. Mum had returned from a dog walk with 3 or 4 russet like pears which having tried were very sweet if very small. So small they reminded me of the apple varieties used by the cider makers down at Broome Farm near Ross-on Wye in Herfordshire. I should ask if they're a variety used to make perry? Today we took a couple of carrier bags to collect the pears down on Scorebank. On the way down the Old Railway we came across some small cox like apples and purloined a few kilos of them. We continues on to the pear tree and eventually returned with about 5 kilos of fruit. I washed the fruit very quickly in cold water and used the Kenwood juicer I've got to extract the juice from both fruit. I've made a video: I hope this is a more fun and personal video than the very silent ...

On the coach from Birmingham( National Express) to Sheffield the girl behind me is empty. All she cares about it a status upset. How she's afraid of falling out with some one who hasn't read the update who must be shit for brains. Talking talking. 2 hours nearly. I could take her phone and smash it into a million little pieces and her too. On the way to Leeds briefly, to see Ben at Piazza by Anthony in the Corn Exchange. And then back. My ear has vanished. Or so it seems. Not a happy circumstance really, but must plod on. Only 2 Commis chef roles: nothing for me there then. Shame. Keep trying. My grand-dad James Sherburn sent my father 5 woodbines for his 21st. When they arrived: he was in Korea(1954), they all fell to pieces as it took so long to arrive (the war was over). I find now that the fob and chain I'd always been led to believe was my great-grandad's was actually stolen by my father from an previous employer when he thought he wouldn't miss...

After a fantastic trip to Italy, Slovenia and Croatia, with its accompanying ups and downs, I returned to Wetherby to search for another catering related role. I insinuated myself to Jason and Kate's on Saturday night one week and one day after stepping from the plane at Birmingham International Airport. It always feels nice to be the oulde towne  after long self imposed exile - 5 months. I went out on Friday in the decreasingly unimportant pub-life of Wetherby (The town lost its monthly cattle market long ago and Thursday Market hasn't any greengrocers, but numerous clothing vendors); the night left me still in high spirits. On Saturday night I saw both  Richard and Jason, and went back to Jason and Katherine 's to watch the Rugby, drink wine (a  Cono Sur Pinot Noir  and a  Wolf Blass Yellow Label Shiraz ) and consume cheese (boring Morrison's Gruyere and lovely creamy Saint Agur ) It doesn't surprise me at all that I had another dreadful han...

I have a very small chin; I had no idea it was always under many Chinese chins! Met Manoj and he seems young and vibrant; he is waiting for the chef to come on shift before he leaves the guy in there alone: I can work unsupervised, definitely. He has a subtle Irish accent, but I guess he is Indian. Good first impression. 10 minutes and counting. Numbers plus high level of consistencies with food.

Strange day. Not really got into it even though I was up for 7:30am. Got to Cafe Rouge just on time. Vijay made me wait 15 minutes. He confessed that recently they've been quiet. So won't have enough hours regularly for me. Kept emphasising 20 hours. Not helpful and it sounds like they microwave everything and I really had trouble understanding his accent. Called Franco and will trial on Saturday from 9:30am. Sold my great-grandad's chain for £220. Enough to repay Paul. Called Berkeley Scott to get interview rescheduled for Tuesday. Will be better by then? Popped into Piazza @ Corn Exchange will see chef, Ben, tomorrow lunch. Come along to see Manoj earlier as don't know how long ibuprofen and coffee will keep this at bay? Waiting in the Lobby. Daniel Sherburn

Out for a dog walk on the Old Railway after a lot of rain. It's quite pleasant for 6th October. Snoops knows the drill. Bears shit in the woods and so does he. Lively puppy jumps up. Oh no you shouldn't do that. Nice and calm day no wind and very few people. Parkforce are at the triangle doing what except discussing dogs. And now we are over the top with him crazy stick and mud time. Daniel Sherburn

Mr Grimsdale.

I've been motivated since my arrival back in Wetherby, but I feel pretty crap physically today. I think it is amazing the amount of adrendelin I must've used in the past week since I frantically camped in Opatija and got back to the Wetherby from Trieste on Sunday afternoon/evening. I need to catch up with folks and properly float back into Wetherby. I am happy to be here actually. Makes a change to feel I can work locally and chill out without that thing I try to find in the places I've worked recently. I've been active on the job front and have already got an interview on Friday. I saw Franco at Sant' Angelo yesterday, but I had a deaf ear and I look a little ragged with my wispy thinning hair. I explained I'd had a tough time getting back home so excuse my appearence. I think it went well and I hope I can work there into the New Year and beyond; the amount that can be learnt from Italian chef must be huge. I've actually made only Italian style food si...

I am a long standing fan of both Atlas Sound and Deerhunter so its good to see a new offering from him/them. On first listen it is very very good. Its rated highly on RYM and I'd accept that this is my favourite album other than Joanna Newsom's Have One On Me for 2010.

My Music on RYM I am a huge fan of RYM and the concept behind it.

Sardines, anchovies and calamari I recorded this video the day after the wine festival in Rovinj They provided free Sardines to go with the wine all night(until they and the wine had run dry) I really liked both the Teran variety(red) and the Malvasia Istriana(white) from the festival. One of my only souvenirs from my Holiday is the glass holder I was given form the celebration.

Well I am back...what a multiple journey. Not again for a while. It has really taken the wind out of my sails(I got into a warm bed at 00:23 and slept so snoringly soundly). Went for a short walk with Mister Dogg and played a while. He's so easy to reaquaint with. I've seen him once since May. Job interview tonight at Sant' Angelo hopefully I can say and do enough to fill a gap in their schedule up to and over the New Year. Fingers crossed. Need to cut my barnet fair tonight and have an early one. By tomorrow I won't be so knackered. Try boiling some sliced potatoes leaving to dry when they are just at the crumbly or breaking stage. add parsley, white wine vinegar, garlic. simple to accompany Sardines deep fried for a few minutes(salt pepper and a little flour). gobble and enjoy with a chilled Malvasia Like the very enjoyable Istrian variety produced by Vina Ritoša

The three of us left the hostel after shameful breadroll breakfast which only I ate. There were two jams: cherry or strawberry, but both looked and tasted of slightly fruity overly sugary dull redness. Coffee good which all three drank copiously. I was taken over by the coffee. Chattering too much and needed to cool off 'so see you outside'. Swiss guy. Starring over the room to me at 7am. Came in last late and went to bed in middle aged thermal vest and longish shorts. Zurich scary guy. Axe murderer or sexual pervert Herr Lipp in leather shorts and vest. Spat food in my general direction at breakfast: we both saw that didn't we. The tongue reached out and reclaimed it like the toad he was. Had the ear of two Australians who were visibly scared...terrified in fact. How can certain nations produce such stereotypes? I didn't try conversation there. He was too interested in my attire. Fritz in the making. Circumstance has made me a hermit for a month. Even now when I me...

7:07 and it's already too dark to read by natural light; shame the last chapter was interesting. I have managed to pack already for the off on the morrow: Saturday and decided what clothes to wear too. I have not touched the final allowance for the trip. Finished off the bread and cream cheese and some olive oil for my evening meal. Found a couple or three figs that were ripe for a delicious and very free dessert. Shame I didn't have any panacotta to go with it. Put some of the Rosemary that grows so well in Istra in the olive oil to add an extra dimension. I have learnt that there are two excellent pršut in Croatia. One from the area around the Dalmatian coast( dalmatinski pršut) and another from Istra( istarski pršut) , but I've only tried that one from around Rovinj. They are very proud of their natural produce in Croatia and it is quite rare to see foreign or out of season produce anywhere. I've noticed that finding figs is now quite difficult and that may b...

Trip to Rijeka on my last day in Croatia return trip 30kuna. Fantastic: a city. Free wifi in the main shopping area. Went to main cheese, meat and fish market and perused food sold therein. Ate at a local bar selling fish direct from the next door market: Konoba Fiume. Pišmolji Whiting. Inčuni Blue anchovies Blitva swiss chard. 35kuna. Yippee. Saw so many fishes in the Mrtvi Kanal on the way through to Titov Trg. Huge too. Walked up 450 steps; far too many and monotonous at the same time, up to Trsat which has Celtic roots. I was swearing and sweating at the conclusion. Met two obviously unCroatian girls from Nyborg in good old Denmark: body language, going to Split via same route I took to come here. Looked at the view and then descended for a n°32. Black cat slinking through a locked iron gate and old man to walk up 450 steps with shopping who can see the funny side of the task in hand! I claimed to gave seen the most attractive girl on all my travels in Croatia. W...

Month of September. Left Padstow lunchtime 1st for Glastonbury, via horrible bus station Taunton and nice but quaint Wells. Saw cathedral and springs and climbed the Tor. Ate very bad pizza in Glastonbury but met interesting Italian girl called Adrianne in the best herb and alternative medicine centre. Friday left Glastonbury for Ross cider festival. Bought lots of camping bits which have come in so useful. Had a great time with hem hem Shelley. Hitched from the cider festival to Ross for a long journey to Cambridge Sunday afternoon. Met Sallyann while in Ross in her Cafe, but I really have forgotten it's name. Getting on towards 50 but heavenly. Sent her a card from everywhere I've visited so far as she asked. Promised me a job for when I get back? We'll see? Arrived in Cambridge in the evening of the 5th. Nice few days. Hung out with Katy until she left for Ayr and the our Susannah. Found one or two great places to hang out when in Cambridge again, including the fitzwi...

Left the tent after a better nights sleep curtesy of a pillow extension, ie a pile of clothing rolled into a roughly pillowed shape. Had a night of candles, tea tree, camphor and large moth. But no problem. Had banana and bread breakfast. Worked my way to the plaža at Ičići and had only one cup of kava. On the chapter 'hollow men' and realise Fowles use of allusions to other texts and places. It's like gaps in knowledge sometimes. If you haven't seen that painting you don't really get the text. Is this what intertextuality meant all them years ago. If you needed to refer externally to understand the internal. Never sure what that post-modern concept meant. Stumbled slightly on page 275. Walked along Lungo to Slatina and found a good place to dip in the brine and sunbathe for a while - undisturbed. I thought the water was frigid with all the rain water that's been added to the sea since Monday. After a while I adjusted and felt the last few days troubles melt...

I wrote a good poem about loneliness yesterday, but it vanished and I was too lonely to write it again, obviously. I remember I thought it funny I was listening to 'all this and world war ii' in a campsite surrounded by retiree Germans from Bavaria. Mein Kampf anybody... Did the third reich put them in hotel dressing tables or bed side tables instead of the ubquious gideons bible I always found on my travels? The candle I was given yesterday splutters. It chokes. But it's peaceful. I really hate passionately the fifty million German pensioners thrown up around Slatina. I don't know what they think of while patrolling the perimeter of Europe. Here come mein Floffy pigeon or zwei. They come hoping for a crust. I thought at first that they had some radar but they don't. They have seen humans drop their food so the come to see a human hoping they're all dropping food. They wonder over quite rigid in their manner. The bob of their heads is comical and just ab...

I just deleted my last few hours' conversations...which is a shame. Got back to Volosko for a mite more white wine. Mass is being rung out. At 8pm. By Saint Ane. Met 2 Israeli free divers here in mala bar. Was intrigued how some people can hold their breath for 11minutes. On the surface not deep. Big guy could free dive more than thin guy. Lung capacity. Amazing. Taking your mind off the need to breath. NoTanx I've often done that when trying to kill myself late at night. They were drinking grappa, vino and giving the owner what for: very cute girl. Didn't mean to give the wrong impression if I was over friendly as it was a relief to get drunk without paying for it. 24kuna for four glasses of Poreč vina is £2.80 for 4 house wines that make Barolo pale away. Finally got the bus driver to 'cut me some slack'. Rope not to hang myself with. So I get the last connection to Ičići. Will now go to volovsko for fish every day, but need to talk to a doctor abo...

Hey, the weather has finally changed, but not the number of Mosquitos I'm being bitten by in Opatija. Going to hang about around here until Saturday and then shifty up to Trieste for the night. I'm trying to find a couch to sleep on. Um, sleeping on a tent floor is flawed. Facking knackered. Found a very cheap place to eat a shit load of tasty and fresh sardines. 8 kuna for 10 huge ones - £1 for my dinner. I might end up ponging of them though. Hope you're well? Daniel.

Forgetting all on Shad Thames one November morning. I stood stock still and had to let it flow over me. Memories returned. Today I can't remember how to turn a tap on/off or which is hot and which is cold. 

We'll take the boys in the morning to skip and splash the pools as we watch the sand blown by slight winds over dunes to the left and the blue sea pulls it's current away north to leave a vast shift of sands. By night we come home and we collect ice creams to gallop down our gullets while craftful sea birds aspire to more touristy fayre. As we weave our ways with melting summer ices there we spy thee and ponder your reason to hiss welcome to vulturous gulls. And halt to watch your tumbling and rousting of the grey and whites. I craven and dower am slightly emitting cider apple tones to variegate the dull holiday somnambulant you endear here. I looked at fat bellied and walrus faced holiday seekers who otherwise hide with index finger on channel up/down and already heading home without having left quiet yet.

I am sick of the rain. I've ducked into a Konoba, wine bar, for sardela, potatoes and salata. Better. Beans. Vino blanca. Nice variety. Looks like where the locals come. Success. All I need now is compagnia. Volosko. The fisherman village front has been absorbed in to clique restaurant. All overwhelming and over priced and the staff have an air of drifting far from reality while they daily set up for a million german and italian retirees. The village is quaint and strikes me like a Cornish village overtaken by art galleries and boutiques. But this venue offers sardela for cheap. German tourists descend just as I am finishing my fayre. But they have discovered what is worth knowing. I am feeling stuffed. Now I am needing to rest. I recommend this Konoba to any who come this way. Borlotti bean salad , potato salad, 10 sardines(large), bread and glass of vino = 47 kuna. Simply known as 'Ribarnica Volosko' I leave and the sun is shining. The cat is demanding. It ...

More green grapes and another Turkish style coffee. Will set off after 5 and wait the arrival of the ferry. Tomorrow is another day, but the weather looks better in Split. Will read and chill on journey. Still got vodka and a bottle of rouge from Vis. Set off amid mosquito and humidity. Blue skys and still waters. East gate. Need some voda for the trip. A litre or more. Bought a litre. Checked in for ferry. Now to wait to board from 7pm. The Dalmatian hills are stunning with the sunset into the sea. The ferry Dubrovnik pulls into port. Berth n°16. Lady sits on bench with a sharpei bred of dog. Got a can of coke zero from the old lady of Split and a kiss on the cheeks Marco polo pulling into Berth n° 28. Nearly on the last and most extreme journey yet. The sea is calm and I am going to sleep. Old crones line the dock waiting with laminated cards sebe, apartments. Direct marketing. Off come fresh arrivals for Split to consume in it's ceaseless money trapping. Got on ship and...

Hey mum it's raining like it's never rained before! I've now got a real idea what Spike Milligan felt like in Italy when everything was so wet. He went nuts in the rain and with the guns. Luckily there aren't any guns yet!!! On days like this I hope for you, Emma and 2 dogs to snuggle up close to and not the old lady of Split. Daniel

Tourists are akin to roaches and vendors are like parasites on the roaches. As soon as the rain passes the roaches come out of their coffee cup and scrambled egg domains. American, English, Spanish and walking tour operatives circulate. With fujifilm camera from Burnley Lancs looking for tourist info from counter clerks lacking a single emotion or creative nuance. Bloody tourists. Bloody peasants. Bloody vendors. Bloody cockroaches. The story told of Diocletian's palace in broken English to broken Spaniards by broken Croatians. What about this palace can you tell me that I haven't already read? Some ghosts perhaps roaming. Roman's roaming. There are always ghost walks for the gullible.

Nedjelja 7pm Rijeka. Old woman of Split showed me her descendants. From her son the grand daughter and great grand son. While drinking fine Turkish style kava. The rain has been lashing down all night, but it still won't stop. I think another load is due soon. Soon enough. Time for breakfast. The rain has caused extensive floods. I watched the news and this was the headline. Not that I really understood what was being said, but it was discussing a burst riverbank I think. Although they weren't doing the feature too much justice as they had no panoramas of the effects. Maybe they lack tax payers money for helicopters. Got some rambling text from Steven Fitzhugh about 'my' new Marxist leader. Me as a 'Guardian reader'. I think that Steven never really understood how I tick. Politics and Newspapers are 2 things I would confine consign to Room 101. Give me a good book, a decent kava, some heart wrenching music and a fine lady and I am always happiest. I told ...

I think that rain changes everything. I must nurse Tomislav and hope that this rain is one huge expletive. It breathes in and out. One minute heavy and another soft but ever present. I think today I wish I owned an umbrella. And a bowler hat. An umbrella with a cane handle or bone or ivory. This is another Saturday night washed out. In Diocletian's palace there are many arches to shelter amongst with drowned Americans really suffering the abominable weather is this gadforsaken cidy. I think I'll go back to read and to sleep after the rain petters out...

There must be a reason why I always travel alone. And trace a route solo. How I dwell in once glorious piazzas and temples of gold where many pass but none offer a welcoming hand. I have to force so rudely upon them and hope the bait be taken. I must for lives I lived make an effort to attach my presence presently to someone on their journey home to Rijeka. I am capable. But maybe I am an age, I alone, see as young?

Rain has come and emptied the ancient streets Everywhere people rush to watch TV And chase the sun back as it retreats Wailing on the edge of reason As it is safe to say goodbye and This is the end of the season I wrote a postcard To the 'O so dear' And got back to white proto-vino Nature on the VHF channel That bored my senses and Closed my lids until it disappeared For the pattering to remain Maddening the vanished crowd Starring cross eyed out of a window Where the glass merges tears And rain in torrents drowns Lanes and alleys whispering please And we have no joy from hearing A repeated drumming withering nerves Frayed screams and forgotten dreams Stood on an imagined pier.

Hi Paul, This is the first day when finally autumn gas stretched it's brown hands over my green eyed stare... Still it's all good in Split. Mores the question can I camp in the sodding rain up in Rijeka? Well it's a good tent so undoubtedly. I hope that my blog will be the beginning of something as if I can write around the edges I've got it! Where are you living currently?

It rained all night last night. Abysmal, but it's only meant to be today and some of Sunday When the wind blows north westerly is really cold here. I'm guessing that the east Adriatic coast is very windy in winter. I've finally managed to get into the novel I've been carrying around with me since July. Something about it at first put me off, but now it's gathering me in. Which is good as that's a cheap option. Off to find breakfast in the shape of sopernick...peasants food. 10kuna. £1.17. Slept much better and didn't dream about Janet Hobson, etc, but had a friend request from her today...

Galum Internet is free but doesn't work with my iPhone. Need a postcard still. And I think I might venture out of Split to see somewhere else tomorrow? Or maybe it'll be nice enough to go to a beach? Slavui, maslina and duhan: 1 kuna, 20 lipa and 10 lipa respectfully. I have a huge weight lifted from my kneck. Emma selflessly offered me £50 to help me when I get back to England. I know that I caused this situation my self. The whole adventure is like France 2000 but a million times larger. All I needed to bring £800 and not £400! I am running through selling numerous items to help raise some cash while I am here. Ray bans Nike windrunner Here comes the sun. Sunshine on a cloudy day...cheers sister. This is holidaying on a shoestring. I haven't eaten the shoe leather yet but I am close. I have a postcard for Ross on Wye...

Came back to the old lady of Split and receive white grapes: white grapes are green. To get clad properly for a day out walking. Socks and boots. I wonder if I can get Soparnik cheaper than 10kuna in the greenmarket? All grapes have seeds in the rest of Europe. The same grapes used to make wine are eaten daily too. The trick is to swallow the seeds. I need to write a postcard to Sallyann. On Bilanova Ulica Jesus walked by carrying his groceries and free of disciples up to Calvary. No more Sobarnik to eat, but Borek is another peasant fair, which is slightly boring to me. I walked into the more modern and less cared for Split. The one of tenements and broken road surfaces and dogshit and washing hanging in balconied 1 room maisonettes. This is where the fog has gone; gassing all the languid and exhausted ladies and vile split smile elderly men. The rain has been threatening all day. And now the clouds pour forth to wash the dirt away from the smiles and grimaces of statues about ...

Foul day. Saturday date with rain Pondering over long kava And what to feel As asking for an Americano A tall cup is more the key First day, Thursday, I walked passed this spot and looked but I didn't linger Second day I retreated here after a bad nights sleep and drank twice from the sure cup. Third day I decided to take in the carob and sopernik field trip first. To drink a cup and plough into 'Daniel Martin' while the wind blows a newspaper headline into the wind and the damp cobblestones and I gave a bloom to the caffé waiter(a screwed up headline)and he ties down our shade to stop it blowing into history like the recent newspaper. Beer is delivered on a milk float. It is the only vehicle that fits into Diocletian's traps. Karlovačko, limona, mijeko, kegs and Leffe blond. And leaves with a crate of emptied milk bottles. The caffé next plays 'Friday I'm in love' which would work if there were creatures of the day. And this not a Saturday. What...

Figs are currently my favourite fruit. Prickly pears are interesting, but too painful to venture that far to eat. All these dolls around the room is a bit haunting and many many crucifixes in the house. I feel like I'm in an apartment from the 1940's. Not much English spoken in these parts. German is a better option. I will visit Germany next time I live the UK. Over Christmas with Glenn maybe? Spoke to a local about working as an English language teacher. But I'd only make 10000 kuna per month. She says chefs in the large hotels make more. To be considered. But I think Slovenia is the place for chef work. How do I get from here to Pirano or Ljubljana? Is there a cheap option. Don't mind rain, but need to see a bit more of Slovenia. Apparently they pay the same to the government for healthcare etc as you get paid.

Tomislav amongst friends and jumbo pizza in Narodni trg after 3 portions of local pide type bread(soparnik) I woke up many times in a hard bed last night and my eyes feeling tender. Off to Diocletian's palace to tell him straight I am tired. The old lady of Split offers me chocolate drink in the morning, but with puffy eyes and tired senses I am in search of kava. The look that lacks warmth. It requires a smile or at least something from the eyes. So very dark, but maybe one is slightly fair? In her grey pants and tight teeshirt. Processed cheese cake charm. Piddling/pissing self importance... Just outside the east gate of the palace is the cheap and tacky clothing vendors I think the same vendors have been using thus wall since most ancient times. Selling shit to ancient tourist. Bits of relics and lavender pomade to ward off the plague. Blessings from witches and peasant food dressed up as quaint or ancient and over charged. In the green Market there is the same foodstu...

There is something very poetic seeing a woman do her makeup on a train journey. It's part of the journey to the preparedness. Reach the destination how you wish to be perceived.

Trying to barter that I can camp for 60kuna and therefore I am only willing to pay 80kuna for a bed for 3 nights in Split. Got 4 nights at 320kuna. Saved 80kuna and didn't have to camp on a weekend when it is supposed to rain. Leave Monday morning. Found cheap sandwich bar. After a long and pretty exhausting journey to the top of Marjan and down past various beaches in that peninsula I am back at the golden gate entrance to Diocletian's palace. North gate I think. Just eaten borek and a chocolate cake. No more than 20 kuna and eaten for free prickly pears: paying the price with , and finding a half dozen sweet figs directly from the tree: being bitten and paying the price. Met a girl from Australia on the way up Marjan hill who's studying in Köln and introduced her to eating fruit off the tree. My thumb is stained from the prickly pear. Carmine I think. The figs were juicy and like nectar. Back at the basilica at the centre of the palace. It has quietened down a bit s...

Got up with alarm at 5:55, but would've been woken up for the drag of the mass bells calling the drones to worship. 6am the clatter of gongs. I would only go there to tell them to stop that racket. You may be monks living cloistered lives, but you don't have the right to force the remainder of us to conform. Oh, this is a good god fearing nation, I forget. So to Split at 7am. I liked Vis, and I am glad I spent 5 days relaxing there. The local wine is excellent. So are the fruits you can pick off the trees. The people are helpful and welcoming. The island is not full of 'the cast of Eastenders' as 2 Welsh girls just put those they met travelling to Hvar. The ferry is filling up slowly. I hope there's enough to cause ballast. No need the sea looks calm as the sun rises over the ridge in the hill. The town looks pink, lilac and lavender in the early morning lights. Had a couple of bottles of wine last night. Woke up with a start at 1257 thinking I had over slept. P...

I decided not to go to Komiža if it's going to cost 40kuna return. Am walking to Kut to see if I can use a computer in the library. It's another fine day, but the library is closed until 1600. I don't think I'm in the right frame of mind for getting on a bus and doing tourism. Arrived at Kut and just taken a number of photos of the clock tower. Not a soul in any of the bars or restaurants. Caffé Bise has just 1 patron. Just 3 yachts tied up at the quay. Feels a bit desolate. Maybe time to hang out on the beach next to monastery? There is a pile of clothing and a lunch box of broken wafer biscuits discarded on the quay next to a palm. There are many many fish in the harbour and the water is very clear. So few people in the streets. Must be siesta time. Between 12 and 5. Galeb courting next to library and Vista Klub and it's phallic galerija. Wooden carved penises; imagine giving one as a present to royalty or an agéd relative who ain't seen cock since he...

With a gun in hand the man is removed from t he direct act of killing. It's a cowards way to kill. The bigger guns the bigger coward. In a cathedral town tesco's sets itself up with a leaden spire! Wells. Water runs down the road but it isn't bottled at source. I am hard to get to know, but much harder to forget. I see too many empty people to inspire me.

No electricity in most of the house No gas for ages Kitchen unfinished Constant people coming in the house and doing thinks with drills early in the Morning and during the my split shift Painters and decorators Nothing to cook food with Nowhere to sit to eat food Nowhere to wash clothes Nowhere to dry clothes No front room No patio area No washing line Dust/mess all through the house not cleaned up by builders. No door key for my room No tv No freeview Sharing a room with a guy with zero respect for the hours I work.  Mould on panels in the cupboards in the kitchen. Forced by circumstances to eat at chippy everyday for days... A tiny pillow 12:20 and loads of people in the house and it didn't stop until at least 2am Kyle's birthday, but rules are rules? 8am noise from backyard carrying to front of house not at work until 10:30. From yard 8:12 guy hitting chisel with hammer on to wooden block before walking off...and coming back with a Stanley knife to do...

I've left Padstow  Courtesy of Rick Stein. Over consumption of bus timetables may cause drowsiness.

The bridesmaid Millais fitzwilliam museum Gimcrack Stubbs Pieter Brueghel the younger - a village festival Sistiana Metelkova Celica

Quattro Stagioni 52kn So far they show zero smiles towards tourists. Neptun. Brodi di aglio Ju ha od češnjaka. It must be soul destroying serving so many tourists, but I'm the only customer at present. 

I have wound myself up around the church. Too many couples, old folks and everyone else in a world quite by themselves. All this history and it is empty of a companion. Jesus and zero disciples: he didn't get very far. No one ever listens to 1. Like a coil ready to spring. Orange umbrella calling the flock of tedious tourists. Thus is the story all wrapped up. All just for everyone. Beggar sits at door sifting money from the rich and poor alike. Cloaked in black and fumbling in corridors where shutters block the light. Narrow and at a point. Blink and no one is there just a spoil heaped by the portal. I rested my head by the stall serviced by loveliness.

The grape used on Vis was apparently cloned by the Italians for Barolo or some other well known red. Plavac Mali is that grape. I have a litre of white to take onwards; one that I bought from one of the many guys, old guys, who have a wonderful craft on the island. I guess it will slowly die if the younger generation takes no interest? Everything is possible here.

Suježi sir Soft cheese The air is clear. I need to change my plan slightly. I don't have enough money for another week at 100kuna per night. I did say I would stay on, but without any assistance from either Glenn or Paul this will be impossible. I feel divided. But I don't owe anybody anything. So my task is to get to this campsite south of Split. It's something like 3 km from the centre and is only €7.85 per night as opposed to what is currently €13.74. Not quite half the cost, but a lot less comfort. It is meant to rain over the weekend. Hmm. Maybe I could stay until Sunday in Vis? Fast cheap ferry Sunday noon? Too many questions and not enough assertions. Let's see what I feel on Wednesday. Bejbi bar pondering.

Not seen a sign of Ziggy since the beach yesterday or either of the 2 Croatian girls staying in the next village along: Kut. Will go to Komiža on Wednesday just to see that place then leave on Thursday morning if no money is forthcoming. I hope I get a yes you can couch surf from Nina in Trieste and not to have to camp there!!! Money issues are stressing me out entirely too much. What in me thought €500 was enough for a month? I guarantee Emma will hate me for relying on mum again. So I can't get negative in my head. I made a mistake. These things happen and it may cost me £500 to get our of the error. It is a good job mum cares so much otherwise I'm not have a single way out. But I won't have done this without that harbour. If neither Paul nor Glenn lend to me I will be financially better off: just £400, excluding the iPhone issue. Positive it is that I feel I now have something I enjoy doing and that helps me to reach the stars. I can work in Europe as long as ther...

Lizards, crickets and red admirals bound in front of my feet. Out of bush I step and onto dirt track Back to beach and decrepit mansion With twisted umbrella stand and rejected portaloo. I went along a seldom walked terrace to find a personal cove. All of a sudden the route vanished I'm Rosemary and pine scratched The ordered piles of stone laid a long time ago vanish A mystery why they finished nearly there so tranquil I was feeling adventure, but not quite suicide For scratches attained and, No doubt, numerous bites that will Itch and fuss my head soon I wearily, at 11am, tread the path so often walked. Hey to set off without water or a saving grace Fun and danger wrapped in one Winning is not as important to have won Like a workout I spent the morning Sustained on coffee, donut and sweat for free I hit first house and pass Lilly faded Yugo To be back in the race and a terraced garden Barring fruits and sweet smiles to mother and son. And I end my journey sear...

_beer_Daniel Sherburn_routine_ qŵērtÿūįœpæßdfghjkłżxçvbñm 123456789°•/:;()₩§@«…,¿¡‘ [{}]#‰^*+=_\|~ €$¥•…,¿’ 2 kava long, no milk, 1 donut with ‘marmalade’ and one cheese roll. Not up for figs today. About to walk to a cove. But need water too. The truth is that since a refresh shower on Saturday I've not got in a shower or bath. I've washed my face, armpits and butt, but no where else. I was in the sea yesterday but that doesn't count. My skin feels good. Not dried out and I'm not being bothered by flies. Girl in tourist agent hasn't surfaced yet. I do hope she had the same facial expression today as she brings out the push bikes. I'm beginning to feel a bit alone here. It's because everyone is not English, too old, young and working or couples. One positive is the two Croatian girls from Pula. But I've only seen them once. They're on a cruise to the blue cave today. A row of predictable in … Ecos yachting, etc., lined up and almost ready to...

With hake in my stomach and urchin needles in my heel I have been on an adventure. I left the apartment for the monastery on the other side of the harbour, collected a prickly pear that i managed to get prickled all over by and swam in the sea - the sun was high and at midday, with Ziggy nursing a hangover on the beach, I needed to do something. As he was rabbiting on i decided to journey along the coast line. Hopping from rock to rock. This point of the bay is a nudist area, but i didn't expect to see anyone in between the strip and the point. I was very wrong. But they're always old Germans, Austrians or Swiss. Low breasts and Wiener frankfurter. I had almost reach the end of the point when I came to a deeper cleft on the cliff. I decided to wade across the water, while the current swam around me, to the other side. Everything was fine until the water started to get up to my chest. Now if I hadn't been carrying Daniel Martin and a bottle of water in both hands and ...