Re-written, tidied, hopefully a slightly better read, here is How the City Farang Came to Love the Forest and Other Stories, available on Amazon.com.

http://www.amazon.com/City-Farang-Forest-Other-Stories-ebook/dp/B00ILDKLGG/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393145032&sr=1-1&keywords=how+the+city+farang

I have been incommunicado. A self imposed exile from most media whilst on a trip to the UK. That said, it is impossible to bury your head in the sand, as the eyes of people you are engaged in conversation with suddenly glass over, and drift downwards to that little gadget they have in their hand.

 And the news. Water, water, everywhere... People are saying Britain is not the place it used to be, and I agree. But for different reasons. When did people become so sick of each other? Were they always, and I just didn't notice?

The Scots want shot of the English, and the UKIP is preaching, and appealing to,  a common or garden xenophobia. Vast tracts of the UK are underwater, yet 'fracking' is the solution to all problems. Interesting times these, a growing population accompanied by a growing intolerance.

 In a blog such as this the temptation is to appeal to all comers. But one has to stand for something. I stand for Europe, and its integration, and against base hatred or even suspicion of my fellow man. The answer is there in front of us. Thumbs down for divide et impera.

A little soul on this morning. Nina Simone sings a Leonard Cohen number. This for the divided peoples of Thailand and the Ukraine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3B0iJQcXmk