Photo video of my travels

[lastlid]

Nice video.

My wife makes these in this style. It can be quite time consuming to make one.

[Arthur Little]

When I'm travelling I don't want to carry around a big camera or a bag, something that fits into my shorts pockets will do me

... as I found out ... to my cost ...

[Arthur Little]

the guilty

... that's ME - - or, I should say, WAS me back in November/December 2005!

Having been given an expensive camcorder as a 60th birthday present from my daughter & son-in-law the previous year, I'd been looking forward to taking it with me on a fortnight's trip (with a 4-day*Yangtse River Cruise - from Yichang to Chonqing - through the Quatang, Wuxia and Xiling Gorges en route - thrown in) down the eastern mainland of China. All went well ... and - as a novice - I was feeling pretty chuffed at managing to capture some fairly stunning shots within Beijing itself [our starting point] along with such world-renowned ancient relics as the 'Great Wall', plus the cities of Xian (incorporating Li Shan Mountain - site of the famous 'Terracotta Army') and contrasting Shanghai with its enormous skyscrapers and bustling nightlife ...

... then - DISASTER struck! And it occurred during the course of the *aforementioned cruise - or, more accurately, as myself and a few valiant others from our party of 40 like-minded souls were returning to the vessel following an arduous climb of 600 steps to the so-called 'Ghost City' - when three of us stopped to admire ... try-on ... and buy one each from a range of beautiful kimono-style dressing gowns on display in a small store we'd come across on the way down again. Sadly, it was only after we'd re-boarded our ship that I realised - to my horror - I'd inadvertently "parted company" with my camcorder (which I had lugged around with me everywhere hitherto!) when removing my anorak to try on my purchase. Grrr ... !

So ... a salutory lesson learnt the hard way! But made even worse by the fact that I'm normally very careful with my belongings - mine AND other peoples' !!! Thankfully, some of the good folk I'd become friendly with, kindly sent me copies of THEIR photos and video casettes ... although, admittedly, one doesn't really derive the same sense of satisfaction that one would've felt HAD one had taken them oneself.

[grahamw48]

You must have been absolutely gutted Arthur.

What a shame.

[Arthur Little]

You must have been absolutely gutted Arthur.

Too right, I was Graham! And, do you know, I'd one hell of a job substantiating a claim through my *Travel Insurers - despite ample corroboration from the Tour Organisers. However ... after literally months of wrangling, the *miserable s eventually agreed [albeit reluctantly] to reimburse me for approximately two thirds of its value! Consequently, this meant it was never replaced.

But the worst part for ME ... was explaining my "carelessness" to my nearest and dearest ... !

[Terpe]

..........But the worst part for ME ... was explaining my "carelessness" to my nearest and dearest ... !

Glad to learn you managed to get something from the insurers.
I know just what that's like

But I can also imagine the angst you must have suffered think about about to explain that to the family.

[Englishman2010]

Not an expert ?

Now that's shattered my previous image of you Ian.

.
.

Can't be me Graham, I haven't got any diamond patterns on my white socks

[Englishman2010]

Sorry about your camcorder Arthur.

Touch wood I've never lost anything of great value yet, and I hope I'm not tempting fate now

However, on my first trip to the Phil's, whilst at the Chocolate Hills gift shop/cafe area my travelling companion put her handbag on the bench next to me and asked me to look after it while she went to the toilet. Of course I completely forgot about it and went for a walk around while she was gone Fortunately, it was still there when she came back from the loo, but as you can imagine she was not happy

[Englishman2010]

Just for you Graham, here's one on me in Honkers a couple of months ago, in my full tourist attire

[grahamw48]

Not far off.

I can talk....

.
(Lantau, HK.)

[Englishman2010]

That's not too bad Graham, at least you're wearing walking boots with your socks....not flip flops or sandals

[mikey73]

nice video englishman and thank you for sharing your lovely photos with us

[Englishman2010]

nice video englishman and thank you for sharing your lovely photos with us

Thanks Mikey

[grahamw48]

That's not too bad Graham, at least you're wearing walking boots with your socks....not flip flops or sandals

Construction boots....a rare day off from working damned hard.

I also wear them when in the Phils though....ideal for coping with the appalling conditions underfoot there, the odd bit of re-bar sticking out from broken concrete, kicking rabid dogs in the goolies, and from Trikes running over your feet.