Normal service has been resumed.

So, just almost two weeks since we got back from Jordan, and it's starting to feel like we were never away.
I'm starting to re-evaluate things.  I like travelling, but I've accumulated a shitload of stuff.  Some of it needs to go.
I need to cut back on the spending as well, as I really want to spend more time abroad.  It's a big world out there, and you only have a limited time to see as much of it as you can, and that means cutting out buying crap, and squirrelling away money for the next trip.

It's not going to be easy, especially as I've still got to pay for the one we're just been on, but it's doable if I put my mind to it.

Media fuelled backlash

So, after yesterday's atrocity in Woolwich, there's been the  usual media frenzy about "Muslim" exteremists, and then the inevitable self rightous bigots have crawed out of the gutter to mouth off about how they're "not going to take it any more".

Going by the footage in these reports, the EDL members are so proud of their "partiotism" that they have to hide behind balaclavas.

Unfortunately the media helps to fuel these bigots.  These people don't get it.  A nutter out to kill someone is a nutter out to kill someone. The race/religion is irrelevant.  If I suddenly went on killing spree, would it be reported as "Christain extremist goes on killing spree" ?  In all probability, no.  And that's where the media has to shoulder some of the blame for the EDL and it's ilk getting worked up about Muslims (although, let's be honest, they'd get worked up about Muslims regardless, but the media fuelling the flames doesn't help).

The guy that was involved that spoke and got someone to film him with their smartphone, may have been going on about "....in our land..."  but hang on, that's one hell of a London accent he's got.  So, he's from London, so where is "our land" that he's talking about, because, sorry pal but you sound English to me.  He's obviously deranged.  But that doesn't mean Islam is to blame, it simply means HE is to blame.

To hate someone for the religion they follow or the colour of their skin is nonsensical.  Blame the individual for his actions, don't blame an entire ethnic group that he may belong to.  That makes no sense whatsover, and just helps the circle of violence to continue.

Funny encounter in Jordan

Juice seller in Amman (while squeezing me an orange juice) - "Where are you from?"
Me - "Scotland"
Him (looking me up and down) - "Where is your skirt?"

Normal service has been resumed

Got back from Jordan to a ton of emails and a veritble shitload of work.  Ah well, roll on the bank holiday on Monday.

*sigh*